Business
OPPO Air Glass 3 unveiled at MWC 2024
Marking a significant breakthrough in XR, OPPO Air Glass 3 can access OPPO's AndesGPT model via a smartphone app for generative AI capabilities.
Dhaka, Mar 6 (UNB) - Leading global technology company OPPO unveiled a prototype for its new generation of assisted reality glasses, OPPO Air Glass 3, at MWC 2024. OPPO Air Glass 3 can access OPPO's AndesGPT model via a smartphone, providing a new burdenless AI experience.
Ahead of the event, OPPO also announced the establishment of the OPPO AI Center and released the OPPO AI Smartphone White Paper, marking a new era in which Smartphones transition to AI Smartphones, according to a press release on Wednesday.
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At this year's MWC, OPPO has collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and startup AlpsenTek to introduce a new AI Motion algorithm based on Hybrid Vision Sensing (HVS) technology, bringing added clarity to photography and videography of high-speed moving objects.
Further to this, OPPO is showcasing a range of products with partners, including Google, Qualcomm Technologies, and MediaTek, and has announced that OPPO smartphone users will soon be able to connect their phones to Microsoft Copilot. reflecting OPPO's commitment to exploring enhanced technological experiences in collaboration with partners across the industry, said the release.
AI experiences with the world’s lightest binocular aR glasses
Thanks to its ability to understand various data types, including text, images, video, and audio, multimodal AI technology is able to process and interpret more complex user scenarios, unlocking new potential in user interactions, such as voice and visual. While XR (extended reality) devices present new possibilities in implementing these features, they require both advanced functionality and lightweight designs if they are to truly take on the role of a personal, everyday smart assistant.
Driven by this vision, OPPO has introduced the all-new OPPO Air Glass 3 prototype to explore the possibilities of AI technology based on cross-device collaboration between XR devices and smartphones.
Weighing just 50 grams, the OPPO Air Glass 3 features a self-developed resin waveguide with a refractive index of 1.70, a display brightness uniformity of more than 50%, and a peak eye brightness of more than 1,000 nits. Together, these ensure the OPPO Air Glass 3 provides a wearing experience that is close to that of a regular pair of glasses while also providing the best full-color display of its kind. Thanks to the access to OPPO AndesGPT provided by the Air Glass APP on the smartphone, users only need to lightly press the temple of the OPPO Air Glass 3 to activate the AI voice assistant and begin performing a range of tasks.
The OPPO Air Glass 3 also supports touch interaction, which can be used to easily control functions such as music playback, voice calls, information display, color image browsing, and more. The glasses also feature reverse sound field technology, an open acoustic design with four microphones, and other innovations that improve noise isolation to deliver high audio quality and enhanced privacy protection.
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CIS-BCCI holds its annual general meeting
The 10th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Commonwealth of Independent States-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CIS-BCCI) was held on Tuesday at Dhaka Club in the city.
During the AGM, CIS-BCCI President Mohammad Ali Deen presented the annual report of 2023 and explained the future plan of the chamber along with past activities.
Rashadul Hossain Chowdhury, Senior Vice President of the chamber, presented the financial report of the chamber for the year 2023.
The general members along with the board of directors and advisers were present in the meeting and actively participated in the discussion on the annual report and audited financial report and approved it unanimously.
The Meeting ended with a vote of thanks from the Vice President of the Chamber Jadab Debnath.
The CIS-BCCI, a registered trade body under T.O Rules of Ministry of Commerce, is working to promote bilateral trade relation between Bangladesh and CIS countries including Russia.
CIS-BCCI regularly interacts with the related agencies of the government and with respective diplomatic missions to explore CIS market including Russia as the third front of our export destination after the USA and the EU, said a press release.
Tahsan made ORAIMO’s new brand ambassador
Renowned musician and actor Tahsan Rahman Khan has joined hands with ORAIMO Bangladesh.
This popular star has become the brand ambassador of ORAIMO, a smart accessories company catering the needs of the youth worldwide.
This was announced at a function organized for dealers at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the capital on Tuesday night.
Textile engineers, entrepreneurs unite to tackle RMG industry challenges
At that time, apart from ORAIMO’s Brand Ambassador Tahsan Khan, ORAIMO’s Global Brand Director Zoey Zeng Yi; Overseas Sales Director Justin Ye; Country Manager Tanbir Hossain Mazumder and other senior officials of ORAIMO were present.
