IPO
Vietnam's Masan Group weighs IPO for consumer unit
Debut could raise over $1bn as CEO eyes overseas expansion
Consumer
Technology
Sony installs AI cameras in 500 Japan 7-Elevens for consumer analysis
Setup measures viewership of in-store signs and subsequent purchases
IPO
China tea chain ChaPanda sinks in Hong Kong IPO as market sours
'Bad' sentiment may affect rivals' hopes to drum up cash for expansion
Food & Beverage
Southeast Asia restaurants lose out as COVID delivery habit persists
Apps like Grab, Shopee gain users who no longer eat out, data shows
Electronics
Sony's new Bravia TVs built for Prime Video, other streaming services
Demand seen growing even as consumers 'cut the cable'
Asia Insight
China's Gen Z turns frugal as economy doubts linger
Youth disillusionment raises alarm over 'degradation of consumption'
Technology
Huawei says it will start selling PCs powered by Intel's AI chip
MateBook X Pro features HarmonyOS and Pangu LLM, both developed in-house
Business trends
Japanese 100-yen shop president says penny-pinching mindset persists
Seria maintains a strategy of one low price despite weak yen and cost hikes
Consumer
Activist investor Oasis urges Japan's Kao to reduce brands
Shareholder proposals a possibility to prompt changes at cosmetics maker
Business trends
China's new fashion trend incorporates traditional elements
Patriotism and self-confidence in young citizens drive change
Consumer
Fujifilm to release 1st new flagship Instax camera in 11 years
Instax Mini 99 will stick to analog feel to capture fans of retro instant photography
Companies
Japan company beats 'bad-faith' trademark filer in Chinese court
MTG's win against broker points to tougher stance on intellectual property
Technology
U.S. accuses Apple of smartphone monopoly in antitrust lawsuit
Complaint alleges tech giant makes its products worse for consumers to block rivals
Consumer
Swire's Coca-Cola business in China remains 'challenging'
Key bottler eager to expand in Southeast Asia; group touts overall profit surge
Startups
Anyone for crickets? Vietnam company aims to serve up insects in Singapore
Startup expects to be first to get such food on store shelves in city-state
Economy
Japanese household spending logs biggest drop in 35 months in January
Consumption data fell 6.3% year-on-year, down for the 11th month
Inflation
Thailand's consumer prices fall for fifth consecutive month
Negative inflation adds to PM Srettha's pressure on central bank
Consumer
Singapore watch strap brand aims for global reach
Delugs' handcrafted leather bands cater to any style
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Technology
Intel aims to deliver chips for 100 million AI PCs by 2025
Forecasters see industry bouncing back from post-COVID lows
Consumer
Gashapon capsule toy shop in Manila has fans flocking
Store is Japanese toymaker Bandai's first in the Philippines
Supply Chain
Google plans to begin Pixel phone production in India in Q2
Search engine giant joins Apple, Samsung in tapping big South Asian market
Business trends
Japan splurges on Valentine chocolate even as cocoa prices surge
Makers and department stores find novel ways to keep customers sweet on treats
Life
Cassette tapes are making a surprise comeback in Japan
Streaming generation charmed by the low-fi warmth of analog audio
Commodities
Cocoa market in 'panic' as prices hit record for 9th straight day
Fears grow of long-term shortages for chocolate sellers
Travel & Leisure
China's Lunar New Year holiday to kick off; overseas travel still slow
Billions of trips expected as people head for hometowns and domestic tourism spots