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Showing posts from August, 2018

Meteor showers on demand in Japan

Astro Live Experiences (ALE), the world’s first aerospace entertainment firm, is launching a satellite to an altitude of 220 miles in the summer of 2019, which will release a meteor shower on command. Brainchild of University of Tokyo astronomer Lena Okajima, the spacecraft will circle the globe and kick out 15-20 meteor particles. This invention was originally conceived as an opening act for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, “on-demand meteor showers” are a threat to the pre-existing satellites, and a crash into any of them would only add to our orbital debris. Has the era of space entertainment begun? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/meteor-showers-on-demand-in-japan/

Spire discusses e-commerce strategies suited to the Indonesia market

Spire was honoured to participate at the GATES Indonesia ICT Reseller Channel Summit 2018. The Summit was held on 1-3 May, 2018 in Bali. Jeffrey Bahar, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Spire Research and Consulting group and Indah Muliana, Senior Manager, shared insights on the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry in Indonesia, focusing on market trends and challenges. Bahar and Muliana discussed the growth of the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) market, its rapid expansion and the challenges faced by e-commerce businesses in Indonesia. Due to the rise in internet penetration with more online transactions, Indonesia’s ICT spending is expected to reach USD28.4 billion by 2020 whereas end-user device spending is set to increase 18% by 2020. As Indonesia’s internet user population reaches 143.26 million in 2017, 90% are using smartphones and close to 65% people prefer the Cash on Delivery (COD) option when buying products online

Spire Client Entertainment Night April 2018

Spire Singapore hosted its first Client Entertainment Night of the year. Clients, business associates and partners joined the Spire team for a dinner reception followed by the movie screening of “Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War” – the much awaited latest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise. The movie’s main plot revolves around how the Avengers and their allies must come together to save the world by bringing down the evil Thanos, who is on a mad quest to collect all the infinity stones so as to bring mass destruction to the universe. The highly anticipated mega-blockbuster, delicious food and even better company made for a delightful evening enjoyed by all. Read more here: https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/events/spire-client-entertainment-night-april-2018/

Spire talks about retail trends at International Franchise Conference 2018

Spire Research and Consulting group’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Bahar was honored to be a guest speaker at the International Franchise Conference 2018. The conference was held on 21 April 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, organized by the Malaysian Franchise Association. Jeffrey Bahar shared insights on the growth of the regional retail industry, focusing on key trends and the attractiveness of various emerging markets across Asia. With global retail sales set to rise from USD25 trillion in 2018 to USD28 trillion in 2020, the Asia Pacific is expected to record USD10 trillion in retail sales by the end of 2018. Bahar highlighted that Asian players were also among the top 250 global retailers in 2016, with China’s e-commerce player JD.com and Japan’s retailer Seven & I Holdings at the 28th and 20th rankings respectively. With technology development, urbanization and the rise in working women, customers are demanding more innovative services, and retailers ar
Confidence key to Singapore’s success Can Singapore cultivate a culture of confidence as it turns 53? Leon Perera, CEO of Spire Research and Consulting shared his insights in The Business Times – Views from the Top section on 6 August 2018 on Singapore’s future. As Singapore ushers in another year of independence, more confidence needs to be instilled. Intelligent risk-taking will be key to the next phase of Singapore’s development. Perera highlighted that familiarity with past successes should not inhibit fresh, innovative thinking and experimentation with new strategies. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to inspire trust and also for Singaporeans to cultivate greater trust in one another to be good citizens, thus engendering the social capital necessary for national success. The text of Perera’s comments are provided below. A comprehensive Korean peace treaty and denuclearization agreement are worthwhile goals to pursue. But it is unlikely that the North

FIFA World Cup 2018 holds lessons for successful team building

The FIFA World Cup 2018 is widely seen as one of the best World Cups in recent memory, with many surprises and goals aplenty. One talking point was the role of teamwork as opposed to just superstar talent. What lessons can businesses learn from the beautiful game? Leon Perera, CEO of Spire Research and Consulting, shared his thoughts in The Business Times – Views from the Top section on 23 July 2018. As World Cup fever draws to an end, the game lived up to its hype with breath-taking goals and outstanding performances. Perera highlighted the role of team effort over mere individual talent, which was evident in the early failure of teams with world-class superstars like Argentina and Portugal. Perera also pointed out the importance of investing in new talent pipeline development, which paid rich dividends for France, the winning team and also one of the youngest teams in the World Cup. The game also highlighted the role of risk-taking. A relentless approach to attack a

Is a Korean peace treaty on the cards?