In the future, consumer electronics of ORAIMO available in Bangladesh – such as TWS, smart watch, headphones, trimmer & charger – will feature Tahsan Khan. This popular star was showered with good wishes and love from fans for this new journey. Oraimo started its journey in Bangladesh in 2018.
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ORAIMO Country Manager Tanbir Majumder said, “We are very happy that popular musician Tahsan Khan and ORAIMO will work together in future. A talented artiste like Tahsan Khan has countless fans and viewers. We hope that ORAIMO will get an uplift through those fans among the youth. ORAIMO’s journey with him will be a memorable one.”
CEMS Global, CCPIT-TEX China’s exhibitions on yarn, fabric kicks off in Dhaka
CEMS-Global USA and CCPIT-TEX China’s international exhibitions on Yarn and Fabric kicked off at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka on Wednesday.
The exhibitions will run till March 9 providing global manufacturers of yarn, fabric, trims and sccessories with a unique platform to showcase the latest advancements, new opportunities and to forge meaningful partnerships in Bangladesh.
The 21st Dhaka International Yarn & Fabric Show 2024 (Winter Edition), organized by CEMS-Global USA and CCPIT-TEX China will serve as a testament to the remarkable progress and growth of the textile industry in Bangladesh and beyond, said the organizers.
This flagship event, they said, promises to be a premier platform for global textile manufacturers, stakeholders, and suppliers.
Renowned as one of the most comprehensive textile exhibitions in Bangladesh, the winter edition of the Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show is set to showcase the latest innovations, trends, and technologies in the textile sector.
The 21st edition of the event features a diverse array of exhibitors, including yarn, fabric, trims, and accessory manufacturers, suppliers, exporters, and industry experts, providing visitors with unparalleled opportunities for networking along with business expansion, forging cross-border deals and partnerships.
Exhibitors are presenting their cutting-edge products, materials and services across various segments such as cotton, polyester, viscose, spandex, nylon, and blended yarns, as well as a wide range of fabrics including denim, knitted, woven, printed, and dyed fabrics.
Moreover, the 21st Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show 2024 (Winter Edition) and 6th Denim Bangladesh 2024 International Expo will serve as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, business development, and partnerships within the global textile ecosystem, facilitating interactions between key stakeholders and decision-makers to drive industry growth and innovation.
Lokman Hossain Miah, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, was present as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of exhibitions.
Meherun N. Islam, President and Group Managing Director, CEMS Global USA and Asia Pacific and Zhang Tao, Vice President and Secretary General, The Sub- Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT presided over the opening ceremony.
Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA); Md. Amin Helaly, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI); Md. Nuruzzaman, Director General (Additional Secretary) of Department of Textiles – Ministry of Textiles and Jute; Mahbubur Rahman, Director General of the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh; Akhter Hossain Apurba, Vice President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA); and Song Yang, Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh were also present.
These exhibitions showcase the latest technologies, and foster trade relationships, the 21st Dhaka International Yarn & Fabric Show 2024 (Winter Edition) promises to be a pivotal event that redefines the textile and garment industry's trajectory in Bangladesh and beyond.
More than 410 companies from 15 countries with more than 550 booths are taking part in this international exhibition to showcase their new designs, newest trends, and innovative technological breakthroughs in textiles for the benefit of Bangladesh's entire RMG industry.
These exhibitions will be open for the visitors only upon registration every day from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Some Interesting Facts About the Ambani Family
The Ambani family is now the talk of the world with the dazzling and star-studded presence in Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations. From Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg to Rihanna’s concert – the spectacles at Jamnagar were one for the ages.
One might think, what is the limit for Asia’s richest man? There are several interesting facts behind the meteoric rise of Mukesh Ambani and the conglomerate Reliance is today. And the story doesn’t even start in India.
Few Lesser Known Facts About the Ambani Family
Born in a Foreign Land
Dhirubhai Ambani was working in Aden (present-day Yemen) where Mukesh was born in 1957. Dhirubhai with his family decided to move back to India in 1958 to start his own business, seeding the foundation of Reliance.
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A Match Made in Bharatanatyam
Contrary to popular belief, Mukesh and Nita Ambani didn’t cross paths first. Instead, it was Dhirubhai and Kokilaben who first noticed Nita during a Bharatanatyam performance. Dhirubhai later approached Nita’s father Ravindrabhai Dalal for her hand in marriage to his son.
