Malaysia News Gazette

Hanoi: The issuance of judicial record certificates via the VNeID app has been tested in Hanoi and the central province of Thua Thien-Hue from April 22.

After the testing phase ends on June 22, the new system will be implemented nationwide.

This was announced April 21 by Major General Vu Van Tan, Deputy Director of the Administrative Management Police Department for Social Order, and the Secretary of the Task Force responsible for implementing Government Project 06.

The Task Force for Government Project 06 will trial VNeID judicial record certificates in the localities for two months, aiming to streamline administrative procedures and provide convenience for citizens and businesses alike.

According to the authorities, requesting judicial record certificates with VNeID is simple. The process takes just a few minutes, and certificates can be received via email or postal delivery without the need for in-person visits.

Electronic judicial record certificates on VNeID offer multiple-use convenience, digital s
ignatures, and compliance with e-transaction laws, eliminating the need for extra paper copies. Businesses benefit from streamlined operations, particularly in recruitment processes, adding value to both employees and employers.

For State agencies, reusing the results allows electronic judicial record certificates to be immediately applied to administrative procedures without requiring people to present paper copies, thereby reducing costs and saving money for society.

Currently, it is estimated that implementing the issuance of judicial record certificates on VNeID helps people not only save time and effort, but also save hundreds of billions of dong ach year. All people in need can request the issuance of judicial record certificates on VNeID; specifically, for people with fee waiver records, the request is made on the National Public Service Portal.

In the past, managing paperwork, carrying out processes, and producing results associated with the national distribution of judicial record certificates pre
sented numerous difficulties. People had to wait in line for long periods, even wasting days getting these certificates.

The current procedure for granting judicial record certificates is still complex, and the results are still returned in paper copies, which are frequently wasteful and difficult to repurpose. Additionally, companies find it challenging to digitalise these paper copies, especially when hiring new employees.

Acknowledging these obstacles, the Government, in collaboration with the Prime Minister and the Task Force for Implementing Government Project 06, has released several guidelines intended to mitigate challenges and progressively shift every phase of the certificate issuance procedure from manual to electronic, thus supporting the country’s digital revolution.

As of now, the authorities of Hanoi and Thua Thien-Hue are actively collaborating to implement the issuance of judicial record certificates on VNeID to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and society at large./.

Source: Vi
etnam News Agency

Hanoi: Securities companies are set to switch to the new KRX trading system from April 24 to April 30 for official operation on May 2, said the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HoSE).

During April 24 and 25, securities companies will undergo connectivity checks with HoSE. By April 26, end-of-day data will be transferred to HoSE’s new trading system.

The exchange mandates proactive data preparation by securities companies for the transition.

From April 27 to 29th, HoSE will switch the system, requiring securities companies to set plans and preparations to ensure synchronised implementation.

On April 30, securities companies will conduct the transition test. The trading date on the new system is May 2. The trading data will be based on the end-of-day data from April 26.

Securities companies will test their trading smoothly on their own systems with the new HoSE system, as if it were a normal trading day.

The HoSE emphasised that securities companies must not use automated order entry software and should a
void testing unrealistic and abnormal scenarios.

By the end of April 30, based on the test results, the bourse will announce the official implementation of the new trading system.

In the event official implementation is delayed, securities companies should be prepared to continue trading on the current trading system.

The Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) had previously announced the implementation of the KRX system, with the aim of officially operating from May 2.

KRX is an information technology system that manages and operates securities trading in the stock market. HoSE signed a technology transfer agreement with the Korea Exchange (KRX) in 2012 to develop the KRX system.

The KRX system’s operation is expected to bring about changes in the market, such as intraday trading (T+0), short selling, shortened settlement time and option contracts.

This system sets the foundation for resolving bottlenecks and progressing towards upgrading from frontier market to emerging market status.

According to HoSE’s initial
plan, the KRX system was scheduled to be operational on December 25, 2023, but it has been delayed until now./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Da Nang: The international terminal of Da Nang Airport, based in the central city of Da Nang, is set to become a smart terminal under a partnership between the Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation JSC (AHT) and FPT Software.

The partnership, announced on April 22, aims to promote digital transformation in the short term and comprehensive modernisation in the long term. It looks to develop the first smart airport terminal in Vietnam to minimise the time needed for handling procedures and improve passengers’ experience.

At the event, AHT and FPT Software, an affiliate of tech giant FPT group, signed documents for implementing the project in the second quarter of 2024 and complete it this October.

