Scoop Wholefoods Brings Refill-Based Shopping to the Philippines

Scoop Wholefoods Brings Refill-Based Shopping to the Philippines

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

An Australian retail concept built around buying by weight and reducing packaging waste has arrived in the Philippines. Scoop Wholefoods, together with its personal care counterpart Scoop Whole Beauty, has opened at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City.

The store introduces a refill-led shopping experience that gives customers the flexibility to purchase food, pantry essentials, and personal care products in quantities that suit their needs. Rather than choosing from fixed package sizes, shoppers can bring reusable containers or use recyclable paper bags provided in-store, then pay according to the weight of their selections.

The concept puts a familiar practice into a more organised retail setting. Filipinos have long been accustomed to buying certain goods in custom portions, but Scoop aims to make this approach part of a wider everyday routine centred on mindful consumption.

“Filipinos have long understood the practicality of buying in custom portions. Bringing Scoop to the Philippines allows us to elevate that familiar habit into a modern, zero-waste lifestyle,” said Romy Sia, Managing Director of Healthy Options Group.

A different way to shop for everyday essentials

Founded in Sydney in 2013, Scoop Wholefoods was inspired by the traditional markets of Malta and the founders' interest in making quality food and more conscious living accessible. The brand has since grown to more than 20 locations worldwide.

Its retail model centres on choice and flexibility. Customers can purchase just a small amount of a specialty ingredient or stock up on household staples, depending on their budget and requirements. Buying smaller quantities can also help households manage pantry supplies and avoid purchasing more than they can use.

“Shopping by weight gives people the freedom to make healthier choices that respect both their budget and the planet,” said founders Jeremy and Bettina Kirk. They added that buying only what is needed can help shoppers manage spending, reduce waste, and limit single-use plastics.

The store is designed to make the process straightforward. Customers bring clean containers from home or use the recyclable paper bags available in the store. Containers are weighed at the counter before shoppers fill them, allowing the weight of the packaging to be deducted when the contents are paid for.

The selection includes organic wholefoods, natural treats, pantry staples, freshly prepared granolas and mueslis, and products developed with artisanal producers in Australia. Among the brand's popular offerings are Byron Bay chocolate-coated fruits and nuts.

The Philippine store is also incorporating local products into its selection. These include locally harvested rice from Family Farms and probiotic kombucha on tap from Brye and Brew. Scoop says it intends to expand its relationships with Filipino farmers, artisans, and makers as the local business grows.

For Sia, making conscious shopping practical is central to the concept.

“Conscious living is best integrated into daily routines when it is made intuitive and practical for shoppers,” he said, describing a shopping experience that can accommodate anything from a pinch of spice to a week's supply of household essentials.

Extending the refill concept to personal care

Scoop's sustainability approach also extends beyond food through Scoop Whole Beauty, its dedicated personal care and beauty range.

The collection includes cosmetics and skincare described by the brand as 100% vegan, palm-oil-free, and toxin-free, with ingredients sourced on ethical and earth-based principles.

Customers can buy selected products such as liquid soaps, face masks, and body oils by weight. The range also includes alternatives to conventional packaged products, including solid shampoo bars and compostable beauty tools.

Scoop Whole Beauty works with Australian artisans on personal care products packaged in compostable materials. These include natural deodorants, face washes, and lip balms.

The beauty line also features mineral makeup designed for warm and humid conditions. According to the brand, the lightweight formulas absorb oil and moisture while offering buildable, long-wearing coverage. Its shades are developed with Filipino skin tones in mind.

Another feature is the use of plastic-free, refillable makeup pans. Customers can replace individual shades as needed rather than disposing of an entire compact when one product runs out.

Making reuse part of the shopping routine

Scoop's pay-by-weight system is designed to make refilling accessible even to shoppers who are new to the practice.

The process begins with bringing a clean reusable container or choosing a paper bag in-store. The empty container is weighed before customers fill it with their preferred products. Once selections are complete, shoppers proceed to the register, where payment is based on the weight of the contents.