The historical and unprecedented meeting between the two leaders of Korea is a monumental development. Can both leaders use this opportunity enhance geo-political stability and open up new economic development possibilities? Leon Perera, CEO of Spire Research and Consulting, shared his thoughts in The Business Times – Views from the Top section on 7 May 2018. Marking a remarkable change, the unprecedented meeting between the leaders of the two Koreas underlines the possibility of a peace treaty and denuclearization agreement. However, Perera expressed scepticism about North Korea’s commitment to completely renounce nuclear strike capability against Japan and South Korea, since this is the only factor ensuring regime survival. World leaders need to take this chance to limit the North’s nuclear capability while accepting that it may never be completely voided, bring the North into the global framework and work towards economic development on the Korean peninsula. Read

Spire showcases findings of DiverseCity KLIAF 2017 Impact report

Spire Research and Consulting was invited to present DiverseCity KL International Arts Festival’s (KLIAF) 2017 impact report at the ‘Meet The Beneficiaries’ event organized by Yayasan myNADI with Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Abdul Razak as the guest of honor. Yap Far Loon, Business Development Director and lead consultant at Spire Research and Consulting, presented an impact report on KLIAF 2017. The report assessed the impact on audiences, including special needs children in Kuala Lumpur (KL). The Spire study provided independent validation of the economic and social impact generated by the KLIAF. The Spire report also outlined capacity-building recommendations for the development of the KLIAF ecosystem. Yap expressed his gratitude during the ‘Meet The Beneficiaries’ event to both Nottingham University and Datin Sunita Rajkumar, the festival director of KLIAF, who handed a copy of KLIAF’s Post Event report to the Malaysian Prime Minister. The KLIAF

China’s measured reaction to US trade tariffs

The recent US trade tariff announcement will impact Chinese imports worth USD60 billion. Will China’s reaction and the prospect of continuing tit-for-tat tariff hikes cause more panic across global markets? Leon Perera, CEO of Spire Research and Consulting, shared his thoughts in China Daily – Asia Weekly. As the US Treasury explores restrictions on Chinese investment in the country, the value of stocks plunged across Asian markets. Industries that might come under more scrutiny for possible higher trade tariffs include maritime equipment, new materials, automated machine robotics and tools along with new advanced information technology and high-tech shipping to name a few. Voicing concern, Perera pointed out that China’s focus will still be on minimizing an escalation of mutual tariff hikes. China has hugely benefitted from global trade and FDI flows. However, China is clearly prepared to pursue retaliatory tariffs of its own for strategic reasons – it has announced tar

CPTPP signed by eleven Asia Pacific countries

With the sudden pull-out of the USA from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) last year, the deal was eventually signed by the eleven remaining Asia-Pacific countries and renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The current CPTPP members account for more than 13% of the global economy – covering approximately 500 million people and USD10 trillion in GDP. The CPTPP is expected to lift economic growth among Asian member countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, though more modestly than the earlier TPP would have done. Will CPTPP signatory states be able to sustain the trade deal without the backing of the USA? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/cptpp-signed-by-eleven-asia-pacific-countries/

Fancy a ride across Norway’s underwater floating tunnel?