Birthday Unlike Any Other
It is rumored that Mukesh Ambani doesn’t like to celebrate his birthdays. But when it comes to family and the love of his life, there is no one quite like him. On the 44th birthday of Nita Ambani, Mukesh reportedly gifted her an Airbus (A319) luxury private jet estimated to be worth around 240 Crore INR.
Welcoming the First Daughter-in-Law
The razzle-dazzle of a wedding in Ambani house is nothing new. Ambanis welcomed their first daughter-in-law Shloka Mehta in 2019 as Akash and Shloka tied the knot in a big fat Indian wedding. It was reported that Nita Ambani gifted the ‘Mouawad L'Incomparable’ to Shloka, the 91-diamond studded necklace estimated at 451 Crore INR.
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A House Fit for the Ambani
Mukesh Ambani with his wife and two sons live in the luxurious Antilla, the 27-storied fabled home in Mumbai. The 4.6 billion USD building is the most expensive private residence in the world, a fitting abode for Asia’s richest family.
Family at the Heart of Everything
The Ambanis are tied by a strong sense of familial obligations. Mukesh Ambani often stated how important it is for him to spend at least a day in the week with his mother, wife, and children. The bond of family is further extrapolated by the fact that there’s at least a photo of the family or Dhirubhai Ambani in each room of Antilla.
5 Rupees Pocket Money
In an interview with iDiva, Nita Ambani revealed that she used to give Akash, Isha, and Anant only 5 rupees as pocket money for an entire week. Nita reflected that it was her way of teaching the children to value money and stay grounded no matter what. Nita draws inspiration from her middle-class background and wants to instill the same in the heirs.
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Nita Ambani’s Philanthropy
Nita Ambani has been spearheading Reliance’s philanthropic activities through the Reliance Foundation. She even resigned from the board of Reliance Industries in 2003 to focus more on philanthropic projects. Under her guidance, Reliance Foundation completed the Jamnagar Township Project and Dhirubhai Ambani International School.
Humble in Gastronomy
People are often surprised by the fact that Mukesh Ambani is a vegetarian. Even before heading the Reliance Industries, Mukesh was known for his humble and modest lifestyle and behavior. It’s a trait that has carried on to the Ambani heirs as well. In addition to being a vegetarian, Mukesh is often spotted dining with his family at traditional and less pretentious restaurants.
The Ties of Friendship
The value of trust and fellowship goes beyond the family for Mukesh. Mukesh’s two close friends from college days, Anand Jain and Manoj Modi became key instruments in Reliance’s growth. Today both Jain and Modi closely work with the third generation of the Ambanis to get them started in the business.
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The Sports Connection
Ambanis aren’t all about industries and philanthropies. The family has been a strong patron of sports, especially Nita Ambani. The IPL franchise Mumbai Indians is owned by Nita. Reliance Group also holds the ownership of the Indian Super League. For her patronage of sports, Nita Ambani received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Award in 2017.
Ivy-League Education
As the heir to the Reliance empire, the three children Akash, Isha, and Anant were expected to lead by example. And they did so splendidly. The three siblings had their early education in Dhirubhai Ambani International School. Akash and Anant both completed their bachelor’s from Brown University. Isha pursued a bachelor's in psychology at Yale University and later completed her MBA from Stanford.
Z+ Security
Being the richest man in India comes with its set of perils. In 2013, Mukesh Ambani got death threats which prompted the government to issue Z+ security for him and his family members.
Read more: India's biggest sibling rivalry between Ambani brothers to end soon?
Vantara: Protecting the Wildlife
Anant Ambani is noted for being an animal lover. His concern for wildlife and nature is seen all around. Recently, the youngest of the Ambanis has taken up the ambitious project of Vantara, a 3000-acre wildlife sanctuary at Jamnagar. Vantara is expected to be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to take care of the animals and promote thriving flora and fauna in the region.
The Life of Dhirubhai in a Movie
The 2007 Mani Ratnam-directed film Guru is said to be loosely based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani. The movie tells the beautiful tale of how a man from a village can go on to create the largest conglomerate in India by his sheer will and determination to never give up.