The founders say the store is intended to welcome both experienced refill shoppers and those taking their first steps towards reducing packaging waste.

“We designed Scoop as a welcoming space for everyone, whether you are taking your first zero-waste step or are a seasoned refiller,” Jeremy and Bettina Kirk said.

With its combination of international products, local sourcing, refillable pantry goods, and personal care options, Scoop Wholefoods brings another model of conscious retail to the Philippine market. Its success will depend not only on the products it offers, but also on how easily shoppers can make refilling part of their regular routines.

Scoop Wholefoods and Scoop Whole Beauty are located at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City. Customers can follow Scoop Wholefoods Philippines and Scoop Whole Beauty Philippines on social media for updates on their product selections and local partnerships.

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Arfak Coffee: Sustainable Farming and Forest Protection

Arfak Coffee: Sustainable Farming and Forest Protection

Coffee can create value beyond the cup. In Indonesia’s Arfak Mountains, Arabica cultivation is helping indigenous communities develop new livelihood opportunities while strengthening efforts to protect forests, soil, and local water resources.

Located in West Papua, the highland region is home to coffee farms managed by local communities. Through sustainable cultivation, improved processing, and access to wider markets, what was once an underused garden crop is gradually becoming a source of economic opportunity.

The experience offers an interesting example of how agricultural development and environmental conservation can work together, particularly in Southeast Asia, where countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines have long histories of coffee production.

Turning an overlooked crop into a livelihood

Before 2018, coffee was not widely viewed as a commercial crop in the Arfak Mountains. Many families grew only a few trees in their home gardens, alongside vegetables and fruit trees. Some farmers even cut down coffee trees because they did not see their economic value.

That began to change as local initiatives introduced more sustainable approaches to coffee cultivation and processing.

Barto Inden, a 28-year-old agricultural practitioner working at the Arfak Mountains Regency Agriculture Office and owner of Kopi Anggi, witnessed the transition.

"Before 2018, coffee was only one or two trees per farmer. Some planted it but did not know what to develop it into. Some were even cut down because they were considered to have no value," Inden said.

The region has favorable conditions for Arabica cultivation. At elevations of approximately 1,800 to 2,000 meters above sea level, its cool climate and fertile soil support coffee production.

However, favorable growing conditions alone were not enough. Farmers needed access to technical knowledge, better post-harvest practices, and markets that could recognize the value of their coffee.

The opportunity also became increasingly important from an environmental perspective. Land clearing, heavy rainfall, and illegal gold mining upstream had contributed to risks involving landslides and damage to water sources. Several major landslides had affected community gardens.

As a result, coffee cultivation became part of a broader effort to protect the landscape. Farmers adopted intercropping and avoided land burning, with coffee trees helping support soil stability and the protection of water catchment areas.

Building local expertise through community-based training

Bentara Papua became involved in 2019, providing long-term technical assistance to help farmers improve cultivation and processing practices.

Rather than introducing a ready-made production system, the organization worked with communities to understand their existing farming practices and identify opportunities suited to local conditions.

"We did not bring a finished system. We learned together with the community from their own gardens, and from there we assessed the potential of this coffee in accordance with the community culture," said Demius Aud, Coordinator of Bentara Papua's Udohotma Station.

One of the initiatives established through this effort was the Merdesa Village School, known as SEKAM, which trains young people in natural resource management.

The Udohotma Station also serves as a learning and production center, as well as a place where harvested coffee can be consolidated.

Training covers several stages of cultivation, beginning with independent nurseries using locally sourced seeds and compost. This approach reduces dependence on seedlings brought in from other areas, which may struggle to adapt to different temperatures.

Farmers also receive guidance on planting distances, pruning, and organic pest management. Instead of relying on synthetic inputs, they prepare fertilizers using pig manure, decayed leaves, and kitchen waste. Botanical pesticides made from garlic and local leaves are also used.

These practices help farmers build production knowledge while making use of resources available within their communities.

Improving coffee quality through better processing

Sustainable coffee production also depends on what happens after harvesting.

Bentara Papua introduced standardized post-harvest procedures to help farmers improve consistency and maintain the quality of their beans. These include sorting coffee cherries, flotation, 36-hour fermentation, washing, and drying.

Solar dryers are used to help maintain moisture levels at approximately 13 percent.

Research has also contributed to improving farming practices. In 2024, students from the University of Papua (UNIPA) supported the initiative by studying local soil conditions and coffee pests. Their findings were intended to help inform organic pest control strategies.

Together, these efforts address several challenges faced by small-scale coffee producers: inconsistent processing, limited technical resources, and the difficulty of meeting the quality requirements of specialty coffee markets.

A growing coffee enterprise with local economic benefits

The initiative has expanded to involve 37 farmer groups across seven districts, with approximately 35 hectares of coffee planted in home gardens.

Farmers receive direct cash payments through purchases made at production sites, removing intermediaries from the transaction.

According to the initiative's reported figures, green bean prices have increased from around IDR 80,000 to IDR 100,000 per kilogram, equivalent to approximately ₱280 to ₱350. Parchment coffee is priced at IDR 80,000 per kilogram.

Annual production from 2023 to 2025 is estimated at 6,000 kilograms of beans.

Marketed under the Kopi Anggi brand, Arfak coffee is available in green bean, roasted bean, and ground coffee formats. It has reached coffee shops in Manokwari and appeared at national exhibitions. Buyers from Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands have also expressed interest.

Despite these developments, supply remains limited. Producers continue to prioritize quality standards and the processing requirements needed to bring their coffee to market.

For the communities involved, this gradual expansion is important. It creates opportunities to earn from a crop that was previously overlooked, while keeping production connected to local farming practices and environmental priorities.

What Arfak coffee means for sustainable agriculture

The experience in the Arfak Mountains reflects a broader opportunity for coffee-producing countries across Southeast Asia.

In the Philippines, coffee-growing communities in the northern highlands, including indigenous Igorot farmers, continue to cultivate heirloom Arabica varieties such as Typica, Bourbon, San Ramon, and Mondo Novo. These are often grown alongside pine trees and other shade crops.

Indonesia's Arfak coffee communities share a similar interest in producing distinctive Arabica beans while maintaining a connection to the natural environment.

As specialty coffee consumers become more interested in bean origins and production practices, initiatives like these can help connect responsible farming with market opportunities. They also highlight the importance of supporting farmers through training, processing facilities, and more direct routes to buyers.

For Inden, the goal extends beyond increasing coffee production.

"My hope is that this is not just about production, but about the future of the people and nature of the Arfak Mountains," he said.

That perspective captures the larger value of the initiative. Sustainable coffee farming is not simply about growing and selling more beans. It is also about developing livelihoods without compromising the forests, soil, and water resources that communities depend on.

The Arfak experience shows how a locally rooted agricultural initiative can support both economic participation and environmental stewardship, offering a meaningful example of how people and nature can benefit from the same development effort.

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Pinyapel: Turning Pineapple Waste Into Sustainable Materials

Pinyapel: Turning Pineapple Waste Into Sustainable Materials

What if the next opportunity for Philippine manufacturing could be found in something farmers leave behind after harvesting pineapples?

Across the country, pineapple leaves have traditionally been treated as agricultural waste. But through an initiative led by the Design Center of the Philippines, these discarded leaves are being transformed into pinyapel®, a specialty paper that offers new possibilities for sustainable design, manufacturing, and product development.

The initiative demonstrates how agricultural byproducts can become valuable resources when government agencies, farmers, processors, designers, and manufacturers work together. More importantly, it points to a potential new income stream for pineapple-growing communities while giving local industries access to an alternative material with distinctly Filipino origins.

From pineapple leaves to a locally developed material

The development of pinyapel® began in 2018, when the Design Center of the Philippines brought together stakeholders across the pineapple value chain.

