Technology

Shanghai boosts payment convenience for elderly, foreign residents

Published

4 months ago

July 18, 2024

SHANGHAI, July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from english.shanghai.gov.cn:

Shanghai has significantly improved payment convenience for both elderly and foreign residents, as highlighted by Chen Yong, deputy inspector at Shanghai Head Office of the People’s Bank of China, during the bank’s 2024 third-quarter press conference on July 10.

Chen outlined several initiatives aimed at improving payment services across the city, including a comprehensive action plan issued on April 18. The plan targets six major areas with 15 specific goals and involves 20 city departments to ensure coordinated implementation.

Key actions include improving foreign card acceptance, enhancing cash withdrawal convenience, and optimizing mobile payment applications. As of June 30, over 50,000 merchants and 70,000 terminals in Shanghai had supported foreign card payments. Foreign card transactions exceeded 1.9 million in the first half of 2024, totaling 3.5 billion yuan ($481.05 million).

The Shanghai government has implemented a subsidy policy for point of sale (POS) machine deployment, which has significantly boosted foreign card acceptance. Additionally, the city focused on critical scenarios such as metro stations and railway stations, equipping them with card acceptance terminals to resolve payment issues.

To improve cash services, Shanghai has expanded the availability of small-denomination cash withdrawals at ATMs in strategic locations and opened 222 foreign currency exchange points.

The Shanghai branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), for instance, has increased its cash reserves and installed 63 ATMs capable of dispensing 10-yuan notes. “We have set up over 450 small-denomination cash exchange channels to facilitate easy access to change,” said Mi Liang, vice-president of the Shanghai branch of ICBC.

The Shanghai branch of the Bank of China has doubled the number of merchants and terminals that accept foreign card payments, resulting in a two-fold increase in transaction volume. “We have ensured comprehensive coverage of foreign card acceptance in major commercial zones and collaborated with major hotel chains and international coffee brands,” said Zhang Xinyuan, vice-president of Shanghai branch of the Bank of China.

Alipay, one of the most popular mobile payment platforms in China, has been instrumental in promoting mobile payment solutions for foreign residents. “By June 30, Alipay’s foreign card binding’ service had supported more than 400,000 foreign users,” said Wang Lijuan, general manager of Alipay. The company has also launched marketing campaigns and expanded service coverage in major commercial areas and transportation hubs.

China UnionPay has contributed to enhancing payment convenience through its “Jinxiu Action 2024” campaign. “We have provided substantial subsidies and support to acquiring institutions to lower the cost of upgrading payment terminals,” said Gong Zhongrui, general manager of the Shanghai branch of China UnionPay. The company has also promoted the use of UnionPay cards and mobile wallets among foreign residents, ensuring widespread acceptance in key commercial areas and tourist attractions.

The establishment of comprehensive service centers at Shanghai’s international airports has increased convenience for international travelers. These centers provide 24-hour services, including payment, telecommunications, cultural and tourism information, and transportation assistance. On June 29, the first such center began trial operations at Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s T2 terminal.

Meanwhile, Shanghai has optimized payment convenience for the elderly, with over 90 percent of bank branches in the city having completed elderly-friendly renovations. More than 6,000 self-service machines now support passbook printing, and 656 elderly service stations have been established. Additionally, major payment service providers have enhanced mobile banking apps with large-font versions and upgraded transfer risk control measures to better serve the elderly population.

Looking ahead, Chen noted that the Shanghai Head Office of the People’s Bank of China will continue to enhance payment convenience in collaboration with various departments. The goal is to establish a safer, more convenient, efficient, and inclusive payment environment in Shanghai, contributing to the city’s development as a benchmark for payment convenience and supporting the construction of the city’s “Five Centers” initiative.

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SOURCE english.shanghai.gov.cn

Technology

Doo Group Strengthens Global Reach with CySEC License for Doo Financial

Published

19 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

LIMASSOL, Cyprus , Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Doo Group is proud to announce that Doo Financial, one of its brands, has been awarded a new license by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This achievement strengthens Doo Group’s commitment to providing a secure and regulated trading environment for its clients globally.

Expanding Regulatory Reach

The addition of the CySEC license highlights Doo Group’s extensive regulatory framework, which already spans across multiple financial jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. This strategic milestone reflects Doo Group’s dedication to ensuring compliance with international regulatory standards and prioritizing client security. As a European Supervisory Authority, CySEC offers a robust regulatory environment and is expected to enhance client confidence. For Doo Group, this new regulatory milestone reinforces its reputation as a trusted, reliable financial services provider.