Final Words
Being the richest family in Asia, the Ambanis never dissociated themselves from the masses. Their philanthropic activities and large-scale industrial operations have made them a key driver in India’s economic growth. As the third generation of the Ambanis walks the precedence set by their father and grandfather, it is safe to assume that Reliance will not lose its vision.
Read more: Mukesh Ambani no longer among world's top 10 richest billionaires
Textile engineers, entrepreneurs unite to tackle RMG industry challenges
Leading figures from Bangladesh's RMG and textile industry gathered at a forum on March 3 to address critical challenges facing the sector.
The event, titled "Present Business Challenges & Possible Solutions," brought together over 40 textile engineer-entrepreneurs who collectively manage companies responsible for over $3 billion in annual exports, according to a press release.
Organized by the Institute of Textile Engineers & Technicians (ITET) and facilitated by Textile Today Innovation Hub, the forum aimed to foster collaboration and brainstorm solutions to the industry's top five challenges, it said
These challenges were identified as:
Skills gap and trust issues between employees and employers.
Rising operational costs coupled with declining selling prices.
Unreliable utilities and high energy costs.
Challenges from government agencies, including customs, VAT, and fire safety regulations.
Difficulties with non-government agencies, such as trade unions, banks, and vendors.
Through facilitated breakout sessions, attendees actively participated in generating potential solutions and sharing their expertise. Industry leaders, including Prof. Dr. Shah Alimuzzaman, Vice Chancellor of BUTEX, and Engr. Md. Shamsuzzaman, Managing Director of Micro Fibre Group, provided valuable insights on the discussed issues.
The forum served as a valuable platform for textile engineers and entrepreneurs to come together, share experiences, and work collaboratively towards addressing the industry's pressing issues. This collaborative approach holds the potential to drive positive change and ensure the continued success of Bangladesh's RMG and textile.
Mobile operators seek tax relief to boost digitization
Representatives of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) met with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Tuesday to discuss tax policies impacting the telecommunications sector.
AMTOB presented 21 proposals aimed at reducing the tax burden on mobile operators, arguing that the current structure hinders the industry's growth and, consequently, the country's digitization efforts.
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"The mobile industry is the backbone of internet access in Bangladesh," stated AMTOB Secretary General Lt Col (retd) Mohammad Zulfikar .
"The entire digitization process relies heavily on its infrastructure. Every sector, from banking and e-commerce to education and healthcare, utilises mobile services."
AMTOB gives 16 proposals including reduction of corporate tax rate to NBR
AMTOB highlighted several concerns, including:
Double Taxation: AMTOB seeks to eliminate situations where companies face double taxation due to missing paperwork from suppliers.
AMTOB calls for revision of SD in mobile services
Tax Exemptions for Government Organisations: AMTOB proposes clarifying tax return filing requirements for government entities like Bangladesh Railway and the Election Commission.
Corporate Tax Rates: AMTOB argues that the current 40–45 percent corporate tax rate for mobile operators is significantly higher than the 20-27.5 percent rate for other companies. They propose bringing mobile operators under the standard tax structure.
Minimum Tax Adjustments: AMTOB suggests allowing mobile operators to adjust any unutilized minimum tax towards future tax liabilities.
VAT on SIM Cards: AMTOB proposes removing the 200 Taka VAT charged on all SIM deliveries, including e-SIMs.
VAT on Government Regulatory Organisations: AMTOB seeks clarification on VAT applicability for government regulatory bodies.
Harmonised HS Coding: AMTOB recommends consistent application of the HS coding system for telecom equipment and software to streamline import procedures.
AMTOB believes these changes will foster a more supportive environment for the mobile industry, leading to increased investment, improved network infrastructure, and ultimately, accelerated national digitization. The NBR is expected to review the proposals and respond in due course.
Apparel industry pivotal in economic growth but sustainability and ethical practices must be prioritised: Salman F Rahman
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman on Tuesday emphasised the apparel industry's critical role in the country's economic growth and underscored the importance of continuous innovation and sustainable practices.
“The apparel industry is pivotal in Bangladesh's economic growth and development. However, to sustain this momentum, we must prioritise sustainability and ethical practices,” he said while speaking at the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2024.
Towards a sustainable and competitive apparel industry in Bangladesh and beyond, the Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) 2024 emphasized promoting decent work that focuses on a more ethical, equitable, and environment-friendly industry.
The Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, in partnership with ILO-IFC Better Work Bangladesh and in collaboration with GIZ and WaterAid, organised the SAF 2024 in Dhaka and convened government officials, industry leaders, and national and international partners to chart a path towards a more ethical and environmentally conscious future.
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Highlighting the role of international cooperation, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Bangladesh's efforts towards sustainability.
"Development cooperation plays a crucial role in promoting ethical practices, environmental conservation, and social inclusion within the apparel industry," Whiteley noted.
Circular economy, sustainable solutions, fair prices, ethical consumption — all in the mix at the Sustainable Apparel Forum — are vital to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the green transition, he said.
As the second largest RMG exporter with over four million people employed in the sector, Bangladesh plays a critical role in the global apparel supply chain.
The SAF 2024 was designed to bring together industry stakeholders this year to foster dialogue, share best practices, and drive action towards a more sustainable future in the apparel sector.
RMG export to EU reaches US$ 13.92bln during July-January
RMG export to the European Union has reached US$ 13.92 billion from July-January of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
With an increase of 1.32% compared to the same period of previous FY, the export to Spain, France, Netherlands and Poland showed 6.05%, 4.25%, 11.77% and 20.30% growth respectively. However, local apparel exports to Italy declined by 1.81%.
On the other hand, Germany, the largest export market in the EU, reduced its import by 13.46% with an amount of US$ 3.51 billion compared to July-January 2022-23.
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The RMG export to the USA declined by 3.90 % with US$ 4.79 billion in the first seventh months of FY 2023-24 .
At the same time, exports to the UK and Canada reached US$ 3.31 billion and US$871.27 million in FY 2023-24, showing an increase by 12.98 % and 0.68% respectively.
During July-January of the FY 2023-24, the apparel export to non-traditional markets went up by 11.69% to US$ 5.46 billion from US$ 4.89 billion in the corresponding period of previous year.
Among the major non-traditional markets, exports to Japan, Australia and South Korea increased by 8.74%, 23% and 17.57% respectively. However, the apparel export to India declined by 21.86%.
Grameenphone prioritizes green energy solutions for a sustainable future
In pursuit of bridging the policy gap and advocating for Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) policies to achieve its climate target, Grameenphone hosted a panel discussion titled “Greening the Grid” at its corporate office in the capital Dhaka.
The panel discussion aims to promote policy reforms concerning Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in Bangladesh, essential for supporting Grameenphone’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030, from the baseline year 2019.
The panelists highlighted the importance of the CPPA policy.
Grameenphone's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen said they are committed to reducing carbon emissions from its operations.
He emphasized the essential role of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in achieving this objective.
He also addressed the challenges faced by private sector entities in implementing this model, while also emphasizing the advantages of supportive policies, such as attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and assisting in meeting the government’s renewable energy targets. He also highlighted how ESG is vital for achieving the Paris Agreement’s objectives by promoting sustainability and cutting down carbon emissions.
Erik Solheim, Former Minister of Environment and International Development, Norway, shared insights from Norway’s grid greening experience and explored international best practices for Bangladesh to glean from in its transition towards renewable energy sources.
Espen Rikter-Svendsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh emphasized the significance of international partnerships in bolstering Bangladesh’s efforts to green its grid, while also discussing Norway’s readiness to aid in this transition.
ED Elrahal, Chief of Party at Tetra Tech, underscored the involvement of development partners such as USAID and Tetra Tech in offering capacity building and technical assistance to Bangladesh for the implementation of CPPAs. He provided examples of successful initiatives and outlined strategies for overcoming barriers to adoption.
Engr. Mohammad Hossain, Director General of Power Cell Bangladesh, highlighted the technical aspects of integrating renewable energy sources into Bangladesh’s national grid, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities involved in this process and its connection to the adoption of CPPAs.
Nahim Razzaq MP, Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh, wrapped up the discussion by stressing the existing legislative framework in Bangladesh concerning CPPAs and underscoring the essential policy changes needed to facilitate their adoption. He discussed the involvement of parliamentary committees in propelling policy reform in this domain.
Nahim Razzaq MP, Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh, Erik Solheim, former Minister of Environment and International Development of Norway, Espen Rikter-Svendsen, THE Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, ED Elrahal - Chief of Party, Tetra Tech- USAID-BADGE Project, Engr. Mohammad Hossain – Director General, Power Cell Bangladesh, and HansMartin Hoegh Henrichsen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Grameenphone addressed the programme as panelists.