by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | asia, business, commerce, technology, telecommunications
MANILA, Philippines – Globe Telecom Inc. has entered into an agreement worth PHP 1.87 billion to establish a joint venture (JV) with a subsidiary of the Singtel Group aimed at enhancing cloud, data, and artificial intelligence services across the Asia-Pacific area.
On Thursday, the Ayala Corporation announced that NCSI Holdings Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore, will acquire a 51% ownership stake in Globe’s IT subsidiary, Yondu, while retaining a 49% share.
READ:
Globe observes indications of recovery and invests in broadband operations.
Yondu will also gain complete control over NCSI’s domestic affiliate—NCSI Philippines, whose primary services encompass digital applications, infrastructure, engineering, and cybersecurity.
Yondu is an IT solutions company providing services such as custom software development, managed security, e-commerce solutions, and cloud services.
Globe stands to gain from the technological expertise and product range provided by the consolidated assets of the joint venture.
Globe is a collaboration between Ayala Corporation and SingTel, with Asiacom Philippines Inc., their joint venture, holding 52.3 percent of the company.
In addition, Ayala holds a 14.5% share in Globe, whereas Singtel owns 22.2%.
“Our aim for Yondu is to become a positive influence via efficient IT solutions and offerings,” stated Ernest Cu, who serves as the president and CEO of Globe.
Going global
Cu mentioned that joining forces with NCSI will open up new international prospects, allowing Yondu to broaden its scope and provide more effective IT solutions across the globe.
“This partnership represents a crucial step in our expansion within the Asia-Pacific region as we remain committed to investing in order to address the increasing demand for technological services, specifically AI-driven solutions,” said NCSI CEO Ng Kuo Pin.
The transaction is awaiting regulatory approval.
Globe and NCSI are teaming up as the need for digital solutions tailored to businesses increases.
A study conducted by International Data Corp. forecasts that the IT services market across the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at an annual compound rate of 6.2% between 2024 and 2028. In this timeframe, the market in the Philippines is anticipated to expand with an impressive 8.7% yearly increase.
In order to enhance its IT services, Globe has also been bolstering its infrastructure to accommodate the rise in data traffic.
Last year, the corporation affiliated with Ayala built 1,212 new cell sites, improved 4,613 current mobile locations, and installed 67,456 home fiber connections. Additionally, they set up 587 new 5G stations nationwide.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, entertainment, news, sustainability, technology
MANILA, Philippines – As the senior vice president at Newport World Resorts (NWR) in the Philippines—the country’s premier integrated gaming resort—Kathy Mercado brings significant expertise from her background in hospitality and business operations. Her contributions have been pivotal for renowned global hotels, where she introduced innovative ideas and led successful promotional strategies. During an exclusive conversation, she delves into market analysis, cutting-edge marketing approaches, environmental initiatives, and upcoming trends shaping the industry.
How does the Travellers Group categorize the clientele for its different hotel brands?
The answer is that Newport World Resort accommodates five global hotel brands, each targeting a specific customer group.
• Hotel Okura Manila: This upscale establishment combines the refined aesthetics of Japan with warm Filipino guest services. It has earned a place in the Michelin Guide Hotel Selection 2024, a significant international accolade.
• Marriott Manila: Boasts the biggest pillar-free ballroom in Manila, making it an ideal location for hosting various MICE events like business meetings, incentive programs, large-scale conferences, and live shows. It attracts prominent corporations and well-known guests.
• Sheraton Manila: Famous for Collab, a contemporary workspace with an industrial theme tailored for business travelers and sophisticated professionals seeking trendy places to network and host events.
• Hilton Manila: An accommodating hotel for pets offering luxurious and family-oriented accommodations, attractive to vacationers who prioritize ease and individualized care.
• Holiday Inn Express Manila: Boasting as the biggest Holiday Inn Express globally, featuring more than 700 rooms, offering cost-effective lodging options suitable for business visitors, extended stay patrons, and flight crew members.
Q: What steps do you take to distinguish and customize your marketing approaches for every segment?
