Latest news with #digitaleconomy
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Singapore firms want FTAs to cover areas like digital economy and services: Study
Singapore firms say they want free trade agreements (FTAs) with a wider scope, in areas like the digital economy and services trade. They are also looking for guidance on tapping FTAs. This is according to a research study on manufacturing businesses, led by the National University of Singapore. Kok Ping Soon, CEO of the Singapore Business Federation, and Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), discuss the survey findings from the research study on manufacturing businesses. They talk about the pressing challenges local manufacturers face and how SMF is helping businesses tap FTAs.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mobile-phone technology powers saving surge in developing economies
WASHINGTON: More adults than ever in low- and middle-income countries now have bank or other financial accounts, leading to a rise in formal saving, according to the World Bank Group's Global Findex 2025 report. This momentum in financial inclusion is creating new economic opportunities. Mobile-phone technology played a key role in the surge, with 10 percent of adults in developing economies using a mobile-money account to save—a 5-percentage point increase from 2021. In 2024, 40 percent of adults in developing economies saved in a financial account in 2024—a 16-percentage-point increase since 2021 and the fastest rise in more than a decade. Higher personal saving—through banks or other formal institutions—fuels national financial systems, making more funds available for investment, innovation, and economic growth. In Sub-Saharan Africa, formal savings increased by 12-percentage points to 35 percent of adults. World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said, 'Financial inclusion has the potential to improve lives and transform entire economies. Digital finance can convert this potential into reality, but several ingredients need to be in place. At the World Bank Group, we're working on all of them. We're helping countries get their people access to new or improved digital IDs. We're constructing social protection programs with digital cash-transfer systems that deliver resources directly to those in need. We're modernizing payment systems and helping to remove regulatory roadblocks—so that people and businesses have the financing they need to innovate and create jobs.' Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, one of the supporters of the Global Findex, added, 'More people than ever have the financial tools to invest in their futures and build economic resilience, including women and others previously left behind. This is real progress. The case for investing in inclusive financial systems, digital public infrastructure, and connectivity is clear—it's a proven path to unlocking opportunity for everyone.' The Global Findex is the definitive source of data on global access to financial services—from payments to saving and borrowing. It highlights a major milestone in financial inclusion: nearly 80 percent of adults worldwide now have a financial account, up from 50 percent in 2011. But 1.3 billion adults still lack access to financial services. Mobile phones could help close this gap: about 900 million adults without financial accounts have a mobile phone, including 530 million with smartphones. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa, account ownership rose to 53 percent from 45 percent in 2021. In 2024, 17 percent of adults save formally, up from 11 percent in 2021.
Globe and Mail
13-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Find Mining App Officially Launches on Google Play, Allowing Users to Start Cloud Mining for Free and Easily Mine Bitcoin and Dogecoin
Find Mining integrates AI and green energy to advance blockchain mining infrastructure toward smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. Find Mining, a global leader in green cloud mining, announced today that its official mobile application is now available on Google Play. This launch marks another major milestone in the company's strategy to build an inclusive, accessible computing infrastructure for the digital economy. The app is designed for global individual users and reflects Find Mining's ongoing commitment to advancing equitable participation, environmental sustainability, and intelligent technology integration in the crypto mining sector. The Find Mining platform is powered by an AI-driven architecture that dynamically allocates mining resources across multiple cryptocurrencies based on real-time market conditions, maximizing hash power efficiency. Supported by a global network of 135 green data centers across 175 countries and regions, the platform eliminates the need for users