Accordingly, AI-powered cameras will be installed at aviation procedure handling zones to assess density to help operators quickly detect hot spots and take effective solutions. More mobile apps will be launched to provide smart support solutions such as notifying the departure status and finding
current locations on the map.

A new website will be built to ensure the best possible convenience for users when searching for multilingual information. More touch-screen systems will also be placed across the terminal for passengers to search for information and give assessments, helping the terminal make improvements.

AHT Deputy General Director Do Trong Hau said that it is not the technologies chosen that decide the success of digital transformation projects but how to use them. Therefore, instead of using available solutions in the market, the terminal decided to partner with FPT Software to develop solutions tailored to its demand.

He noted the cooperation between AHT and FPT Software will open up many chances for diversifying aviation services, thus minimising the procedure handling time, improving passengers’ experience, and contributing to tourism development of Da Nang city.

The Da Nang international terminal was rated five stars by international airport rating agency Skytrax in January. It recei
ved the certificate at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024 ceremony in Germany on April 17.

In 2022 and 2023, the terminal was equipped with autogates, automatic boarding gates, and self-check-in kiosks. Particularly, it is the first airport terminal in Vietnam to have a self-service bag drop system, applied by Starlux Airlines. As a result, all aviation procedures at this terminal are now handled automatically./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on April 22 had a working session with a delegation from the US chip giant NVIDIA led by Vice President Keith Strier.

At the meeting, Minister Dung briefed the guests about Vietnam’s development strategy for the semiconductor and AI industry, the project on human resources development for the semiconductor industry, the business and investment environment in Vietnam, as well as the country’s incentives and mechanisms to support high-tech, semiconductor and AI projects in Vietnam.

After the meeting, the NVIDIA delegation visited the National Innovation Centre at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park (NIC Hoa Lac). The delegation is scheduled to work with relevant ministries, agencies, localities and businesses in Vietnam.

In December last year, NVIDIA President and CEO Jensen Huang had a working visit to Vietnam. At a roundtable discussion on the semiconductor industry and AI development trends and opportunities for Vietnam, he spoke highly of Vietnam’s potential an
d opportunities to branch out its semiconductor and AI industries, especially the country’s human resources in the fields.

Vietnam is prepared for the AI development wave, and it is time for both sides to set up strategic relations in the fields, he said, adding NVIDIA will expand its existing partnership with Vietnam, making the country its second home.

According to Huang, it is necessary for the country to encourage new generations to engage in AI as well as improve the skills of its human resources, and develop 1 million AI experts./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: Economic outlook, demographic transformation and changing consumer trends are among macro shifts reshaping Vietnam’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) landscape, according to marketing data and analytics company Kantar Worldpanel.

In its recent report on the Vietnam FMCG market outlook 2024, Kantar has a positive outlook for Vietnam’s economy, saying that despite obstacles and short-term headwinds, the long-term economic trajectory remains robust.

Nevertheless, rising costs have had and will continue to have an impact on shoppers’ budget management strategy. Value remains a key driver, with consumers making conscious choices about where to allocate their budgets.

‘While rising prices and economic uncertainty may present a picture of tightened belts across the board, the consumer landscape is nuanced.

‘Essential categories remain at the forefront of budgets, discretionary spending may see cuts, particularly in categories like eating out and entertainment.’

However, consumers have not entirely shut
down their wallets, according to the report. They are still willing to “splurge,” but their spending is driven by value.

Added values in health, experiences and convenience may prompt them to seek out products that justify their worth.

This presents a unique opportunity for FMCG brands to navigate challenging times and position themselves for growth.

The key lies in understanding how different consumer segments are adapting their behaviour and adopting strategies that cater to these shifts.

In addition, rising prices have led to a slowdown in in-home FMCG volume growth, even as average spending continues to rise. This raises the question: Is this increase driven solely by inflation, or are consumers changing their shopping baskets? Understanding the answer is crucial for developing effective marketing strategies.

Even in difficult times some brands thrive while others find growth elusive. While competitive pricing coupled with strategic promotions is a must, success in securing consumers’ share of wallet
hinges on brands’ ability to seize the opportunities to offer consumers smarter solutions and value-driven choices.

As for the impact of changing demographics on the FMCG market, the report says Vi?t Nam’s demographic structure is painting a new picture.

The once “golden population” is maturing, with an aging, urbanising population and smaller household sizes emerging.

