Category: ASEAN

Shaping the Future of HoReCa: THAIFEX – HOREC Asia Soft Launch Unveils Next-generation Trends in Bangkok, Thailand

The highly anticipated soft launch of THAIFEX – HORECA Asia took place today at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, offering an exciting preview of what the official launch in March 2024 has in store. Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse joined forces to deliver an immersive experience for VIP guests and members of the media, presenting an insightful glimpse into the upcoming debut in March 2024.

This soft launch at the THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone at IMPACT Hall 1 showcased a comprehensive range of innovative solutions spanning nine major segments, namely Bakery & Ice-cream, Café and Bar, Cleaning and Laundry, Dining, Furnishing, Kitchen, Services, Tech and Wellness, guaranteeing an unparalleled platform for industry professionals to delve into the latest trends, establish fruitful business partnerships, and gain valuable insights.

Esteemed partners such as Electrolux, Global Food Products, Unilever, and Scotsman, along with influential organisations like Centara, Dusit Thani, Le Cordon Bleu, Thai Chef Association, Thai Coffee Association, Thai Spa Association, and The Food School, were present, showcasing their leading role in driving scalable solutions across the hospitality, wellness, digital innovation, alternative protein manufacturing, and sustainable technology sectors. Their presence added prestige to the event and emphasised their instrumental role in advancing innovative solutions for the sustained growth of the HoReCa industry in Thailand and beyond.

Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Khun Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, said, “We are proud to introduce THAIFEX – HOREC Asia as a true game-changer in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sectors. With our extensive industry expertise and the remarkable success of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, we are strategically positioned to seize the burgeoning opportunities in this market. As the projected value of the HoReCa industry soars to USD 2.38 trillion by 2028[1], our groundbreaking trade show aims to leverage Asia’s post-pandemic tourism boom and reinforce Thailand’s position as a regional hub. Supported by government backing, infrastructure development, and a vibrant hospitality scene, we are set to make a significant impact.”

Chairman of The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), Khun Sanan Angubolkul, said, “The closure of hotels and staff retrenchment has had a deep impact on the local economy. However, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia serves as a catalyst to stimulate the domestic economy and create valuable job opportunities, particularly for Thai businesses in service industries like spas and hotels. In the post-COVID world, Thai businesses need to embrace innovation and adapt their models to meet evolving consumer demands, safety regulations, and operational challenges. This trade show provides a platform for Thai businesses to export, import, increase seed funding for start-ups, network with critical partners, gain industry insights, explore investment opportunities, and showcase their excellence. It fosters a collaborative environment where Thai businesses can learn, thrive, and amplify their capabilities, products, and services, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Thailand.”

In addition to the nine key exhibiting segments that cover critical aspects of the industry, what sets THAIFEX – HOREC Asia apart and keeps the show ahead of the curve is the organisers ability to identify and unveil key trends to its stakeholders.

Koelnmesse, Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific, Mathias Kuepper, said, “Our THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone curated today takes the visitor experience to the next level by allowing direct engagement with innovative trends. Guided by our experts, visitors can interact with cutting-edge solutions in six key trends that are shaping the industry. The long-term goals of THAIFEX – HOREC Asia are to drive continuous innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure sustainable growth within the HORECA industry. We envision establishing the trade show as a leading hub for Southeast Asia, shaping the future of the industry through transformative ideas, cross-border collaborations, and a commitment to sustainability. Together, we can propel the HORECA sector to new heights of success while setting a new standard for eco-friendly practices.”

Six key trends will also be addressed at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia.

  1. Sustainability is a vital trend in the hotel industry, and we showcase innovative furniture designs and practices that promote a responsible and eco-conscious image. Celebrated Thai designers like Deesawat, Moonler and Sculpture are leading the way in creative innovation.

  2. Contactless technology is transforming the guest experience, with smart technologies and automation solutions from companies like SCG providing convenience and positioning hotels as innovative and eco-friendly.

  3. Digitalised guest experiences are enhanced through the integration of robot servers provided by I-Bechamp, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. Virtual reality tours and guest apps further enhance connectivity and manage customer expectations.

  4. Plant-based menus are on the rise, and we witness the emergence of startups developing animal-identical fats and alternative meat options that meet consumer demands for taste and texture. Data-driven approaches are also being employed to create the next generation of plant-based cheese.

  5. Food waste is being creatively addressed by beverage makers through upcycling ingredients into sustainable zero-waste drinks. AI-driven solutions, such as End of Waste, help hotels manage and end waste, optimising inventory and supporting sustainable practices.

  6. Energy efficiency is another important trend, and we showcase exhibitors like Cimbali, Hobart, and TNP Group, who prioritise sustainability in their cutting-edge solutions for commercial kitchens, hotels and cafes.

Alongside these trends, attendees can look forward to supporting programs such as:

  • Asian Barista Team Championship
  • Hosted Buyer Program
  • THAIFEX – HOREC Academy
  • THAIFEX – HOREC Innovation Awards
  • THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone

The THAIFEX – HOREC Asia, scheduled to take place from March 6 to 8, 2024, at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand, seeks to attract over 300 leading brands and 20,000 trade visitors from Southeast Asia and key cities across Asia Pacific.

