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Cover Stories
Cover Stories
Unfold the future:
Lai Chang Wen
Co-founder and CEO of Ninja Van
Co-founder and CEO of Ninja Van
Brand Innovation
Galaxy Z Flip 5G
hands-on media session
Hands down a success. Rave reviews for the 5G-capable phone.
Real good time for the folks.
Hands down a success. Rave reviews for the 5G-capable phone.
Real good time for the folks.
Inspiration
Investment Insights:
Precious Metals & Commodities
David J. Mitchell, Founding Partner of Auctus Metals Portfolios, on the pockets of opportunity to hedge your investments against uncertainty.
David J. Mitchell, Founding Partner of Auctus Metals Portfolios, on the pockets of opportunity to hedge your investments against uncertainty.
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SubscribeExclusive story of the month
In our latest edition of ‘Changing The Shape Of The Future’ impact chats, we are proud to present yet another insightful session with four female game changers, Dione Song, Jaelle Ang, Roshni Mahtani and Val Yap, moderated by Anita Kapoor.
Join these ladies as they discuss how they are leading the charge amid the changing digital landscape by embracing the latest technology trends such as the Galaxy Z Flip 5G and other technology infrastructures to enhance their businesses.
Cover Stories
Unfold the future with our thought leaders, disruptors and curators.
Brand Innovation
The future is changing with rules being rewritten. See the latest Samsung products and services.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Z Fold2 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G, Note20 5G and Tab S7+ 5G are 5G-capable and can be used to access 5G network in Singapore. Sim card upgrade and/or software update may be required.
Data subscription fees apply.
*Terms & Conditions for CNY Promotion
1 Interest-free monthly instalment options of up to 36 months are available using UOB credit cards when the checkout value is above $500 at https://shop.samsung.com/sg.
2 Based on the purchase of Galaxy Z Flip 5G, inclusive of additional $200 trade-in value. Trade-in value may vary depending on the device condition. Samsung reserves the right to amend the list of eligible devices and their trade-in values at any time without prior notice. Visit www.samsung.com/sg/tradeup for further details, T&Cs, grading conditions and the list of eligible devices. Eligible devices and trade-in values are subject to change. Samsung Trade Up Programme is provided by PC Dreams Pte Ltd as an independent third party. Other T&Cs apply.
3 Value quoted is based on 36-month interest-free instalment plan for the purchase of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G using OCBC and UOB credit cards at shop.samsung.com/sg. T&Cs apply.
Data subscription fees apply.
*Terms & Conditions for CNY Promotion
- This promotion is only valid for customers who purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G and Galaxy Z Flip 5G during the applicable promotion period of 15 January to 28 February 2021 (“Promotion Period”) from https://shop.samsung.com/sg/mobilepromo (“Samsung Online Store”), Samsung Experience Stores and participating Consumer Electronics and IT stores subject to stock availability.
- Promotion entitles you to a discount of $200 off the Recommended Retail Price of Samsung mobile products and/or accessories purchased in a single transaction during the Promotion Period, while stocks last.
- Promotion must be utilised at the point of purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G and Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
- Promotion is not valid for the any purchase of the following items: Galaxy S21 Series 5G, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Buds Pro, “Designed for Samsung” accessories, Samsung microSD Cards, Samsung Solid State Drives and third-party branded accessories.
- For purchases made from Samsung Experience Stores and participating Consumer Electronics and IT stores, a voucher will be given and must be presented to redeem offer. Any unutilised amount of the voucher will be forfeited and shall not be refundable. Voucher is deemed void if damaged or defaced. Samsung will not be responsible for, and will not replace any lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, expired and/or otherwise voided voucher. Voucher is not exchangeable for cash or other items, in full or in part.
- For purchases and redemptions made from Samsung Online Store, please enter valid promotional code at checkout and cart out to redeem offer. Offer is only applicable with a minimum spend of above $200 of selected Galaxy products at Samsung Online Store.
- Promotion cannot be used in conjunction or in combination with any other voucher, promotion, discount, rebate and/or offer
1 Interest-free monthly instalment options of up to 36 months are available using UOB credit cards when the checkout value is above $500 at https://shop.samsung.com/sg.
2 Based on the purchase of Galaxy Z Flip 5G, inclusive of additional $200 trade-in value. Trade-in value may vary depending on the device condition. Samsung reserves the right to amend the list of eligible devices and their trade-in values at any time without prior notice. Visit www.samsung.com/sg/tradeup for further details, T&Cs, grading conditions and the list of eligible devices. Eligible devices and trade-in values are subject to change. Samsung Trade Up Programme is provided by PC Dreams Pte Ltd as an independent third party. Other T&Cs apply.
3 Value quoted is based on 36-month interest-free instalment plan for the purchase of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G using OCBC and UOB credit cards at shop.samsung.com/sg. T&Cs apply.
Unfolding the Future
INSPIRATION
Leadership with purpose
Why is purpose important in leadership?
As much as COVID-19 has disoriented our lives and the entire human landscape, nowhere has been more acutely felt than where it matters most – at the top.
The crisis has demonstrated how imperative it is for leaders to demonstrate compassionate leadership and to make dealing with the unfolding human tragedy their first priority. They need to show confidence and control as Heads of billion dollar conglomerates or Heads of family empires in dealing with their people’s immediate concerns while they allow their fears and anxieties to resonate with their colleagues and kin to show their human side.
This is no easy task, not even for world leaders with entire government apparatus and media at their beck and call.
In such seemingly desolate times, being a leader is not enough, no matter how compassionate; what we need is leadership with Purpose.
Harvard Business suggests that fewer than 20% of leaders have a strong sense of individual purpose. Even fewer can distil their purpose into a concrete statement. Most land on the most generic purpose of all i.e. ‘to make a difference’. Runners up include ‘empowering others’ and ‘being an enabler’. Hallmark cards inspire better.
When there is no Purpose—or more importantly, a clear articulation of Purpose—leaders limit themselves. This is what we see with most leaders of today. They can glibly state what their Fortune 500 company stands for (‘To be the No.1 this’ and ‘To be the best at that’) but without Purpose, they limit their aspirations and are more likely to fail at their most ambitious goals, personally and professionally.
How does a leader find his or her purpose?
Look back at your life and narrow it down to the three toughest moments you have been in and how they shaped you. What got you through is probably a potent mix of self-belief, grit and gumption.
Now ask yourself: what kind of metaphor would you paint it in?
To Richard Branson, it is tennis. Branson says, "Tennis moves so quickly that if you dwell on the past for even a few minutes, an opportunity will have passed and the moment will be lost. You have to get into the right frame of mind in order to perform your best, and need to be able to put setbacks behind you instantly.”
Other purpose-driven metaphors that Harvard Business helped leaders range from being ‘a Wuxia master who saves the kingdom’ to ‘someone who constantly rattles the cage’ to ‘a gymnast who is excellent in one discipline but wants to be an all-rounder’.
The Wuxia master arrived at his purpose-driven metaphor because of his love for Chinese Kungfu movies. The cage-rattler because of weekly visits to the zoo with her family. The gymnast? You can work that one out.
The common thread from Branson’s tennis to Wuxia is in identifying your core, lifelong strengths, values, and pursuits that energise you in the most challenging of situations. Like COVID-19.
What happens after you’ve found your leadership purpose?
Have the courage to live it and create impact, every single day.
Leadership is not just in what you do; it’s in how you do it and why. It’s about the strengths and passions you bring to the table, especially when you’re seated at the top.
In his book “Leadership with Purpose”, author Kevin Murray describes the perfect leadership purpose as the “overlap between doing something you love, doing something the world needs, doing something you are great at, and doing something you are paid for.”
Leadership with Purpose is transformative. It can convert an organisation, a team, families and relationships into highly spirited, effective ones. It can transform employees, team members, spouses or friends into partners.
With purpose, we become leaders of life.
Reference: Harvard Business School / International Executive Development Programmes / McKinsey
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Handing down a priceless gift: values that money can’t buy
INSPIRATION
Handing down a priceless gift:
values that money can’t buy
The wealthy who bequeath their children with more than just their money leave their legacy - and the world - in a better place.
As of March this year, Forbes estimates that there are 2,095 billionaires worldwide. Their total net worth: US$8 trillion. Perhaps the most famous among them is Mr Warren Buffet, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway whose own net worth is reportedly US$72 billion.
His sharp instincts when it comes to investing is just as legendary as the way he lives his life - he has lived in the same house and doesn’t indulge in expensive toys that some of the ultra-rich do.
So it’s not surprising that he has not left the bulk of his fortune to his three adult children. Of course, his riches are so vast, what they have is no small change - to the tune of US$2 billion each. What’s instructive about Mr Buffet’s legacy is that he and his late wife were clear-eyed about one un-moveable condition: his children would inherit something far more valuable than his money.
In interviews with the media, his children talk about what they learnt from their famous father - his incredible work ethic and the importance of being prudent. Add to that, his belief that money is only as good as the paper it was printed on if it were not used to better society. “If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%,’’ said Mr Buffet and this philosophy has stood the test of time in his own family.
All three children are heavily involved in philanthropy - with causes ranging from supporting indigenous communities, to supporting women and children who are disenfranchised.
But what does passing on values really mean?
Experts say values are frames or filters which humans use that has a direct impact on thought, behaviour and action.
Every successful businessman already has a set of values he prescribes to and that which made him successful in the first place. Intangible things like being fair, working hard, taking responsibility, showing up even when things get difficult. These don’t magically appear in children or adults - they are cultivated carefully, purposefully, lovingly through words and deeds over many years.
Done right, as in the case of Mr Buffet, the gift of handing down values leads to a more enduring, sustainable legacy that will come without a price tag but is worth its weight in gold.
Reference: Forbes / Business Insider / CNBC
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Unfolding the Future
INSPIRATION
What Gen Z can teach us
Scottish author Frances Wright said, ‘The knowledge of one generation is the ignorance of the next.’
Baby Boomers – born from 1940 to 1959; part of the baby boom post-World War 2
Gen X – born from 1960 to 1979; also known as the MTV-generation
Millennials – born from 1980 to 1994; known as the Me Generation for their self-obsession
Gen Z – born from 1995 onwards; true digital natives, integrating virtual and offline experiences
Gen X – born from 1960 to 1979; also known as the MTV-generation
Millennials – born from 1980 to 1994; known as the Me Generation for their self-obsession
Gen Z – born from 1995 onwards; true digital natives, integrating virtual and offline experiences
If we look at the generations from a consumption point of view, Baby Boomers consumed ideologies like Flower Power. Gen X consumed status and gave rise to terms like Yuppies and DINKs. Millennials consumed FOMO and me-experiences. And Gen Z? Studies suggest that Gen Z’s main spur to consumption is the search for truth. This generation feels comfortable not having only one way to be itself. Its search for authenticity generates greater freedom of expression and greater openness to understanding different kinds of people.
When interviewed, a high net worth individual shares: “I invested in coal companies in the past because I wanted to make money. It was about survival but if you ask my young daughter, she would say ‘No Daddy, you cannot invest in a company that harms the environment and treats people poorly etc’ and after three, four, a hundred of such conversations, you realise it’s not a fad or trend. These Gen Zs…they believe. They truly believe. And I have listened.”
Members of Gen Z have been exposed to the Internet, to social networks, and to mobile systems from birth. In the context of soaring global connectivity, generational shifts could come to play a more important role in setting behaviour than socioeconomic differences do. Young people have become a potent influence on people of all ages and incomes, as well as on the way those people consume and relate to brands.
So what can we learn from the Gen Zs? Maybe understanding them would give us a better clue. According to research firm Box 1824’s report on Youth Mode, Gen Zs:
- value individual expression; the search for self within the given framework
- are committed to mobilising themselves for what they believe in
- believe in dialogue and addressing conflict in order to make the world a better place
- are highly analytical and pragmatic when they need to be
Gen Zs value individual expression
Gen Zs constantly evaluate unprecedented amounts of information and influences. For them, the self is a place to experiment, test and change. They can be religious but be open to broader life themes and beliefs. They are also more interested in human rights, defending causes related to identity like race, ethnicity, LGBTQ rights, feminism and more.
Gen Zs constantly evaluate unprecedented amounts of information and influences. For them, the self is a place to experiment, test and change. They can be religious but be open to broader life themes and beliefs. They are also more interested in human rights, defending causes related to identity like race, ethnicity, LGBTQ rights, feminism and more.
Gen Zs are committed to mobilising themselves
Gen Zs are more inclusive than other generations because they have grown up in a world where they have formed friendships both online and offline. This allows for high mobilisation at an instant based on causes and interests, regardless of economic or educational background. Think about how K-pop fans blanked Trump’s recent rally by block-reserving seats. Or how they raised millions overnight for the Black Lives Matter movement. If they care, they dare.
Gen Zs are more inclusive than other generations because they have grown up in a world where they have formed friendships both online and offline. This allows for high mobilisation at an instant based on causes and interests, regardless of economic or educational background. Think about how K-pop fans blanked Trump’s recent rally by block-reserving seats. Or how they raised millions overnight for the Black Lives Matter movement. If they care, they dare.
Gen Zs believe in dialogue
Unlike Baby Boomers, Gen Xs and Millennials who are more prone to ‘breaking off’ discussions due to ‘toxicity’ (hardly any conversation ends with ‘I see your point’), Gen Zs believe in being participative. They can interact with institutions without abandoning their personal beliefs, are more forgiving of corporations that are sincere when they make a mistake. They would rather engage and extract whatever makes sense for them.
Unlike Baby Boomers, Gen Xs and Millennials who are more prone to ‘breaking off’ discussions due to ‘toxicity’ (hardly any conversation ends with ‘I see your point’), Gen Zs believe in being participative. They can interact with institutions without abandoning their personal beliefs, are more forgiving of corporations that are sincere when they make a mistake. They would rather engage and extract whatever makes sense for them.
Gen Zs are highly analytical
With vast amounts of information at their disposal and being more comfortable absorbing knowledge online than via traditional institutions and sources. Gen Zs are more pragmatic and analytical than previous generations. Having born in economic downturns and raging environmental issues, they aren’t as idealistic as the preceding millennials who powered the gig-economy. They are more aligned to regular jobs that allow them to contribute and express themselves because they believe work and play and life and living are all converging. They are ready.
With vast amounts of information at their disposal and being more comfortable absorbing knowledge online than via traditional institutions and sources. Gen Zs are more pragmatic and analytical than previous generations. Having born in economic downturns and raging environmental issues, they aren’t as idealistic as the preceding millennials who powered the gig-economy. They are more aligned to regular jobs that allow them to contribute and express themselves because they believe work and play and life and living are all converging. They are ready.
The new generation, like Gen Z, often influence trends and affect the behaviour of society. In Gen Z’s case, technology has given them an unprecedented degree of connectivity among themselves and with the rest of the world. As true digital natives, their power is radiating outwards into very noticeable generational shifts. This will present many learnings and more importantly, many opportunities.
The question then would be, are we open-minded?
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Unfolding the Future
INSPIRATION
7 ways to stay centered
One of the luxuries of life is knowing you can unplug from the world as and when you please. However, unplugging is merely the first step to centering yourself. Here are some tongue-in-cheek suggestions on what you can do to find your center.
1. Make a to-do list
Add inane or even inconsequential things like ‘Wake Up’ or ‘Switch off the alarm’ to your to-do list. The more things you have, the more satisfaction you’d feel when you strike them off. Go ahead, add ‘Make a list’ to your list too. Because, why not?
2. Find quiet time
It’s near impossible to find quiet time in today’s fast-paced world. Our suggestion? Walk the house in the middle of the night. When everyone is asleep and the streets are (mostly) quiet. It will be peaceful. Just don’t stare at anyone who is sleeping. Or check their phones. Where’s the challenge then?
3. Work out
Heard of the runner’s high? The point where nothing exists except you and the open road. You can do that. Or hit a yoga mat. Or even HIIT. But if you want to start slow, we’d suggest walking. Nothing beats a long walk and back. With shopping bags.
4. S-l-o-w down
Everything is ‘urgent’ and ‘I don’t have time’. We’ve heard it all. We have used better excuses ourselves. However, there is truth and benefits to taking things slow. It’s good to enjoy the adrenalin rush but why be in a hurry all the time. Blue tick someone. Let them stew.
5. Get creative
Yes, we are not all artists, painters, writers and designers but that doesn’t mean we can’t be creative because creative expression is a form of catharsis, an outlet so to speak. So try your hand at basic water colour painting non-rhyming poetry. If that proves challenging, get creative with your expenses.