to invest in hardware, manage technical setups, or bear high energy costs—significantly lowering the barriers to entry for crypto mining. New users receive a $15 bonus upon registration, making cloud mining accessible to everyone. With the Find Mining App, users are not required to purchase mining hardware, configure computing resources, or have any blockchain expertise. A simple email registration is all it takes to receive a $15 mining bonus and instantly begin a personalized cloud mining journey. Find Mining is committed to lowering barriers and simplifying the process, empowering users around the world to easily participate in the digital asset era—transforming smartphones into mining tools. Start Cloud Mining in Three Simple Steps Step 1 — Create an Account and Receive a $15 Bonus Visit or download the Find Mining App on Google Play. Complete the registration process to receive $15 worth of cloud mining power instantly. Step 2 — Choose a Mining Plan and Customize Your Strategy Select from a range of mining plans based on your budget and risk preferences. Options are available for both beginners and advanced users, with earnings updated daily. Some public examples: Contract Minimum Investment Duration Estimated Total Return Starter Trial $15 1 day $15.6 New User Test $100 2 days $108 Short-Term Plan $1,000 7 days $1,110 Mid-Term Plan $5,000 20 days $6,580 Enhanced Plan $12,800 30 days $19,366 Advanced User $23,000 35 days $37,490 Disclaimer: The above figures are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated profits may vary depending on network performance and market fluctuations. For more stable income plan options, please visit the official website: Step 3 — Let the System Run Automatically and Earn Passive Income No manual intervention is required. The cloud mining system operates automatically in the background, allowing users to monitor mining data and account balances in real time. Key Features and Highlights New users receive a $15 bonus upon registration, and can earn an additional $0.60 daily by simply logging in—offering a truly zero-barrier way to experience steady income growth through cloud mining. AI-Powered Hashrate Allocation for Optimized Returns The platform leverages built-in AI algorithms to monitor real-time market performance and mining difficulty across supported cryptocurrencies. It dynamically allocates computing power to leading mineable assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Dogecoin (DOGE), helping users automatically maximize potential returns. 135 Green Data Centers Worldwide Find Mining operates 135 professional cloud mining facilities across the globe, with the majority powered by renewable energy sources such as hydro and solar. The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions and aligning with global ESG sustainability goals. Green computing infrastructure remains one of the platform's core competitive advantages. Flexible Multi-Currency Mining with Real-Time Settlement Users can customize their mining strategies by combining different cryptocurrencies and hashrate plans based on their preferences. The system automatically calculates and credits mining earnings daily. All data is transparent, traceable, and users can withdraw or reinvest their earnings at any time. Global User Network with 24/7 Support Find Mining currently serves over 9.4 million registered users across 175 countries and regions. The platform offers a multilingual interface and around-the-clock customer support, ensuring a seamless experience for users worldwide. Broad User Coverage — Cloud Mining Made Accessible for Everyone Find Mining is designed with everyday users in mind and is ideal for the following groups: Crypto beginners-- Mine effortlessly with zero technical background and no hardware required. Office workers and freelancers-- Earn extra income by making use of idle time throughout the day. Families and retirees --Participate in the growth of the green digital economy from the comfort of home. Long-term investors --Diversify asset allocation while benefiting from stable cloud-based mining returns. About Find Mining Founded in 2018 and headquartered in London, UK, Find Mining is a global leader in green cloud mining services. The company operates 135 renewable-energy-powered mining facilities worldwide, with a service network spanning 175 countries and regions. With over 9.4 million registered users, Find Mining is committed to building a secure, compliant, and transparent cloud computing infrastructure—advancing an inclusive and sustainable future for the digital mining ecosystem. Official Website: Official App: [Download on Google Play] Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a trading recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in loss of funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.
CNET
12-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Futureproof Fiber Gives Homeowners an Edge, but Access Isn't Always Fair
We live in a fast-evolving digital age, making a high-speed internet connection as essential as running water and electricity. But a lack of affordable internet options perpetuates what is known as the broadband divide -- the gap that divides those who can or can't digitally connect in meaningful ways. A lesser-known discussion point around the broadband divide goes beyond a lack of internet access. Lack of fast internet -- fiber internet, specifically -- negatively affects home values, hurting long-term wealth-building. Economically, the broadband gap stifles growth in underserved areas by limiting access to online education, remote work, telemedicine and e-commerce. It hinders the development of a skilled workforce and prevents businesses from fully participating in the digital economy. Socially, it exacerbates existing inequalities, isolating communities from vital information, civic engagement and social connections, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. "The economic and social consequences of being digitally invisible are real," said Nicol Turner Lee, senior fellow and director of the Center for Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution and author of Digitally Invisible. Fiber-optic technology has substantially faster speeds than DSL and cable, the technologies it's replacing and has greater reliability and all-weather access than satellite and fixed-wireless solutions. It's widely considered the gold standard of internet connections. It is crucial for data-heavy activities. Fiber-connected neighborhoods are experiencing significant appreciation in property values, while already marginalized communities are left further behind. A Fiber Broadband Association and The Brattle Group study shows homes with a fiber connection have an average 14% increase in home value compared with homes without fiber. This figure stuck out to me as someone who covers the housing market for a living. Homeownership is a widely accepted strategy for wealth-building and financial security in the personal finance community. When your home's value increases, whether due to general price appreciation or through upgrades like a fiber connection, your home equity growth accelerates, increasing your overall net worth. The higher your property's value, the bigger the profit when selling it. Locating local internet providers The broadband divide shouldn't hinder wealth-building through homeownership, but it does. The Federal Communications Commission shows only 46% of US households have access to fiber broadband, with low-income and rural communities disproportionately affected by the lack of internet service provider options. Why fiber internet is best When it comes to speed, fiber internet is a game-changer. It uses light to send data through glass, which is much faster than dated coaxial copper wires or latency-ridden satellite technology. It has the bandwidth to handle our country's increasing demand for higher speeds and more data. You have a few options for high-speed broadband, including wireless and (certain) satellite connections, fixed-wireless access, cable and fiber-optic technology. "Fiber is also more reliable than a cable operator, and a lot of that has to do with the fiber technology versus the technology that cable operators use," said Dan Gillan, chief revenue officer at Dobson Fiber. Cable internet signals can be affected by electromagnetic interference, weather conditions and signal loss over long distances. Fiber-optic cables, however, are immune to electromagnetic interference and, compared to cable, are less prone to weather-related disruptions and degradation over long distances. "With fiber, once it's in the ground, you're not going to have to dig it back up 50 or even 100 years from now," said Brian Whitacre, a professor at Oklahoma State University who specializes in rural economic development. "It's kind of future-proof from that standpoint," he said, meaning if you invest in a property with fiber, you're investing in a technology that will stand the test of time. Fiber simply offers better speed, bandwidth and longevity for your money. Here's a comparison between the different internet connection types and the speed-to-price ratio each offers. How fiber internet is impacting home values Home prices are determined by a range of factors, including location, age, proximity to quality school districts, market conditions and recent upgrades or renovations. "Having a fiber connection could be likened to having a pool or another amenity that improves your quality of life," Turner Lee said. "As the internet becomes much more transformative and embedded in probably everything that we do, having access to technology is definitely an incentive for any person who wants to not only live, but thrive in this new digital ecosystem," Turner Lee said. Homes with fiber internet tend to cost more, not just because it's the best broadband option, but because there's greater buyer demand in well-connected metro areas. A Brookings Institution study shows markets with access to fiber internet also tend to have higher income levels, greater diversity in job opportunities, better educational outcomes, larger populations and increased potential for future business and infrastructure development. All of these are factors that positively influence property values. "The extent to which economic opportunities are available for people, of course, makes a difference in whether or not that neighborhood is going to be enticing for people," Turner Lee said. What a home fiber connection means for wealth accumulation Owning a home is an asset that increases in worth over time. Therefore, its value directly affects your wealth accumulation. As your home's value rises, your net worth increases. Any percentage increase in home value translates to a significant gain on your initial investment. If you purchase a home equipped with fiber, or an ISP chooses to install it after you buy, you can expect bigger home equity returns. Factoring in the average value-add of fiber -- around 14%, according to the Benton Group -- a home with fiber would be worth roughly $40,000 more than one without after just 10 years (using an annual appreciation rate of 3%). The