This shift holds significant potential for FMCG businesses as demand for diverse products surges across different age clusters. Rising household incomes and decreasing household sizes, however, indicate a demand for evolving value proposition, where affordability might not be the sole driver.

Kantar suggested strategies for FMCG brands and manufacturers such as decoding drivers of changes in consumers’ shopping behaviour, mastering the multi-channel landscape, building a winning portfolio with consumer-centric innovation, and maximising promotions by focusing on quality over quantity.

Its data reveals that over half of FMCG brands struggle
d to keep pace with the competition in 2023, particularly within growing categories where approximately one-third of brands began to lag.

As competition intensifies in 2024, this highlights the urgent need for brands to identify their unique growth drivers to stay ahead of competition.

The FMCG retail landscape in Vietnam is shifting to more convenient and modern formats but not all modern trade channels can win, according to the company.

To succeed, brands need to understand the reason behind a shopper’s visit to each channel and adapt their approach accordingly.

With respect to building a winning portfolio with consumer-centric innovation, different strategies are required for different categories, depending on size, growth and competition landscape.

For FMCG manufacturers with a vast portfolio, identifying key categories to prioritise investments is crucial.

There are opportunities for rising FMCG categories as well as mature categories.

Finally, promotions are one of the most effective ways to driv
e immediate volume sales uplift though not all have the same impact.

By understanding the true effectiveness of different promotion types on brand growth, brands can harness the power of promotions to not only drive impact on revenue but also build brand loyalty./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: The prices of Vietnamese paddy and rice continued to increase last week, according to the the Vietnam Food Association (VFA).

Specifically, the average paddy price at fields rose by 214 VND to 8,000 VND (0.31 USD) per kilo, with the highest reported at 8,050 VND. The average price for paddy at warehouses expanded by 183 VND to 9,475 VND per kilo, the highest recorded at 9,650 VND.

Meanwhile, 5% broken rice was priced up to 14,200 VND per kilo; 15% broken rice, 13,950 VND; and 25% broken rice, 13,750 VND.

Premium white rice saw an increase of 35 VND per kilo to 14,010 VND.

For export, the price of 5% broken rice was 582 USD per tonne, higher than 579 USD of Thailand, and 581 USD of Pakistan.

Vietnam’s 25% broken rice was sold at 557 USD per tonne, as compared to 530 USD of Thai rice./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Lang Son: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 21 visited the Huu Nghi International Border Gate and inspected some socio-economic development projects in Lang Son as part of his ongoing visit to the northern province.

At the international border gate, Chinh emphasised its important role in promoting the friendship and economic ties between Vietnam and China, between China and ASEAN, as well as between Lang Son and Guangxi provinces.

Chinh requested agencies and forces there to closely coordinate with each other to complete their tasks, contributing to consolidating and strengthening the relationship between Vietnam and China, concretising and implementing the “Joint statement on further deepening and elevating the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries and building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance’ reached by the two countries’ senior leaders.

They were also asked to maintain national defence and security, and firmly p
rotect national independence and sovereignty.

The same day, Chinh inspected a project on upgrading National Highway 4B’s section that runs through Lang Son province. The 62km road is expected to be completed this year, with a total cost of nearly 2.3 trillion VND (90.4 USD).

Presenting gifts to workers at the construction site, PM Chinh said the national highway is important in connecting and boosting economic ties between Vietnam and China, between Lang Son and neighbouring Cao Bang and Quang Ninh provinces, as it connects six international border gates with seaports.

He asked local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure resettlement for people who had to move to make room for the road construction and support them to stablise their lives soon.

When staying in Lang Son, PM Chinh also visited the 193-ha Mailand Hoang Dong-Lang Son Urban Area – a complex of international trade, entertainment, tourism, and golf course in the centre of Lang Son city.

On this occasion, the Government leader visited the
Victoria Mailand Hoang Dong International Bilingual Kindergarten, which is part of the Victoria School system – the bilingual multi-level school that meets Cambridge standards and follows the happy school model with the companionship of UNESCO.

On the same day, the PM attended the opening ceremony of the International Green Industry Expo 2024 – the first of its kind held in Lang Son province, attracting more than 188 domestic and foreign businesses.

The exhibition displays products and technological equipment in the fields of electricity production, electronics and green energy, solar power, wind power, large-tonnage automobiles, household appliances, lighting equipment, smart home devices, and agricultural products of Lang Son and neighbouring provinces./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency