Ayala Prepares $35M Joint Venture with Singtel via Globe

Ayala Prepares $35M Joint Venture with Singtel via Globe

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.


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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.

Kenyans Respond as Safaricom Temporarily Halts M-Pesa Services

Kenyans Respond as Safaricom Temporarily Halts M-Pesa Services


  • Safaricom PLC has declared planned system upkeep for its services, set to take place on Monday, March 24, 2025.

  • The top telecommunications company stated that all M-Pesa services will experience an outage for approximately half an hour during this maintenance period.

  • The news ignited discussions among Kenyans, particularly Safaricom subscribers, who voiced worries about the telecom’s various offerings.


The journalist Wycliffe Musalia from LIFEHACK.co.ke boasts more than six years of expertise in areas such as finance, business, technology, and climate reporting. This extensive background provides him with significant understanding of both Kenya’s and worldwide economic patterns.

Customers of Safaricom faced a half-hour disruption in services after a planned system maintenance was carried out.

The top telecoms and mobile banking company stated that these maintenance activities are part of their dedication to improving services for their clients.

What Safaricom services encountered issues?

On Saturday, March 22, Safaricom issued a statement to the public announcing that all M-PESA services would experience disruptions during the maintenance work planned for Monday, March 24.

Part of the notification stated, ‘All other Safaricom services such as calls, data, and SMS will remain continuously accessible.’


The telecommunications company stated that the maintenance schedule has been planned to minimize disruption for customers, and apologized to those who might experience issues as a result.

How did Kenyans comment on Safaricom’s maintenance?

Nevertheless, this announcement ignited discussions amongst Kenyans, with several individuals expressing dissatisfaction over restricted or non-existent access to certain M-Pesa features such as Fulaja and M-Shwari loans.

They contended that as long-term customers, their SIM cards had never been eligible for an upgrade or a higher loan limit.

Kipngeno Josphat Bett asked:

Safaricom has decided to discontinue some of their loan services like Fuliza M-Shwari. What factors should be considered regarding this decision?

Kârtêlÿ KE wondered:

Since I last saw my friend, they have been lending me money for more than three years now.

Wekesa Dennis Simiyu asked:

My line has been active for more than 10 years, yet I can use Fuliza 00. Why is that?

Gi Tau Jo Hn pleaded:

Could you please assist me in increasing my Fuliza limit since mine consistently stays at zero?

Sammie Wales wrote:

Safaricom ndio ninasoma kwamba kutoka kwa Fuliza, unaokosa ni muhimu kukubaliana na usalama au hata uweze hatari zenye chanzo bado zipo.

Safaricom internet services

Other customers reported issues with Safaricom’s internet services, specifically mentioning the Safaricom Home Fibre.

Fridah Weish asked:

What’s happening with the home fiber? It keeps turning on and off. In the next room, it’s completely out of order…

Thomas Mnang’at claimed:

Leo kulingana asubuhi, tafuta data ambayo imeshululiwa mara kadhaa za siku iliyopita ikiwa haijafanyika tena mapema mumetemelia pesa zangu.

Millie Jeps Rutto requested:

There seems to be an issue with our network here; could you please send us a booster?

Ceci Solai wondered:

Alafu network siku hizi inatetesha vizuri sana kama hivi mara la Tukielezeza Ni Kwa Nini?

Charlez Parsankah Didaz asked:

Sasa siku hizi linetelevishwa kwamba maelezo ya mtandao yasiyo sahihi yanatumika.

Shiko Irene argued:

I purchased data packages last week, but the network disappeared until the bundles expired without any notice. Although I did not raise an issue at that time, dealing with your debt has become a hassle that troubles me greatly; thus, please compensate me, guys.