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Technology is key to uplift wholesale trade sector and transition workers to higher-value roles, but skills gap remains

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More than nine in ten wholesale trade leaders agree (31% strongly agree, 64% somewhat agree) that emerging sector trends such as increasing digitalisation (52%), and emphasis on sustainability in whole trade processes (43%) will potentially lead to the creation of new job roles and the redesign of existing ones. Nearly all wholesale trade leaders believe that technology is important (48% very important, 48% somewhat important) for strengthening the resilience of wholesale trade operations, and agree (28% strongly agree, 70% somewhat agree) that technology adoption in the sector will lead to employees transitioning to higher-value job roles. Among the most coveted job roles include logistics coordinator (49%), operations executives (32%), IT specialists (29%) and data analysts (29%).Although almost all wholesale trade leaders reveal that their organisation have adopted technology in its operations to a certain extent (8% large extent, 48% moderate extent, 43% small extent), challenges remain, which include the costs of implementing new technologies (67%), job restructuring (51%) and employees’ skills gap (47%).However, only less than half of business leaders report that they often (10% very often, 34% quite often) send employees for training, citing disruption to day-to-day operations (66%), employees’ unreceptiveness towards attending (59%), and lack of budget for learning and development (52%) as the key barriers.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In light of emerging trends in the wholesale trade sector, including increasing digitalisation (52%) and an emphasis on sustainability in wholesale trade processes (43%), more than nine in ten wholesale trade leaders agree (31% strongly agree, 64% somewhat agree) that new job roles will be created while existing ones will be redesigned.

Almost all wholesale trade leaders agree (28% strongly agree, 70% somewhat agree) that technology adoption will lead employees to transition to higher-value job roles. Among the most coveted job roles include logistics coordinator (49%), operations executives (32%), IT specialists (29%) and data analysts (29%).

However, while almost all leaders reveal that their organisation have adopted technology in its operations to a certain extent (8% large extent, 48% moderate extent, 43% small extent), challenges remain such as the costs of implementing new technologies (67%), updating and maintaining technologies (62%), integration with existing systems (59%), job restructuring (51%) and employees’ skills gap (47%).

Furthermore, only less than half of business leaders report that they often (10% very often, 34% quite often) send employees for training, citing disruption to day-to-day operations (66%), employees’ unreceptiveness towards attending (59%), lack of budget for learning and development (52%) as the key barriers.

These are some of the key findings from NTUC LearningHub’s recently launched Industry Insights Report 2024 on Wholesale Trade, which explores the current landscape of the wholesale trade sector, focusing on how technological advancements, sustainability, and supply chain disruptions are reshaping the sector. Based on a survey of 157 wholesale trade leaders, and interviews with industry experts, the report also investigates sentiments towards hiring, training, in-demand skills, and professional certifications.

Nearly nine in ten wholesale trade leaders consider industry-recognised certifications important (42% very important, 46% somewhat important) when hiring employees for the sector, where they consider skills like inventory management (57%), adaptability and change management (54%), effective order fulfilment (54%), technology adoption in supply chain (50%), and vendor management (49%) as vital for employees to possess.

According to business leaders, the top technologies currently adopted in the wholesale trade sector include Internet of Things (86%), warehouse management systems (72%), supply chain management software (62%), customer relationship management software (55%), and digital marketplace/ e-commerce integration (42%).

Besides technology, most wholesale trade leaders also believe that sustainability initiatives contribute to enhancing the resilience of wholesale trade supply chains to a certain extent (14% large extent, 41% moderate extent, 38% small extent) with the most widely adopted sustainability practices in the sector including waste management (61%), energy efficiency (60%), sustainable logistics (44%), sustainable procurement (25%), and sustainability reporting (22%).

Commenting on the report findings, Tay Ee Learn, NTUC LearningHub’s Chief Sector Skills Officer, says, “The Covid-19 pandemic underscores the critical role of supply chain management in ensuring businesses are resilient and nimble enough to weather unprecedented events. Given that wholesale trade is the largest service sector in Singapore, employers need to prioritise the upskilling and reskilling of their workforce, to transform and build new competencies in view of emerging trends in the sector. Stackable credentials pathways, such as those offered by NTUC LearningHub, can empower workers with market-ready skills that can also lead to industry-recognised professional qualifications. These skills not only equip employees with the foundational knowledge required for new roles, but also enhance their career longevity. With a highly skilled workforce, employers can in turn transform their businesses and maintain their company’s competitiveness”.

