Jabra redefines collaboration for small spaces

Jabra, the professional audio brand, has launched the PanaCast 40 VBS, the only Android-powered video bar system (VBS) that captures an entire small meeting room with an 180° field-of-view (FoV). This innovation builds on the success of Jabra’s PanaCast 50 VBS, effectively bringing the same powerful performance to smaller spaces in a more compact and cost-effective package.

Small meeting spaces often pose unique challenges for video collaboration. Traditional solutions often struggle to capture all participants equally, particularly those seated closer to the screen, while some lack videoconferencing equipment altogether. In fact, less than 3% of huddle rooms are video enabled* globally, leaving millions of small meeting spaces underutilised.

The PanaCast 40 VBS bridges this gap with dual-camera systems that a wide FoV through advanced stitching technology. This ensures full room coverage, making every participant clearly visible on video.

The video capabilities are matched by the advanced audio performance, which stems from the GN Group's unique sound processing capabilities. The sound is powered by a single high-quality speaker and six adaptive beamforming microphones. Intelligent algorithms enhance sound clarity for exceptional voice pickup, so every word is heard clearly and accurately, fostering more natural interactions and ensuring remote participants feel fully included.

The PanaCast 40 VBS offers a straightforward installation process - from unboxing to mounting and on to the first meeting. Its intuitive setup ensures that even first-time customers can get their systems up and running in seconds.

New packaging enhances the deployment experience further by allowing provisioning without the need to remove the product from the box. The design also features easy cable routing, reducing installation time. It also ensures a consistent and seamless experience for meeting spaces by sharing many of the same accessories as its medium room counterpart, the PanaCast 50 VBS. This enables simplified operations for administrators and flexibility across different room sizes.

With its certified compatibility for Android environments, the  PanaCast 40 VBS offers flexibility with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and bring your own device (BYOD) deployment options. To enhance usability and longevity, the PanaCast 40 VBS includes optional accessories such as a touch controller and a detachable faceplate for easy cleaning. It can also be purchased as a bundle, with both the PanaCast 40 VBS and the touch controller included. 

Rayson Seow, Country Manager, Enterprise, Singapore for Jabra said: “The modern workplace is undergoing a transformation, with organisations reimagining how their spaces can drive productivity and collaboration. Small rooms, phone booths and huddle spaces are a cornerstone of this evolution, yet they’ve often been overlooked by traditional video solutions.

"With the PanaCast 40 VBS, we’re addressing this gap by delivering a flexible, intuitive, and future-proof Android solution that empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of room size or platform preference.” 

Source: Jabra. The PanaCast 40 VBS turns huddle rooms into collaboration hubs.

Key features include:

- 180° FoV with dual cameras and 4x digital zoom. 

- One speaker and six microphones, enhanced by intelligent audio algorithms for crystal-clear sound and voice pickup. 

- Shared touch controller and stand with the PanaCast 50 VBS medium room solution for seamless integration across spaces. 

- Simplified cable routing and protection for easy, clean setup. 

- Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform-based, delivering strengthened security and enhanced meetings experiences.

- Supports personalisation and the setting of virtual meeting space boundaries.

Seamless integration with ecosystem partners ensures a future-proof investment, complemented by up-to-date manageability through Jabra+ software and the reassurance of Jabra Warranty+ services.

Details

The Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS bar has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$2,206 while the Jabra PanaCast 40 VBS bar with touch controller has a MSRP of S$3,235.

*Frost and Sullivan, 2024.

Neat: APAC businesses losing over 4.5 hours weekly per employee to outdated meeting tech

Outdated meeting room technologies are causing Asia-Pacific (APAC) organisations to lose an average of 4.5 man hours per employee each week. This inefficiency translates to an estimated USD$8,524,000 annual loss for a 1,000-employee company and accounts for approximately 11% of total man-hours lost per employee annually.

These findings are found in From Lagging to Leading: How Smart Collaboration Redefines Work in Asia/Pacific, an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Neat. IDC surveyed 1,080 executives across the region and found that key frustrations negatively impacting physical meeting productivity include technical issues when using videoconferencing equipment (63%), using outdated technology (55%), and difficulty in setting up or using meeting equipment (55%).

"The data is pretty stark. What many businesses might consider 'good enough' collaboration technology is, in reality, costing them significantly in both time and money," said Niko Walraven, Area VP for APAC at Neat.

"This isn't just an IT issue; it's a fundamental business productivity issue that affects the bottom line and employee experience across the APAC region."