At Newport World Resorts, we shape our approach using six main principles:
• Lodging Options: Presenting top-tier global hotel chains designed for business guests, tourists seeking leisure activities, and those looking for luxurious stays.
• Dining: Enhancing food experiences through partnerships with internationally-acclaimed names such as Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, which marks its debut in the nation, drawing notable guests and gastronomy lovers alike.
• Entertainment: Showcasing top-tier performances akin to those seen on Broadway at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT). This venue has emerged as a focal point for Filipino artistic expression, hosting global shows along with homegrown Filipino musicals like “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and our most recent offering, “Delia D.”
• MICE: Establishing NWR as a top-tier MICE location featuring exceptional facilities such as the Marriott Grand Ballroom and Sheraton Manila’s Collab, designed for contemporary business tourists.
• Shopping: Providing an exclusive shopping encounter featuring high-end global labels alongside niche boutiques designed for both tourists and local patrons.
Every section is promoted via customized online promotions, collaborative alliances, reward initiatives, and individualized customer interactions to guarantee involvement and lasting brand loyalty.
Q: In what ways are cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence or AI, data analytics, and personalization shaping your marketing strategy?
A: At the core of our approach to engaging guests lies technology. We utilize AI-driven personalization, data analysis, and automated processes to improve the customer experience.
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: We employ predictive analysis to forecast guest preferences and provide tailored offers and promotions.
• Customization: With our customer relationship management systems, we can develop tailored travel and entertainment experiences for guests, informed by their actions and past interactions.
• Effortlessly smooth reservations and digital synchronization: Our sites and mobile apps provide seamless bookings, combined hotel stays with entertainment options, along with immediate customer assistance through AI-powered chatbots.
Through adopting these advancements, we guarantee staying at the forefront and providing outstanding experiences everywhere they interact.
A: What strategies can be used to ensure a uniform customer experience when managing several locations?
A: Maintaining consistency is crucial in the hospitality sector, which we accomplish via:
• Brand guidelines and education: We ensure our staff receives ongoing instruction to meet the specific service criteria of every hotel brand.
• Cross-promotion and combined loyalty initiatives: Customers can reap rewards at all venues via our consolidated NWR Rewards Program, guaranteeing a smooth encounter.
• Gathering guest input and ensuring quality: We proactively gather guest feedback through instant polls, active participation on social platforms, and one-on-one conversations with guests, enabling ongoing enhancements to our services.
Q: Could you discuss some creative or notably effective marketing campaigns that you’re especially proud of and explain what makes them stand out?
A: Our most significant project is the Epic Pass, a membership scheme providing continuous access throughout the year to top-notch shows akin to those seen on Broadway at NPAT. Since implementing this initiative, we’ve observed heightened viewer involvement, strengthened customer allegiance, and raised international recognition for Philippine theater arts.
Moreover, our I Love Earth Campaign—a recipient of the distinguished Agora Award for Sustainability—demonstrates our dedication to promoting sustainable tourism and supports the 17 goals set forth by the United Nations for sustainability.
Our efforts include:
• Environmentally friendly hotel practices: Designs for energy efficiency, initiatives for reducing waste, and procurement of sustainable resources
• Eco-friendly gatherings and occasions: Motivating business customers to embrace carbon-neutral event procedures at our locations
• Community involvement: Collaborating with nearby groups to advocate for environmental preservation and sustainable travel
These initiatives underscore our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and uplifting Filipino skills.
Q: Is there considerable and increasing interest in sustainable travel experiences? What particular inquiries do travelers in this category pose, and how does this influence your marketing approach?
A: Definitely. Modern tourists are increasingly aware of their ecological footprint and look for eco-friendly accommodation choices.
Visitors frequently inquire about: environmental certifications and their carbon impact; sustainable eating choices and locally grown produce; as well as the hotel’s green practices and efforts toward reducing waste.
As a result, we make sure that sustainability is ingrained in our brand’s core identity.
Q: In your view, how might consumers’ expectations change over the coming three to five years? Which trends are you getting ready for in the days ahead?