broadband divide is a fiber divide: Who gets left behind? You'll find fiber in most cities and suburbs these days, but it's a different story if you're in a low-income or rural spot. The problem? Fiber is expensive to install. Internet companies can make it work in cities because they get lots of customers in a small area. But in rural areas, where houses are far apart, they just don't see the profit, said Chao Jun Liu, senior legislative associate at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Worse still, due to the lack of ISP options, experts say low-income and rural communities end up paying more for broadband than those in high-income areas. "There's a huge competition component here," Liu said. "In those rural areas, in those low-income communities, there's no one to compete against, so the providers can get away with it." But it's not just about availability. The higher hurdle is getting people to actually adopt and use broadband, Whitacre said. "A lot of people have fiber available to them, but they can't afford to pay, you know, $50, $80, $100 a month for a regular connection." Despite its name, the broadband marketplace is the opposite of "broad" or a "marketplace." Even urban or metro areas have just a handful of internet options. Of the 46% of households eligible for fiber internet, only a tiny fraction -- less than 3% -- have access to more than one provider. ISPs have little incentive to offer competitive pricing or improve service quality if they operate like a virtual monopoly. The broadband -- or fiber -- divide isn't just an economic issue. It exacerbates inequalities and puts a double burden on marginalized communities: paying more for significantly less capable internet service. Unequal internet access, unequal opportunity The fact that properties with a fiber connection are considered more valuable reflects the growing importance of seamless internet access. Even though fiber can be more expensive to install, it's faster, more reliable and can stand the test of time. But fiber internet is more than just a tool for staying connected. It's a catalyst for economic growth and upward mobility. Fiber access can be traced along the geographic lines dividing the US, which are, more often than not, drawn along the fault lines of economic disparity. Broadly speaking, wealthier urban and suburban areas get access to fiber first. Although fiber access is improving, homes in rural areas and low-income city areas still lack it, so they don't have its full benefits, said Gary Bolton, president and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. This digital disparity limits their access to essential services and economic opportunities while further exacerbating existing inequalities by denying them the long-term value added by fiber connectivity. "We need to continue to close the broadband divide so that we're not disservicing people without access or foreclosing on opportunities that they could actually benefit from," said Turner Lee. While systemic change at the government level is crucial, there are ways you can help bridge the gap. One is through informed voting. Support representatives who prioritize broadband expansion, especially in underserved areas, and regulations that aim to make internet access more affordable. But getting broadband isn't just about infrastructure -- plenty of people can use it but don't. Another option is to volunteer your time to teach digital skills in your community. Empowering more people to utilize the internet can drive up adoption rates and ensure access translates to real opportunity. Advice for homebuyers Internet connectivity is a key factor in a home's value and ability to keep up with the demands of modern life. It's a consideration that buyers should weigh alongside other factors like location, size or condition. Here are some tips to keep in mind while you're house hunting: Research available ISPs in the area. If you need a certain type or quality of internet connection, start by confirming its availability in your target areas. Online tools are a good start, but call local ISPs to verify service at specific addresses. Check speed options and ask about any data caps or contracts. If you need a certain type or quality of internet connection, start by confirming its availability in your target areas. Online tools are a good start, but call local ISPs to verify service at specific addresses. Check speed options and ask about any data caps or contracts. Check the home's network setup. Ideally, you want Ethernet ports Ideally, you want Think long-term about connectivity. Consider how your needs might change and how your connection type could affect resale value. Homes with good internet, especially fiber, are valued higher than those without. While real estate can be a valuable asset, it's essential to recognize that wealth can be built through other avenues. Consistently contributing to a retirement account, like a Roth IRA or 401(k)s is one option, investing in the stock market through diversified funds and saving your money in high-yield accounts are all effective strategies to accumulate wealth, especially when done in tandem.
Reuters
12-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
China, ASEAN to submit upgraded free trade deal to leaders in October, says China's foreign minister
SHANGHAI, July 12 (Reuters) - China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have agreed to submit a pact upgrading their free trade areas to their leaders for approval in October, according to China's foreign minister Wang Yi on Saturday. Negotiations about the so-called 3.0 version of the free trade zone started in November 2022 and completed in May, seeking to cover areas such as the digital economy, green economy and supply chain connectivity. China and ASEAN also agreed on a five-year action plan that specifies collaboration between the two sides in over 40 fields in the coming years, according to a statement published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing Wang's comments after attending the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Wang also said the two sides agreed to strive to complete consultations next year on a code of conduct in the South China Sea - a set of guidelines aiming to manage disputes in the region, where Beijing and several ASEAN members have overlapping maritime claims.