“Acquiring the new license from CySEC is a significant milestone for Doo Financial, marking a key step in our ongoing growth and strategic expansion. This achievement not only reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory excellence but also solidifies our position as a trusted, reliable financial institution within Europe. By aligning with CySEC’s rigorous requirements, we are better positioned to offer enhanced services to our clients, foster greater transparency, and ensure long-term stability in an increasingly complex and dynamic financial landscape.” Costas Kappai, Doo Financial EU

Strengthening Client Confidence

Doo Financial EU, the European branch of Doo Financial, is now positioned to serve clients across Europe under the guidelines of a European Supervisory Authority. European clients will benefit from CySEC’s regulatory protections, including client fund safety and transparent business practices, ensuring a secure and trustworthy trading experience. This development allows Doo Financial EU to offer its suite of financial services and trading products to a wider audience, backed by the credibility and oversight of CySEC.

By expanding its regulatory reach, Doo Group continues to strengthen its position in the global financial market, enabling clients to trade with confidence. The CySEC license is another step toward achieving Doo Group’s vision of becoming a leader in financial services.

About Doo Group

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Singapore, Doo Group is an international financial services provider with a focus on FinTech. With operations across 10 major business lines—including Brokerage, Wealth Management, Payments, and Digital Marketing—we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive financial solutions that empower our clients to explore a better future.

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Technology

Liberty General Insurance Continues to Drive Insurance Awareness and Inclusion with ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ Initiative Across Delhi and Punjab

Published

19 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

NEW DELHI, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Liberty General Insurance, one of the leading non-life insurance companies in India and the lead insurer for Delhi under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) State Insurance Plan, is spearheading an insurance awareness initiative in Delhi. While there are no gram panchayats in Delhi, Liberty continues to drive insurance awareness through grassroots and digital outreach.

In parallel, Liberty is fulfilling its rural and social obligations by focusing on underserved areas in Punjab. This effort includes a recently initiated awareness campaign across 400 gram panchayats in Punjab to expand insurance penetration and increase accessibility in these regions.

In Delhi, Liberty continues to create awareness under ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ initiative launched in 2023. This October Liberty began with a Door-to-Door Campaign across North-West and North East Delhi, reaching over 1600 households in Karala Village, Budh Vihar, Kanjawala Village and Begumpur, Burari, Kanhiya Nagar, Rampura, and Jahangirpuri, achieving over 25000 impressions. Over nearly a month, Liberty’s teams engaged with residents, distributing leaflets and explaining the benefits of motor and health insurance. This campaign was followed by the ‘Nukkad Natak’ (Street Play) initiative in South Delhi, targeting key neighborhoods of Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Nirman Vihar, Lakshmi Nagar, and Begumpur chowk market. The street plays used interactive performances to educate communities on the importance of insurance and dispel common myths. To reinforce the message, Liberty’s team also disseminated copies of the ‘Wise Ways of Insurance’ booklet—a unique resource developed to demystify insurance products and promote informed decision-making. The booklet, which is being translated into vernacular languages, is also being distributed in other states as part of Liberty’s commitment to financial literacy across India.

Complementing its on-ground efforts, Liberty General Insurance continues to leverage social media to drive targeted insurance awareness campaigns. Recognizing that widespread mobile access allows more people to connect online, Liberty reaches both rural and urban audiences, empowering individuals everywhere with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions.

Commenting on this awareness drive, Mr. Parag Ved, CEO & Whole-Time Director, Liberty General Insurance said, “Our ‘Suraksha ka Vaada Bima ke Saath’ campaign is an effort in line with IRDAI’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ vision, towards empowering communities across Delhi, Punjab, and beyond with the financial security that insurance provides. With general insurance penetration in India still at less than 1% of its GDP, there is a pressing need to educate communities and break down the barriers to understanding the importance of insurance. Liberty will ensure that its wide distribution network makes policies accessible to all, so that every citizen—no matter where they are—can access the financial safety net that insurance offers.”

“Liberty is committed to fostering a culture of financial resilience where every Indian can feel secure about their future. Together, we are building a future where insurance isn’t just a product but a promise of protection and peace of mind,” Mr. Ved added.

Looking ahead, Liberty will be rolling out a transit media campaign across South Delhi in December, utilizing branded auto rickshaws to increase visibility and connect with residents in this vibrant area of the capital. By leveraging transit media, Liberty aims to bring insurance awareness into people’s daily routines, making information accessible in familiar, everyday settings. This campaign builds on the success of previous awareness initiatives and reinforces Liberty’s commitment to educating and empowering individuals about insurance.