A: The direction of the hospitality industry’s future will be determined by:
• Mass personalization: Travelers will anticipate highly customized experiences fueled by artificial intelligence and data analytics.
• Wellbeing and comprehensive trips: Visitors will focus on consciousness, health initiatives, and seamless travel encounters aimed at reducing stress.
• Sustainable and moral travel: Mindful tourism will boost the preference for environmentally friendly accommodations and conscientious hospitality procedures.
• Hybrid gatherings and digital incorporation: The MICE sector will progress with “phygital” (combining physical and digital elements) event structures, boosting connectivity and audience scope.
At NWR, we’re proactively gearing up for these developments by pouring resources into advanced hospitality tech, elevating customer interactions, and spearheading eco-friendly practices within Philippine tourism.
—CONTRIBUTED
Josiah Go serves as the chairman and chief innovation strategist at Mansmith and Fielders Inc.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | artificial intelligence, news, popular culture, studio ghibli, technology
NEW YORK – The launch of the newest image creator from OpenAI’s ChatGPT has sparked an influx of internet memes showcasing artwork inspired by Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation house known for classics such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke.”
These images went viral quickly, leading even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to change his profile picture on X to mimic the design. This instantly sparked concerns over potential copyright issues for the ChatGPT creator, who is already dealing with legal actions due to using content without authorization.
Ever since their debut on Wednesday, pictures created by artificial intelligence showing Studio Ghibli-styled renditions of Elon Musk alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, scenes from “The Lord of the Rings,” and even a depiction of the September 11 attacks have spread rapidly across various online channels.
On Thursday, the White House joined in by sharing on X a Studio Ghibli-inspired picture depicting an allegedly guilty individual in tears as they were handcuffed by a U.S. immigration official prior to their deportation.
Initially planned to be accessible at no cost through the platform, Altman mentioned that the overwhelming popularity of the updated generator caught them off guard. As a result, they have decided to keep this tool restricted to those who subscribe for now.
It was previously feasible to create images using ChatGPT, however, the newest iteration leverages GPT-40, the firm’s top-tier model. This enables complex outcomes from exceedingly concise prompts, something not achievable earlier.
Following the viral craze, a 2016 clip emerged showing renowned Studio Ghibli filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki losing his temper during an artificial intelligence presentation conducted by employees.
“I would absolutely not want to include this technology in my work whatsoever. I firmly believe that this represents a grave disrespect to existence itself,” stated the English subtitles in the video.
“The trend is particularly pernicious and malevolent due to Miyazaki’s openly critical stance towards the technology,” noted artist and illustrator Jayd ‘Chira’ Ait-Kaci in an article for Bluesky.
Ait-Kaci added, ‘It’s always centered around disdain for artists, each time.’
OpenAI is confronting numerous legal actions for alleged copyright violations, which include significant cases like the lawsuit initiated by The New York Times as well as claims brought forth by various artists, musicians, and publishers.
When asked by AFP regarding the most recent viral trend and if it posed a threat to Studio Ghibli’s intellectual property, OpenAI stated that they are still refining their model.
“The aim is to provide users with maximum creative liberty,” said a representative of the firm to AFP.
“We keep preventing content created in the specific style of individual living artists, yet we allow more general studio styles. These styles have been utilized to produce and distribute numerous delightfully creative and inspiring original fan works,” she explained.
We continuously learn from practical application and user input, and we will keep enhancing our policies along the way.
The firm is strongly advocating at both the White House and Congress to incorporate the utilization of copyrighted material by artificial intelligence businesses into the category of fair use.
Allowances for fair use already cover search engines or instances involving satire and memes online, permitting businesses to utilize copyrighted content without seeking authorization.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is nearing the completion of a $40 billion fundraising initiative headed by Japan’s SoftBank Group. This investment would mark the largest funding round ever secured by a startup.