The 1,190 fjords along Norway’s coast take travel time to a new level, with several ferry crossings and a tiring 21 hour ride. Therefore, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) proposed the world’s first underwater floating tunnel costing an expected USD25 billion. Submerged in the Norwegian Sea, the tunnel would be similar in to other tunnels – but operate 66 feet below the surface. Will underwater infrastructure revolutionize travel? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/fancy-a-ride-across-norways-underwater-floating-tunnel/

Microsoft supports Asia’s renewable energy industry

Microsoft has signed its first solar power agreement with Atria Power in India to purchase 3 megawatts (MW) of solar-powered electricity at its new office in Bangalore, India. This ensures that 80% of the building’s projected electricity requirement is met but through supporting the local clean energy industry. Encouraging initiatives like this will help India fulfil its Paris Agreement obligations to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The deal comes a week after the announcement of another deal in Singapore for a 60 MW solar project. Has Asia’s renewable energy sector hit a tipping point? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/microsoft-supports-asias-renewable-energy-industry/

As Sri Lanka’s population ages, the insurance market booms

As Sri Lanka experiences demographic shifts – by 2021, 16.7% of the population could be aged 60 or above – the life insurance market is booming. The nation’s average economic growth stands at a brisk 6.2% since the end of the bitter civil war in 2009, with services and manufacturing leading the way. As Sri Lankans live longer, demand is surging for insurance products such as endowment and pension policies, with retirement planning taking a front seat. Will insurance continue to be one of Sri Lanka’s sunrise industries? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/as-sri-lankas-population-ages-the-insurance-market-booms/

Africa’s aviation sector opens up

When the African Union (AU) launched the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in January this year, it finally opened up Africa’s skies. 23 signatories on board, though another 32 AU members are yet to sign on. SAATM’s launch is a part of AU’s Africa 2063 project, which is a commitment to intra-continent development. If a common regulatory framework is put into place, this could benefit intra-continental travellers immensely, thus boosting commerce and tourism flows among African countries. Will Africa become the world’s next big aviation market? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/africas-aviation-sector-opens-up/

Amazon enters the healthcare sector

Amazon is eyeing the healthcare sector. It has rolled out a line of private label, over-the-counter medicines along with medical supplies for hospitals, doctors and dentists. Whether it is selling prescription or generic drugs, Amazon seems poised to disrupt the healthcare industry. However, Amazon faces its own share of hurdles. It will need licenses from each state to be able to sell medical supplies. Medical practitioners may prefer to stay loyal existing sales channels. Waiting 24 to 48 hours for a pain or cold medicine means that customers may still run to the nearest pharmacy. Will Amazon disrupt the healthcare industry? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/amazon-enters-the-healthcare-sector/

India among the world’s top compact SUV markets

India overtook Japan in 2017 as the third largest manufacturer of compact SUVs. Big players such as Renault, Mahindra & Mahindra, Ford Motor, Hyundai Motor, Maruti Suzuki and other SUV manufacturers sold 457,698 compact SUVs in 2017 – over four times the unit sales in 2015, at 107,634. While 2016 saw shrinking sales for this vehicle category in China and the USA, sales in India grew nearly 50% from 307,365 units in 2016. Will India overtake China as the world’s largest compact SUV market? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/india-among-the-worlds-top-compact-suv-markets/

Egyptian-Israeli gas deal to boost bilateral trade

A USD15 billion deal has been announced between Israel and Egypt to export natural gas. Israel’s Delek Group has signed an agreement to supply 64 billion cubic meters of gas in a span of ten years to Egypt’s Dolphinus Holdings. The deal is considered a milestone ever since the 1979 peace accord, bringing Egypt a step closer to becoming a regional energy hub. However, the transportation of natural gas from Israel to Egypt is a challenge given the security risks. Will the Egypt-Israel gas export deal usher in a relationship of bonhomie and economic co-operation? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/egyptian-israeli-gas-deal-to-boost-bilateral-trade/

Innovation in agriculture – Meeting global food security needs

Humankind’s future ability to feed itself is in jeopardy due to the concurrent degradation of land, water, climate and biodiversity on a global scale. The human population is set to reach 10 billion people by 2050, increasing the global demand for agricultural products by 70 per cent. By 2022, India will surpass China as the most populous country in the world. Will innovation in agriculture be able to feed the global population? The origins of agriculture Agriculture is derived from the late-Latin word Agricultura with ‘agri’ depicting land and ‘cultura’ meaning cultivation. Starting out as hunter-gatherers, humans have gradually learned to settle in fertile places for farming and later, started domesticating animals. The Fertile Crescent of the Middle East, which we now refer to as Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Iraq, is known as the earliest site of farming. While it is not without its detractors, the agricultural revolution has delivered benefits in terms of the econom