6. Have fun
This cannot be overstated. Laughter is the best medicine. Mix that with an apple and you may never be sick for a day. Call up a friend to share a joke and a laugh. Read a comic strip every day. Try telling jokes to a willing audience (read: your pet or plants). Just have pun.
7. Create a ritual
Just like how we know how to wake up and get ready for the day but can adapt to different order of that routine, create a day plan that gives you pockets of me-time. To simply while away, surf the Net or add stuff to your to-do list.
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Unfolding the Future
Apt apps to get during the pandemic
INSPIRATION
Apt apps to get during the pandemic
Being stuck at home, no matter how palatial, is not that fun after a while. So here are some apps that can help tide you over in the new norm of reduced social interactions.
Rich Kids
What is the kick in showing off on IG. If you really want to flex, Rich Kids is the way to go. It is touted as the world’s most exclusive social network, where it’s going to take more than a yacht or a private jet to make an impression. #justsaying
What is the kick in showing off on IG. If you really want to flex, Rich Kids is the way to go. It is touted as the world’s most exclusive social network, where it’s going to take more than a yacht or a private jet to make an impression. #justsaying
Luxy
Known as the ‘Tinder of the elite dating world’, 41% of the members are reputed to pull in at least $1M annually. So, you will fit right in. It is exclusive. Perhaps too much so. 40,000 members have been removed to prevent catfishing. You’ve been warned.
Known as the ‘Tinder of the elite dating world’, 41% of the members are reputed to pull in at least $1M annually. So, you will fit right in. It is exclusive. Perhaps too much so. 40,000 members have been removed to prevent catfishing. You’ve been warned.
Sotheby’s International Realty
It seems like a good time to invest the spare million or two in luxurious properties. But with travel restrictions and social distancing measures, flying in on a private jet for a peek is out. Hence, Sotheby’s affords the wealthy a virtual tour of impressive properties the world over. Now, which continent do you not have a home in…
It seems like a good time to invest the spare million or two in luxurious properties. But with travel restrictions and social distancing measures, flying in on a private jet for a peek is out. Hence, Sotheby’s affords the wealthy a virtual tour of impressive properties the world over. Now, which continent do you not have a home in…
James Edition
Think of it as Carousell with a few extra zeroes in the sell price. You can find anything from a $21m private jet to a $52m yacht. There is even a category called ‘Extraordinaire’ where items include a chair made of chrome-plated AK-47s. Imagine what his personal bodyguards must be carrying.
Think of it as Carousell with a few extra zeroes in the sell price. You can find anything from a $21m private jet to a $52m yacht. There is even a category called ‘Extraordinaire’ where items include a chair made of chrome-plated AK-47s. Imagine what his personal bodyguards must be carrying.
Watches Of
If you are a watch connoisseur, this is, literally, a good way to pass your time. It is basically an encyclopaedia of every watch on the market for any given year, for both mainstream and luxury watches. When you are showing off your impressive collection of timepieces already, deliver the coup de grace with a morsel of trivia known only to a select few.
If you are a watch connoisseur, this is, literally, a good way to pass your time. It is basically an encyclopaedia of every watch on the market for any given year, for both mainstream and luxury watches. When you are showing off your impressive collection of timepieces already, deliver the coup de grace with a morsel of trivia known only to a select few.
Reference: Digital Connect Mag
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Unfolding the Future
Family business - what comes first?
INSPIRATION
Family business - what comes first?
“I love you my child. I just don’t trust you with my business yet.”
Most big businesses that we know today started out as family businesses. In fact, at the end of 2019, it was reported that three family businesses in the United States – the Walton, Koch and Mars families – have a combined wealth of US$348.7 billion which is more than the combined wealth of 4 million American families of median wealth.
Asia has its fair share of successful family-owned businesses. In India, there are the Ambanis (Reliance); in Hong Kong, the Kwoks (Sun Hung Kai); the Chearavanonts (Charoen Pokphand Group) in Thailand; and the Hartonos (Djarum) in Indonesia, just to name a few. Many more are poised to join these ranks from emerging markets like Vietnam, Myanmar, and even Singapore.
Family-owned businesses—where family members hold positions in the business or derive income from it—often keep the overall management of the business within the family and usually in the sole hands of the entrepreneur-owner, even if they employ professional managers for day-to-day operations.
Entrepreneur-owners treat their family businesses as their ‘baby’ and view everyone who works with them as their instruments in shaping success their way.
The business almost always becomes personal gratification and many desire to leave behind a legacy (even a monument) for others to admire. More so than their own families which is why succession planning often becomes an issue in family-owned businesses.
This outlook leads to a key issue among entrepreneur-owner’s children as summarised by a second-generation member of a family-owned business in Myanmar; “I know my father loves me. He is, in fact, very loving yet he does not trust me with his business”.
Are entrepreneur-owners so objective that they can compartmentalise Love and Trust when it comes to their children and the way their business should be run?
Or are they more progressive in their attitudes towards Love for their children but remain traditional when it comes to trusting them with the business they have spent a lifetime building?
Can ‘Love’ and ‘Trust’ even co-exist in a family-owned business in the first place?
The questions need deep discussion but suffice to say, ‘Love’ and ‘Trust’ within business works the same way it does outside of business.
Love is a feeling, something you give of yourself. It is an attachment you form, a joy you share, a warmth you embrace which can shift you through the gears of emotional to illogical just like that.
Trust, on the other hand, has to be earned. It has to be forged and maintained. There is no free lunch! Trust is needed for workplace cooperation, collaboration and even creativity. Interpersonal trust is also needed in friendships, partnerships, marriages, even in love.
An entrepreneur-owner who loves his children to the moon and back is being a doting parent first.
The same entrepreneur-owner who cannot 100% trust his children to takeover the business, maintain ties that he/she has built through the years, retain customer loyalty and build on the brand equity is being a business owner first.
What would you do if you have built a successful business?
Would you hand it to your children who have been educated in the finest schools, waiting in the wings to take over with grand plans of their own to modernise, streamline, re-purpose and re-engineer for the Future?
Would you hand over blanket trust?
Reference: Finance Yahoo / America’s 3 wealthiest families have more money than 4 million average families combined
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Unfolding the Future
Getting to know 5G, the next-generation technology
INSPIRATION
Getting to know 5G,
the next-generation technology
While term ‘5G’, or 5th Generation technology has been tossed about in a cavalier manner, the common understanding seems to be that it will make things faster and make downloads quicker. Actually, 5G is designed to do that and more, like connect everyone and everything (machines, objects, devices). What would that look like? What would that mean for us?
Here’s a glimpse of how this enabling technology could change our lives:
1. Mobile gaming
Delivering a whole virtual world to our mobiles at peak data speeds, 5th-generation technology will catapult Augmented Reality (AR) to raised levels of gaming experience. Love Pokémon Go and Animal Crossing? Then you’re in for a treat: 5G is here to change the game. Literally.
2. Creativity
There’s no need to think outside the box with 5G as it can’t be boxed in. The creative universe – from arts to fashion and everything in between – will transcend and flourish in the time of 5G, blurring the lines between virtual space and the real world.
3. Health
With its ultra-low latency and massive connectivity upgrade, 5G will significantly impact the way we manage health and fitness in the future. Wearables have become intuitive beyond smartwatches; soon we’ll be tracking more than just the quantity of our exercise routines – we’d be leveraging quality data to enhance our lives, every day.
4. Entertainment
“Please don’t stop the music”, sang Rihanna. With 5G, we might not need to. With the high-performing network empowering our devices and understanding how we use them, the future of music would automatically detect our preferences, including how and when we want it. Play, and you’ll never have to press pause again.
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Feed envy: tips for creating epic social media videos
INSPIRATION
Feed envy:
tips for creating epic social media videos
Social media is a great platform to showcase your individuality, amplify your social presence and win the game of personal branding. Nothing screams ‘Insta-worthy’ more than a thumb-stopping video. Adding cool effects to your special moments also tell a better story.
There are plenty of visual effects and motion graphics software you can use to produce professional-looking videos but it would take a lot more time to master the craft. Sometimes the best tools are right smack in the palm of our hands. With a little patience and imagination, you can make your story come to life with your own unique flair.
If you’re wondering how Influencers do it, you’ve come to the right place. Get your willing model (or victim) and your phone ready. Follow the step-by-step guide in the link below—Oscar nominations might just be just a click away.
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Protection with a touch of luxury
INSPIRATION
Protection with a touch of luxury
COVID-19 is here to stay, which means personal hygiene is more important than ever. Washing your hands with good ‘ol soap and water and generous application of alcohol-laden sanitisers are two ways to keep the germies away but both can lead to dry hands rather quickly. Here are two recommendations to stay clean, fresh and in fine form.
Grown Alchemist Hydra Hand Sanitiser
An Australian brand taking the world by storm, Grown Alchemist was founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy Mujis. Their Hydra Hand Sanitiser is formulated with hyaluronan and antioxidants to both cleanse and increase hydration levels instantly, which in turn helps to reduce the chance of premature aging. The 70% alcohol content is extracted from natural cane sugar to eliminate bacteria while the likes coconut oil fennel, cold pressed sweet orange oil, sweet almond oil and pot marigold keep hands clean and supple. According to co-founder Jeremy Mujis, “A recent study shows nearly 60% of millennials scan the back of the label for personal care products before purchasing (which offers) a clear opportunity to stand out when talking to a wellness-savvy customer. Grown Alchemist products are Australian-certified non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free and formulated with certified organic ingredients.” Sounds like this is one Hydra even the Marvel universe would welcome.
An Australian brand taking the world by storm, Grown Alchemist was founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy Mujis. Their Hydra Hand Sanitiser is formulated with hyaluronan and antioxidants to both cleanse and increase hydration levels instantly, which in turn helps to reduce the chance of premature aging. The 70% alcohol content is extracted from natural cane sugar to eliminate bacteria while the likes coconut oil fennel, cold pressed sweet orange oil, sweet almond oil and pot marigold keep hands clean and supple. According to co-founder Jeremy Mujis, “A recent study shows nearly 60% of millennials scan the back of the label for personal care products before purchasing (which offers) a clear opportunity to stand out when talking to a wellness-savvy customer. Grown Alchemist products are Australian-certified non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free and formulated with certified organic ingredients.” Sounds like this is one Hydra even the Marvel universe would welcome.
Sabon Hand Sanitiser
Started by two Israeli sweethearts in 1997, Sabon (soap in Hebrew) originated from an ancient soap-making recipe from the Australian Aborigines. From the onset, the brand has been committed to sourcing high-quality natural ingredients, such as sea salt, sea mud, seaweed from the nearby Dead Sea and various herbal elements from the Mediterranean and beyond. This uncompromising approach has seen Sabon grow to 180 stores worldwide since. Its hand sanitiser reflects the Sabon philosophy. Its antibacterial gel is infused with Sabon’s signature Patchouli Lavender Vanilla fragrance with alcohol content to disinfect while its Vitamin E maintains the skin’s natural moisture level. From fresh, handmade soaps, cut and sold by weight, to quality craftsmanship produced through generous amounts of sincerity and emotions, Sabon is authentic handicraft that deserves more than a show of hands.
Started by two Israeli sweethearts in 1997, Sabon (soap in Hebrew) originated from an ancient soap-making recipe from the Australian Aborigines. From the onset, the brand has been committed to sourcing high-quality natural ingredients, such as sea salt, sea mud, seaweed from the nearby Dead Sea and various herbal elements from the Mediterranean and beyond. This uncompromising approach has seen Sabon grow to 180 stores worldwide since. Its hand sanitiser reflects the Sabon philosophy. Its antibacterial gel is infused with Sabon’s signature Patchouli Lavender Vanilla fragrance with alcohol content to disinfect while its Vitamin E maintains the skin’s natural moisture level. From fresh, handmade soaps, cut and sold by weight, to quality craftsmanship produced through generous amounts of sincerity and emotions, Sabon is authentic handicraft that deserves more than a show of hands.
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The enduring allure of a thing of beauty
INSPIRATION
The enduring allure of a thing of beauty
With the pandemic crashing economies and reducing incomes across the word, the luxury industry
might find itself in a tight spot. But thankfully, some things in life never change.
Prior to pandemic, the luxury sector was valued at a global rate of US$1.47 trillion in 2019.
For decades, it was a market that captured not only the extremely wealthy but also the young, middle class living their best Instagram lives.
The luxury economy kept its loyalty among the old and new monied, particularly Chinese wealth. It was able to thrive, tapping into the vein of wants, not needs.
Six months into 2020, and the picture could not be more different. As businesses grind to a halt, air travel suffered. Much like any other nonessential sector, the luxury market took a hit.
Consultancy company Bain is predicting that global sales of luxury products (handbags, clothes and cosmetics) will decline by as much as 35 per cent.
Closer to home, as shops were shut for months, sales have taken a hit too – with many struggling to find ways to reach out to their regular clientele online. Some, like Dior, have successfully implemented virtual consultations, live chats and product launches.
So the question for the market, as with every industry facing major tailwinds is, will that Chanel clutch ever go out of style?
The short answer is, no. For there is always room for a thing of beauty.
Many luxury brands are established entities, passed down through generations of trained artisan hands. Louis Vuitton for instance, was established in 1854 and started life crafting lightweight luggage. Today, it produces a range of items – dumbells and earphones are on sale if you fancy.
LV survived two World Wars, the Great Depression and several downward economic crises. It endured as a luxury house and global brand because when things straighten themselves out, as they do in all crises, loyal customers will always return with wallets and willing hearts.
The same is likely to be true of a post-pandemic luxury sector. Perhaps even more so because people would have missed the experience of browsing and buying. While some brands have slashed prices, top tier names do guard their pricing carefully – because they understand that owning such an item is not about its monetary value.
It is about what it means to the buyer – in that bag or shoe or piece of luggage lies desire, love, beauty and art. No matter how the seasons change, those will never go out of style.
Reference: Channel News Asia / Bain & Company / Louis Vuitton
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Relationships in the new norm
INSPIRATION
Relationships in the new norm
Has COVID-19 forced human relationships to take a turn for the less ideal?
Of all the negative impact the COVID-19 crisis has had, perhaps the most significant one is on personal relationships. And it all started so well.
Couples who were apart adapted by staying in touch via video calls. And surprised each other with gifts of food, drink and tokens of affection via delivery services.
Couples living together welcomed the extra time both spent at home. But it didn’t take long for things to turn sour.
BBC estimates that domestic abuse rose by as much as 20% during the lockdown. In fact, it is calling it a ‘shadow pandemic’. China has reported an unprecedented number of divorce requests, with appointments to file for divorce now possible to be made via the social media platform, WeChat. So worried about the rise is China that it has imposed a 30-day ‘cooling off’ period for filings made after 1 January 2021.
If absence used to make the heart fonder, lockdown has pretty much made the heart flounder.
Experts blame the unusually high amount of time spent together as the primary reason. This was particularly true where the relationships were already strained. More face time meant more opportunities to notice all the habits and quirks that annoyed each other. It was then only a matter of time before things came to a head.
If that sounds bad, spare a thought for Radhika from Arizona whose predicament was highlighted by the New York Post. She broke up with her live-in boyfriend a couple of weeks before quarantine. But stay-home restrictions mean she is still stuck in the same apartment as her ex. She is trying to cope by drawing, studying and drinking lots of Bushmills whisky and beer!
Even when break-ups are clean, psychologists point out that social distancing rules prevent people from getting the emotional release they usually do. They are not able to cry on a friend’s shoulder or be about town to try and get over the heartbreak.
Yet it is not all doom and gloom. Thankfully.
While many weddings have been cancelled or postponed, many are still being conducted. For instance, the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, has made it legal for couples to hold online weddings. Previously marriages in the state were only legal if the couple appear in person. So, clerks can now officiate Internet weddings and couples can get a marriage licence remotely. The World Economic Forum reports that couples in Indonesia, Iraq and Israel have conducted their weddings online or with as few as three to five guests.
In Wuhan, where the virus originated, when the 76-day lockdown was lifted, one of the first things people did was file for marriage applications. And it was done using the mobile payment platform Alipay. The app reported a 300% increase in applications with the system even crashing due to the overwhelming number of applicants.
More interestingly, separated couples have hunkered down together to ensure they are not apart from the kids for prolonged a prolonged period during the lockdown. Celebrity ex-couple Khloe Kardashian and Tristan Thompson are among them.
The pandemic has definitely re-ordered some aspects of personal relationships that we took for granted. For some who were apart, the distance (and the overall climate of uncertainty) made their love stronger and helped nudge them towards making a commitment.