The evolving nature of work in APAC confirms that flexible models are here to stay, requiring purpose-built technology to support them. One-third of APAC-based organisations have 50% of their team members located remotely. Despite a trend of employees returning to the office (over 65% spend three to four days in-office), the need to connect dispersed teams effectively remains critical. This need for hybrid equity is underscored by the fact that 72% of meetings now involve videoconferencing with remote colleagues, and investments in collaboration technology are increasingly prioritised over other workplace facilities.

Looking ahead, IDC predicts that by 2028, 70% of G1000 (the top 1000 largest organisations globally in terms of revenue) employee content will be enhanced with visual, auditory, and/or tactile modalities that will boost effective collaboration.

Neat said specific market insights further highlight the urgency for smart solutions.

Organisations in India show the strongest belief in the region that working from the office boosts productivity (64%). However, they face the second-highest productivity loss from outdated tech, with an estimated 4.8 hours lost per employee per week and a US$9 M annual cost for a 1,000-employee company.

In Singapore, 29% of organisations expect a shift to 100% in-office work in the next 18 months, increasing the pressure on meeting room efficiency. These diverse scenarios all point to the common requirement for adaptable and intelligent collaboration tools to meet specific market demands, Neat said.

Take your pick of MICE packages in Southeast Asia

Three travel companies and properties, Chōsen, The Slate and Samujana, have put together productivity programmes for businesses and workgroups that offer a choice of environments to get the best out of a team.

For adventure junkies

Source: Chosen website. A view of Bali.

Chōsen offer experiences that are ideal for teams seeking new adventures and challenges:

•  Jump off of cliffs, go canyoning, surfing, or try a cooking class
• Check into their estate in Bali or other locations including in New Zealand
• Olympic athletes, life coaches and nutritional therapists are some of the experts available to teach and guide guests throughout the week
• Healthy menus created by a private chef

Chōsen experiences are premium adventure and wellness holidays, adventure getaways, and fitness programmes edited into seven-day packages. Derived from the Japanese characters 挑戦, (sho-zen: to challenge), Chōsen combines physical, social, intellectual and emotional elements in each package. 

Chōsen has been available for select participants since 2013 and can now be experienced by curious and open-minded adventure enthusiasts in new destinations across the world. The locations include a luxury Balinese villa and a stunning mountainside location in Queenstown, New Zealand. 

 

“We have carefully researched, curated and finetuned every aspect of the Chōsen experience; from the adventure activities, nutrition and workouts, to yoga, mindfulness and even the selection process of participants.  The programme aims to challenge, change and rejuvenate each individual by pushing their boundaries both physically and mentally,” says Chōsen co-founder, John Stanton. According to Chōsen, all participants strive for excellence personally or professionally, looking to unlock their full potential or realise it once again. 

 

For wellness aficionados

The Slate, Phuket in Thailand offers a venue for meetings and inspiring incentives:

•  Dishes prepared by The Slate’s in-house nutritionist focus on the benefits of superfoods to increase productivity
•  Daily team activities like group jogs, yoga and archery

Source: The Slate. In the grounds of the hotel.

Relaunched in August 2016, the Bill Bensley-designed hotel has opened its doors for corporate meetings and incentive offerings for the modern, health-conscious business executive.

The Slate has a specially curated wellness-focused meetings and incentives package to ensure the body, mind and soul are at their optimum for collaborative meetings, creative brainstorming, and team building.

Daily menus are created by The Slate’s in-house nutritionist to include meals and snacks that are not only nourishing but encourage energy and productivity. A variety of team-bonding activities such as group yoga classes, cooking classes, and archery lessons can also be included within the experience.

A short drive from Phuket Airport, the property features multiple pools, an array of restaurants and bars, a fitness studio, tennis courts, on-site dive centre, the Coqoon Spa, conference facilities and Thai cooking classes. Core features of the three night MICE wellness package include:

• Three nights accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Three healthful and energising meals daily designed by The Slate’s head nutritionist
• One daily snack that features super foods for the brain: walnuts, green tea, acai, spinach, beets, etc.
• One daily energising cold-pressed juice
• One active team building activity

The three-day itinerary can be tailored to suit the needs of individual
requirements. Rooms start from US $200 per night, inclusive of core itinerary inclusions. A minimum of 10 rooms must be booked.