To download the Industry Insights Report 2024 on Wholesale Trade, please visit https://www.ntuclearninghub.com/media/research-reports/2024/Wholesale-Trade. To find out more about the courses, training, and grants, please contact NTUC LearningHub at www.ntuclearninghub.com.

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About NTUC LearningHub

NTUC LearningHub is the leading Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore which aims to transform the lifelong employability of working people. Since our corporatisation in 2004, we have been working with employers and individual learners to provide learning solutions in areas such as Infocomm Technology, Generative AI & Cloud, Healthcare, Retail & Food Services, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources & Coaching and Foreign Workers Training.

To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 29,000 organisations and achieved more than 2.6 million training places across more than 2,900 courses with a pool of about 900 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships to offer a wide range of relevant end-to-end training. Besides in-person training, we also offer instructor-led virtual live classes (VLCs) and asynchronous online learning. The NTUC LearningHub Learning eXperience Platform (LXP) — a one-stop online learning mobile application — offers timely, bite-sized and quality content for learners to upskill anytime and anywhere. Beyond learning, LXP also serves as a platform for jobs and skills development for both workers and companies.

For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com.

Press Contact

Gabriel J. Tan
Senior Executive, Public Relations
Email: gabriel.tan@ntuclearninghub.com

Vaiishnavi Karnan
Senior Executive, Public Relations
Email: vaiishnavi@ntuclearninghub.com

Zulaikha Zulkiflee
Manager, Brand & Communications
Email: zulaikha@ntuclearninghub.com

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SOURCE NTUC LearningHub

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Agoda Unveils South Korean Travelers’ Top Domestic and International Destinations for Chuseok Holiday

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September 6, 2026

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– Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Da Nang, and Nha Trang topped overseas destinations, while Jeju, Busan, Seoul, Sokcho, and Gyeongju led domestic hotspots  

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the Chuseok holiday around the corner, South Korean travelers are already making plans to make the most of the four-day break. According to digital travel platform Agoda, accommodation searches for international and domestic destinations have increased by 38% and 160%, respectively, compared to two weeks before the holiday period.

Based on accommodation searches made by South Korean travelers between May to mid-August 2026, Agoda found that Japanese destinations dominated the list of the most-searched overseas destinations for the Chuseok holiday. Fukuoka ranked first, followed by Tokyo and Osaka. Beyond Japan, Vietnamese destinations also proved popular, with Da Nang and Nha Trang rounding out the top five. The findings highlight South Korean travelers’ continued preference for short- and mid-haul destinations, where they can enjoy a combination of cultural experiences and seaside leisure.

Due to its proximity to South Korea with an average flight time of just 1.5 hours from Seoul, Fukuoka is one of the most accessible Japanese destinations for South Korean travelers. The destination is expected to become even more accessible with Eastar Jet’s expanded services on the Incheon–Fukuoka route through October 24, and the Busan–Fukuoka route from August 29 to October 24, covering the Chuseok holiday period.

For those making travel plans closer to home, Jeju ranked as the most-searched domestic destination, with a 131% increase in travel interest, followed by Busan (147%), Seoul (64%), Sokcho (324%), and Gyeongju (222%). Sokcho, which recorded the strongest growth in search interest among the top 5 domestic destinations, saw tourism expenditure by South Korean travelers increase by 8.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. The high growth in interest in Sokcho’, driven by its diverse mix of mountains, beaches, lakes, culinary experiences and cultural attractions, suggests that the destination could see continued visitor demand through the second half of the year, including during the Chuseok holiday period.

Gyeongju, which ranked fifth, continues to attract South Korean travelers with its historic sites and rich cultural heritage. The city’s appeal could be further boosted by expanded KTX and KTX-Eum services scheduled to begin in September, offering travelers improved rail connectivity during the autumn travel season.

Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda shared, “As the Chuseok holiday approaches, South Korean travelers are showing strong interest in nearby destinations, with domestic travel seeing particularly strong demand. As a global travel platform, Agoda is committed to supporting travelers with diverse preferences by offering great deals on flights, accommodation, and activities, whether they are looking to explore destinations overseas or closer to home.”

As South Korean travelers finalize their Chuseok holiday plans, Agoda continues to offer a seamless booking experience across more than six million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities worldwide. To find the best deals for autumn travel to Asia and beyond, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app. As part of Agoda’s August Mega Sale, travelers can enjoy up to 60% off on hotel bookings during the main sale through 31 August.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-unveils-south-korean-travelers-top-domestic-and-international-destinations-for-chuseok-holiday-302867025.html

SOURCE Agoda

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TECNO Wins Two IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards for Modular Phone and Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS

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September 5, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECNO, a global AI-driven innovative technology brand, achieved two IFA Global Product Technology Innovation Awards at IFA 2026:

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS took the Miniaturized Gaming PC Technology Innovation Gold Award, standing out with its Italian aesthetics and exceptional performance in the compact body. The TECNO Modular Phone was honored with the Ultra-Slim Magnetic Modular Technology Innovation Gold Award, praised for its ultra-slim craftsmanship and unique modular magnetic technology.