For others who were in the same household, it became a time to re-connect, do activities they had not done together for a long time. This was even more starkly apparent among parents who had been working so hard, they hardly had any time for their kids.
While there is evidence that the crisis has impacted many relationships for the worse, the overall sense is people are grateful for the relationships they have. Clichés are clichés for a reason and the pandemic has actually made many realise the value of their relationships.
Ultimately, as a species used to constant physical contact, it would be unthinkable for us to survive alone. As Laura Guerrero, author of Close Encounters: Communication in Relationships, points out, “We feel more connected to someone if they touch us.”
Reference: BBC News / New York Post / World Economic Forum / Business Insider
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Fast fashion makes way for steady sustainability
INSPIRATION
Fast fashion makes way for steady sustainability
The global textile industry churned out millions of clothes at bargain basement prices for decades. But it has also come with a considerable cost to the environment and that is changing the face of fashion.
It was entirely acceptable for a young man or woman to get online, purchase a nice outfit or three, wear it a few times and then leave it gathering dust in the wardrobe until it was time for the annual spring clean.
Made in developing countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, the demand for easy-to-wear, cheap clothing have added billions into the coffers of these countries and companies operating there.
2018 figures of the global retail market sales pinned sales at US$24 trillion - with the US clocking in as the largest retail market in the world.
Closer to home, a DBS survey done last year showed that 7 in 10 Singaporeans bought new clothes every six months. The good news in that survey was that 60 per cent were aware that this “fast fashion” consumerism was also detrimental to the environment.
Thanks to social media, it was easy to find the facts – like how making a tee shirt uses up thousands of litres of water, not to mention the emission of greenhouse gases from factories that run 24/7 in meeting insatiable demand. Add to that, the toxic dye and chemicals that end up polluting waters.
Pivot to ethical fashion
In keeping with a population that has become more aware of climate issues, there is a rise in ethical fashion choices. Thrifting for instance has become popular among millennials and there is a thriving online marketplace that deals in second-hand clothing.
Renting is another concept that has taken off. Style Theory for instance is a Singapore brand that has been in the business of renting clothes to women. For a monthly subscription, the company delivers a set of clothes to the customer - ensuring that there is a steady supply of new clothes. In the long run, the aim is to reduce excessive consumerism and inculcate a sense of conservationism. A badge the woke brigade wears proudly.
Style Theory founder, Raena Lim, 28 said she has found a good market of young people like her - who want a more ethical option when it comes to fashion.
But what about the Fashion industry itself? Has it woken up to the new reality that is sustainability?
Circular fashion
Fast fashion is a modern-day phenomenon. It follows a ‘take-make-dispose’ pattern, and enables fashion brands to mass-produce, mass-market, mass-sell. The linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model relies on large quantities of easily accessible resources and energy, which is becoming more and more unfit for the reality in which it operates. An awakening was inevitable and there are positive signs complete with a new line – ‘circular fashion’.
“Circular fashion is a somewhat broader term than ‘sustainable fashion’, as circular fashion combines the principles of both sustainability and circularity,” says Dr Anna Brismar, who coined the term in 2014, and has worked with luxury resale destination Vestiaire Collective to create a an easy-to-use consumer guide to the subject.
The goal of circular fashion is to ensure that clothes are made from safe and renewable material, new business models increase their use, and old clothes are turned into new. This would evolve the fashion industry to a future where every material is used and reused safely, where ecosystems are protected and where people are provided with dignified work.
Everything sounds like the polished words of a new fashion editor but is circular fashion just another trend?
In May 2017, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation launched the Make Fashion Circular initiative. The main purpose being to foster collaboration among leaders of the textile industry, brands, innovators and stakeholders to move towards a circular fashion economy.
According to this initiative, the entire fashion industry needs to re-design its operating model. As the industry transforms into a circular system, it will be able to unlock various economic opportunities.
However, this transformation is not possible with a single brand or individual. To actually make fashion circular, businesses, governments, citizens, and innovators have to join forces. The Make Fashion Circular initiative has already brought many industry leaders together including Inditex (owners of Zara, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarious, Pull and Bear), Adidas, Burberry, GAP, H&M, Nike, Stella McCartney and niche brands like Rapanui Clothing.
It would appear that a shift is afoot in the runway industry.
As Stella McCartney says, “The future of fashion is circular. It has to be.”
Reference: Harper's Bazaar / Elle / motif.org / The Straits Times
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Coping with the new normal
INSPIRATION
Coping with the new normal
COVID-19 has forced us to reimagine the way we work, play, interact and socialize. Let’s take a look at how the world has re-ordered itself in the face of an unprecedented challenge.
Keeping it closer to home
Long gone are the days where our homes are merely a space for rest. We’re living in a world where half the population is required to stay inside their homes. Since we can’t go into the office or attend school or exercise outdoors, doing everything from home has become a reality. Our homes have, therefore, been transformed into a multipurpose area meant for work, exercise, hobbies and more. Which has necessitated both a physical and mental adjustment.
Connections, reimagined
With social distancing in place, physical gatherings have been reduced to online gatherings. Video calls are now de rigueur for almost every kind of interaction – work, social meetings, exercise and even watching movies. While most of us aren’t strangers to communicating through a screen, there’s something undeniably comforting and irreplaceable when it comes to the human touch. Though we might have to forgo that luxury for the foreseeable future.
Playing it safe
As the pandemic becomes long-term, governments have turned to quarantine and preventive measures in order to contain the spread. In Singapore, SafeEntry is implemented in all public spaces, allowing for contact tracing and granting government access to personal details on our whereabouts. This has prompted heated discussions about the boundaries of protecting personal information and collecting information to provide public safety. The key is to find a balance between national security, safety and personal liberties.
We live in an undoubtedly new world. The question is: Can we continue to cope and look on the bright side in the midst of change?
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Build contacts with minimum contact
INSPIRATION
Build contacts with minimum contact
Whether you are an introvert or a social butterfly,
what the world needs now is more love to go around
By Peter Yeo
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from getting locked in, it is this: People crave interaction. From watercooler chats at the office to hi-tea with the ladies, and even brunch with the boss—we miss the synergy with our fellow man. Even before the pandemic, numerous studies have been published on the social needs of humans.
People are ultra-social creatures and covet connections with others, noted Dr Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, Science Director of the Greater Good Science Center (UCLA) in a 2018 report. Losing that social support may lead to unhappiness, she added. Sharing the sentiment, a Straits Times article cautioned that ‘prolonged circuit breaker measures could have an impact on mental health’.
As society stirs back to life, how can you increase influence with your employees, expand social circles or, perhaps, even kickstart that personal project or philanthropic journey you have been planning ‘forever’? This is your opportunity to open hearts and doors.
Open the friend zone
Expanding your social circle is as easy as opening your social media. Check on your friends on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Deliveroo a pick-me-up drink to a friend who is feeling down or private chat them. It lets them know you are thinking of them. Better yet, start a Facebook or Whatsapp support group for people who may be feeling the strain of the moment. Get your contacts to add their contacts to make some new friends.
Expanding your social circle is as easy as opening your social media. Check on your friends on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Deliveroo a pick-me-up drink to a friend who is feeling down or private chat them. It lets them know you are thinking of them. Better yet, start a Facebook or Whatsapp support group for people who may be feeling the strain of the moment. Get your contacts to add their contacts to make some new friends.
Launch a satellite party
The relaxation of lockdowns around the world is a cause for celebration but you still want to exercise caution. In Singapore, gatherings of up to five are allowed. Amplify your zoom parties with satellite venues so you get the benefit of personal touch while safe distancing. Trust us, these groups will surely remember the host of these satellite parties.
The relaxation of lockdowns around the world is a cause for celebration but you still want to exercise caution. In Singapore, gatherings of up to five are allowed. Amplify your zoom parties with satellite venues so you get the benefit of personal touch while safe distancing. Trust us, these groups will surely remember the host of these satellite parties.
Throw a cook/bake-off
Use the down time to connect with your old friends and build acquaintances. Flushed with online recipes, we’ve all become a Gordon Ramsay or Martha Stewart. Don’t just share your new-found culinary prowess with your family. Organise a cook/bake-off with your friends by delivering your specialties to them. You can even throw a friendly competition and vote for the flavour of the week.
Use the down time to connect with your old friends and build acquaintances. Flushed with online recipes, we’ve all become a Gordon Ramsay or Martha Stewart. Don’t just share your new-found culinary prowess with your family. Organise a cook/bake-off with your friends by delivering your specialties to them. You can even throw a friendly competition and vote for the flavour of the week.
Moment of charity
A sad victim of the pandemic are charity organisations. As people tighten their belts, more charities are closing. Organisations are also affected by the lack of fundraising opportunities. This is the time to start your philanthropic journey. Throw a fundraiser among your friends and make space in your wardrobe for the fall/winter collection at the same time by holding an online auction with proceeds going to the less fortunate.
A sad victim of the pandemic are charity organisations. As people tighten their belts, more charities are closing. Organisations are also affected by the lack of fundraising opportunities. This is the time to start your philanthropic journey. Throw a fundraiser among your friends and make space in your wardrobe for the fall/winter collection at the same time by holding an online auction with proceeds going to the less fortunate.
Do a good job
Do take time for yourself. Spruce up your resume—even if you are not looking for a job. It is all about keeping yourself updated. LinkedIn is also a good social network to reach out to your professional network (hello, ex-boss!) to commiserate or just to check in on them.
This is an opportune time to publish professional posts on LinkedIn; it will establish your expertise in your community. You may even find out something surprising about yourself when you put your thoughts to paper. Extend your contact by reaching out to people in your industry or even connecting with your competitor’s clients. It does not matter if it does not translate to something tangible immediately. Your personal brand will benefit from the exposure.
Do take time for yourself. Spruce up your resume—even if you are not looking for a job. It is all about keeping yourself updated. LinkedIn is also a good social network to reach out to your professional network (hello, ex-boss!) to commiserate or just to check in on them.
This is an opportune time to publish professional posts on LinkedIn; it will establish your expertise in your community. You may even find out something surprising about yourself when you put your thoughts to paper. Extend your contact by reaching out to people in your industry or even connecting with your competitor’s clients. It does not matter if it does not translate to something tangible immediately. Your personal brand will benefit from the exposure.
Forget-me-not
Extending contacts need not be a personal pursuit. Remember: Top-of-mind = tip-of-tongue. Lots of companies are on survival mode now so spending is curtailed but that may be counterproductive. If people are not coming to your stores, go to them. During the lockdown, Samsung offered to deliver their Galaxy Note20 smartphones to keen users for a hands-on trial—at no extra cost. Trust us, even if they do not buy the Note now they will definitely think of Samsung the next time they are in the market for a new phone.
Find out more about the Galaxy Test Drive here
and check out the latest Samsung Galaxy Note20 here.
Extending contacts need not be a personal pursuit. Remember: Top-of-mind = tip-of-tongue. Lots of companies are on survival mode now so spending is curtailed but that may be counterproductive. If people are not coming to your stores, go to them. During the lockdown, Samsung offered to deliver their Galaxy Note20 smartphones to keen users for a hands-on trial—at no extra cost. Trust us, even if they do not buy the Note now they will definitely think of Samsung the next time they are in the market for a new phone.
Find out more about the Galaxy Test Drive here
and check out the latest Samsung Galaxy Note20 here.
From face-to-face to face-the-world
The pandemic has reinforced to business leaders that the world is small. Small, medium businesses—and even multi-nationals—have thrown open the doors of trade to the world. Use the tech tools (like live streaming on social, podcasting, blog, etc) available to you to reach the world, without leaving the comfort of home. Convert your SMB to an MNC.
Networking is not just a professional buzzword. It is a lifeline to your staff, friends and loved ones. It is time to embrace a new normal in the way we work, play and interact. Who knows? You may even make a couple of new BFFs by the time the pandemic is over.
Networking is not just a professional buzzword. It is a lifeline to your staff, friends and loved ones. It is time to embrace a new normal in the way we work, play and interact. Who knows? You may even make a couple of new BFFs by the time the pandemic is over.
References: Straits Times Singapore/NBC News/Fortune.com/The Enterprisers Project/ Korn Ferry
About Peter Yeo
Peter once showed his story to a famous playwright, which launched his career in publishing. Since then he has contributed to magazines like 8Days, Men’s Health, Home&Décor, The Peak and in news portals such as Todayonline and CNA Lifestyle. As a freelance wordsmith, he has consulted and produced content for iMDA, Singapore Global Network, Dell, PayPal and more. A techie and geek-at-heart, he is often plugged into reddit for the latest news on gadgets and the IoT. Catch up with him on tech of the future on LinkedIn.
Peter once showed his story to a famous playwright, which launched his career in publishing. Since then he has contributed to magazines like 8Days, Men’s Health, Home&Décor, The Peak and in news portals such as Todayonline and CNA Lifestyle. As a freelance wordsmith, he has consulted and produced content for iMDA, Singapore Global Network, Dell, PayPal and more. A techie and geek-at-heart, he is often plugged into reddit for the latest news on gadgets and the IoT. Catch up with him on tech of the future on LinkedIn.
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Cybersecurity in the age of remote working
INSPIRATION
Cybersecurity in the age of remote working
No thanks to the disruption Covid-19 has caused, the most vulnerable targets of cyber attacks are now those working from home. Here’s what you can do.
By Charmian Leong
It’s heartening to see how quickly the world has rallied against the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic, with businesses and people doing what they can to implement safe distancing measures. But it’s easy to forget that the threat isn’t just physical — it’s virtual, too. Pandemic-related cybercrime is on the rise, as Interpol has detected some 907,000 spam messages, 737 malware incidents and 48,000 malicious URLs between January and April alone.
According to Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock, “cybercriminals are developing and boosting their attacks at an alarming pace, exploiting the fear and uncertainty caused by the unstable social and economic situation created by Covid-19.”
Offices may already have beefy security systems in place, but with an unprecedented number of people now working from home or remotely, employers must now consider possible security breaches from their staff’s personal devices and unsecured home networks as well.
What your employees can do
In 2019, cybersecurity firm CybSafe carried out an analysis of data from the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and reported that 90 per cent of cyber data breaches were caused by user error. Now with the increased emotional and financial stress following the spread of Covid-19, this figure is expected to rise.
To reduce such risks, have everyone connect to a corporate Virtual Private Network (VPN). But take note that hardware-based legacy VPNs are now struggling to keep up with the surge of new users, so it’s best to look at scalable and cloud-based security solutions. For example, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is one such cybersecurity concept that has been gaining popularity because it allows organisations to gain secure cloud access to applications, data and services no matter where the user is.
Given the vast array of communication apps available today, it will also help to standardise the platforms used. This means choosing just one video conferencing app, one file-sharing service, one messaging app and so on, and sticking to it. If there’s been a breach, it will be easier to pinpoint the source. For those who don’t have the luxury of an in-house video conferencing platform, employees should remember to use whatever security functions their legacy programs provide, such as virtual waiting rooms, virtual backgrounds and password-protected meetings.
If in doubt, employees should turn to a good old-fashioned phone call to confirm emails and texts that request sensitive data or funds, since phishing scams have grown more sophisticated in their deceit.
What you can do
Cybersecurity trainings through walkthroughs and simulations are useful, but tailoring them to the specific needs and responsibilities of different departments is key to helping them respond quickly and effectively to cyberattacks. Guidelines should also be clear, and should cover topics like new threats, required actions, and rules for data use.
Spending more money is probably the last thing management wants to do given the current economic climate, but the amount you pay for buying licenses for top security software, updating existing software, and hiring risk management and fraud management teams will still be less than the cost of a major data breach. This applies to hardware as well. Samsung mobile devices for instance, have Knox security platforms built in, thus adding a level of protection to company-issued devices.
Finally, and perhaps most obviously, backup all critical systems regularly and keep them both offline (in data centres) and online (on the cloud). Now that even more corporate data lives in laptops and phones — both susceptible to damage and theft — it is also important to factor them into your data recovery plans.
It’s a troubling and troublesome time for all of us, but the pandemic has given us the perfect opportunity to think more proactively about our cybersecurity.
Find out more about Knox here.
Find out more about Knox here.
About Charmian Leong
Charmian Leong is a luxury lifestyle writer who has spent over a decade investigating fancy things and people. Prior to choosing the unpredictable path of a freelancer, she was covering leaders and libations (not at the same time) at The Peak Singapore.
Charmian Leong is a luxury lifestyle writer who has spent over a decade investigating fancy things and people. Prior to choosing the unpredictable path of a freelancer, she was covering leaders and libations (not at the same time) at The Peak Singapore.