For culture seekers

Rejuvenate at Samujana’s luxury villa estate in Koh Samui, Thailand:

o Intersperse meetings and workshops with Muay Thai boxing classes, morning beach yoga sessions, a private exploration of Koh Samui's coves and beaches
o Reward the team with a Thai spa treatment, scenic golf experiences, or a day trip to neighbouring islands on a luxury yacht
o Immerse in Thai culture with an Amazing Race-style competition around the island while solving clues for prizes

Source: Samujana. View of a villa.

Surrounded by sea, sky and infinity swimming pools, Koh Samui’s hilltop location, Samujana has launched three new Executive Retreat offerings to meet the goals of any company trip.

Be it a boardroom, banquet, or cocktail party setting, Samujana boasts a mix of 25 luxury villas and outdoor spaces that can host up to 400 guests. The villas can accommodate 40 to 120 guests while the outdoor lawns can accommodate up to 400 guests for a sit-down dinner. All the lawns feature views of the sea and can be configured to fit stages or other unique spaces.

Itineraries can be created that will not only meet business objectives but also foster team bonding and lasting memories. Team-building activities can include racing around Koh Samui in teams, solving a series of clues and instructions that will lead them to a final prize, or a private cooking class. Activities to challenge employees to step out of their comfort zone to achieve new goals include Muay Thai boxing classes, morning yoga and pilates sessions as well as a pop-up circus school.

Incentives can include pampering spa treatments, a golf day, or day trips by luxury speed boat to visit the islands of Ang Tong National Park, an group of 42 islands in the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand.

Samujana amenities include private villa hosts, local and international cuisine from top, private chefs, an all-weather tennis court (floodlit) and access to nearby water sports. VIP transportation can be provided to all of the hot spots on the island, including the famous walking street at Fishermans Village.

Beauty and relaxation programmes can be experienced in the privacy of the villa, while exclusive charters can be made with a choice of various sailing and motorboats to water-ski, picnic on hidden beaches, snorkel, sightsee or just for pure sailing pleasure.

posted from Bloggeroid

Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers has a Ramadhan meeting package

Source: Sheraton Bandung website.

The Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers has prepared a Ramadhan meeting package at Rp398,000 nett per person. The package includes all-day coffee and tea (on request), an iftar dinner, and a coffee break including a soft drink, snacks and sweets served at sunset. The package includes complimentary use of an LCD projector, screen, flip chart, and meeting amenities.

Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers is also offering an iftar buffet overlooking the pool in its Feast Restaurant over the month of Ramadhan. The menu, which will change every evening, will feature authentic local cuisine and a variety of international and Asian offerings such as the fried rice palm, jackfruit ice, fried ice cream, and cendol, along with a range of sweets and juices.

The Ramadan Buffet Iftar Dinner is available from 1 Ramadhan until the end of season, at Rp180,000++ per person for Sundays through Fridays, and Rp189,000++ per person on Saturdays, inclusive of live music entertainment.

Thailand gathers momentum as a business event destination

Source: TCEB.

Thailand is positioning itself as a business events destination under the stewardship of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), or TCEB. As the Thai government's flagship body for the sector, TCEB has a leading role in driving Thailand's leadership position in Asia's business events industry, and Bangkok's role as a premier destination for international business events. 

The Thai business events sector is expected to continue to grow strongly in 2015, welcoming 1,036,300 business events visitors, and generating revenue of approximately US$3.55 billion. Reflecting its position as a preferred business events destination in Asia, Thailand has a diverse lineup of confirmed major events in 2015: 

FDI's 2015 Annual World Dental Congress, which will be held from 22 to 25 September 2015 is an industry forum involving leaders of the dental profession from more than 100 countries, as well as top personalities of the international and national trade and industry. Strong collaboration between TCEB and a range of other government agencies instilled unity and confidence in the bid, while Thailand's wide variety of destinations were seen as a unique asset as delegates can enjoy an unmatched pre- and post-event programme.

Another prestigious win is One Young World Summit 2015, which Bangkok will host during 18 to 21 November 2015. Bangkok beat Kobe in Japan and Hong Kong to win the right to be the first city in Asia to host this event. This annual summit gathers together approximately 2,000 young visionaries aged 18-30 from every corner of the world, who are leaders in their respective fields. The bid was won in the midst of political uncertainty last year, and underscores international confidence in Thailand. 

