Chris Infotainment

Introduction to New E-commerce Guidelines Kathmandu has seen a significant development in the realm of e-commerce with the implementation of the E-commerce Guidelines, 2026. These guidelines, which came into effect this week, empower the Ministry of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection to enforce minimum ICT standards on business platforms. This move strengthens the state's role in protecting consumers, the economy, and digital institutions. The guidelines are enacted under the E-commerce Act, 2025, which became effective in April of the previous year. The new provisions require all business platforms to undergo audits and certification by the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection based on specific standards. Broad Application of the Law The law applies to all forms of sales, including transactions conducted through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. It also extends to foreign e-commerce platforms. Any internation...

Bao Ngoc once spent VND850,000 (US$30) to acquire a rare “liquid eyes” Baby Three, a collectible plush toy. However, she now finds herself unable to sell it for more than VND100,000. The 24-year-old office worker in Thu Duc Ward, HCMC, recalls the disappointment she felt when collectors told her the model was out of style and only suitable for display. “I was devastated,” she said. In late 2024, Ngoc invested over VND7 million to build a collection of more than 10 Baby Three figures. Initially, she intended to purchase a few as keepsakes, but after spending daily browsing online collector groups, she found herself caught in a shopping spiral driven by the fear of missing out. She described the thrill of unboxing and owning rare models priced between VND250,000 and VND900,000. By early 2025, the frenzy around Labubu and Baby Three figures began to fade. Official products became widely available, reducing their scarcity. As the novelty wore off, Ngoc lost interest in acquiring new fig...

Phu Quoc Night Market to Temporarily Halt Operations Duong Dong Night Market, a bustling hub in Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, is set to suspend operations after the Lunar New Year holiday. This decision comes as part of efforts to improve urban management and ensure smoother traffic flow in the area. On January 9, local authorities confirmed that traders at Bach Dang Night Market, also known as Duong Dong, will be allowed to operate until February 28. This date corresponds to the 12th day of the first lunar month, marking the end of the Tet holiday period. The decision was made to support small traders who have already prepared goods for the upcoming Tet celebrations, which begin on February 17. The market has long been a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a wide range of food, souvenirs, and entertainment. It features over 100 stalls and is considered one of the best places to experience local life on the island. Despite its popularity, the market has...

The Rise of Daiso's Exclusive Brand 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul' Daiso, a well-known retail giant, has recently made waves in the beauty industry with the launch of its exclusive brand 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul.' This collaboration with the renowned South Korean makeup artist Jung Saem-mul has resulted in an overwhelming response from consumers. The brand was released on the 5th and quickly sold out both online and offline. As of the morning of the 10th, all eight products, including the Glossy Up Cushion, Light Prep Booster, Makeup Fixer, and Skin Pad, were completely out of stock. Affordable Luxury with High-Quality Products 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul' offers a range of base makeup products such as foundation, cushion, and fixer, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 Korean won. This is significantly lower compared to Jung Saem-mul’s existing brand, which typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 Korean won. The price difference can be as high as 90%, making these ...

Overview of the Sale The customs department has initiated a sale of a significant number of used smartphones that were previously seized due to administrative violations. The first batch includes 2,540 iPhones, which are being offered for a total price of VND2 billion (approximately US$76,140). This translates to around VND800,000 (US$30.5) per device. The buyer is required to purchase the entire batch and also cover the transportation costs. These devices were confiscated in cases involving administrative violations and are now being sold by the anti-smuggling unit of the customs department. This move is part of an effort to recover value from seized goods and manage the inventory effectively. Additional Batch of Devices In addition to the iPhone sale, another batch of 2,360 used smartphones is also up for grabs. This group consists of Apple, Oppo, and Honor devices. The total price for this batch is VND1.36 billion, which averages out to approximately VND600,000 per phone. This...

Jamie Dimon's Warning on AI and the Future of Work Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has issued a cautionary message about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. However, his advice to workers is not one of panic but rather a call for adaptability and the development of uniquely human skills. In an interview on Fox News, Dimon acknowledged that AI will eliminate certain jobs. Yet, he emphasized that this does not mean people will be left without employment. Instead, he urged individuals to focus on critical thinking, learning new skills, and improving communication abilities. "You'll have plenty of jobs," he said, highlighting the importance of these competencies in an AI-driven world. Dimon’s comments come as AI transitions from science fiction to a tangible reality for millions of workers. Across corporate America, executives are increasingly open about the disruptions AI is causing, particularly among younger and white-collar employees. S...

Airtel Tanzania Expands Network Coverage in Morogaro and Kilimanjaro Regions Airtel Tanzania has taken a significant step towards enhancing communication services by constructing and commissioning three new network towers in the Morogaro and Kilimanjaro regions. This initiative is expected to improve connectivity, support socio-economic development, and address the persistent digital divide in underserved areas. The expansion includes two towers in the Morogaro region—one located in Magoweko Ward of Gairo District and another at Kihonda VETA. Additionally, a new tower has been installed in Sanya Juu, Hai District, within the Kilimanjaro region. These installations aim to bridge the gaps in network coverage and provide better access to digital services for thousands of residents who previously had limited or no connectivity. At the launch event held on December 11, 2025, Airtel Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Zonal Manager, Faustine Mtui, emphasized the company's commitment to national de...