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For small business, success needs a new recipe
INSPIRATION
For small business, success needs a new recipe
Unprecedented. There is really no other description for the environment in which small and medium sized businesses are operating. Work is changing, becoming more remote and dependent on connectivity, but SMBs are still the lifeblood of our economy. Amid today’s uncertainty, their resilience and ability to be prepared for the future — not just react to whatever comes next — have never been more important.
I have a good friend who owns a bakery in Bethesda, MD. He has grown his business from the ground up, and he is a fixture in the neighborhood. Then, the pandemic hit. He’d never needed a digital footprint, other than a geolocation and simple website. But now he needs to adapt and evolve to keep his business afloat. There are millions of businesses like his.
Whether a bakery or a bike shop, companies need new technology and innovation to survive and thrive.
This week at our Unpacked event, we debuted new flagship devices that help businesses do just that. Our new Galaxy Note20 and Tab S7 are powerful devices engineered for productivity, no matter where users are. These devices are like a premium crossover vehicle: power and performance without compromise. They do it all.
Still, our devices are only one part of our longstanding and ever-growing commitment to help SMBs be remote ready and competitive. AppStack is another.
AppStack is a one-stop shop of curated cloud software that helps SMBs and entrepreneurs become more productive and agile. Simply put, AppStack takes the guesswork out of app acquisition. It says to SMBs: “You don’t need to be a tech expert or hire one. We’ll make it easy by putting the best apps, tailored to your needs, all in one place.” For business owners, especially those who have struggled with digital transformation and who don’t have the luxury of an IT department, that’s a game-changer.
Businesses with fewer than 500 employees create almost half of all American jobs and 43.5% of GDP. But as important as they are to the U.S. economy, they’re also often fragile. I know from first-hand experience how difficult is to start a business much less keep one going. The obvious reason is not having the resources, especially to weather an economic storm. It also has to do with not having the same access to technological knowledge and means as bigger competitors. Just think of the shift over the past few months and the companies who still relied on a physical server versus being on the cloud. Or the restaurant, a local favorite and mainstay in a community for decades, but unprepared for the reality of online ordering.
What if we could do more for these companies by leveling the technology playing field?
I believe SMBs should not be alone. Companies like Samsung must do everything we can to recognize what SMBs need and bring new solutions to market.
Of course, new solutions and being tech savvy are just part of the equation. Even the smoothest transition to cloud-based software or a creative social-media presence will not meet all the challenges that SMBs face. But if the technological foundation is in place, it is far more likely their imagination, ingenuity and grit will build something great.
With the tools and know-how they need, I wouldn’t bet against SMBs. My friend the baker now takes video calls for orders, and he uses software solutions to schedule appointments so customers can maintain social distance. He has completely transformed his business.
Let’s help others do the same. In the past few months, we’ve seen just how vulnerable our SMBs are. If these businesses continue to fold, the fabric of our neighborhoods and cities—what makes a hometown feel like home—will change irrevocably. But we’ve also seen resilience. SMBs represent the best of the American business spirit. The economy and our communities depend on their success.
That’s why Samsung is proud to support them. That’s why Samsung will continue to support them.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Learn more about the Galaxy Note 20 | 20 Ultra 5G
and Galaxy Tab S7 | S7+ 5G
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Learn more about the Galaxy Note 20 | 20 Ultra 5G
and Galaxy Tab S7 | S7+ 5G
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Unfolding the Future
How Samsung is helping celeb stylist Jason Bolden conquer the next normal
INSPIRATION
How Samsung is helping celeb stylist
Jason Bolden conquer the next normal
There’s been a real shift in how we all work and play as we navigate the next normal. The concept of everyday mobility has changed from traveling outside and being on-the-go, to doing more within the home.
And whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or a unique combination of the two – your devices need to empower your process so you’re still able to do all the things you love.
Samsung checked in with creative director and celebrity stylist, Jason Bolden, to learn more about how his work is changing and how Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem is helping him stay on top of it all. In an intimate Q&A, Jason talked to us about his day-to-day routine and why he needs the Galaxy Note20 Ultra and Tab S7+ to keep him moving within the home.
The Galaxy Note20 line is available now in a fashion-forward Mystic Bronze color to match the Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Tab S7. Whether you’re balancing work, school, or wellness, the new Galaxy ecosystem can help you stay on top of it.
Check out Jason’s thoughts on these new devices.
What’s a day in the life of Jason Bolden look like?
I’m an early bird, and start my day with a morning jog or meditation session to clear my head and allow myself to tap into my creative thoughts. From there, I like to enjoy a cup (or two) of coffee while catching up on my email and reviewing my calendar before heading to my at-home studio to get to work.
I’m an early bird, and start my day with a morning jog or meditation session to clear my head and allow myself to tap into my creative thoughts. From there, I like to enjoy a cup (or two) of coffee while catching up on my email and reviewing my calendar before heading to my at-home studio to get to work.
I’ll start by sifting through clothes, shoes, jewelry—materials are a big inspiration for me as well—and then prepping for messengers to pick up and drop off looks for my client. I’m collaborating with my clients virtually now, and I’ve been using the Galaxy ecosystem to help me manage it all.
How important is technology to you and how has it helped in today’s new normal – especially within your work?
Technology is my connection to my loved ones and clients. It’s how I’m able to stay in touch and maintain relationships with designers and talent because we’re unable to meet face to face right now. In today’s new normal, the silver lining is that I’m able to take the time to reconnect with industry connections and clients. I’m lucky enough to have technology that allows me to evolve and meet my clients where they’re at.
Technology is my connection to my loved ones and clients. It’s how I’m able to stay in touch and maintain relationships with designers and talent because we’re unable to meet face to face right now. In today’s new normal, the silver lining is that I’m able to take the time to reconnect with industry connections and clients. I’m lucky enough to have technology that allows me to evolve and meet my clients where they’re at.
I’m also using technology to stay inspired. I’ve been going through old photos, mood boards and red carpet looks from my archives when I need to escape. My Galaxy Note20 Ultra is the closest thing I have to a runway right now!
How is the Galaxy Note20 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S7+ helping you out now that
you are doing more at home?
Being able to use the S Pen to write on top of an image as soon as I have a creative idea is awesome. Before, there was always a fear of losing an idea when writing things down on paper. Knowing I’ll never lose it – whether I’m in my studio, backyard or living room – is pretty cool! Whenever I’m ready to go back to a note or sketch, I can go back to the idea on any device through the Samsung Notes app.
you are doing more at home?
Being able to use the S Pen to write on top of an image as soon as I have a creative idea is awesome. Before, there was always a fear of losing an idea when writing things down on paper. Knowing I’ll never lose it – whether I’m in my studio, backyard or living room – is pretty cool! Whenever I’m ready to go back to a note or sketch, I can go back to the idea on any device through the Samsung Notes app.
If I’m working with talent on a new look, it starts with one idea that I’ll capture and send using my Note20 Ultra. From there, it’s a collaborative process and we’ll go back and forth to finalize the details. That’s how fashion styling works for my clients. We’ll start with a look on the phone and then I’ll pick up the Tab S7+ to go bigger. I need a larger screen to see and feel all of the details. Fashion styling is step-by-step. You start with a sketch and then you finalize the fabric, the embellishments, the color, the jewelry. When I use the tablet I’m able to build it out even more so it’s larger than life!
What do you love most about the new Mystic Bronze color?
I’m also a very visual person, so I’m immediately drawn to the Mystic Bronze color that matches my Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live. It’s so chic, fresh, and modern! I also love that it’s a point of conversation! It’s warm, bold, and inviting; I love that I can have a cohesive look across all of my devices. Sometimes technology can be intimidating, but that’s not the case with something as design-forward as Mystic Bronze. I want to take my devices with me to every room! Because of that, my tools are at my fingertips whenever creativity strikes.
I’m also a very visual person, so I’m immediately drawn to the Mystic Bronze color that matches my Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live. It’s so chic, fresh, and modern! I also love that it’s a point of conversation! It’s warm, bold, and inviting; I love that I can have a cohesive look across all of my devices. Sometimes technology can be intimidating, but that’s not the case with something as design-forward as Mystic Bronze. I want to take my devices with me to every room! Because of that, my tools are at my fingertips whenever creativity strikes.
How have you been staying creative during this time at home?
I’ve been doing everything from spending more time with my archives and capturing old mood boards for future reference. I’ve been reading a lot too. I tend to get my best ideas when I spend time revisiting some of my favorite works of art, authors and designs.
Learn more about the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Tab S7+.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
I’ve been doing everything from spending more time with my archives and capturing old mood boards for future reference. I’ve been reading a lot too. I tend to get my best ideas when I spend time revisiting some of my favorite works of art, authors and designs.
Learn more about the Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G and Galaxy Tab S7+.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Unfolding the Future
Thoughts for a new lifestyle
INSPIRATION
Thoughts for a new lifestyle
The tomorrow we envision, for you to experience
Thoughts That Affect Our Everyday Lives
Treating style as the core of a design is a concept of the past. Today’s designs do more than just create a beautiful exterior, they blend in and enrich our daily lives. Going beyond making improvements in usability and evolving along with the fast-changing world to innovate our lifestyles is an important role that design must play in today’s world. Design insights gained from examining user lifestyles and behaviors merge with technology, providing us with new experiences.
Samsung Electronics has been consistently creating designs that propose a singular experience in diverse areas of our day-to-day lives through various products and services. Samsung Electronics dreams of designs that beautifully accommodate every moment of our lives, whether we are eating, sleeping, wearing, or sharing stories, and makes them a reality.
New Ways of Life Created by Bold Attempts
Samsung Electronics has always presented novel designs created by bold endeavors. In this quickly changing world, Samsung Electronics took on a new perspective to focus on the experiences and values that users truly desired. Insights into the future and thoughts that reflect on the spirit of the times obtained through these efforts culminated into authentic designs that offered new ways of life with fearless and courageous resolution, leading to next level experiences.
Seeing in New Perspectives with The Sero
Today’s generation is more accustomed to watching content on a mobile device rather than the TV. Samsung Electronics introduced a vertical TV screen with The Sero, opening a new chapter for TV viewing experiences. Just by rotating the smartphone that has been mirrored to the TV, the TV screen smoothly transitions between horizontal and vertical compositions. This ingenious result has been made possible through the audacious pursuit of the trends in creation and consumption of mobile contents . The versatile TV screen is equipped with a high-performing speaker that enhances the viewing experience to be more immersive, helping users enjoy their contents in the most optimized environment. What needs to be watched horizontally will stay horizontal, and what needs to be watched vertically can stay vertical. There are now no limitations to how you watch your favorite contents.
Learn more about the The Sero here.
Today’s generation is more accustomed to watching content on a mobile device rather than the TV. Samsung Electronics introduced a vertical TV screen with The Sero, opening a new chapter for TV viewing experiences. Just by rotating the smartphone that has been mirrored to the TV, the TV screen smoothly transitions between horizontal and vertical compositions. This ingenious result has been made possible through the audacious pursuit of the trends in creation and consumption of mobile contents . The versatile TV screen is equipped with a high-performing speaker that enhances the viewing experience to be more immersive, helping users enjoy their contents in the most optimized environment. What needs to be watched horizontally will stay horizontal, and what needs to be watched vertically can stay vertical. There are now no limitations to how you watch your favorite contents.
Learn more about the The Sero here.
Transcending the Limits of the Display
As smartphone screens grew larger, we once imagined what it would be like if we could fold the big display. That imagination became a reality with the Galaxy Fold. This unprecedented device that easily folds and unfolds the display paved the path to an unexplored realm known as the foldable phone. It has completely changed the way we use smartphones and watch contents on the screen, leading users to a new world. The intuitive and simple One UI brings further completion to the innovation of the foldable phone. The cover display that is shown when the phone is folded seamlessly transitions to the main display that is revealed when the phone is opened, offering uninterrupted usability. As a result, users can interact with the innovative features of this revolutionary device without trouble.
Learn more about the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G here.
As smartphone screens grew larger, we once imagined what it would be like if we could fold the big display. That imagination became a reality with the Galaxy Fold. This unprecedented device that easily folds and unfolds the display paved the path to an unexplored realm known as the foldable phone. It has completely changed the way we use smartphones and watch contents on the screen, leading users to a new world. The intuitive and simple One UI brings further completion to the innovation of the foldable phone. The cover display that is shown when the phone is folded seamlessly transitions to the main display that is revealed when the phone is opened, offering uninterrupted usability. As a result, users can interact with the innovative features of this revolutionary device without trouble.
Learn more about the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G here.
Blending Smoothly into Our Lives
Offering one right function that works perfectly for me instead of various other functions, while naturally harmonizing with a space that reflects my personal tastes. The Wind-Free Air Conditioner lives and breathes with the lifestyle of its user. The lower panel’s material and color can be selected to fit the interior of your home as if you would choose high quality furniture to bring class to your living space. The simple and emotional UX also establishes the air conditioner as an integral part of its space rather than just another appliance. The Aurora Lighting expresses the characteristics of different functions in unique ways, like the sensation of breathing for the Cooling Mode or the dispersing of water droplets for the Dehumidify Mode, conveying much-needed information to users in a concise language. From its exterior to the way it displays information, the user-centered design and thoughtful considerations are filled with details and friendly intentions.
Offering one right function that works perfectly for me instead of various other functions, while naturally harmonizing with a space that reflects my personal tastes. The Wind-Free Air Conditioner lives and breathes with the lifestyle of its user. The lower panel’s material and color can be selected to fit the interior of your home as if you would choose high quality furniture to bring class to your living space. The simple and emotional UX also establishes the air conditioner as an integral part of its space rather than just another appliance. The Aurora Lighting expresses the characteristics of different functions in unique ways, like the sensation of breathing for the Cooling Mode or the dispersing of water droplets for the Dehumidify Mode, conveying much-needed information to users in a concise language. From its exterior to the way it displays information, the user-centered design and thoughtful considerations are filled with details and friendly intentions.
We wish you a Happy New Moment!
Samsung Design Philosophy, which served a pivotal role that connected Samsung designers from all around the world since 1996 when it was first instated, has seen several variations over the course of time but always had a consistent point of focus. It was always about the ‘user’.
Samsung designers’ relentless efforts to inspire users are evident in their design philosophy slogan ‘Be Bold. Resonate with Soul.’ This slogan is Samsung’s vision on delivering original and delightful user experiences. The designers first start with paying close attention and tap into what users need, becoming part of where they are going. The goal of Samsung designers is to personalize the experiences of users based on their unique habits, routines, lifestyles. This is achieved through making bold decisions, sharing ideas and fostering change. They deliver with authenticity that comes from supporting a cause.
Samsung design desires to pioneer a better world through new discoveries and challenges. Their utmost efforts to have deep and meaningful impact to the lives of users through innovations will carry on into the future.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Unfolding the Future
Resilient leadership: how to manage through crisis
INSPIRATION
Resilient leadership:
how to manage through crisis
COVID-19 has caused us to dramatically rethink the way we work, learn and interact. As we continue to move forward, we must be resilient and find new ways to stay connected and engaged.
Joseph Stinziano, Executive Vice President of Consumer Electronics and Rutgers alumnus, recently participated in the Rutgers Business School Signature Leadership Series webinar “Resilient Leadership: How to Manage Through Crisis” moderated by fellow Rutgers alum and Samsung’s Senior Vice President of Consumer Retail Sales, Phil Cohn.
During the webinar, Stinziano shared his thoughts on how to best assemble an effective team, how COVID has impacted all aspects of personal and professional life and how leaders can best connect with their teams during the ‘new normal.’
Watch the whole webinar here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Watch the whole webinar here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Unfolding the Future
What women’s equality means at Samsung
INSPIRATION
What women’s equality means at Samsung
Samsung Electronics America’s unwavering commitment to women’s equality is evidenced by the action we take to create positive change both within our organization and in the communities where we live. That action is reflected across the board from our citizenship programs that foster girls’ interest in STEM to our Women in Samsung Electronics (WISE) ERG, a network created to promote and encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.
One hundred years ago, you did not have the right to vote in the U.S. if you were a woman. Women’s Equality Day celebrates the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted some women the right to vote on August 26, 1920. The remaining barriers preventing women of color from voting were eradicated 45 years later as a result of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
As we approach the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, there is much to celebrate and reflect on, including the determination of the passionate women and men who participated in the women’s suffrage movement. In fact, that hard-fought movement is not too dissimilar to what we are experiencing today, and highlights the continued efforts by women, as well as other marginalized communities, to achieve full equality.