Bangkok was also named host city for travel event TBEX Asia 2015, scheduled for 15 to 17 October 2015. TBEX Asia 2015 will provide platform for the world's largest gathering of travel bloggers, writers, new media content creators, and social media savvy travel industry professionals. The bid was won thanks to strong synergies between relevant government organisations working together including Tourism Authority of Thailand, TCEB and Thai Airways, emphasising the TCEB's 4P (public-private-people partnership) strategy.

According to TCEB, large-scale business event organisers are attracted to Thailand thanks to two key factors. One reason is the variety of destinations, on top of nine internationally recognised international convention and exhibition centres that offer a combined 200,174 sq m of floor space. Another reason is how Thailand can raise traditional business events programmes a notch with local night markets, distinctive street cuisine and cultural activities throughout the calendar year. Thailand also offers a wide range of ecological activities, such as releasing turtles, cultivating coral, feeding rescued elephants, or conducting aerial or mangrove reforestation.

The country's unique offerings are captured under TCEB's Thailand CONNECT The World integrated campaign, which highlights Thailand's unrivalled destinations, business prospects, and people. 

Under 'Destinations', Thailand's five top tier business events cities are showcased, offering limitless options both inside and outside the event venue. 'Business' highlights how, as a world leader in a range of industries, Thailand harnesses regional integration to offer global prospects and opportunities to businesses seeking a springboard for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) success. 'People' emphasises Thailand's proficient professionals who serve with effortless simplicity, gracious smiles and signature Thai service, as well as benchmark-setting industry standards.

TCEB President Nopparat Maythaveekulchai said, "Thailand CONNECT the World highlights how Thailand's diversity of destinations are enriched by world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity, and it is a core part of our strategy to strengthen confidence in our MICE industry among international stakeholders."

Thailand's world-class infrastructure - from convenient and efficient mass transit systems to a modern highway system - influences decisions too. This is set to be boosted even further through a major infrastructure investment programme, including high-speed rail and the second phase expansion of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport. 

Thailand is also a key part of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) development policy, which enjoys strong investment by the Japanese government. Designed to connect five countries, from Da Nang in Vietnam to China, Laos, Thailand and Mawlamyine-Myawaddy in Myanmar, the EWEC will be a game-changer, creating a springboard for business success in the fast-growing ASEAN region.

Microsoft introduces Skype for Business

Microsoft is bringing Lync and Skype together with Skype for Business. In a blog post announcing the move, Gurdeep Pall, Corporate VP for Skype at Microsoft, said that the company is "bringing together the familiar experience and user love of Skype with the enterprise security, compliance and control from Lync to create the most loved and trusted communications platform for doing things together".

In the first half of 2015, the next version of Lync will become Skype for Business with a new client experience, new server release and updates to the service in Office 365. "We believe that Skype for Business will again transform the way people communicate by giving organisations reach to hundreds of millions of Skype users outside the walls of their business," Pall said.

Skype for Business will feature Skype icons for calling, adding video and ending a call, as well as the Skype call monitor, which keeps an active call visible in a small window even when a user moves focus to another application.

The new application will also improve on existing Lync capabilities, including content sharing and telephony. "Lync already offers instant messaging and audio calling with Skype users. Skype for Business adds video calling and the Skype user directory making it possible to call any Skype user on any device," shared Pall.

Current Lync Server customers can update from Lync Server 2013 to the new Skype for Business Server in their data centres, while the update will be transparent to Office 365 customers.

To learn more about how Skype for Business will help people be more productive, read the Skype Garage Blog or the Office Blog. An introductory video to Skype for Business can be viewed here.

*Images from the Office Blog.

Garden Lounge offers indoor-outdoor MICE option at Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok

The Garden Lounge at Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments is billed as a breath of fresh air among the usual meeting venues available in Sukhumvit. Designed to provide a versatile indoor-outdoor experience for groups from 30 to 160, the built up area features tall ceilings and comfortable furniture.

The Garden Lounge integrates several concepts – indoors and outdoors, modern and traditional, casual and elegant – into a single space. Including lawn and garden backdrops, the Lounge encompasses more than 400 sq m of space, and can accommodate meetings, cocktail receptions, product launches and similar events. 

Traditional indoor meeting rooms with onsite exhibition space are also available at the Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments, which has 300 fully-furnished suites range in size from 45 to 130 sq m, all with kitchens, bathrooms and wired as well as wireless Internet. The hotel is within walking distance or a short ride in the hotel's free tuk tuk service to Phrom Phong BTS skytrain station and The Emporium shopping complex. 

For more information, contact +66 2302 555 or email measukhumvitpark@marriott.com 

*Images from Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments.