Economy stories

A report reveals that business travellers are booking hotels earlier, with average lead times rising to 17.35 days in late 2024, up nearly 7% from 2023.

Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation and Kintone Southeast Asia have enhanced their partnership to boost digital adoption among Malaysia's SMEs, crucial for economic growth.

Workplace gifting is evolving as living costs rise, with fewer colleagues contributing but higher average amounts per gift, reports GroupTogether.

Anchor has successfully raised USD $20 million in Series A funding to combat late payments for U.S. small businesses, boosting growth and efficiency.

Kantar's latest report reveals a surge in ad-supported streaming subscriptions in the UK, rising to 31% amid changing viewer habits and economic pressures.

A recent survey reveals that 77% of New Zealand business leaders are increasingly concerned about economic uncertainty as they prepare for 2025.

ScotlandIS predicts a surge in AI skills demand and hybrid working models for 2025, despite economic hurdles, with a push for greener data centres.

NVIDIA has unveiled its inaugural research and development centre in Vietnam, a significant step in enhancing the country's artificial intelligence landscape.

The Canberra Innovation Network has boosted the Australian Capital Territory's economy, adding AUD $196 million to its Gross State Product in 2024.

Accept Cards has launched Accept Cash, an innovative solution for SMEs enabling same-day cash deposits amid rising bank branch closures in the UK.

LG Electronics has achieved record third-quarter revenue of AUD $24.23 billion amidst ongoing global economic challenges.

A study reveals the UK’s STEM workforce is losing GBP £64 billion annually due to limited access to advanced AI tools, impacting productivity significantly.

Quantaco's Hospitality Industry Update reveals a 7% increase in weekly sales in Q1 2025, highlighting resilience amid rising living costs.

The New South Wales Government has initiated a series of market update sessions to enhance exports to ASEAN, projected to be a top global economy by 2040.

Complaints about fraud and scams hit a six-year high, with more than half involving bank transfers, as cybercriminals target mobile devices, says FOS.

Hype and Dexter's tech integration with UNICEF Aotearoa boosts donations despite economic hardships, facilitating crucial aid for Pacific children.

Auckland's tech hiring market sees cautious optimism as Reserve Bank rate cuts uplift sentiment, but slow recovery and 'brain drain' pose challenges.

nib New Zealand reports a NZD $21.2 million operating profit for FY24 and a 3.1% increase in policyholders, navigating economic and healthcare challenges.

As Australia grapples with a cost of living crisis, Convincely CEO Pratik Doshi urges retailers to employ innovative tactics to draw in and retain customers.

The Open Data Institute's recent report exposes weaknesses in the UK’s tech infrastructure, warning that poor data governance in AI could undermine societal benefits and trust.