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Unfolding the Future
Investment Insights: Precious Metals & Commodities
INSPIRATION
Investment Insights:
Precious Metals & Commodities
David J. Mitchell, Founding Partner of Auctus Metals Portfolios, on the pockets of opportunity to hedge your investments against uncertainty
by Jamie Nonis
In times of crisis, precious metals and gold, in particular, have long been regarded as safe haven investments. But in crisis also lies opportunity. Should investors therefore be prioritising wealth preservation? Or should you be looking to grow your portfolio with high-return investment products in this macroeconomic climate?
In this exclusive interview, David J. Mitchell, Founding Partner of Auctus Metals Portfolios and Managing Director of Indigo Precious Metals Group, provides rich insight into the asset classes investors should be including in their portfolios – and those to avoid – against the backdrop of rather lacklustre economic fundamentals.
According to Mitchell, a host of factors including seismic inflation in equity and housing markets, a growing global debt crisis (already 350% of global GDP) during an earnings recession and record US unemployment since the Great Depression, have pushed markets into “extreme overvaluation bubble territory”.
Coupled with continued and artificial support of asset markets through quantitative easing (QE) measures, Mitchell believes the world is heading into “the worst monetary debasement in recorded economic history”. The repercussions of diminishing confidence in the value of currency are immense, and a new monetary system may even be on the horizon, he predicts.
This could mean a greater move towards cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and with trades being increasingly performed via a mobile device, a feature like Samsung Knox becomes even more essential for a trader like Mitchell. “I’m a very active trader; I tend to trade the foreign exchange markets, various equities, the precious metals markets, and I use my mobile device,” he confirms.
Built into the phone’s hardware, the defence-grade security platform trusted by security experts and government agencies worldwide is designed to protect your data from theft and unauthorised access from the moment you turn on your device. It has its own security certification, which ensures that applications are always running on a trusted platform while biometric authentication provides an additional layer of security by restricting data access to you alone.
Many Samsung phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, are secured by Knox so you can have peace of mind making trades on-the-go with Samsung Knox.
Now, how much of your investment portfolio should cryptocurrencies and other asset classes including physical precious metals comprise?
Read on for David’s expert recommendations.
Given your economic analysis and investment outlook, which instruments and sectors should investors be looking at right now?
Stock markets will continue to rise, even though that doesn’t make any sense as far as valuation models are concerned. What I’m suggesting is to be very sector-specific.
Stock markets will continue to rise, even though that doesn’t make any sense as far as valuation models are concerned. What I’m suggesting is to be very sector-specific.
Commodities are moving towards the start of a super-cycle – an extremely strong and very long upward swing in price over the next 10 to 12 years – as a result of new policy direction moving towards a massive fiscal debt driven increase in infrastructure spend globally. Europe, UK and the USA have already announced this policy direction, which requires commodities that are already facing structural supply – demand deficits and the price resolutions will instigate higher prices. Commodities will be required to build roads, bridges, telecommunications networks, power stations, electric grid expansion, new hydrogen energy grid systems, etc, and they’ll need raw materials including copper, aluminium, steel, etc. We’re probably six months away from the start of this but when it starts, it’s going to be like a juggernaut and it’s going to be unstoppable.
And because we’re in a monetary debasement event in which they’re actively destroying the value of currencies, the prices of the commodities complex will rise. So as far as sectors are concerned, my advice is to stick to agriculture and agricultural production – not the outlets that sell food to customers, but the actual guys who produce the stuff. Water; general commodity production; royalty streaming companies. Platinum, gold, silver; the full array of metals. There are also numerous opportunities in rare earths.
Stay out of the banking sector entirely. Technology stocks are way overvalued at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of technology and I love the latest gadgets but the technology sector is very overvalued at the moment.
I would stay well clear of property markets. Again, do not mistake me, everyone’s got to live somewhere. There’s been a huge global infrastructure overbuild in housing driven by overzealous developers and extreme debt leverage, and this is unsupported by the present debt dynamics within a major earnings recession.
So the investment strategy right now should be all about wealth preservation, and I would suggest that precious metals are leading the way; they are what we describe as the pointy-end of the spear indicating the direction of where the global monetary system is going, and clearly moving into the next super-cycle in commodities.
Should investors go overweight on precious metals right now?
Yes. Wealth and hedge fund managers typically advise a 5-10% allocation in precious metals, but that advice relates to a normal economic cycle. We’re not in the normal part of the cycle any longer. The investment case for the bond markets is a disaster. Corporate and sovereign debt issuance is at an all-time highs and rising; we’ve never seen it this high as a percentage of GDP. We’ve got debt dynamics that are unsupportable in an earnings recession (a severe global debt crisis); overvaluations in the stock markets; the housing market is heading sharply down; currencies are being debased, and the banks’ balance sheets are recognised as severely at risk or in a great many cases insolvent when applying good accounting.
Yes. Wealth and hedge fund managers typically advise a 5-10% allocation in precious metals, but that advice relates to a normal economic cycle. We’re not in the normal part of the cycle any longer. The investment case for the bond markets is a disaster. Corporate and sovereign debt issuance is at an all-time highs and rising; we’ve never seen it this high as a percentage of GDP. We’ve got debt dynamics that are unsupportable in an earnings recession (a severe global debt crisis); overvaluations in the stock markets; the housing market is heading sharply down; currencies are being debased, and the banks’ balance sheets are recognised as severely at risk or in a great many cases insolvent when applying good accounting.
That doesn’t leave that many options. I’m not saying to go 80-90% in metals, though my family trust is. Within your individual portfolio, calculate what you feel comfortable with and remember the importance of preserving your wealth at this stage of the cycle.
You’ve got the likes of Bank of America saying gold is going to be US$3,500 within the next 18 months. That’s a very easy call to make. I don’t know if gold is going to be US$3,500 in 18 months’ time exactly, but gold is definitely going to be US$3,500 in the near future [a doubling from where it is today]; be it 20 months or two-and-a-half years from now. It’s definitely going in that direction. It’s unavoidable. I’ve been in this game as a professional money manager, investor, trader and head of the proprietary risk desks for some of the world's largest investment banks for 35 years now, and this is the easiest investment trade I’ve ever seen. Because we’re walking into a direct global monetary debasement of the currency system.
What percentage of an investor’s portfolio should precious metals then comprise?
At Auctus Metal Portfolios, we’ve built up a number of algorithms to process an enormous amount of data and it’s an active and diversified investment portfolio across gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium – we don’t just buy a pile of physical gold, stick it in the vault and forget about it – we actively re-weight the client's physical metals within their own wholly segregated and fully allocated vaults recognising pricing anomalies and trend changes to generate a clear outperformance (alpha return) over and above gold.
At Auctus Metal Portfolios, we’ve built up a number of algorithms to process an enormous amount of data and it’s an active and diversified investment portfolio across gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium – we don’t just buy a pile of physical gold, stick it in the vault and forget about it – we actively re-weight the client's physical metals within their own wholly segregated and fully allocated vaults recognising pricing anomalies and trend changes to generate a clear outperformance (alpha return) over and above gold.
Our clients are currently weighted in just under 2% of gold currently even though we are expecting gold to double within the next two to three years. Why? Because the other metals have a much higher prognosis for price appreciation; and we’re calling for roughly 500% revaluation in platinum and 350% in silver from here.
What I would suggest for a liquid and defensive or conservative portfolio is to hold at least 30% of your wealth in physical precious metals. For a static holding of metals, we'd recommend to weight your portfolio as possible: 10% gold, 35% silver and 55% platinum.
The minimum investment in Auctus Metal Portfolios is SGD$250,000 however with Indigo Precious Metals Group there is no minimum at all, and we have many first-time investors in metals coming to us now.
What are your thoughts on gold-backed exchange traded funds (ETFs) that are more accessible to retail investors?
We’re walking into a global solvency event so physical asset ownership is going to be critical. Within this historically important period, I personally would not invest in an ETF. An ETF is a financial derivative product with no physical backing per se as the metals are predominantly held with sub-custodians who are involved in re-hypothecation policies with no physical audit requirements. I’ve read the prospectuses of these instruments in great detail and written into them is a force majeure clause; so they can basically close it down at any time and simply say, “This is the settling closed price, so we will settle your account in full at these prices” even though gold has and continues to go up. Meanwhile, everyone’s missed that huge [upwards] move.
We’re walking into a global solvency event so physical asset ownership is going to be critical. Within this historically important period, I personally would not invest in an ETF. An ETF is a financial derivative product with no physical backing per se as the metals are predominantly held with sub-custodians who are involved in re-hypothecation policies with no physical audit requirements. I’ve read the prospectuses of these instruments in great detail and written into them is a force majeure clause; so they can basically close it down at any time and simply say, “This is the settling closed price, so we will settle your account in full at these prices” even though gold has and continues to go up. Meanwhile, everyone’s missed that huge [upwards] move.
ETFs are a trading vehicle only and this is how they have been predominantly designed; they are not a wealth preservation asset class. So a clear distinction needs to be made.
How about cryptocurrencies at this stage of the game?
I think a diversification to bitcoin is probably wise. Personally, I would suggest not more than a 5% allocation to bitcoin, but that really depends on your own personal belief system and understanding of the legal frameworks and risks involved. Do not hold currency in the bank. Whilst that used to be considered risk-averse, it is now quite the opposite.
I think a diversification to bitcoin is probably wise. Personally, I would suggest not more than a 5% allocation to bitcoin, but that really depends on your own personal belief system and understanding of the legal frameworks and risks involved. Do not hold currency in the bank. Whilst that used to be considered risk-averse, it is now quite the opposite.
What is the timeframe in which you see this entire cycle playing out?
As far as when you’re going to see these spectacular moves, they tend to move very, very slowly [at first] and then all at once. The old rule of thumb is that you will see 80% of the move in the last 20% of the timeframe.
As far as when you’re going to see these spectacular moves, they tend to move very, very slowly [at first] and then all at once. The old rule of thumb is that you will see 80% of the move in the last 20% of the timeframe.
For example, if you look at gold between 1971 and 1980, it started off at around $35. In 1974, it went up to $200. In 1976, it went back down to $100 again. Then from the latter part of 1976 to 1980, it went from $100 to $850; a very big move in a very short period of time. Same with silver.
If you look at the property market, it’s approximately a 52-year cycle. There are a lot of ups and downs as no market goes in a straight line, but if you look at the last 20% of the past 52 years, you can see that property markets from Singapore to New York, Sydney and London have gone completely parabolic.
The US, for example, has unemployment levels today matching the 1930s and double the levels seen in the peak of the Global Financial Crisis of 2007 to 2009, obviously triggered by Covid-19. They’ve also got a catastrophic debt picture, although I have to say Europe looks very much in worse condition and the UK is not far behind. This is very much a global phenomenon.
Their last yearly recorded budget deficit in the USA was US$3.1 trillion. At the height of the Global Financial Crisis under President Obama, the budget deficit blew out to US$1.4 trillion. It has recently been doubled so debt trajectories are very clear here, and this is before the new and truly gargantuan fiscal expenditure policies have been fully announced.
China meanwhile, has a US$1.5 trillion equivalent shadow banking crisis of non-performing loans. That’s truly enormous. It’s building bridges everywhere, it’s building whole towns and cities which are ghost towns. The bubble is already bursting. But these things tend to stretch out much longer than ever anticipated.
We are in a global monetary debasement event and 2022 to 2024 will be the epicentre of this. Based on a number of different technical analyses; bond market analysis, capital flow analysis and debt dynamic analysis, etc.
It's very much now looking like a new monetary system will materialise soon. People may think that’s rather dramatic but if we look at the last 300 to 400 years, the average life of a monetary system is only 40 years. This current monetary system started in 1971 and it’s nearly 2021 now; it is already 50 years old. It’s very dated and you can see the many cracks aggressively developing in the dam. The cracks are literally everywhere to be seen.
If we have not moved into a new monetary system [by 2024], that means our global policy leaders will have once again kicked the proverbial can down the road. That, in my opinion, is going to be truly horrific. We don’t want to see that happen because that means a global depression, although my analysis is more accurately pointing to stagflation. That leads to severe repercussions for everybody, especially the middle classes and pensioners who will see the most negative feedback loop in balancing their budgets. I’m afraid that’s all rather doom and gloom and I apologise, but it is what it is.
Find out more about Knox here.
Find out more about Knox here.
The views and opinions expressed in the article or video are those of the content contributors and do not reflect the official policy or position of Samsung. Any content provided by our content contributors are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, organisation, company or individual.
About David J. Mitchell
David J. Mitchell is the Founding Partner of Auctus Metals Portfolios and Managing Director of Indigo Precious Metals Group with 35 years experience working for some of the world’s largest and most renowned banks. Connect with David on LinkedIn.
About Jamie Nonis
Jamie Nonis is an independent journalist with two decades of experience interviewing esteemed artistes, world-class athletes and influential captains of industry including Olympic champion Joseph Schooling and Singapore President Mdm Halimah Yacob. Jamie’s work has been published in Channel NewsAsia Luxury and Tatler Singapore amongst other top-tier luxury lifestyle publications. Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn.
David J. Mitchell is the Founding Partner of Auctus Metals Portfolios and Managing Director of Indigo Precious Metals Group with 35 years experience working for some of the world’s largest and most renowned banks. Connect with David on LinkedIn.
About Jamie Nonis
Jamie Nonis is an independent journalist with two decades of experience interviewing esteemed artistes, world-class athletes and influential captains of industry including Olympic champion Joseph Schooling and Singapore President Mdm Halimah Yacob. Jamie’s work has been published in Channel NewsAsia Luxury and Tatler Singapore amongst other top-tier luxury lifestyle publications. Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn.
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Samsung Unveils Compact Core to Spur Private 5G Network Evolution
INSPIRATION
Samsung Unveils Compact Core to
Spur Private 5G Network Evolution
Samsung Electronics. Co. Ltd. today announced its Compact Core solution, which will help enable the swift deployment and efficient operation of private 4G and 5G networks for enterprises. Samsung’s cloud-native and fully-containerised Compact Core will help accelerate business transformation to Industry 4.0 by serving as the backbone of a flexible, reliable private network for enterprises of all kinds. The Samsung Compact Core will be available globally later this year.
The solution will support a range of enterprises including smart factories, shipyards, steel plants and R&D complexes. The Compact Core can run on any x86 commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) server and fits any enterprise deployment environment.
Some key benefits of the Samsung Compact Core are:
- “All in One Box” Configuration
The product houses all of the core network functions (NFs) and management systems required to run a private network in a “one box” configuration. Using single-server hardware, it provides optimal capacity and throughput required for enterprise users. - Common Core Functionality
It includes both 4G and 5G core NFs, which means it can operate as a 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) or 5G Standalone (SA) core, while enabling a seamless migration without hardware replacements. The Compact Core can run as both 4G and 5G cores simultaneously. - Simplified Deployment and Operation
The Compact Core is suitable for enterprises seeking quick deployments and less complex operations. Enterprises can take advantage of Samsung’s remote management capabilities applied in the deployment and operation phases, including installation, configuration, provisioning, software upgrades and updates and account management. It brings simplicity, requiring less technical knowledge or intervention from those who run the private network.
“We are excited to introduce our new and advanced core solution to help enterprises achieve quick deployment, easy management and cost-efficient operation of their private networks,” said Sohyong Chong, Vice President and Head of Core R&D, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Whether a business is evolving to 5G or seeking to optimise communications with 4G, we look forward to providing our Compact Core to drive private network evolution.”
The Samsung Compact Core—along with its leading end-to-end 5G solutions for mid-band and mmWave spectrums—will be a key component to power flexible and reliable private 5G networks.
Samsung Networks is a pioneer in the successful delivery of 5G end-to-end solutions including chipset, radio and core network technologies. The company supported the launch of 5G commercial services in leading markets, including Korea and the U.S., where the majority of worldwide 5G subscribers are located, and is supporting the expansion of 5G in Japan. In addition, the company is rapidly expanding its global footprint in new markets, including Canada and New Zealand.
Find out how Samsung 5G revolutionises the way you live, here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Find out how Samsung 5G revolutionises the way you live, here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Samsung Networks Leader, Mark Louison on 5G’s Imperative for the Next Normal
INSPIRATION
Samsung Networks Leader, Mark Louison
on 5G’s Imperative for the Next Normal
As a leader in delivering a trusted end-to-end 5G solutions—from chips to networks to devices, and now services—Samsung is advancing the expansion of 5G for a broader audience. In this Q&A, Mark Louison, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks Division offers his perspective on how Samsung is innovating and investing to meet the 5G demands for the ‘next normal.’