About Liberty General Insurance

Liberty General Insurance Ltd. (LGI) is a joint venture between Summit Asia Investment Holdings PTE Ltd.— a group company of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, a diversified global insurer with over 900 offices across the world, headquartered in the U.S., Enam Securities, and Diamond Dealtrade. LGI commenced operations in 2013 with the aim of providing comprehensive retail, commercial and industrial insurance solutions. The company has an employee strength of 1100+ with presence across 100+ locations in 28 states and UTs. Its partner network consists of about 6000+ hospitals and more than 5000 auto service centres. The company offers health and personal accident insurance, car and two-wheeler insurance, employee compensation insurance, commercial insurance, engineering insurance, marine insurance, liability insurance and property insurance among other products in India.

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Technology

Hikvision unveils WonderHub and elevates smart collaboration across industries

Published

19 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

HANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2024 /CNW/ — Hikvision unveiled its fully upgraded smart collaboration business. The event showcased a range of innovative products designed to transform collaboration in education, meetings, retail, and more. Among the highlights were cutting-edge solutions like WonderHub interactive displays, digital signage, and video conference devices. These products underscore Hikvision’s commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing user experiences in an increasingly connected world.

At the heart of this ecosystem is WonderHub, which features WonderOS, an AI-powered platform that seamlessly connects devices and enhances collaboration. With tools like WonderSpark for interactive whiteboards and WonderCast for wireless content sharing, WonderHub enables users to communicate, create, and collaborate more effectively than ever.

Boosting Classroom Engagement with Innovative Solutions

In education, WonderHub is designed to elevate classroom experiences. The interactive displays enable students to share and express ideas effortlessly, creating a more engaging and dynamic learning environment. The built-in WonderSpark smart whiteboard software uses AI to recognize equations, provide solutions, and generate interactive 3D teaching materials across subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and natural sciences. Teachers can also access licensed images and videos through Creative Commons integration, enriching lesson content and boosting student engagement.

Classrooms equipped with WonderHub also benefit from multi-window modes and a suite of 19 educational tools. These include subject-specific templates and interactive applications. For remote learning, WonderHub integrates seamlessly with third-party conferencing platforms, allowing students to collaborate in real-time, no matter their location.

Empowering Business Meetings with Intelligent Features

Hikvision’s smart collaboration solutions transform business meetings into more efficient and immersive experiences. The WonderHub Ultra Series allows users to easily connect personal devices and leverage the interactive display’s camera, speakers, and microphone for high-quality remote conferencing. The HiSpire meeting management system streamlines meeting logistics, including room scheduling, attendee notifications, post-meeting summaries, and distribution of materials.

Advanced AI features, such as auto-framing and speaker tracking, ensure optimal video quality. Meanwhile, app-free screen casting allows for easy sharing of presentation materials. The X12 and X28 audio-video cameras offer enterprises tailored setups to suit meeting rooms of any size, ensuring seamless communication with high-definition video and precise audio capture.

Transforming Retail Spaces with Dynamic Digital Signage

Hikvision has also advanced its digital signage solutions to enhance customer engagement in retail scenarios. The vibrant displays and centralized content management allow retailers to effectively capture attention. High-brightness window displays attract passersby with promotions and new product highlights. Meanwhile, floor-standing signage supports interactive features, such as self-service ordering. The HikCentral FocSign platform enables retailers to remotely manage and distribute content across multiple locations, improving operational efficiency and ensuring consistent branding.

These digital signage solutions, including the DP and DL series, boast superior brightness and clarity, ensuring visibility even in strong lighting conditions. The displays run on Hikvision’s self-developed platform and support WonderCast wireless casting, enabling quick and easy content sharing from various devices.

Since entering the smart collaboration market in 2017, Hikvision has rapidly become a leading global player. With over 300,000 units sold across more than 140 countries and regions, Hikvision’s smart collaboration business exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and user-centric design. As a key highlight of this evolution, the fully upgraded WonderHub represents the next leap forward in smart collaboration technology.

By bridging advanced technology with practical applications, WonderHub, along with Hikvision’s broader range of smart collaboration solutions, is leading the way in providing more efficient and intelligent solutions for users worldwide.

For more information about Hikvision’s smart collaboration products and solutions, please visit Hikvision’s official website.

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SOURCE Hikvision Digital Technology