These awards once again demonstrate TECNO’s sustained breakthroughs in product innovation and industry-leading craftsmanship in design excellence. The Global Product Technology Innovation Awards were established in 2014 by IDG, IFA, and DIHK to celebrate excellence across the global consumer electronics industry. The awards honor products that set new industry benchmarks and drive innovation through intelligent technology and user-centric design.

TECNO Modular Phone: The World’s Thinnest Modular Smartphone

At just 4.9mm, the TECNO Modular Phone is powered by proprietary Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology. It combines a precision magnetic array with pogo-pin connectors, offering a flexible ecosystem for different needs. The host retains a 3000–4000mAh battery, while modules draw power directly for a snap-and-go experience. It also resolves the inherent conflict between rising AI computing demands and limited device space.

The technology has earned over 20 accolades from leading media, with CNET and Yanko Design naming it the Best of MWC 2026, and The Verge recognizing it as the Best Mobile Tech at MWC 2026.

Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS: One of the World’s Smallest Water-Cooling Gaming Mini-PCs

At around 6.36 liters, the panoramic transparent chassis of the Tonino Lamborghini TECNO TAURUS fuses iconic Italian design with raw engineering. Powered by the Intel® Core™ i9-13900HK and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 (614 AI TOPS, 145W TGP, DLSS 4), it achieves the pinnacle of performance, providing a high-fidelity gaming experience and high-efficiency AI workstation. The water-cooling system sustains peak frequencies, while 15 ports and WiFi 6E deliver connectivity. It was recognized with Yanko Design’s Best of MWC award.

In addition, TECNO made waves at IFA with the Next-Gen Bezelless Concept Phone featuring a revolutionary 0mm screen bezel, and the convertible laptop MEGABOOK T15 360 Pro. Relentlessly pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and AI innovation, TECNO is pioneering limitless possibilities for futuristic technology.

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Morpho UV Printer Unveiled at IFA with Hands-On Live Creation

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4 hours ago

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September 5, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Morpho, a company specializing in UV printing technology, is showcasing its first desktop UV printer at IFA 2026, Hall 17-196. Visitors are observing Morpho’s colorful, textured prints, and some have the opportunity to print on a range of blank materials provided.

Morpho’s desktop UV printer can print on a wide range of materials, including wood, glass, leather, metal, and more, delivering vivid colors and tactile textures for customized results. At IFA 2026, the booth attracted interest from creators, educators, and technology professionals, who gathered to watch live demonstrations.

Among those who have tried Morpho’s printer, three aspects are most frequently highlighted: print quality, the moving gantry design, and overall ease of use.

Visitors are first drawn to the prints, which feature precise color reproduction and finely detailed textile textures. With G7 Master ColorSpace certification, Morpho ensures consistent tones across different pieces. The same level of precision is evident in the raised textures created by the industrial-grade printhead, which builds fine layers of ink for detailed, tactile surfaces. The printhead maintains fast carriage motion speeds of up to 600mm/s while preserving precise detail.

Attendees have also noted the printer’s compact desktop footprint. With its moving gantry architecture—where the entire gantry moves along both axes—the printer offers a large, fully enclosed print chamber that accommodates various objects while remaining desktop-friendly.

First-time users have given positive feedback on Morpho’s usability. The integrated Stereo Vision Smart Alignment™ System quickly captures an object’s height and contours, while Morpho Studio’s guided workflows help users move from idea to print with minimal setup.

Morpho’s team shared that the program has been in development for several years, with the goal of making UV printers a practical tool for everyday creative use. Founder Mingyu “Brett” Wang, formerly Global VP of R&D at DJI, commented, “We communicate directly with our community, listen to feedback, and make fast improvements.”

Ahead of IFA, Morpho’s Kickstarter campaign surpassed $10 million in support from over 2,800 backers worldwide. The company is committed to further developing its proprietary core technology and delivering reliable engineering for creators, makers, and small businesses.

Visit Morpho’s website to learn more.

About Morpho: Morpho develops desktop UV printers that bring industrial-grade printing and coloring to everyday materials, enabling creators to turn almost any physical surface into a canvas for their ideas.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/morpho-uv-printer-unveiled-at-ifa-with-hands-on-live-creation-302870741.html

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