What has been the impact of the pandemic
on digital transformation?
While most companies were already investing in their digital transformation efforts, the pandemic has accelerated the transition to a new way of living and working online. Out of necessity, many of our off-line experiences have quickly become digitised and we expect much of this digital consumer behaviour to stick moving forward.
As such, businesses and consumers need a network and devices that can do more and bring greater possibilities for a reimagined future. We need reliable, responsive connections—in both dense cities and open rural areas—during a time when we are most detached from one another. There’s also a need for greater capacity to support more devices on our networks.
5G is laying the groundwork for our digital future — one where we believe that every company is going to be a 5G-enabled company. They are going to need the high speeds, instant responsiveness, and massive IoT capabilities of 5G to set and reach new, previously unattainable goals. It’s more than just an upgrade, it’s a critical infrastructure for the way we work and live.
Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long to access 5G’s vast capacity and speed. According to an IDC report, LTE and 5G RAN spending will grow from $23.4 billion in 2018 to $26.0 billion in 2022. With support for up to a million devices per square kilometre, speeds that are 20x faster than 4G, and super-low 1ms latency, 5G meets our expanding digital needs.
What capabilities will 5G bring to improve
our lives for this ‘next normal’?
We’ve experienced first-hand how important network connectivity is this year—with traffic increasing by double-digit percentages, rivalling the voice calls of Mother’s Day and the texting of New Year’s Eve. This surging network demand is here to stay and it’s now our everyday standard. To that end, we see three areas where 5G will continue to bring improvements to our lives:
- Capacity + Throughput
Not only are we using multiple devices on a home network, but we’re all using data-intensive video apps at the same time. Today, this can be a lagging, jittery experience. When 5G networks reach full speeds in the near future, more people will be able to simultaneously connect to the network and maintain high throughput. - High Speed + Low Latency
5G’s speed and latency will enhance the real-time video streams needed for everything from virtual doctor appointments and online classes to supporting engineers working in the field. For an engineer making a precise repair remotely with a robotic assistant, they need to have confidence that there’s no lag in the video or remote control. With 5G, engineers can increase productivity, efficiency and safety while on the job. - Reach + Reliability
As broadband access becomes more essential, there will be a heightened focus on reaching underserved areas. We’re already working to bring 5G mobile and broadband services to rural areas, while increasing reliability with the next network buildout.
How is Samsung investing to
meet this 5G demand?
Our investments span a variety of technologies, at a component, device and network element level across 5G that are showing up in the form of recent recognition on our 5G patents, and we expect to continue to set the pace in this arena with innovations to support the major U.S. carriers’ 5G initiatives.
For instance, this year we expect to see more advancements in bringing 5G indoors. Our newly-branded portfolio of 5G in-building products—Samsung Link—will provide operators with solutions that support a range of indoor applications based on spectrum requirements — across high, mid and low-band. This will extend 5G cellular service into places where the public gathers, like shopping centres or stadiums, or enable 5G private networks inside manufacturing facilities, hospitals or sports arenas. Indoor 5G is an essential building block for the 5G future, and we are leading the way with our partners. In fact, Verizon will be the first U.S. carrier to deploy our solutions very soon.
Another area of innovation is a rural deployment where 5G is crucial. With our 5G-upgradeable CBRS fixed wireless access network support for AT&T in rural areas, we’re empowering underserved communities with a reliable service. Operators from wireless to cable are expressing interest in fixed wireless access via 5G or 5G-ready CBRS solutions.
With the surge in network usage from families working and learning from home, carriers need to be able to quickly deploy network resources to meet the shifting requirements of businesses and consumers. We’re investing in a fully-virtualised 5G Radio Access Network (vRAN) solution to meet these demands by empowering operators to accelerate 5G to the masses, offering a more cost-effective, agile way to deploy and manage 5G networks — and it’s commercially available now.
Can you share some 5G customer
use case examples?
We’ve pioneered numerous 5G industry case studies that demonstrate the power of leveraging 5G’s low latency and high capacity for delivering high-quality, lag-free experiences.
Stadiums are one area where we see lots of potential for 5G to change the game, and when people get back to live entertainment, we think 5G will start to deliver on new, immersive experiences. Early on, we completed Samsung Link to deliver 4K streaming on fifty 5G-enabled tablets at a baseball stadium to enable viewers to see full 360-degree visuals of players at-bat, for instance. We also worked with AT&T to test new ways for 5G to enhance live broadcasts with exciting viewing angles. For instance, we streamed courtside NBA action from a fan’s perspective using S10 5G devices, which leveraged AT&T’s high-speed 5G+ network to transmit to a production truck and run coverage live on ESPN3. This not only enhances the in-stadium experience but also brings the fan at home closer to the action in the venues.
Last year, we collaborated with AT&T to see how 5G can help U.S. smart factories through research at the Samsung Austin Semiconductor (SAS) facility. The facility is 2.3 million square feet in size, the equivalent of roughly 40 football fields, and as you can imagine, that requires a large amount of sensors. We envision a 5G future where thousands of sensors share data on a 5G network to help the facility increase production efficiency and employee safety. For example, with our Automated Material Handling use case, we showed an automated production rail system with IoT sensors and 4K video cameras. Through IoT sensors providing tool data, engineers can remotely inspect and monitor the system without impacting production — and take preventative action early.
We’ve learned that investing in evolving networks is more important than ever. Looking ahead, we’re focused on optimising 5G experiences for everybody — by expanding where it can be accessed and what it can do.
Find out how Samsung 5G revolutionises the way you live, here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Find out how Samsung 5G revolutionises the way you live, here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Say hello to the brand new Galaxy Z Flip 5G
BRAND INNOVATION
Say hello to the brand new Galaxy Z Flip 5G
The start of 2020 saw the Galaxy Z Flip being introduced to the world. Now, say hello to its more powerful sibling: the Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
1
Next generation performance
Looks can be deceiving: the Galaxy Z Flip 5G is an understated powerhouse that fits in the palm of your hand. With blazing trails-speed, next-level power, sharper images and graphics, your on-device processing is likely to raise your efficiency and performance so much that head hunters may be alerted.
2
Elevated design & style
Keeping its signature sleek and bold form, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G would be the most stylish and compact 5G-enabled foldable device to date. Available in two new premium colours of Mystic Gray and Mystic Bronze, you’d appreciate its all-glass haze finish that minimises fingerprints. Nice touch indeed.
3
Improved foldable experience
The new Galaxy Z Flip 5G adds more flex to the fold with upgraded features so you can do it all, all at once. The improved experience can enhance your everyday.
Learn more about the Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
Learn more about the Galaxy Z Flip 5G.
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Samsung x IBM: paving the way to 5G
BRAND INNOVATION
Samsung x IBM:
paving the way to 5G
The most highly-anticipated innovation in tech—5G, or fifth generation mobile network—is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.
Its next-level power is said to be the pipeline through which emerging technologies Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) are converging. However, executing this and expanding it across all industries seamlessly is not an easy feat.
This challenge is what prompted IBM and Samsung to come together in 2019 to forge a collaborative platform for 5G and AI-powered enterprise solutions. Through thorough explorations of industry use cases, they aim to create an overarching ecosystem that seamlessly combines and accelerates AI, mobile devices, and robotics through the 5th generation network as part of Singapore’s Digital Economy efforts.
Singapore is embracing the 5G future and has committed to rolling out 5G standalone networks to provide coverage for at least half of Singapore by the end of 2022, with a goal to achieve nationwide coverage by the end of 2025.
Enabling customers to achieve a whole new level of productivity, intelligence, and connectivity has always been Samsung’s core goal. With this aim in mind and the brand’s leading innovative devices, the main focus now is on partnerships with other industry peers to bring these new experiences to life.
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Why digital security is more important than ever
BRAND INNOVATION
Why digital security is more important than ever
With faster networks (5G), machine learning, intuitive devices and our reluctance to disconnect, Technology dominates our lives. Are we talking Terminator-Skynet stuff? Not quite yet. But it doesn’t hurt to review your digital footprint from time to time.
1
They’re watching us – always.
Ever wondered how your browsing history (like that limited-edition sneaker) seems to follow you around the web? Or worse, a brand or label you mentioned within earshot of your device suddenly pops up as a digital banner or promotional offer? It’s no coincidence. Your internet searches are not private and, more often than not, are up for sale. If you value your privacy, stop ‘checking into’ places (e.g. food photos, boarding passes, concert tickets are an ego boost but also reveal your movements/life patterns), clear your cache and cookies regularly, browse incognito and in extreme instances, use a virtual private network (VPN). Remember, what you share of yourself online is what unsavoury individuals get to work with against you. Being understated isn’t just cooler, it’s safer too.
2
A ‘phish-y’ tale
Getting emails from Nigerian royalty promising riches has gone from being ‘exclusive’ to becoming a parody and yet, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that US$1.2 billion is lost through phishing scams every year (making the Nigerian royalty even richer). While service providers do their bit to filter suspicious emails (e.g. Gmail will verify Brand emails soon), plenty of phishing emails still slip through the cracks. Be sure to read all your mails, starting with the sender’s address followed by the subject line before clicking on any links or opening any attachments. Unless, of course, you are directly related to Nigerian royalty.
3
The search goes wrong
As long as you’ve used the Internet, consider yourself on the grid. Your usage and search history becomes data that are stored in a cloud somewhere. Now imagine if someone can use your search history from eons ago to paint a particular picture of yourself for whatever reason? It is possible. Hackers need just three verified pieces of information (e.g. your birth date, postal code, IP address) to set any grey activity into motion. So avoid accessing critical information over public networks, never leave your device unattended and check on what permissions you have given to which app regularly. Send hackers around in circles.
4
The internet never forgets
Anything and everything that you’ve said (even in jest), every photo you’ve been tagged to, every article or file with your name on it will forever be accessible on the Internet. Even ‘deleted files’ can be restored easily. Remember your digital security is in your own hands first before you leverage the privacy and protection of systems like Samsung Knox.
Want to know how you can maximise your digital security? Read on.
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Fashion meets Technology; they elope in glee.
BRAND INNOVATION
Fashion meets Technology; they elope in glee.
Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen was the first person to send a 3D-printed haute couture garment down the runway.
Janet Cooke Hansen, President and chief Fashion Engineer of Enlighted Designs, Inc. created a suit of hundreds of LED-coloured stripes for Matthew Bellamy, lead singer of Muse, during their Resistance tour.
Using recent and new technologies the fashion industry has been pushing the envelope for a while now with masks that are a perfect fit using 3D scanning, 3D printed shoes, clothes that display ‘print’ words from Twitter and other sources interactively on the fabric.
In fact, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston commissioned a version of the ‘Twitter dress’. Visitors can send tweets from their phones, or artworks from the museum’s collection that will then appear across the 10,000 micro-LEDs in the dress’s fabric (and it’s machine-washable).
The Museum also commissioned a dress by Pauline van Dongen that is embedded with solar panels to charge a mobile phone after two hours in the sun. A top-and-shorts ensemble by Ying Gao covered in dressmaker pins that move in shimmering, undulating fashion when voice-activated. The awe-inspiring examples go on.
“We’re trying to present both the present and future of fashion,” says Michelle Finamore, one of the curators of the Boston exhibition. “These new technologies are having an effect not only on the way designers design, but also on the way we interact with fashion.”
Summed up in a unassuming hashtag, ‘#techstyle’, it would appear Fashion and Technology have been ‘a happy couple’ for some time now. And it isn’t just the fashion designers who are designing the future look or accessory.
The famed MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – for example, has different programmes and projects dedicated at the studies of wearable computing and inter-connection with designers and scientists for creating new concept of wearable technologies in fashion, sport, health and everyday life.
Samsung, the biggest mobile phone manufacturer in the world, has also embraced this conscious coupling of fashion and tech by updating a retro form – the clamshell phone – into the uber cool Galaxy Z Flip. And it has struck a note, and look.
The US Product Management Head, Drew Blackard, said, “This is a fashion phone first. It’s for ‘people who want to stand out’. In some sense, there isn’t a demographic for that. It’s more a psychographic of people who love fashion and want to stand out.”
Samsung UK marketing honcho Rebecca Hirst, who presented the Galaxy Z Flip at the company’s Unpacked, pitched it as a bragworthy luxury item.
She called it a ‘statement smartphone’ and announced a special edition of the phone resulting from a partnership between Samsung and Thom Browne, a designer who is widely recognised for challenging and modernising the ordinary, whose creations include $500 T-shirts and $4000 hiking boots.
Maybe fashion and technology were meant to be all along?
Reference: Digicult / New York Times / Fast Company / Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Power your work and play with the new Galaxy
BRAND INNOVATION
Power your work and play with the new Galaxy
The Galaxy Unpacked event introduced the world to Samsung’s latest: Galaxy Note20 | Note20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Tab S7 | S7+ 5G, Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Watch3, and Galaxy Z Fold2 5G. Discover how and why these power-packed offerings are perfect for the new norm.
1
A new era unfolds with Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
Meet the most advanced foldable to ever change the shape of the future.
Featuring cutting-edge technology with powerful performance, foldable 7.6-inch display and all-day battery, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is a next-level smartphone that lets you experience power like never before. Learn more
2
This is Galaxy Note20 | Note20 Ultra 5G
The Galaxy Note20 is every inch a noteworthy smartphone, complete with an intuitive S Pen that can boost your productivity while giving the creative individual in you some much-deserved time out. It’s a mini computer in your pocket and a next level gaming console in your hand. Power your work, power your play, power your day.Learn more
3
Tab dance your way through your ‘To Do’ list
Meet Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ 5G, the tablet that can give you an immersive experience like never before – from doing your budgets to binge-watching K-dramas. With a Keyboard Cover*, transform your Tab into a PC-like workstation while its S Pen will have you writing your next success story. Tab to work. And play. Learn more
*Keyboard Cover sold separately.
4
Introducing Galaxy Buds Live
Say hello to our latest earbuds, designed to tune into any moment and tune out the world. With a new, iconic shape and ergonomic design, the Buds Live goes beyond a new world of sound. It’s a galaxy of harmony.
It’s sound, made for your ears.
Learn more
5
Watch. And learn.
Health gets an upgrade with our most advanced wearable yet. Announcing Galaxy Watch3, the premium smartwatch that puts your wellbeing in your hands. With state-of-the-art health technology, it’s a watch that will watch out for you.Learn more
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Democratisation of 5G by Samsung
BRAND INNOVATION
Democratisation of 5G by Samsung
5G smartphones contributed to only 1% of global market share in 2019 and consumers are eager for a new mobile experience as Samsung looks to expand its 5G portfolio, bringing next-generation technology globally. 2020 is to be the breakout year, despite the pandemic as consumers look forward to not just faster mobile internet, but also connectivity to the world for both work and play. Here’s a look at the evolution through the years.
2010 – 2018: Open Collaboration
Through most part of the decade, Samsung has transformed our lives by bringing 5G from the lab to real life by working closely with carrier partners, regulatory groups and government agencies to develop the best 5G experience possible.
2019: Samsung Democratises 5G
Samsung shipped more than 6.7 million Galaxy 5G smartphones global, offering consumers five Galaxy 5G devices, including the Galaxy S10 5G, Note10 5G, Note10+ 5G, Galaxy A90 5G and Galaxy Fold 5G. This achieved several historical milestones including providing network equipment for the world’s first 5G commercial service in Korea as well as working closely with global carrier partners to expand 5G networks and introduce 5G experiences and use cases.
“Samsung has been one of the leading players catalysing the 5G market development in 2019 with end-to-end 5G offerings from 3GPP standards contribution, semiconductors, mobile devices to networking equipment. With tremendous 5G growth opportunities on the horizon, Samsung, over the next decade, is in a great position to capitalise by further investing and building on the early lead and momentum.” – Neil Shah, VP of Research, Counterpoint Research
2020: Year of Galaxy 5G
Samsung continues to lead the market in 5G innovation with the introduction of new advancements. By offering ultra-fast speed together with the power, performance and security of Galaxy 5G devices, it gives users access to premium mobile experiences which is changing the way we watch and interact with movies, TV and sports, play games. Not to mention, how we would communicate with our friends and family.
“For Samsung, 2020 will be the year of Galaxy 5G and we are excited to bring 5G to even more device categories and introduce people to mobile experiences they never thought possible.” – TM Roh, President and Head of Research and Development, IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics.
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Energy-efficient memory technology, the way of the future
BRAND INNOVATION
Energy-efficient memory technology, the way of the future
Did you know that a single Google search uses the same amount of energy needed to light a standard LED light bulb? 1
That may not sound like a lot but just think how often you search the web in a day, in a week and in a year. Then, multiply that number by the world’s population.