The collaboration included farmers, pulp processors, and paper and packaging manufacturers. Their shared goal was to explore how pineapple leaves, often discarded after fruit harvesting, could be processed into a useful material.

The result was pinyapel®, a specialty paper made from locally sourced and processed pineapple leaves.

The project gained international recognition in 2019 when it received a D&AD Future Impact Award. The award recognizes creative and innovative work addressing significant global challenges, giving the initiative greater visibility and momentum.

From an experimental material, pinyapel® began moving toward industrialization, opening opportunities for applications across design and manufacturing.

The next challenge was to demonstrate that the material could work beyond the development stage and find practical uses in the market.

Building an ecosystem for sustainable product development

To expand awareness of pinyapel® and its commercial potential, the Design Center launched the pinyapel® Flagship Project at the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX).

Created by CITEM Philippines, SSX connects businesses with global sustainability leaders and solution providers. It also provides companies and brands with access to ideas and resources that can support their sustainability initiatives.

The Design Center also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry's Competitiveness and Innovation Group (DTI-CIG) to organize the pinyapel® Investors Forum. The forum introduced the proposed green pulp facility as a potential responsible investment opportunity for the wider business community.

These initiatives are important to the material's development because scaling an alternative material requires more than product innovation. It also calls for investment, processing capacity, industry partnerships, and a market willing to adopt new solutions.

The progress of the initiative will be featured at the Sustainability Solutions Exchange 2026, scheduled for October 15 to 17 at the Philippine Trade Training Center.

Led by guest creative director-curator Stanley Ruiz, the showcase will bring together 10 product development partners from different industries. Their work will demonstrate how pinyapel® can be used independently or combined with other materials in furniture, home décor, packaging, and industrial products.

Beyond paper: Exploring commercial applications

Pinyapel® is also beginning to find its way into products and retail spaces beyond trade shows and exhibitions.

Its material properties have attracted interest from designers and manufacturers exploring alternatives for everyday products. These include applications where lightweight construction, breathability, durability, and light diffusion can be useful.

In footwear, for example, the Lakat shoe line uses pinyapel® to create a soft, breathable texture intended for everyday wear.

Its potential in furniture and home accessories is also being explored through products such as chairs by OMO Furniture, lamps by Tadeco Home, and accent pieces by Oro Handmade Innovations.

Other applications include food-contact-grade containers and servers, packaging, and specialty paper products.

These developments show how agricultural waste can serve as a starting point for product innovation across different industries. They also give local designers and manufacturers another material to consider as businesses respond to growing interest in more sustainable products.

The next step: Scaling production in Mindanao

While product development has demonstrated the versatility of pinyapel®, expanding production capacity remains an important step toward realizing its full potential.

A pulp mill in Mindanao is currently in the pipeline. The proposed facility is expected to process 20 metric tons of non-wood pulp from pineapple leaves.

The initiative has also been identified by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as one of the large-scale agricultural waste-to-biomaterials initiatives under the Agricultural Waste Circular Economy Project in the Philippines, for submission to the Green Climate Fund.

If developed, the facility could create opportunities for thousands of pineapple farmers by establishing a larger-scale use for leaves that would otherwise be discarded.

The proposed mill could also help build a more integrated supply chain, connecting agricultural producers with processors and manufacturers that need locally sourced sustainable materials.

The project's long-term impact will depend on how successfully this supply chain develops, how much investment it attracts, and whether manufacturers can adopt pinyapel® at commercial scale.

Turning agricultural waste into economic opportunity

The pinyapel® initiative illustrates how sustainability and industrial development can work together.

What started as an effort to find a use for discarded pineapple leaves has evolved into a platform for material innovation, product development, and collaboration among different sectors.

For the Philippines, the opportunity extends beyond producing specialty paper. It involves rethinking agricultural waste as a resource, creating new possibilities for local manufacturing, and opening potential livelihood opportunities for farming communities.