A Unique Commemorative Gift Captivates Online Communities An abalone cushion, a special gift offered by the "Hometown Love Donation System" in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, has sparked widespread online discussion due to its remarkably realistic design that closely mirrors a real abalone. The item has captured the attention of many, with users expressing both surprise and admiration for its lifelike appearance. A user shared their experience on X (formerly known as Twitter) on the 10th, detailing how they donated to Wando County through the Hometown Love Donation System and received the abalone cushion as a gift. In their post, the user wrote, “It’s more realistic than I expected,” and included photos that showcased the cushion. These images quickly drew attention for their striking resemblance to an actual abalone. The photos reveal a shell-like surface that appears to glisten as if water droplets have formed on it. The abalone's distinct color and texture are...

Breakthrough in Cross-Border Payments Ant International, HSBC, and Swift have successfully conducted a test of cross-border transfers involving tokenised deposits using the ISO 20022 messaging standard. This development could significantly simplify global blockchain-based payments and corporate treasury management. The milestone, announced on Thursday, marked the first instance where the Swift network and ISO 20022 were used together in cross-border payments with tokenised deposits. The standard serves as a universal language for exchanging electronic data in financial business transactions. In the test, Singapore-based Ant International and HSBC connected Ant's blockchain infrastructure to Swift's network, enabling real-time cross-border treasury management between HSBC Singapore and Hong Kong through the bank's tokenised deposit services. Meanwhile, Swift and HSBC introduced a common protocol that eliminated the need for Ant International to create individual bilatera...

Committee Investigates Azura-Edo Power Plant's Financial Transactions The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee, tasked with examining Nigeria's power sector reforms and public expenditure from 2007 to 2024, has raised concerns over the financial dealings of the Azura-Edo Power Plant. During a hearing on Monday, the committee questioned the company regarding an alleged N18 billion received from the federal government through the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) within a six-month period in 2023. This inquiry comes as the committee has summoned the chief executive officer of Azura-Edo Power Plant to appear before it on December 8, 2025. The committee expressed frustration over the CEO’s repeated failure to attend previous hearings despite multiple invitations. At the resumed session held in Abuja, the chairman of the committee, Arch. Ibrahim Almustapha Aliyu, demanded detailed explanations after discovering that Azura had not disclosed or accounted for the fun...

Electricity has been fully restored to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island off the southern coast, after a week-long outage caused by a damaged undersea cable, affecting more than 30,000 households and businesses. The An Giang Electricity Company, a subsidiary of the state-owned Southern Power Corporation (EVN), announced that power had been completely restored late Friday night via a temporary solution. Instead of waiting for complex full repairs, technicians installed a temporary overhead line from the shore of Ha Tien Ward and connected it to the undersea cable. The cable failure occurred on Nov. 29 when a construction unit working on the Ha Tien coastal road drove piles within the electrical safety corridor, damaging the critical link and causing power outages across the island's north. The incident affected nearly 30,000 households, numerous tourism facilities, and clean water supplies. An Giang Electricity Company installs a temporary overhead line to restore electricity ...

Strategic Partnership for a Greener Future Central Retail Corporation Plc (CRC) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by partnering with Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri) to secure a 2-billion-baht green loan. This initiative is designed to amplify CRC's environmental impact and reinforce its position as a fully green retail and wholesale organization. This collaboration comes on the heels of CRC's successful issuance of its first green bond in the Thai retail-wholesale sector in October, valued at 1 billion baht. The bond received an overwhelming response from institutional investors, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable finance. Panet Mahankanurak, the chief financial officer of CRC, emphasized the company's commitment to achieving its net-zero goal by 2050. He stated that CRC is actively working to be part of the solution to climate change. "The company has continuously strengthened its green finance initiatives to drive positive environmental ...

Growing Resilience in the Lifestyle Retail Market Despite the challenges that the economy is expected to face in 2026, the lifestyle retail market continues to show signs of growth. According to Achira Boonsongkor, director and executive committee member of Moshi Moshi Retail Corporation Plc, this segment remains resilient even during economic slowdowns. People continue to spend on impulse purchases, driven by factors such as attractive product displays, store ambiance, and emotional connections. Emotions play a significant role in shaping consumer behavior within this sector, Mr. Achira noted. The atmosphere of the stores and the products themselves create an experience that resonates with customers, encouraging repeat visits and brand loyalty. This emotional appeal is a key factor in maintaining demand, even when financial conditions are less favorable. The market is also evolving as more new operators enter the space, increasing competition. In September 2025, Index Living Mall P...

NBA Africa Unveils Winners of the Second Edition of Triple-Double Accelerator On Friday, December 5, NBA Africa announced the five winning startup companies from the second edition of the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator. This initiative, launched last year, aims to support the technology ecosystem on the continent and nurture the next generation of African entrepreneurs. The program has become a significant platform for innovation and growth in the African tech space. The five winning startups are: Re born (Morocco) Fitclan (Egypt) Athlon Technology (Egypt) Atsur (Nigeria) Songdis (Nigeria) These companies were awarded financial support and the opportunity to join Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa)'s 12-month Business Incubation Program. This program is designed to help African tech startups transform their proof-of-concept prototypes and preliminary market assessments into scalable, market-ready products and services. The value of this support i...

Rwanda's eKash: A Unified Digital Payment System for Financial Inclusion Rwanda has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation by launching eKash, a unified digital payment system designed to streamline money transfers across the country’s financial ecosystem. Initially accessible only through MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money, eKash has grown over the past three years to include banks, SACCOs, and microfinance institutions. The platform now connects 22 institutions, enabling users to pay directly from any linked account without needing to transfer or withdraw funds. This initiative aims to eliminate the delays, fragmented channels, and long-standing inconveniences that consumers face when transacting across different providers. With eKash, sending money to anyone on any platform can become instant, reliable, and affordable. “Digital payments in Rwanda were operating on separate systems that could not easily connect or work together. Your money had to move fr...

Expansion of Mobile Payment Services Between China and Vietnam Starting from December 2, Chinese visitors to Vietnam will have the opportunity to use their familiar mobile payment applications to scan VIETQR Global codes. This new feature allows for direct payments at various locations across the country, including shopping centers, restaurants, and tourist spots. The initiative aims to provide a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly payment experience for travelers, while also supporting Vietnamese businesses in tapping into one of their most significant markets. This development is the result of over a year of technical collaboration between UnionPay International (UPI) of China and the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS). The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by high-ranking officials from both countries in October 2024. The agreement highlights the growing importance of cross-border financial cooperation between the two...

A Disturbing Experience on a Tour in Chengdu A group of 23 tourists from Singapore found themselves in an unexpected and uncomfortable situation during a nine-day trip to Chengdu, China. The incident, which has since sparked widespread discussion, involved pressure from their tour guide to make purchases at a local shop, with some even being locked inside when they refused to comply. Shawn Tok, who won the 2007 Campus SuperStar competition, shared his experience through a series of Instagram Stories. He revealed that he was part of a tour group that included 22 others, traveling in November. According to reports from local outlets, the group was subjected to intense pressure to buy various items, including jade, silverware, combs, and herbal medicines. The guide reportedly did not allow the group to leave the shop until a certain sales quota was met. This led to significant financial strain on the travelers, who spent approximately 105,000 yuan (US$14,850) during the tour. However,...

Introduction to LNG in Nepal Nepal has witnessed a significant development in its energy sector with the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by a private company, Yogya Holding. This marks the first time that LNG is being imported and supplied in the country. The process of converting natural gas into LNG involves cooling it to about minus 162 degrees Celsius, which reduces its volume by approximately 600 times, making it easier to store and transport. Once it reaches its destination, the LNG is re-gasified and delivered through pipelines. How LNG is Produced The production of LNG begins with the extraction of natural gas from underground deposits. Impurities such as water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur are removed during this process. Yogya Holding, a subsidiary of SG Group, has invested around Rs600 million to establish an LNG plant in Simara, Bara. The company started importing and distributing LNG from this plant a week ago. SG Group has a long history of bottling and sup...

Key Attractions for Tourists in Indonesia Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has emphasized the significance of shopping activities as a major draw for tourists visiting the country. During a press conference held in Jakarta on November 21, she highlighted the need to promote shopping tourism not only within neighboring countries but also across ASEAN and other international markets. According to Widiyanti, the growing interest in shopping among tourists is evident from the trends observed in 2024. Foreign visitors to Indonesia spent an average of US$1,391 during their visits, with 11.4% of this amount allocated to souvenirs and gifts. This data underscores the potential of the retail sector in attracting and retaining tourists. Initiatives to Boost Shopping Tourism To capitalize on this opportunity, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing the promotion of shopping tourism. These efforts are particularly focused on prepa...

Rising Demand for Winter Wear in China China's down jacket and coat manufacturers are experiencing a surge in sales, driven by strong demand for high-end winter wear. This trend is expected to continue for the next three months as colder weather sets in. Retailers like Bosideng, one of the country's leading brands, are benefiting from this increased interest in premium products. According to a recent research report by Shanghai-based securities firm Shenwan Hongyuan Group, garment makers that offer winter-specific clothing have seen a significant boost due to the cold temperatures this year. The late arrival of the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 17, 2026, is also contributing to the prolonged high season for down jacket sales. A buoyant winter clothing market could help cushion against deflation, especially given the weak consumer demand for daily essentials and big-ticket items. In the first nine months of the year, retail sales on the mainland increased by 4.5% c...