Many of us take the environmental impact of technology for granted because the digital cloud is ‘invisible’. But the energy spent on searching for and collecting data on a daily basis is astounding.
Streaming a one-hour episode online uses the same amount of energy (most of which are non-renewable) to power a light bulb for over five days. Using IT-related services accounts for as much carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the entire airline industry according to a report by Greenpeace.2 That is a shocking piece of statistic that most of us are unaware of. And our planet bears the brunt of the effects of this ignorance.
It is estimated that by 2025, 163 zettabytes (ZB) of data would be generated worldwide. To give context: 1ZB is equivalent to a trillion gigabytes (GB). As we continue our advancements in 5G, AI and 8K technologies, this would result in an unimaginable amount of data generated on a daily basis — and storing and maintaining that data requires a massive amount of electricity and energy as well.
As a global IT leader, Samsung is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Initiatives such as the ‘Green Memory Campaign’ have helped us launch data storage solutions that are more energy efficient. The ultimate goal is to produce energy-efficient products and in turn empower all users to contribute to saving our planet
1 https://business.directenergy.com/blog/2017/november/powering-a-google-search
2 https://time.com/46777/your-data-is-dirty-the-carbon-price-of-cloud-computing/
2 https://time.com/46777/your-data-is-dirty-the-carbon-price-of-cloud-computing/
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Long lasting attitude: Galaxy Z Fold2 5G design story
BRAND INNOVATION
Long lasting attitude:
Galaxy Z Fold2 5G design story
If ability is about having the capacity to accomplish something, attitude serves as the mindset that makes that accomplishment a reality. The attitude of Galaxy Z Fold2 5G consists of the determination for expansion, the power of flexibility, and confidence.
Transcend the limitations of yesterday, complete more tasks than ever and focus on the essence of your identity with Galaxy Z Fold2 5G.
1
Broaden Your Vision
Galaxy Z Fold2 5G has a larger 6.2” Cover Screen which improves on usability while the Main Screen extends as far as 7.6” when opened. Both modes feature delicately refined UI which elevates the quality of the overall experience. Sporting a thinner bezel and notch-less Infinity-O display, it maximises immersion for users to fully enjoy the privileges of a bigger screen.
The Cover Screen now has a size comparable to an ordinary smartphone, allowing users to do more even in a folded state and easily carry out tasks like watching videos, taking pictures, or replying to messages. A newly introduced function on the Main Screen lets you complete multiple tasks seamlessly; easily attach photos by dragging it from one partitioned screen to another, or load a news article on the internet browser in one window while opening another to look up information based on the article.
As we live in a time where nothing is certain, people have learned to cope with change and broaden the horizons of their personal scopes. They defy limitations and constantly seek new experiences to face the challenges of tomorrow — and Galaxy Z Fold2 5G firmly stands by the side of those who aspire to push their boundaries.
2
Embrace Flexibility
Galaxy Z Fold2 5G continues the legacy of Samsung foldables’ unique disposition that emphasizes flexibility and versatility, shifting its form to meet the situation at hand and providing the most appropriate and necessary experiences to users. The device can be used in different angles based on different needs, whether it’s expanding for a comfortable full Main Screen or even standing upright in a folded position.
The Aramid Standing Cover can be used to prop up Galaxy Z Fold2 5G like a picture frame or use it while folded when taking pictures or recording videos in any desired angle. With Flex Mode*, allowing total freedom and flexibility to multi-task such as watching videos in the folded position or leaving notes through the partitioned screen during a video call.
We embody a colourful array of behaviors and attitudes in our lives and these varied expressions can be interpreted as representations that are often not easily defined with a single identity. The many shapes, forms, and functions of Galaxy Z Fold2 5G are a response to this desire and trend in the modern user, accommodating the diverse circumstances in our lives.
*Flex Mode is only supported on compatible apps.
*Flex Mode is only supported on compatible apps.
3
Be Confidently Different
A simple form made up of straight lines and colours that boast modern stylishness come together to create the bold impressions unique to Galaxy Z Fold2 5G. This confident premium style stands out in any time or place, capturing the attention of anyone in its presence.
The device comes in two colours: Mystic Bronze captures the glimmer of soothing confidence while carrying a premium style created through a mysteriously glowing haze effect, while the elegant Mystic Black features a composed tone that reminds you of the sentiments of the city.
The refined form of Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is neat and composed. The slim and sturdy design is not only appealing to the eyes, but also gently and easily fits into your hands for a great tactile experience.
The special experiences from Galaxy Z Fold2 5G are designed with users as the top priority and are appropriate in any moment of everyday usage. Through the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, discover an inner self that is more confident than yesterday and courageously unfold the possibilities of tomorrow with a determined attitude. Learn more
See the future. Unfold in the palm of your hands
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How the comfortable form of the Galaxy Buds Live was realized after 320 mockups
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How the comfortable form of the
Galaxy Buds Live was realized after 320 mockups
It takes courage and perseverance to strike out along a path that has never been trodden before. Assigned with the task of developing the first ‘open-type’ wireless earbuds for the Galaxy line-up, the designers of the Galaxy Buds Live needed just this type of conviction to ensure they got the job done.
Protracted observation and extensive user testing were required when it came to developing the next-generation Galaxy Buds Live, which take comfort to the next level. But what was the development journey like for the designers who were charged with creating this never-before-seen type of earbud?
1
On a Quest to Find the New Samsung Form Factor
The Galaxy Buds Live are designed to meet the needs of users who want to enjoy a broad range of sounds. Whereas the previously released Galaxy Buds+ were ‘canal-type’ earbuds that catered to those seeking immersive listening experiences, the Galaxy Buds Live are open-type earbuds that can be worn comfortably for long periods of time, making them convenient for users who listen to music, watch videos, or make phone calls for extended periods.
Designer Tommy Choi explained that, “Unlike canal-type earbuds, which can become uncomfortable for some when used for longer hours, open-type earbuds sit outside the user’s earflap, facilitating air circulation and providing more comfortable usability. We came up with the current design to satisfy a broad range of users and distinguish our earbuds from other products with their unique form factor,” he added.
2
Tireless Tweaking for Broad-reaching Comfort
No matter how good their performance might be, users are likely to avoid using earphones that are uncomfortable. As the Galaxy Buds Live were developed to accompany users throughout their days, a lot of effort was put into ensuring they were as comfortable as possible. “During development, 80 earbud RPs (Rapid Prototypes) were developed to check the product’s optimal size, shape and specifications. We prepared a lot of RPs since even the tiniest difference in form could lead to huge changes in comfortability levels,” said designer Youngsang Jang.
The human ear comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, thus finding a fit that satisfies all presents a significant challenge. And this was especially true in the case of the Galaxy Buds Live, which underwent meticulous user testing to ensure they provided a comfortable fit to a broad range of users, regardless of the shape and size of their ears. Designer Joonha Kim elaborated on the testing process, saying that, “At first, subjects used the earbuds for a short period of time and received their feedback on various points. We knew we couldn’t satisfy all the subjects, but we developed the design so as to satisfy as many people as possible. Then, we performed tests in which the subjects used the earbuds for longer period, and tested in a situation with big movements to refine the shape and create a comfortable earbud.”
“Setting the standard for comfortability was the most difficult part,” added Choi, who also worked on the testing. “When eight out of 10 subjects responded by saying that the earbuds were comfortable, and only two rated them as uncomfortable, we had to ensure we made modifications that satisfied those two subjects without compromising the satisfaction of the other eight. In order to make a comfortable product for as many users as possible, we tested on around 2000 subjects.”
3
Sophisticated, Square-shaped Case for ‘Jewel-like’ Earbuds
Galaxy Buds Live, the first open-type wireless Galaxy earbuds, also come with a revolutionized case design. Whereas up until the Galaxy Buds+ the earbud cases were oval shaped, with the Galaxy Buds Live the case is square with rounded edges. Youngsang Jang explained the reason for the change of shape, saying that, “Based on the idea that it would be nice to make the shiny earbuds look almost like jewelry, we designed the case as a square to make it look somewhat like a jewelry box. The size and shape were determined to allow the case to fit easily into pockets or be held in the hand, while leaving enough room for the powerful battery that provides up to 21 hours of listening time when fully charged.”
The gap that runs between the upper and lower halves on all sides of the case is also a new feature that makes it easier to open. “The gap adds convenience when opening the case, and also makes it easier to apply external covers to your earbud case.” explained designer Sangok Sohn. “When applying external covers to previous incarnations of Samsung’s earbuds, double-sided tape had to be used to fix the cover to the case, which would often leave stains on the case itself. However, the addition of the gap that runs around the case allows covers to be attached more easily and removes the need for the tape.”
“When designing the product, we thought hard about all the stages of interaction for users – from the moment they get their first look at the product, to when they open the case and use the earbuds, to when they put them back in the case to charge,” related Choi. “We also considered how the earbuds would look while resting in the case, and how much they should protrude – and at what angle – to allow users to take them out easily.”
4
Beautiful Colors - Eco-Friendly Materials
The Galaxy Buds Live come in a range of colors – including Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, and Mystic Black – which are tailored to match the five new products that were introduced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2020. “The colors were selected to imply that the Galaxy Buds Live belong to the same family as the other recently released Galaxy products,” explained designer Mingyeong Jang, who was in charge of CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design for the Galaxy Buds Live. “Even though the newly released smartphones and the Galaxy Buds Live are not made of the same materials, we tailored the design to ensure that they express similar colors and textures.
Extensive testing to optimize usability and make sure the earbuds and case complimented one another was essential during the CMF design process. “When I first saw the glossy RPs, they seemed very luxurious to me, and the case that looked like a jewelry box only added to this feeling,” said Mingyeong Jang. “Thus, we designed the Galaxy Buds Live to be glossier after studying a broad range of user preferences.”
The Galaxy Buds Live are also innovative in terms of the materials they are comprised of. According to Jang, “In an effort to reduce the environmental impact caused by plastic waste, the Galaxy Buds Live are made using 20 percent recycled post-consumer materials (PCM). I hope that we see similar eco-friendly changes made in other areas too,” she concluded.
Through the course of designing a totally new kind of wireless earbud, the designers of the Galaxy Buds Live went deep into studying the human ear. Designer Yongseok Bang shared what he aspires to going forward, saying that, “The form factor of the Galaxy Buds Live is unique, and allows users to enjoy the benefits of both canal and open-type earphones. I will be sure to keep learning about the human ear and improving my knowledge and skills to create a design that can satisfy a broad range of people.”
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Samsung announced as leader in patents granted for 5G by IPlytics
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Samsung announced as
leader in patents granted for 5G by IPlytics
Samsung Electronics has been ranked first in the number of granted patents for 5G according to a study officially commissioned by the German BMWi – Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
In the report, “Fact-finding study on patents declared to the 5G standard”, Samsung topped the list of global companies with the number of granted patent families for 5G, and with the number of patent families filed at least in Europe, the U.S., or the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The study was jointly done by Technical University of Berlin and IPlytics, a German research firm that specializes in intellectual property rights in January.
5G patents are granted to technologies that enable 5G-based services, and they serve as a key indicator of who is leading the pack in terms of 5G research and development.
In particular, Samsung holds 2,633 declared 5G patent families filed at least at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), or the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), and 1,728 5G patent families granted by at least one of the patent offices above. The study revealed that Samsung leads in the number of granted patents that are enforceable, which means Samsung’s patents are officially acknowledged for its exclusive right.
“These figures on 5G patents are the result of our continued and unrelenting commitment to 5G innovation,” said Sunghyun Choi, Senior Vice President and head of Advanced Communications Research Center at Samsung Research. “Based on our leadership in 5G patents, we will continue to advance 5G and spearhead the development of next generation telecommunication technologies that will transform our daily lives in future.”
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Unfolding the Future
A brand new vibe: Galaxy Z Flip design story
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A brand new vibe:
Galaxy Z Flip design story
The dream of folding your display has become a reality. Like a flower blossoming with new life, Galaxy Z Flip expands the narrative of the foldable phone. The folded shape and the method of opening the phone are completely new. As Galaxy Fold unravels a massive screen when ‘unfolded’, Galaxy Z Flip provides an incredibly compact half-sized phone when ‘folded’. Its design is sleek, and the colors are intense. It stands on its own, freeing both of your hands. Along with these novel changes, a colorfully diverse experience extends before you.
1
Folded
A larger screen comes with a better viewing experience, but its size can be a burden when carried. We envisioned a smartphone that maintains the convenience of a large screen while exuding style at half the size.
The Charm of Holding Single-handedly
Galaxy Z Flip is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand with folded, and its snug fit feels just right when held. The load of carrying your phone is now cut to half. You can easily carry your smartphone around in a small pocket or bag rather than having to hold on to it wherever you go. Your every move has just been made easier than ever.
Galaxy Z Flip is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand with folded, and its snug fit feels just right when held. The load of carrying your phone is now cut to half. You can easily carry your smartphone around in a small pocket or bag rather than having to hold on to it wherever you go. Your every move has just been made easier than ever.
Folded yet Connected
Even without opening Galaxy Z Flip, you can easily stay connected through the cover display that displays the date, time, and battery status in a single glance. It also lets you check caller information of an incoming call or read text messages you just received even when the phone is folded. You can take high quality selfies as well using the rear camera and cover display.
Even without opening Galaxy Z Flip, you can easily stay connected through the cover display that displays the date, time, and battery status in a single glance. It also lets you check caller information of an incoming call or read text messages you just received even when the phone is folded. You can take high quality selfies as well using the rear camera and cover display.
A Stylish Statement
Point-styling is the latest trend in style, which is about being simple with bold accessories. Galaxy Z Flip comes in three colors: the audacious and powerful purple, the emotionally reinterpreted black, and the bright and elegant gold. These brilliant colors are unveiled based on the angle of light that reflects whenever you open and fold the smartphone. Just carrying it around adds edge to your style.
Point-styling is the latest trend in style, which is about being simple with bold accessories. Galaxy Z Flip comes in three colors: the audacious and powerful purple, the emotionally reinterpreted black, and the bright and elegant gold. These brilliant colors are unveiled based on the angle of light that reflects whenever you open and fold the smartphone. Just carrying it around adds edge to your style.
2
Half-Folded
You can open the smartphone and let it stand in various angles. Even without support, it easily stays upright. Galaxy Z Flip is optimized for today’s generation who do other things and use smartphones at the same time.
Held Upright with Ease
Galaxy Z Flip smoothly traverses between being folded and unfolded. It maintains balance on its own at various angles and will fold or unfold only when you want it to. Whether you’re taking a selfie, video chatting, or streaming a live broadcast, you can hold Galaxy Z Flip upright and still in multiple angles. The possibilities are endless.
Galaxy Z Flip smoothly traverses between being folded and unfolded. It maintains balance on its own at various angles and will fold or unfold only when you want it to. Whether you’re taking a selfie, video chatting, or streaming a live broadcast, you can hold Galaxy Z Flip upright and still in multiple angles. The possibilities are endless.
The Freedom to Use Both Hands
Nowadays we do so much more than making calls with our smartphones. Galaxy Z Flip offers a hands-free experience for today’s generation who are accustomed to surfing the web during a call or recording their daily lives on video. It is no longer a hassle to eat while enjoying a movie, cook as you watch a recipe video, and put makeup on during a video chatting
Nowadays we do so much more than making calls with our smartphones. Galaxy Z Flip offers a hands-free experience for today’s generation who are accustomed to surfing the web during a call or recording their daily lives on video. It is no longer a hassle to eat while enjoying a movie, cook as you watch a recipe video, and put makeup on during a video chatting
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Unfolded
When you open Galaxy Z Flip, a screen with a 21.9:9 ratio like that of a movie screen unfolds before your eyes. It is perfect for watching contents. The user experience has also been intuitively refined based on the One UI concept for optimal use on a longer screen.
My Personal Theater
It’s great to have a smaller device but we cannot sacrifice the joys of a large screen just for size’s sake. Galaxy Z Flip transforms into a massive 6.7-inch screen when opened. It boasts a 21.9:9 ratio cinema view that is close to the screen you see in theaters, so your viewing experience can be livelier and more immersive. It completely satisfies the expectations and needs of today’s users who watch movies and play games on their smartphones all the time.
It’s great to have a smaller device but we cannot sacrifice the joys of a large screen just for size’s sake. Galaxy Z Flip transforms into a massive 6.7-inch screen when opened. It boasts a 21.9:9 ratio cinema view that is close to the screen you see in theaters, so your viewing experience can be livelier and more immersive. It completely satisfies the expectations and needs of today’s users who watch movies and play games on their smartphones all the time.