OpenAI forecasts that its yearly income might surpass $12.7 billion in 2025, an increase from the $3.7 billion earned in 2024.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, commerce, news, payment processing, technology
A few weeks following the announcement,
strategic partnership
With the technology solutions company Mosaic Solutions, PayMongo—a prominent local fintech platform—has recently partnered with emerging fintech start-up Mochi to enhance payment and invoicing procedures for their customers. As stated in an official announcement, this partnership aims at streamlining “the way businesses handle accounts receivable and cash flow, guaranteeing quicker transactions and decreased operational bottlenecks as electronic payments gain more popularity.”
As a result, the collaboration intends to provide a cohesive solution aimed at removing manual procedures, boosting transaction security, and improving financial operations efficiency.
This collaboration arrives as the nation intensifies its focus on digital payments, with projections indicating that it will surpass PHP 100 billion this year. Data from 2023 shows that the proportion of digital payments by value surpassed 55.3%, whereas the number of transaction volumes hit 52.8%.
Venture Capital Report
by Foxmont Capital Partners and The Boston Consulting Group.
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Philippine startup Mosaic Solutions is set to acquire HelixPay.
Report: In spite of the subdued investment climate, deals hit an all-time high in 2024.
Moreover, an impressive 91.3 percent of people in the Philippines stated that they utilized online financial services in 2024, significantly above the worldwide average of only 37.8 percent.
Partnering with Mochi reinforces our dedication to fostering the expansion of MSMEs and fintech within the Philippines,” stated Jojo Malolos, CEO of Paymongo. “By incorporating Mochi’s sophisticated billing and collection automation into PayMongo’s payment solutions, we’re enabling local enterprises to thrive in the digital marketplace with assurance.
We are excited to join forces with PayMongo in transforming the way businesses manage payments and collections,” said Guaya Melgar, CEO of Mochi. “This partnership will equip firms with the necessary tools to streamline financial management and concentrate on expanding their operations.
PayMongo serves as a streamlined solution for business payments. As the initial Philippine Fintech company nurtured through the prestigious Y Combinator program in Silicon Valley, PayMongo stands out. On another front, Mochi operates as an accounts receivable tool designed specifically for Filipino enterprises aiming to enhance their invoicing efficiency, minimize errors and fraudulent activities, and offer flexible payment options to clients.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, education, higher education, news, technology
The Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) aims to be among the top 100 institutions in Asia by 2045, as per a plan that has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long.
As part of this initiative, HUST will transform into a cutting-edge tertiary educational establishment, positioning itself amongst the foremost institutions across Asia within the domains of engineering and technological studies. Its mission includes serving as a focal point for cultivating expertise through training programs, fostering groundbreaking research activities, and spearheading advancements in Vietnam’s academic landscape—particularly in critical sectors like AI, cyber security, blockchain, electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, digital tech solutions, robotic systems, automation processes, renewable energies, environmental management, bioengineering practices, and sophisticated material sciences. The anticipated impact encompasses significant contributions towards socioeconomic progress not only in Hanoi but also throughout the Red River Delta area and nationwide.
According to the plan, by 2030, 85% of its faculty members should possess doctorates, with 30% holding positions as professors or associate professors and another 10% being distinguished international educators and researchers. Additionally, at least 25% of educational programs must be conducted in English. The initiative seeks to educate a minimum of 8,000 engineers, master’s degree recipients, and Ph.D.s specializing in areas critical for advancing strategic technologies and sectors. Furthermore, they aim for each instructor to produce approximately 1.6 scholarly articles annually published in Web of Science and Scopus databases. They also target securing between 25 to 30 intellectual properties yearly such as patents and utilities, ranking four to six academic programs within the global top 300-500 listings, and ensuring that at least six items resulting from the university’s scientific endeavors achieve successful market integration.
The aim is to incubate at least 10 spin-offs and startups with mobilized capital exceeding $10 million each.
By 2035, the HUST aims to rank within the top 100 to 150 educational institutions in Asia as per respected global ranking systems, with ambitions to advance into the top 100 by 2045.
As part of the recently approved initiative, additional funding will be required to enhance the university’s expansion and bolster its facilities. This includes establishing a new campus in nearby Hung Yen Province as well as modernizing laboratories located in Hanoi.