For more information, please visit www.thaifex-horec.asia

Program and Registration:

[1] https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/horeca-market-10535

About the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

The Department of International Trade Promotion is committed to providing excellent service to Thai entrepreneurs in international business, including trade facilities, cost reduction, value creation of goods and services, providing consultation for overseas market access and maintenance, as well as close cooperation with the private sector to promote Thailand as a major gateway of Asia. http://www.ditp.go.th/

About the Thai Chamber of Commerce

The Thai Chamber of Commerce represents the Thai private sector to facilitate business and trade as well as to serve as the central coordinating agency between the government and private sector, and also helps to promote trade, business and economic cooperation including, build relationships between Thai and partner countries at the bilateral and multilateral level as well as plays a proactive role in representing the interests of the local Thai business community. https://www.thaichamber.org/

About Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Food and FoodTec

Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food fairs and events regarding food and beverage processing. Trade fairs such as the Anuga, ISM, and Anuga FoodTec are established world leaders. Koelnmesse not only organises food and food technology trade fairs in Cologne, Germany but also in further growth markets around the globe, for example, in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have different focuses and contents. These global activities enable us to offer our customers a network of events, which grant access to different markets and thus create a basis for sustainable and stable international business. Further Information is available at: https://www.koelnmesse.com/current-dates/all-trade-fairs/

Media Contacts:

International
Wani Diwarkar
Mobile: +65 98320643
E-mail: wani@pinpointpr.sg

Organiser
Faith Lim
Tel: +65 9230 6126
E-mail: faith.lim@koelnmesse.com.sg

Thailand
Jitjam Adsawakeawmongkol
Mobile: +66(0)81-924-9271
E-mail: jitjama@arip.co.th

Organiser
Jeerabhas Rerkpiyasap
Tel. +66 2507 8341
jeerabhasr@ditp.go.th www.ditp.go.th

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia Unveils its Largest Edition Yet, Solidifying its Position as Southeast Asia’s Leading Food & Beverage Trade Show

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, Asia’s largest and most important food trade fair officially launched today with a grand opening ceremony at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok, Thailand. Hosted by organizers the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse, the official opening event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, industry leaders, global exhibitors, international VIP guests and global media.

With an impressive lineup of exhibitors from more than 40 countries, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 solidifies its position as the leading platform for F&B professionals in Asia-Pacific. Spanning across 130,000 square meters of exhibition space, featuring 11 exhibition halls, this expansive event is expected to attract over 60,000 trade visitors, buyers, and decision-makers from 140 countries under one roof.

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia serves as a catalyst for international exhibitors, brands, and products to unlock new business prospects in Southeast Asia, facilitating valuable opportunities with buyers and fostering lucrative partnerships in the region.

The mammoth trade fair is expected to generate 70,000 million baht in revenue this May. It will feature 11 signature trade shows, 11 trends, and 6 special shows, all designed to shine a spotlight on emerging trends, innovative blueprints, bold ideas, and cutting-edge solutions that are shaping the F&B industry. Trade attendees can expect an immersive experience that unveils the latest advancements and offers insights into the future of the F&B sector.

Khun Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), said, “THAIFEX – Anuga Asia is Southeast Asia’s flagship food and beverage trade fair and we are thrilled to be hosting its largest edition yet. Thailand is Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, with a GDP of US$495 billion in 20221, and our food manufacturing and agriculture sectors are significant contributors to this. THAIFEX – Anuga Asia showcases Thailand’s rich culinary heritage, high-quality products, and offers a gateway for global players to access our vibrant market while we also tap into international trade opportunities. This year’s event, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023, gathers more than 3,000 exhibitors, including Thai and international exhibitors. Through initiatives like THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, we are confident in forging stronger connections in shaping the future of food security on a global scale and propelling Thailand’s key position in the F&B industry to new heights.”

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia also serves as a crucial platform that shines a spotlight on Thailand’s domestic food and beverage brands and with the ever-changing landscape of the industry, it presents opportunities to discover further innovation.

Khun Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), said, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia plays a vital role in supporting and promoting local Thai businesses, showcasing their remarkable innovations and diverse product lines to international buyers. This year, there are 1,100 Thai exhibitors to join us. The event serves as a platform to elevate the visibility of our homegrown talents and connect them with global opportunities. This synergy between local businesses and international buyers is a testament to the transformative power of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia in driving growth, fostering innovation, and strengthening Thailand’s position in the global marketplace.”

DITP, TCC and Koelnmesse have played a pivotal role in curating and successfully executing 19 editions of the renowned food and trade fair in Thailand, with each year showcasing a significant evolution.

Managing Director and VP Asia-Pacific of Koelnmesse, Mathias Kuepper, “We take great pride in celebrating the official opening of our largest edition of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia to date, representing a remarkable milestone in the history of our event. This show serves as a vital conduit, facilitating meaningful connections between international exhibitors, brands, and products with buyers from the dynamic Southeast Asian region. This platform fosters collaborations, opens doors to new opportunities, and drives success in this thriving market.”

“This year, we have exceeded expectations by securing an impressive lineup of 1,925 exhibitors hailing from 43 countries, more than double the number from last year. Among these exhibitors are renowned, award-winning brands spanning various industry verticals, alongside visionary game changers who are reshaping the food landscape. By showcasing consumer-led transformations, we are collectively pushing the boundaries of innovation in the food industry. Moreover, our steadfast commitment to technology and sustainability ensures that we are actively shaping a future of sustainable practices and food security,” Mr. Kuepper added.

Key THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 highlights include:

  • THAIFEX – Anuga tasteInnovation Show Winners
    Showcasing Asia’s Most Innovative Food Products and Solutions, tasteInnovation Show winners have been unveiled. This special show is dedicated to highlighting Asia’s newest and most innovative food products and solutions that are pushing the boundaries of creativity, personal health, sustainability, and taste profiles.

Handpicked from a multitude of entries, a total of 11 winners were identified from 50 impressive finalists. Some of these (but not limited to) include:

  • KAPP·POPP Thai Microwave pork crackle by Hesco Solution Co., Ltd.
  • Chickpea rice by Eatvolution Co., Ltd.
  • CP FI-IT Sausage by CPF (Thailand) Public Co., Ltd.

Complete list of winners can be accessed HERE.

  • World Coffee Tasting: Origin Coffee – Hall 1
    • Revenue in the Coffee segment amounts to US$142.00bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 5.52% (CAGR 2023-2025)2. THAIFEX – Anuga Asia plays a significant role in the coffee and tea industry in Asia, providing a global platform for industry players to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers and partners. In Hall 1, the rich culture and distinct flavours from Brazil, Guatemala, Kenya and Thailand will be on showcase.
  • Future Food Experience+ – Hall 5

Unleashing the Potential of Next-Gen Food and Beverage Innovation. You will have a front-row seat to capture and share the insights, trends, and breakthroughs that will shape the future of our food. Highlights include:

  • Tuesday, 23 May

  • 11.00am – 11.30am
    • Supporting Mental Health through Food and Drink
    • Speaker: Miss Rashmika Khanijou Research Analyst, Food&Drink, Thailand, Mintel
  • 12.30pm – 3.15pm
    • Future Food is Here
    • Speaker: Mr. Santi Abakaz, CEO/Co-Founder TASTEBUD LAB
  • 2.30pm – 3.15pm
    • Where is the Future of Future Food
    • Speakers: Tony Hunter, A Global Food Futurist Speaker,
    • Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, Chairman & CEO of V Foods (Thailand)
    • Mr. Gerben Kamps, Global Business Development for Alternative Protein Business Unit, Thai Union
    • Dr. Akamol Klaikherd AVP, Group TSTD
  • 3.30pm – 4.30pm
    • Opening and Welcoming to Future Food Experience and Delegation Tour led by Khun Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC)
  • Access complete speaker line-up from 23-27 HERE.

THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone – Hall 1

  • Visitors will step into the world of curated HoReCa companies as they unite to address the pressing challenges faced by today’s hospitality businesses. At THAIFEX – HOREC Xperiential Zone, visitors and HoReCa business owners will have the opportunity to witness and interact with an array of products, gaining valuable insights into how innovative solutions can be seamlessly integrated into their own operations. Immersive technological-led experience guided by a dedicated team will showcase exceptional quality and transformative solutions that give businesses a competitive edge.
  • And 6 Emerging Trends:
    • Sustainability
    • Contactless
    • Digitalized Guest Experience
    • Plant Based Menu
    • Food Waste
    • Energy Efficiency

In addition to new programs, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 will see the return of popular shows, including:

  • THAIFEX – Anuga Future Food Market presents new and emerging food and beverage breakthroughs in segments such as alternative or sustainable products, new nutrition, and tech-enhanced processes. Visitors can sample the products on display, experience the products that supermarket of the future may hold, and connect with industry professionals and food enthusiasts to discover and learn about the latest developments in the food industry.

Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC)

  • Dates: May 23-27, 2023
  • Venue: Hall 12, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok
  • 9th edition of TUCC, Asia’s esteemed culinary contest
  • Over 700 professional and aspiring chefs competing
  • 19 categories, including new plant-based theme
  • Judged by a panel of 20+ experts approved by World Associations of Chefs’ Socieities (WACS)
  • Winners will be recognised in the following categories:
    • Best Ultimate Establishment
    • Best Ultimate Asian Gourmet Challenge
    • Best Ultimate Asian Chef
    • Best Ultimate Professional Chef
  • There will be a spotlight on appetizing plant-based and Asian food

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2023 is organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse. For more information, please visit https://thaifex-anuga.com

11 Signature Trade Shows:

  1. Coffee and Tea
  2. Drinks
  3. Fine Foods
  4. Food Service
  5. Food Technology
  6. Frozen Food
  7. Fruits and Vegetables
  8. Meat
  9. Rice
  10. Seafood
  11. Sweet and Confectionary

6 Special Shows:

  1. THAIFEX – Anuga Future Food Market
  2. THAIFEX – Anuga Halal Market
  3. THAIFEX – Anuga Organic Market
  4. THAIFEX – Anuga Startup
  5. THAIFEX – Anuga tasteInnovation show
  6. THAIFEX – Anuga Trend Zone

3 Supporting Programmes:

  1. Future Food Experience+
  2. [New] HoReCa Experiential Zone
  3. Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge

Program and Registration:

(1) Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Thailand (17 February 2023)
(2) https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/hot-drinks/coffee/asia

Notes to Editors:

  • Media accreditation: Media may register for THAIFEX – Anuga Asia at our virtual newsroom to apply for accreditation
  • Download high-resolution past event images here
  • Access Full Program Agenda here
  • There will be no live streaming of any of the sessions this year, although selected videos will be uploaded for On-Demand Access after the event
  • Interview requests with speakers, exhibitors, or sponsors, should be directed to thaifex-anuga@pinpointpr.sg

About the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand

The Department of International Trade Promotion is committed to providing excellent service to Thai entrepreneurs in international business, including trade facility, cost reduction, value creation of goods and services, providing consultation for overseas market access and maintenance, as well as close cooperation with the private sector to promote Thailand as a major gateway of Asia. http://www.ditp.go.th/

About the Thai Chamber of Commerce

The Thai Chamber of Commerce represents as the Thai private sector to facilitate business and trade as well as to serve as the central coordinating agency between the government and private sector, and also helps to promote trade, business and economic cooperation including, build relationships between Thai and partner countries at the bilateral and multilateral level as well as plays a proactive role in representing the interests of the local Thai business community. https://www.thaichamber.org/

About Koelnmesse – Global Competence in Food and FoodTec

Koelnmesse is an international leader in organising food fairs and events regarding food and beverage processing. Trade fairs such as the Anuga, ISM and Anuga FoodTec are established world leaders. Koelnmesse not only organises food and food technology trade fairs in Cologne, Germany, but also in further growth markets around the globe, for example, in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which have different focuses and contents. These global activities enable us to offer our customers a network of events, which in turn grant access to different markets and thus create a basis for sustainable and stable international business. Further Information is available at: https://www.koelnmesse.com/current-dates/all-trade-fairs/

Media Contacts:

International

Wani Diwarkar
Mobile: +65 98320643
E-mail:wani@pinpointpr.sg

Organiser

Faith Lim
Tel: +65 9230 6126
E-mail: faith.lim@koelnmesse.com.sg

Thailand

Jitjam Adsawakeawmongkol
Mobile: +66(0)81-924-9271
E-mail: jitjama@arip.co.th

Organiser

Jeerabhas Rerkpiyasap
Tel. +66 2507 8341
jeerabhasr@ditp.go.th
www.ditp.go.th

AVIA and CAP Strongly Support the Passage of Legislation to Amend the IP Code of The Philippines to Allow for Pirate Sites to be Blocked in The Philippines

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) and the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) warmly congratulate Albay Representative Joey S. Salceda for the passage of his legislation (House Bill 7600) through the House of Representatives to amend the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines to allow for pirate sites to be blocked in the Philippines. To become law in the Philippines a bill needs to be passed by both the House and the Senate and the successful passage of HB7600 through the House is a major step towards the enactment of site blocking legislation in the Philippines.

AVIA and CAP believe Congressman Salceda’s Bill will go a long way to addressing the rampant online piracy in the Philippines that is damaging the growth of the Philippines economy as well as providing real harm to consumers. AVIA and CAP have been working with the Philippines Government and the Philippines content industry for some time to champion the passage of site blocking legislation to address this concern, including a number of meetings and workshops such as an anti-piracy seminar hosted by AVIA, CAP and the Globe Group in Manila in September 2022 where Congressman Salceda was the keynote speaker.

2023 figures from a study conducted by YouGov and commissioned by AVIA and CAP showed that almost 60% of Philippine consumers watch pirated content – an alarming number that has a direct impact on the Philippine creative industry and consumer safety.

However, the study also showed growing consumer awareness of the damage caused by piracy, with 90% of consumers believing that piracy has negative consequences for the Philippines. The study also showed a path ahead with 45% of Philippine consumers believing a government or court order for ISPs to block pirate websites would be the most effective measure to reduce piracy in the Philippines. Congressman Salceda’s Bill has been strongly supported by local industry with numerous representatives, including GMA Network, Inc., the Globe Group and KROMA Entertainment attending the Second Reading of the HB7600 in person.

Matt Cheetham, General Manager of CAP, noted, “The evidence continues to show that site blocking, when implemented in an efficient and effective way, and ensuring the necessary elements of due process, is an incredibly powerful tool to both stop online piracy and protect consumers from the unseen harm caused by piracy, and we applaud Congressman Salceda for his determination to address the issue.” Cheetham also noted that earlier this month, Senator Estrada introduced matching legislation in the Senate (Senate Bill 2150) for Congressman Salceda’s Bill. “With the successful passage of Congressman Salceda’s Bill in the House, we look forward to the successful passage of matching legislation in the Senate that will allow the Philippines to grow its economy and protect its consumers from online harm,” he added.

“The Globe Group congratulates Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda for steering House Bill No. 7600 towards its triumphant passage at the House. This is a landmark achievement for the creative industry, with the bill a step closer to becoming a law. We are inching closer towards ensuring more stringent protection for our content creators and their livelihood,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto.

“Piracy not only jeopardizes the livelihood of content creators and other works in the creative industry but also worsens consumer exposure to malware risks. Revisions to the IP code are essential for bolstering a digital landscape that is secure and equitable,” she said.

“GMA Network fully supports this extremely important legislation which would benefit and protect not just the creative industry but the viewing public as well. Website blocking for copyright infringement has been proven as an effective tool to fight digital piracy and support legal content creators and services, whether it’s TV, film, books, video games, or music. It is about time that the Philippines enact a site blocking law that would help curtail the losses of an already struggling industry,” said GMA Network, Inc.’s Asst Vice President for Litigation and Special Projects, Legal Affairs Atty Jose Vener Ibarra.

About the Asia Video Industry Association

The Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA) is the trade association for the video industry and ecosystem in Asia Pacific. It serves to make the video industry stronger and healthier through promoting the common interests of its members. AVIA is the interlocutor for the industry with governments across the region, leads the fight against video piracy through its Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) and provides insight into the video industry through reports and conferences aimed to support a vibrant video industry.

For media enquiries and additional background please contact:
Charmaine Kwan
Head of Marketing and Communications
Email: charmaine@avia.org
Website: www.avia.org

Governor Ganjar Pranowo releases Indonesian MSME product for export, valued at IDR7billion

Ganjar Pranowo, the Governor of Indonesia’s Central Java Province, launched the export of small to medium-sized enterprise (MSME) products from Central Java to countries in Asia, America and the Middle East. 4 containers of MSME product were released in Purwokerto, Central Java Province, while 3 containers were dispatched from Purbalingga and Pati. The 7 containers of export products included essential oils, organic coconut sugar, processed foods, brooms, organic palm sugar, and handicrafts.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo released seven containers of local MSME product for export to Asia, the Middle East and America. [Image: Antara]

Ratna Kawuri, Head of Central Java’s One-Stop Integrated Investment and Licensing Service (DPMPTSP), said the 4 containers dispatched from Purwokerto consisted of a 20-foot container of essential oils produced by PT Indesso Aroma (Banyumas) destined for China, a 40-foot container of organic coconut sugar produced by CV Inagro Jinawi (Banyumas) bound for the United States, a 40-foot container of rebel coconut sugar produced by CV Permata Satria (Banyumas) also destined for the US, and a 40-foot container of processed food such as vermicelli produced by PT Lestari Jaya Bangsa (Banyumas) bound for Saudi Arabia.

The MSME products dispatched from their respective companies included a 20-foot container of brooms produced by CV Rayung Pelangi (Purbalingga) destined for South Korea, a 20-foot container of organic ant sugar produced by CV Bunga Palm (Purbalingga) bound for the United States, and a 20-foot container of Syams Indonesian Handicraft products (Pati) destined for Japan. The total export value reached IDR 7.25 billion, contributing to the positive trade balance in the first quarter of 2023, impacting the export-import balance surplus of around USD 708 million, Ratna said.

Following the export release, Governor Ganjar Pranowo stated that the support provided by the local government and MSME activists had yielded results. He acknowledged that some producers, like the essential oil manufacturer, had already gained experience and were exporting their products to many countries. Ganjar emphasized the importance of maintaining product quality and reminded the MSMEs, particularly those producing organic coconut sugar, to uphold the organic farming practices to preserve the quality.

“I believe that if this trend continues consistently, the orders for exports will continue to flow. Thus, the government will continue to support MSMEs to increase their exports,” he stated. Ganjar Pranowo considers the increase in exports from Central Java, particularly from MSMEs, to be positive news. He believes that this signifies the upward progress of MSMEs and their potential to compete in the global market.

Released by the Central Java Provincial Government. Copyright (c) ANTARA 2023

Up to 10.5% increase in GDP possible in some countries with housing improvements in informal settlements, new Habitat for Humanity and IIED report finds

Improving housing at a large scale in slums and other informal settlements can have substantial economic and human development gains, according to a first-of-its kind report released by Habitat for Humanity and its research partner, the International Institute for Environment and Development, or IIED. The report supports the launch of Habitat for Humanity’s five-year campaign, Home Equals, seeking policy changes at the local, national and global levels to increase equitable access to adequate housing in informal settlements.

“The Asia-Pacific region is home to the largest concentration of people experiencing urban poverty, with one third of urban dwellers living in informal settlements or slum-like conditions. The number will only grow bigger and the need for adequate housing more urgent as urbanization continues, driven by internal rural-to-urban migration–particularly of people from poorer backgrounds seeking economic opportunities in cities,” said Luis Noda, vice-president for Asia-Pacific, Habitat for Humanity International.

The report found that gross domestic product and income per capita could increase by as much as 10.5% in some countries. The resulting increase in living standards among residents of informal settlements, taken as a whole, is likely to exceed the cost of improving informal settlements in many countries.

Other startling findings include:
– An increase of up to 4% in life expectancy in some countries, adding an average of 2.4 years of life
– More than 730,000 preventable deaths could be avoided annually, more than by eradicating malaria globally
– An increase of as much as 28% in the expected years of schooling in some countries

The report used a unique modeling methodology, which combines a review of more than 130 articles and reports with 72 indicators across 102 low- and middle-income countries. The model could not generate projections for specific countries on their own, so the researchers grouped countries into four typologies. Assuming the impacts in a country reflect those of the country type it is most similar to, improving housing in informal settlements in some Asia-Pacific countries could result in:

– An increase in GDP of up to 7.25% in countries such as Bangladesh, by as much as 3.3% in countries such as Fiji, and up to 10.5% in countries such as Myanmar
– An increase in life expectancy rate of up to 1.7% in countries such as Cambodia and Nepal, and as much as 1.2% in countries such as Thailand
– Up to a one-year increase in the mean years of schooling for countries such as India and Indonesia, and 1.35 years in countries such as the Philippines

At the global level, Habitat for Humanity is calling on G7 member states – set to meet this weekend in Hiroshima, Japan – to recognize housing as a critical lever for development progress and commit to addressing housing needs in informal settlements as a way to advance international development priorities in areas such as economic growth, health and education.

Noda added, “The report provides empirical evidence that adequate housing is a powerful catalyst for well-being and sustainability. It makes clear that we must invest intentionally to ensure that residents of informal settlements have access to adequate housing. As Habitat for Humanity launches the Home Equals campaign, we are eager to work hand-in-hand with residents of informal settlements, civil society organizations, local and national governments, and other stakeholders to improve, through policy change, the lives of 15 million people living in informal settlements.”

More than half of Habitat’s network, including 11 entities based in the Asia-Pacific, are working actively on the campaign. Habitat Australia will advocate with the government to adopt policies aimed at addressing the lack of adequate housing for informal settlement dwellers across the region. In Nepal, Habitat will work to integrate policies and guidelines so residents of informal settlements can equitably access land rights through an information campaign, dialogue between the local government and families and the establishment of a land support service center. Habitat Indonesia will help local governments identify funding resources to implement rehabilitation programs for inhabitable housing, to build new houses and explore funding mechanisms between governments and NGOs for housing programming. In Vietnam, Habitat will work with local partners to implement sustainable policy solutions that will enable Vietnamese returnees from Cambodia to have a secure home.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in U.S.A. Since its founding in 1976, the housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 70 countries. In the Asia-Pacific region since 1983, Habitat for Humanity has supported millions of people to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org/asiapacific.

For further information, please contact Ms. Michele Soh, MSoh@habitat.org, +65 9233 1544. Photos, with captions and photographer credits, are available in this folder. The Home Equals campaign video is available to download or to watch on Habitat’s YouTube channel. Video b-roll is available upon request.

ASEAN strives to increase cooperation and reduce tensions in the region

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) chaired two of three meetings on the second day of the 42nd ASEAN Summit at Meruorah Hotel in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday. The two meetings chaired by Jokowi are the Retreat Session and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit.

ASEAN strives to increase cooperation and reduce tension in the region

In his speech at the opening of the Session, Jokowi mentioned two important issues that became the focus of the discussion, namely reviews of the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the implementation of the 5 Point Consensus (5PC) in handling the crisis in Myanmar.

Indonesia, as Chair of ASEAN 2023, encourages the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its fellow ASEAN member countries to move forward together to increase cooperation and reduce tensions in the region, both in the Southeast Asian region and the wider region, including the Indo-Pacific.

President Jokowi invited members of ASEAN to work in synergy to ease the rising tension in the Indo-Pacific region. According to Jokowi, one way to reduce tension in the region was by implementing the AOIP. “Concrete and inclusive cooperation is essential to ease tension in the Indo-Pacific. We can use the AOIP as a concrete platform for cooperation with partner countries,” he remarked. Indo-Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing region that accounts for 65 percent of the global economy.

On Indonesia’s initiative, ASEAN launched the AOIP in 2019 to affirm the bloc’s stance in playing its role in maintaining peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region. AOIP prioritizes the practices of open and inclusive dialogue and cooperation instead of competition and rivalry. To increase the spirit of cooperation in the region, during its 2023 ASEAN chairmanship, Indonesia will hold several main events under the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific forum as part of the efforts to implement the AOIP.

The events also include an infrastructure forum, youth dialogue and digital development supporting sustainable development (SDGs), a creative economy forum, and the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit. Not only in the Indo-Pacific region, but Indonesia also encourages ASEAN to strive to reduce tensions within its own region, especially by helping Myanmar to resolve its political and humanitarian crises.

ASEAN has urged the junta to implement a Five-Point Consensus peace plan agreed in April 2021 that calls for a cessation of violence, dialogue with all stakeholders, and permitting the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said on Tuesday (May 9) that the implementation progress of the 5PC had been discussed with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers ahead of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo. Indonesia, as ASEAN Chair, chose to conduct ‘non-megaphone diplomacy’ in resolving the Myanmar issues. Marsudi added that measures were taken to provide space for all parties to build trust and open communication.

At the opening of the ASEAN Summit Retreat Session on Thursday, President Jokowi stated that Indonesia, as ASEAN Chair, continuously strives for progress in the implementation of the 5PC, and through engagements with various parties urges for an inclusive dialogue, calls for the cessation of violence, facilitates the conclusion of the Joint Needs Assessment through the AHA Centre to deliver humanitarian assistance.

However, Jokowi admitted there had been no significant progress from implementing the 5PC. “Therefore, ASEAN unity is required to decide on the next steps,” he said. Nevertheless, President Jokowi and Minister Marsudi have also emphasized that the lack of progress in implementing the 5 PC did not mean that ASEAN would give up on the situation in Myanmar.

In fact, it means that ASEAN must be more united to help fellow member countries, especially Myanmar to get out of the crisis, so that all ASEAN members “can move forward together and leave no one behind”. Furthermore, Jokowi emphasized that issues related to the current situation in Myanmar should not hinder efforts to accelerate the development of the ASEAN community.

During its chairmanship, Indonesia adopted the theme of “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” which reflects its will to make ASEAN important and relevant as the world’s center of growth. Indonesia is seeking to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity and institutional effectiveness in hopes of readying the bloc to face challenges in the next two decades.

The chair is also committed to escorting the Southeast Asian region towards ASEAN 2045 by making it more adaptive, responsive, and competitive through various measures that are in line with the principles found in the ASEAN Charter. In addition, Indonesia is willing to lead the ASEAN countries in efforts to strengthen economic recovery and make the region an engine of sustainable growth.

By Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Sri Haryati
COPYRIGHT (c) ANTARA 2023

Malaysian Hospitality Sector Sees a 59% Growth in Hiring: foundit Insights Tracker

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME) (www.foundit.my), one of the leading talent platforms, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for Malaysia, formerly published as Monster Employment Index (MEI). According to the tracker, e-recruitment in Malaysia has grown impressively by 13% over the past six months.

Additionally, the tracker recorded a YoY increase of 2.6%, with the index rising to 78 in March 2023 from 76 in March 2022. The tracker showed a 3% rise month over month, with an index of 76 in February. These encouraging figures imply that the labour market is improving gradually but steadily and that demand for online jobs will continue to increase in the upcoming months.

Commenting on Malaysia’s job trends for Malaysia, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, said, “The job market in Malaysia has displayed remarkable resilience, showing consistent growth over the past year, reflecting a gradual but positive shift in the labour market. Despite ongoing concerns surrounding the global economic outlook, many companies are still actively seeking new talent, particularly individuals with specialized, high-demand skill sets. Hence, job seekers must stay up-to-date with industry demands and focus on building skills that give them an edge.”

Hospitality and Retail Top the Charts, while IT and Logistic Industries Witness a Drop in Hiring Activity

The fit reveals that the Hospitality industry continued to dominate the job market in March 2023, with a YoY increase of 59%. The industry’s increased adoption of sustainable solutions has been key in driving hiring demand. The Retail and BFSI industries saw a YoY increase in hiring demand in March 2023, with a 26% rise in Retail due to increasing sales in the consumer market, while BFSI saw a 17% increase driven by the development of digital banking ecosystems. Among others, the Oil and Gas industry saw an improved hiring demand in March 2023 with a YoY increase of 6%, as the sector was going through its low since November 2021.

However, the IT, Telecom/ISP, and BPO/ITES industries recorded a consecutive drop in hiring activity, with a YoY decrease of 24%. This trend can be attributed to recent retrenchments and hiring freezes by major tech companies. Additionally, the Logistics, Courier/Freight/Transportation, and Shipping/Marine industries experienced a major setback in hiring demand, with a YoY decrease of 21%. Other industries such as Engineering, Construction and Real Estate, Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary, and Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media, and Entertainment also saw a decline in hiring. These changes could be due to uncertain global economic conditions.

Hospitality & Travel, Sales & Business Development, and Finance & Accounts Lead the Way in Hiring Trends

In terms of functional roles, Hospitality & Travel saw the most significant demand in March 2023 with a growth of 210% YoY, followed by Sales & Business Development, which registered a consecutive uptick in hiring demand of 15% YoY. The Finance & Accounts function also saw an increase in risk management and compliance roles, with a growth of 13% YoY. The hospitality sector is experiencing a surge due to the rise in domestic tourism. Similarly, the Finance & Accounts function is seeing a rise in compliance roles due to regulatory changes, online sales channels.

On the other hand, the pace of growth moderated further for Customer Service roles, which registered a double-digit decline of 51% YoY. Additionally, Purchase/ Logistics/ Supply chain and Software, Hardware & Telecom job roles exhibited a decline in online recruitment levels vis-a-vis the previous year in March 2023, with a decline of 9% YoY and 3% YoY, respectively. There were fewer opportunities created YoY for Engineering/Production, and Real Estate professionals, with a decline of 2%, while other functions such as Marketing & Communications and HR & Admin saw a positive trend of 8% YoY and 1% YoY, respectively.

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (FIT) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is March 2022 to March 2023.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 75 million registered users to find jobs, upskill, and connect with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in the world of recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalized job searches and precision hiring. foundit strongly believes that a job title doesn’t define one’s potential and leverages technology to dig deeper to curate opportunities central to the needs and aspirations of each user.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf,
Visit: www.foundit.my | www.foundit.com.ph | https://www.foundit.in| | https://www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.com.hk | https://www.foundit.idhttps://www.founditgulf.com | https://www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.com.hk | https://www.foundit.id

Contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

Indonesia ensures readiness for the 42nd ASEAN Summit Labuan Bajo

Indonesia, the current holder of the ASEAN Chairmanship, will host the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on May 9-11, 2023. With the “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” chairmanship theme, Indonesia directed ASEAN cooperation in 2023 to continue strengthening the bloc’s relevance to new challenges.

Indonesia ensures readiness for the 42nd ASEAN Summit Labuan Bajo

To ensure the summit’s success, the authority is revving up its preparation to welcome ASEAN Summit delegates and participants in all aspects, particularly security, accommodations, and media support.

To secure the summit, National Police Chief General ListyoSigit Prabowo said a command center had been set up to monitor and supervise all activities related to the event. Communication devices of all officers would be connected to the command center, and they will also report to the center. The command center is also expected to monitor disaster potential to ensure prompt mitigation measures.

The National Police also ready eight security task forces to participate in the joint military-police Operation Komodo 2023 to secure the ASEAN Summit. The team partook in the tactical floor game (TFG) on Thursday (May 4) to ensure their readiness for the summit.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communications and Informatics Johnny G Plate said that Meruorah Hotel, Ayana Resort Hotel, and Bintang Flores Hotel had been designated as the 42nd ASEAN Summit’s central locations.

The Ayana Resort Hotel would be the venue for the welcoming dinner and retreat session for state leaders of ASEAN countries during the summit, and the hotel management has readied all aspects. In addition, Meruorah Hotel is determined to promote local products by serving them exclusively in the delegates’ rooms.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said that some 1,500 rooms are still available in 38 hotels, ranging from three- to five-star hotels, for participants of the ASEAN Summit. The local authority also prepared several ships for extra accommodation during the event.
Moreover, to facilitate the delegates and other participants, particularly the media, Indonesia ensured that the digital infrastructure and public communication network for the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo would be adequate.

“[The summit] is also supported by adequate digital telecommunication technology and infrastructure such as optical fiber, 4G network, or experience of using 5G network,” Minister Plate said after visiting the media center for the ASEAN summit. Similar public communication service facilities with the same standards as G20 Summit last year are prepared for the media.

The ministry also prepared Bintang Flores Hotel as the media center that can accommodate up to 340 people during the ASEAN Summit, which preparations are expected to complete this week. The hotel will be equipped with adequate facilities for journalists.

At least 319 journalists from national media, official media, and foreign correspondents were verified last Tuesday to cover the ASEAN Summit.

Additionally, ten top local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will showcase their products during the 42nd ASEAN Summit at Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, on May 9-11.

The 10 MSMEs will showcase their finest handicraft items, including woven fabrics, clothing, and other accessories. In addition to artworks, they will serve various typical foods and beverages of West Manggarai.

Indonesia hopes that all activities will run successfully.

–Antara

Chiratae Ventures Maiden Growth Fund-I announces its close at INR 1001 cr, oversubscribed by 34%

Chiratae Ventures, India’s largest homegrown venture capital fund, has successfully concluded the fundraising for its first Chiratae Growth Fund (CGF-I), raising INR 1001 cr. On a targeted INR 750 crore, CGF-I has been oversubscribed by 34%. The announcement of the close of CGF-I comes on the heels of Fund 4, which was oversubscribed by 22%. This marks a continued trend of Chiratae’s funds being oversubscribed, highlighting the confidence and faith placed in the firm’s ability to identify and nurture promising startups poised for growth and success.

CGF-I will invest in the growth rounds of market-leading technology startups from its portfolio and other new opportunities, making it a sector-agnostic fund to support the growth and expansion of companies.

CGF-I is supported by Chiratae’s existing investors, including Pratithi (Family Office of Kris Gopalakrishnan, the Co-Founder of Infosys), 57 Stars (a global alternative asset manager) and Manish Choksi (Vice Chairman and non-executive board member of Asian Paints) and his Family Office and, new investors including State Bank of India, India Infoline Limited (IIFL), Axis Bank and others. With this new CGF-I, Chiratae Ventures will continue its mission of supporting innovative technology startups in their growth stage and unlocking their potential.
Chiratae Ventures has a successful track record of investing in early and growth-stage startups over the past 16 years. The Chiratae Funds collectively (across 6 funds) have $1.1 Bn in AUM, 130+ investments, 48 exits, 8 Unicorns, 3 IPOs and a track record of having returned capital to the investors in each of the last 12 years. Chiratae Ventures has been an early backer of technology-led companies such as Bizongo, Curefit, Fibe, Firstcry, Lenskart, Myntra, PolicyBazaar, Pixis, Vayana, and Uniphore, amongst others.

Sudhir Sethi, Founder and Chairman of Chiratae Ventures, said, “We are excited to have raised our first Growth Fund, enabling us to continue supporting the growth and expansion of market-leading technology startups in India and beyond. The oversubscription of the fund by 34% is a testament to the trust and confidence our investors have placed in us. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we remain committed to identifying and investing in innovative startups that have the potential to drive transformative change and create long-term value. Thank you to our existing investors Pratithi (Family Office of Kris Gopalakrishnan, the Co-Founder of Infosys), 57 Stars (a global alternative asset manager) and Manish Choksi (Vice Chairman and non-executive board member of Asian Paints) and his Family Office and, we welcome the new ones, State Bank of India, IIFL, Axis Bank and others.”

On closing the Chirataes’ first Growth Fund, TC Meenakshi Sundaram, Founder and Vice-Chairman of Chiratae Ventures, said, “The successful fundraising for Chiratae’s First Growth Fund is a testament to the quality of the investment strategy and our team’s ability to identify and support exceptional entrepreneurs. With the Growth Fund -I, we are well-positioned to continue to support promising startups through their growth journey and create value for all stakeholders by becoming market leaders. We thank all our investors for their continued support to Chiratae.”

About Chiratae Ventures

Chiratae Ventures is a 16-year-old Indian technology venture capital fund, which collectively (across 6 funds) has $1.1 Bn AUM, 130+ investments, 48 exits, 8 Unicorns, 3 IPOs and a track record of having returned capital to LPs in each of the last 12 years. The Chiratae funds have investments across sectors such as Consumertech, SaaS, Fintech, and Healthtech and have been early backers of companies such as Myntra, Flipkart, Lenskart, FirstCry, PolicyBazaar, Bizongo, Uniphore, Pixis, and Fibe, amongst many others.

Chiratae Ventures’s Global Advisory board consists of esteemed personalities such as Mr Ratan Tata (Chairman), Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan, Mr Manish Choksi (Vice Chairman Asian Paints), Mr Bruno Raschle (Founder Adveq Zurich), Dr Andreas Hettich (Chairman Hettich Corporation Germany) and Dr Ferzaan Engineer (Founder Cytecare and Nightingale).

Contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

airindiaexpress.com witnesses surge in interest and bookings with its new look and unique features

airindiaexpress.com, the unified customer interface of Air India Express and AirAsia India – the two subsidiary airlines of Air India, has witnessed a surge of visitors within days of launch with the platform, contributing over 25% of international flight revenue on the first day itself, making it the dominant single source of reservations. Flyers of both airlines are now logging in, booking, and managing reservations for both Air India Express and AirAsia India flights on airindiaexpress.com, the new website launched as a major milestone in the integration of the two airlines. airindiaexpress.com is built on the platform of the award-winning AirAsia India website developed by Tata Consultancy Services with the support of Tata Digital and provides a significantly enhanced booking, support and travel experience for Air India Express customers from its historical platform.

The launch of the new website was enabled by the migration to a common reservations and check-in system, which now unifies the entire commercial ecosystem of the two airlines.

Following the successful launch of the reservations system, the airline entities are now focusing on cutting over to common airport check-in systems in a phased manner at all international terminals in India, followed by the overseas network.

Some of the salient features of airindiaexpress.com include:

  • Single Sign On (SSO) credentials, integrated with Tata Neu and other participating brands of the Tata NeuPass rewards programme
  • Personalised account profile with personal details, travel documents, saved family & friends for single click addition of guests to bookings, GST details for SMEs, past and upcoming bookings and personalised offers and vouchers
  • E-commerce style shopping cart, integrated with single sign-on, enables users to seamlessly continue their booking if they leave midway
  • A single page vertically stacked accordion-style booking flow, minimising the time between flight search and payments, providing a super-fast and efficient booking experience
  • An integrated booking widget offering special fares and benefits for different passenger profiles, including senior citizens, students, doctors and nurses and members of the armed forces and their dependants, ensuring personalised offerings for flyers on the same PNR
  • The option to use gender-neutral honorifics for each passenger when booking
  • Xpress Check-in – Fastest in the industry 5-second check-in which is already scoring global benchmark level Net Promoter Scores with over 80% of users scoring it a 9 or 10, and stating they would recommend it to their friends and family.

Nearly half the bookings on airindiaexpress.com have been from international markets, with Dubai being the largest source city of traffic and other top international sources of traffic being Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sharjah, and Singapore. Domestic traffic and bookings on the platform have come from metro markets like Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, reflecting the domestic network and hubs of AirAsia India.

As part of the integration, brand communications and support have also moved to common social media handles on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Online reputation management tools indicate that the integrated social media handles have the highest social reputation score amongst all Indian airlines, driven by faster response and resolution times and massive positive sentiment and feedback on the user experience of the new website and support channels. Advanced AI-powered conversational and multilingual chatbot Tia is also providing seamless 24*7 customer support for both airlines on a common WhatsApp number, Facebook Messenger and on the common website.

With a unified sustainability strategy, the website also offers flyers the opportunity to offset their carbon footprint by planting a tree for every booking, with a geo-location tagged URN Certificate.

A travel agent portal, built and accessible from the same platform, for corporate and retail travel agents in the largely disaggregated market is another key offering of the platform. The travel agent portal offers automated fund upload options, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The platform is also fully automated, from fetching fares to negotiations, enabling travel agents to handle individual and group bookings with ease.

Commenting on the warm response to the integrated platform, Mr. Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express and AirAsia India said, “The initial phase of integration of Air India Express and AirAsia India has been executed in a robust manner in record time. We have successfully migrated to modern day technology from the legacy systems that were dominant. This migration has been built by leveraging the existing strong attributes of AirAsia India with additional deployment of relevant tech solutions. We are very enthused with the initial response to the newly launched airindiaexpress.com. The unified customer experience is an important aspect of our objective of showcasing the larger strength and scale of the Air India network. We are working on adding even more unique features and integrated service which will deliver enhanced experience and strengthen our position in the minds of the customers.”

AirAsia India flies to 19 destinations across the country while Air India Express operates to 14 international destinations from 20 Indian cities.

About Air India Express:

Air India Express, launched in 2005, is India’s first international budget carrier and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India. It meets the need for affordable services on short and medium-haul routes connecting smaller Indian towns directly to the Gulf and South East Asia regions. With 20 Indian cities and 14 international destinations in its network, the airline operates more than 600 flights a week. The airline has a fleet of 26 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft. In January 2022, Air India Express, together with Air India, was successfully privatized, with ownership returning to the Tata group that had initially founded Air India.

About AirAsia India:

AIX Connect Private Limited, formerly known as AirAsia India Private Limited, was launched in 2014 and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India Limited. AirAsia India flies over 50 direct and 100 connecting routes across India, offering plush leather seats, Gourmair hot meals, pioneering in-flight entertainment, and a host of exclusive loyalty benefits for members of the Tata NeuPass rewards program and offers fast bookings, fab deals and fantastic value on its award-winning website and mobile app.

Media Contact:

Air India Express
PG Prageesh /Hari Krishnan
pg.prageesh@airindiaexpress.in
hari.krishnan@airindiaexpress.in

Adfactors PR
Namrata Sharma (Singapore): +65 81383034
Abreshmina Quadri (National): +91-8826721799
Jeevan Chandy (Kochi): +91-9447302033
airindiaexpress@adfactorspr.com