The Convenience of Intuitiveness
Galaxy Z Flip provides optimized usability when unfolded. It comes with the intuitive One UI that helps you easily maneuver a large screen with a single hand. The Multi-Active Windows feature is useful for users who multitask on a regular basis. You can split the screen in the middle to use two apps simultaneously or even adjust the size of each screen separately. Galaxy Z Flip’s intuitive features bring comfort even when you are using it for the first time, allowing you to accomplish so much more.
Galaxy Z Flip provides optimized usability when unfolded. It comes with the intuitive One UI that helps you easily maneuver a large screen with a single hand. The Multi-Active Windows feature is useful for users who multitask on a regular basis. You can split the screen in the middle to use two apps simultaneously or even adjust the size of each screen separately. Galaxy Z Flip’s intuitive features bring comfort even when you are using it for the first time, allowing you to accomplish so much more.
Being the leader of a generation is an aspiration of the past. What we need now is the boldness to venture ahead of others to pave a brand-new path. Galaxy Z Flip has an innovative form and its usage spans across a wide spectrum. This new category in mobile devices will bring change to our everyday lives, making it more cheerful and lightweight. Galaxy Z Flip will brilliantly express its multifaceted identity and reveal an unprecedented narrative for your life.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Key drivers for Korea’s 5G success: exploring compelling 5G services
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Key drivers for Korea’s 5G Success:
exploring compelling 5G services
Samsung introduced a multi-part series highlighting 5G’s successful evolution in South Korea. In this article, Seungil Kim, Head of Korea Business, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, discusses the mobile operator 5G strategies in South Korea, as well as business use cases in key verticals.
What are the key drivers behind 5G success in Korea?
“We have seen the number of 5G subscribers reach 14% of the total population in Korea within just 14 months of launch.1 Not only is the subscriber base growing but 5G users are also consuming about 28% of the total mobile data traffic.2 5G has certainly opened doors to new possibilities. I believe the success in Korea can be attributed to the Korean operators’ strategic approaches in introducing innovative 5G services. Operators are offering compelling B2C services, as well as industry-wide B2B use cases, which are creating momentum and convincing subscribers and enterprises to choose 5G.”
“We have seen the number of 5G subscribers reach 14% of the total population in Korea within just 14 months of launch.1 Not only is the subscriber base growing but 5G users are also consuming about 28% of the total mobile data traffic.2 5G has certainly opened doors to new possibilities. I believe the success in Korea can be attributed to the Korean operators’ strategic approaches in introducing innovative 5G services. Operators are offering compelling B2C services, as well as industry-wide B2B use cases, which are creating momentum and convincing subscribers and enterprises to choose 5G.”
Consumer Use Cases
Operators are continuing to look for new services that can help consumers experience the benefits of 5G in daily life. The initial 5G services introduced by Korean operators focused on enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) such as UHD video, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Most of these services were offered free of charge to 5G subscribers to help generate interest.
The main verticals introduced to consumers were around sports, gaming, entertainment, education and virtual communications. The chart below provides a deeper dive into the 5G experience offered to consumers in each industry.
Enterprise Use Cases
There is a lot of opportunity for the operators when delivering 5G to the B2B sector. B2B and B2B2X business models can bring various applications to life, ranging across many industries, ultimately generating huge returns on operators’ 4G and 5G investments. Some of the B2B services that are currently available in Korea include:
Smart Factory
Smart factory is a notable example that demonstrates how 5G’s low latency, connectivity and high speed will enable many benefits for this industry. With 5G, real-time detection of defects based on AI and wireless robot control help improve operational productivity, and are just two examples.
Smart factory is a notable example that demonstrates how 5G’s low latency, connectivity and high speed will enable many benefits for this industry. With 5G, real-time detection of defects based on AI and wireless robot control help improve operational productivity, and are just two examples.
Smart Office
SK Telecom introduced a smart office system that enables flexible “work-from-anywhere” capabilities. 5G smart offices have a ‘5G walk-through’ system, which allows entry without ID cards via AI-based facial recognition and a mobile VDI docking system. Employees can choose to work from a smart office closer to home to save on commute time and raise convenience.
SK Telecom introduced a smart office system that enables flexible “work-from-anywhere” capabilities. 5G smart offices have a ‘5G walk-through’ system, which allows entry without ID cards via AI-based facial recognition and a mobile VDI docking system. Employees can choose to work from a smart office closer to home to save on commute time and raise convenience.
Public Safety
With 5G, first responders can effectively and instantaneously exchange multi-media such as high-resolution images and live videos for emergency responses. With a reliable 5G network, public safety agencies can take advantage of robust, real-time surveillance communication technologies.
With 5G, first responders can effectively and instantaneously exchange multi-media such as high-resolution images and live videos for emergency responses. With a reliable 5G network, public safety agencies can take advantage of robust, real-time surveillance communication technologies.
Distinctive 5G Service Strategies by Korean Operators
All three operators took a similar approach to attract 5G subscribers by offering unlimited data plans at a very competitive rate, in comparison to 4G data plans. As a result, about 70-80% of the subscribers chose the 5G unlimited plan option according to the Korean operators, which allowed them to take advantage of the wide range of services exclusively offered to the 5G users.
They also took a distinctive approach in introducing new 5G services. Their goal was to deliver the best consumer experience to end users. Each Korea operator’s strategy is explored below:
SKT: 5G Clusters Create the Choice and Focus Strategy
SK Telecom created 5G clusters, which are focused zones where subscribers can experience the real benefits of 5G, such as high-speed mobile connectivity, new applications and other 5G membership benefits. In 2019, SK Telecom created 70 5G clusters mainly in densely populated areas, transportation hubs and college campus districts, and is planning to increase the number of 5G clusters to 200 by the end of this year.
SK Telecom created 5G clusters, which are focused zones where subscribers can experience the real benefits of 5G, such as high-speed mobile connectivity, new applications and other 5G membership benefits. In 2019, SK Telecom created 70 5G clusters mainly in densely populated areas, transportation hubs and college campus districts, and is planning to increase the number of 5G clusters to 200 by the end of this year.
In the early days of 5G, these clusters such as key shopping districts, university areas, bus and train terminals and airports, created focused areas of “choice” for 5G with the goal of generating market interest to attract subscribers.
KT: B2B-Focused Strategy
With 5G commercialization, KT announced that it would focus its 5G services in the B2B vertical, in which they have already experienced various successful use cases. KT has signed strategic business agreements to implement 5G in various B2B sectors such as smart factories, autonomous driving, smart medical services and digital media. By the end of 2019, KT had introduced 150 B2B use cases and secured 53 5G enterprise clients.
With 5G commercialization, KT announced that it would focus its 5G services in the B2B vertical, in which they have already experienced various successful use cases. KT has signed strategic business agreements to implement 5G in various B2B sectors such as smart factories, autonomous driving, smart medical services and digital media. By the end of 2019, KT had introduced 150 B2B use cases and secured 53 5G enterprise clients.
Industry experts predict that KT’s 5G network will take over as the primary communication fabric for the B2B market, supplemented by its nationwide wired networks. While network reliability is particularly important in the B2B sector, its wireless network, backed by the wired network, will ensure stability and reliability for the businesses.
LG U+: Step-By-Step 5G Service Roadmap Strategy
LG U+ took a step-by-step approach to introduce 5G services in multiple phases. Initially in the first phase, the service was branded U+ 5G 1.0, and the operator added 5G features to its existing 4G services. In June 2019, LG U+ launched U+ 5G 2.0, where it introduced new 5G-only services, expanding into gaming and entertainment. In 2020, LG U+ launched U+ 5G 3.0 services by integrating cloud services into 5G within various sectors, including education. Many of these U+ 5G services have been upgraded to include AR and VR capabilities as well.
LG U+ took a step-by-step approach to introduce 5G services in multiple phases. Initially in the first phase, the service was branded U+ 5G 1.0, and the operator added 5G features to its existing 4G services. In June 2019, LG U+ launched U+ 5G 2.0, where it introduced new 5G-only services, expanding into gaming and entertainment. In 2020, LG U+ launched U+ 5G 3.0 services by integrating cloud services into 5G within various sectors, including education. Many of these U+ 5G services have been upgraded to include AR and VR capabilities as well.
With network technology’s evolution accelerating, 5G is transforming everyday life and industry. Korea’s 5G success is one early example of how this technology can bring new experiences to life today. Samsung’s expertise in combining 5G with other emerging technologies, such as AI, Cloud, VR and AR played a key role in creating the foundation necessary to bring next-level 5G services to life.
Learning from our successes in Korea, we look forward to ongoing collaboration with global operators to enrich the 5G journey and improve the way we live, work and communicate around the world.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
Original article from Samsung.com here.
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Samsung AI Forum 2020: Humanity Takes Center Stage in Discussing the Future of AI
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Samsung AI Forum 2020:
Humanity Takes Center Stage in
Discussing the Future of AI
Each year, Samsung Electronics’ AI Forum brings together experts from all over the world to discuss the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and share ideas on the next directions for the development of these technologies.
This November 2 and 3, experts, researchers and interested viewers alike convened virtually to share the latest developments in AI research and discussed some of the most pressing and relevant issues facing AI research today.
Making the Best Use of AI
in a Rapidly Changing World
AI technologies have developed remarkably in recent years, thanks in no small part to the hard work and diverse research projects being done by academic and corporate researchers alike all around the world. But given the rapid and significant changes brought on by the recent global pandemic, attention has recently been turning to how AI can be used to help solve real-life problems, and what methods might be most effective in order to create such solutions.
The first day of the forum, organized by the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), was opened with a keynote speech by Dr. Kinam Kim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Device Solutions at Samsung Electronics, who acknowledged the importance of the discussions set to take place at this year’s AI Forum around the past, present and future of the role of AI. Dr. Kim also affirmed Samsung Electronics’ dedication to working with global researchers in order to develop products and services with meaningful real-world impact.
The first day of the Forum then continued with a series of fascinating invited talks given by several global leading academics and professionals. Professor Yoshua Bengio of University of Montreal, Professor Yann LeCun of New York University and Professor Chelsea Finn of Stanford University were the first three to present, following which the Samsung AI Researcher of the Year awards were presented. After this ceremony, SAIT Fellow Professor Donhee Ham of Harvard University, Dr. Tara Sainath of Google Research and Dr. Jennifer Wortman Vaughan of Microsoft Research gave their talks.
Taking AI to the Next Phases
of its Development
The first day’s invited talks were followed by a virtual live panel discussion, moderated by Young Sang Choi, Vice President of Samsung Electronics, and attended by Professor Bengio, Professor LeCun, Professor Finn, Dr. Sainath, Dr. Wortman Vaughan and Dr. Inyup Kang, President of Samsung Electronics’ System LSI business. “It is my great pleasure to join this Forum,” noted Dr. Kang. “I feel as if I am standing on the shoulders of giants.”
Questions were given to the panel that invited the experts to discuss the ways in which computational bottlenecks can be overcome in order to take AI systems to the next level and be developed to possess the same intelligibility as the human brain. The panelists weighed the benefits of scaling neural nets as opposed to searching for new algorithms, with Dr. Kang noting that, “We have to try both. Given the scale of human synapses, I doubt that we can achieve the human level of intelligibility using just current technologies. Eventually we will get there, but we definitely need new algorithms, too.”
Professor LeCun noted how AI research is not just constrained by current scaling methods. “We are missing some major pieces to being able to reach human-level intelligence, or even just animal-level intelligence,” he said, adding that perhaps, in the near future, we might be able to develop machines that can at least reach the scale of an animal such as a cat. Professor Finn concurred with Professor LeCun. “We still don’t even have the AI capabilities to make a bowl of cereal,” she noted. “Such basic things are still beyond what our current algorithms are capable of.”
Building on the topic of his invited talk, Professor Bengio added that, in order for future systems to have intelligence comparable to that of the way humans learn as children, a world model will need to be developed that is based on unsupervised learning. “Our models need to act like human babies in order to go after knowledge in an active way,” he explained.
The panel discussion then moved on to the ways in which the community can bridge the gaps between current technologies and future, human-intelligence level technologies, with all the experts agreeing that there is still much work to be done in developing systems that mimic the way human synapses work. “A lot of current research directions are trying to address these gaps,” reassured Professor Bengio.
Next, the panel shared their thoughts on how to make AI ‘fairer’ given the inherent biases possessed by today’s societies, with the experts debating the balance that needs to be struck between systems development reform, institutional regulation and corporate interest. Dr. Wortman Vaughan made the case for introducing a diversity of viewpoints across all parts of the system building process. “I would like to see regulation around processes for people to follow when designing machine learning systems rather than trying to make everyone meet the same outcomes.”
The final question given to the panel asked for their thoughts on which field will be the next successful application area for end-to-end models. “End-to-end models changed the field of speech recognition by reducing latency and removing the need for internet connection,” noted Dr. Sainath. “Thanks to this breakthrough, going forward, you’re going to see applications of end-to-end models for such purposes as long meeting transcriptions. We always speak of having ‘one model to rule them all’, and this is a challenging and interesting research area that has been expanded by the possibilities of end-to-end models as we look to develop a model capable of recognizing all the languages in the world.”
Enhancing Human Experience through AI
The second day of the AI Forum 2020 was hosted by Samsung Research, the advanced R&D hub of Samsung Electronics that leads the development of future technologies for the company’s end-product business.
In his opening keynote speech, Dr. Sebastian Seung, President and Head of Samsung Research, outlined the areas in which Samsung has been accelerating its AI research to the end of providing real-world benefits to their users, including more traditional AI fields (vision and graphics, speech and language, robotics), on-device AI and the health and wellness field.
After showcasing a range of Samsung products bolstered with AI technologies, Dr. Seung affirmed that, in order to best extend the capabilities of AI to truly help people in meaningful ways, academic researchers and corporations need to come together to find best-practice solutions.
Putting the Future of AI
into Perspective
Following Dr. Seung’s speech, the second day of the Forum proceeded with a series of invited talks around the theme of ‘Human-Centric AI’ by Professor Christopher Manning of Stanford University, Professor Devi Parikh of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Professor Subbarao Kambhampati of Arizona State University and Executive Vice President of Samsung Research Daniel D. Lee, Head of Samsung’s AI Center in New York and Professor at Cornell Tech.
The expert talks were followed by a live panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Seung and joined by Professor Manning, Professor Parikh, Professor Kambhampati and EVP Lee. Dr. Seung kicked off the discussion with a question about a topic raised in Professor Kambhampati’s speech around the potential issues that could lead to the risk of data manipulation as AI develops. “As AI technology continues to develop, it is important that we stay vigilant about the potential for manipulation and work to solve the issues of any AI systems’ inadvertent data manipulations,” explained Professor Kambhampati.
Dr. Seung then posed a much-requested viewer question to the panel. Given that one of the most practical concerns in AI research is the obtaining of data, the experts were asked whether they believe that companies or academic researchers need to develop new means of handling and managing data. Acknowledging that academics often struggle to secure data while companies possess alleviated data shortage problems yet elevated restraints around the usage of their data, Professor Parikh made a case for the need of new research methods that can be modeled with insufficient data or with cooperation between academia and industry, including open research methods. “In many areas, there are big public data sets available,” she noted. “Researchers outside of companies are able to access and use these. But further to this, some of the most interesting fields in AI today are the ones where we don’t have much data – these represent some of the most cutting-edge problems and approaches.”
The final question took the panel back to the theme of the AI Forum’s second day, ‘Human-Centered AI’, wherein the panelists were asked whether or not they believe that AI will be capable of equaling human intelligence in the next 70 years, since that is the period of time it has taken us to get to where we are today in the field of AI research. EVP Lee reasoned that AI still has a way to go – but that 70 years is a long time. “I am optimistic,” noted EVP Lee, “but there are lots of hard problems in the way. We need to have academics and companies working on a goal like this together.”
“We are currently reaching the limits of the range of problems we can solve using just lots of data,” summarized Professor Manning. “Before we see AI developments like this on a large scale, an area that we should emphasize is the production of AI systems that work for regular people, not just huge corporations,” he concluded.
The Samsung AI Forum 2020 ended with a warm thanks to all the esteemed experts who had taken part in the two-day Forum and a shared hope to hold next year’s Forum offline. All the sessions and invited talks from the AI Forum 2020 are available to watch on the official Samsung YouTube channel.
Original article from Samsung.com
Original article from Samsung.com