An innovation center for HUST will be established and cultivated as part of Hanoi’s innovation ecosystem.
In the 2025 QS Asia University Rankings (QS AUR 2025), the Hanoi University of Science and Technology ranks 388th.
The QS rankings rely on an extensive evaluation of 11 metrics such as academic standing, employer feedback, teacher-to-student ratios, citation frequency per publication, and global teaching staff presence. In the 2025 release, which assessed 984 tertiary institutions across Asia, 142 were new entrants. Notably, seventeen higher education institutions from Vietnam appeared in the QS ranking for Asian universities.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | battery electric vehicles, cars, dodge charger, driving, technology
Let the Chrysler muscle-car enthusiasts be credited for devising a highly practical feature that I hope becomes standard on all electric vehicles.
So far, my experience with the electricity has been
Dodge Charger Daytona
It has had its ups and downs. Was it enjoyable? Definitely. Efficient? Not entirely. Intense? As always. Is it a top-notch electric vehicle? That’s still up for debate, but it probably won’t cause any sleepless nights for BYD executives. However, there is one aspect that I found incredibly handy; I genuinely hope this becomes standard on all EVs.
When you turn the Charger off, a screen appears on the main driver-facing dashboard that not only tells you how much charge you have left, but how long it would take to charge to 100%—if that’s where your charging limit is set. Not only that, it tells you approximately how long that would take on each plug type.
Is it as revolutionary as, for instance, five-minute quick charging? Perhaps not. However, it’s a highly useful and pragmatic feature that assists you in strategizing your subsequent steps.
Imagine you’re out doing chores or tasks somewhere and there isn’t a power outlet in view—or maybe you find one but really require a clearer picture of your schedule for the day. By having this insight, you can plan ahead regarding expectations, determine when you might fit in another outing, or assess how soon you could be prepared to leave.
using Level 2 residential charging
.
Photo by: Patrick George
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV with Scat Pack Track Package
From the image above, you can tell that I started with the Charger at 72%, which means the battery was fairly charged. Adding the last 28% to reach 100% will likely be slower compared to charging from a lower percentage level. Ideally, the Charger Daytona should move from 20% to 80% within about 24 minutes when using a 350 kW rapid charger capable of delivering peak power of 183 kW. Charging all the way from 72% to 100% would consequently require more time.
This is information that someone new to electric vehicles might not be aware of—I’ve spoken with acquaintances who switched to electric cars and were puzzled about why charging takes such a long time at a fast charger once their battery was fully charged. The Charger provides a user-friendly function designed specifically for beginners, which helps clarify this process. This kind of transparency is greatly needed within the EV industry as a whole.
Photo by: Patrick George
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV with Scat Pack Track Package
Additionally, these estimates rely on the speed of the charging point being used. Should your home Level 2 charger or a public DC fast charger not provide power as quickly as expected, disappointment may follow. Personally, everything appeared spot-on: my most recent test with a Level 2 charge reached full capacity in around four hours and 46 minutes. Plugging the vehicle into my residential ChargePoint adapter yielded an estimated time quite similar to this figure. It wasn’t disappointing at all.
It appears that the Charger is not the sole Stellantis electric vehicle exhibiting this behavior.
Jeep Wagoneer S
, which reportedly shares the STLA Large platform with this vehicle,
does the same thing
when it’s parked.
I completely support features that simplify things for beginners in the realm of electric vehicles. Knowing what to anticipate is certainly preferable to being caught off guard.
Contact the author:
patrick.george@insideevs.com
Photo by: Patrick George
Additional Updates on the Dodge Charger EV
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Dodge Charger Daytona EV: What Would You Like to Learn About?
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The Dodge Charger Daytona EV can outperform Ford’s top-tier Mustang.
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How Could Dodge Possibly Market an Electric Muscle Car?
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Fill The Seats: Behind Dodge’s Strategy To Win Over Electric Vehicle Doubters
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The Dodge Charger Daytona EV Advances the Muscle Car Genre
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Dodge Charger Enthusiasts: Discover an Excellent Incentive to Switch toElectric Vehicles
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