The proposed pulp facility in Mindanao represents the next major step in that journey. If realized, it could help connect thousands of pineapple farmers to a growing market for alternative materials.

Sometimes, innovation does not require discovering an entirely new resource. It begins with recognizing the value of something that has been overlooked.

To learn more about the pinyapel® Program, visit pinyapel.carrd.co. For inquiries, contact the Design Center of the Philippines at info@designcenter.gov.ph or pinyapel@designcenter.gov.ph.

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AIA K-Pop Together, Give Together Concert in Korea

AIA K-Pop Together, Give Together Concert in Korea

Nearly 7,000 customers, agents, employees, and business partners from South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore came together in Goyang, South Korea, on October 24 for AIA’s “K-Pop Together, Give Together” concert.

The exclusive regional event brought together members of AIA’s communities for a celebration of Korean music and culture, with more than 300 Filipino customers, agents, and partners among those who traveled to South Korea for the occasion.

The concert featured an impressive lineup of K-pop performers, including PSY, J.Y. Park, ITZY, CHUNG HA, and JINUSEAN. Korean broadcaster Jae Min Park and Girls’ Generation member Tiffany Young hosted the event.

For AIA, the gathering was more than a night of live performances. It was an opportunity to bring people from different markets together through shared experiences, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

The event also supported the broader ambition of AIA One Billion, the initiative that aims to inspire one billion people across Asia to live healthier lives by 2030.

A K-pop experience with a taste of Korean culture

Beyond the concert, guests took part in activities designed to introduce them to different aspects of Korean culture.

Through the event’s K-Experience, participants explored K-beauty through personal color analysis, learned how to write their names in Hangul, and received exclusive AIA light sticks as keepsakes from the gathering.

For some Filipino attendees, the trip was also a memorable personal milestone.

AIA Philippines customer Esperanza Salvador, who was visiting Korea for the first time, shared how much she appreciated the experience and the care extended to customers.

“Beyond the concert itself, what made this experience memorable was feeling genuinely appreciated and cared for as a customer,” Salvador said.

For BPI AIA customer and long-time AIA Vitality member Manilyn Cabilin, the experience carried an added personal meaning. She had encouraged her fiancé to become an AIA Vitality member, and seeing him win the K-pop experience made the occasion even more special.

AIA Life Planner Elizabeth Tuanquin also shared the experience with her daughter. A member of the prestigious Court of the Table, Tuanquin said watching her daughter meet ITZY and seeing her reaction made the trip particularly meaningful.

Her experience offered a reminder that beyond financial planning and protection, the relationships built with customers can also lead to moments that families remember for years.

Filipino community giving through Kythe Foundation

The regional celebration also carried a charitable purpose.

As part of AIA’s giving initiative, each participating market partnered with a local charitable organization to support communities in its respective country.

In the Philippines, AIA Philippines selected Kythe Foundation, which supports children with chronic illnesses and their families.

The partnership connected the concert’s theme of bringing people together with a broader effort to create positive contributions beyond the event itself.

AIA Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Melita Teo, who attended the gathering, said the event highlighted the connections shared by customers, agents, and partners across different markets.

She added that bringing people together through meaningful experiences can strengthen relationships, inspire positive change, and give the company’s purpose a more tangible expression.

AIA Korea Chief Marketing Officer Ji-Ye Hwang also described the gathering as an opportunity for guests from across Asia to experience Korea’s culture and connect through their shared appreciation of K-pop.

With nearly 7,000 attendees, the “K-Pop Together, Give Together” concert brought together music, cultural discovery, and community giving in one regional celebration. For its Filipino participants, it also offered a chance to experience Korea while being part of a wider AIA community supporting healthier lives and meaningful causes across Asia.

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Roblox Names Joel Neoh SEA and Oceania Managing Director

Roblox Names Joel Neoh SEA and Oceania Managing Director

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Roblox has appointed entrepreneur and investor Joel Neoh as Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, placing an experienced regional technology executive in charge of its business strategy and partnerships across two markets it considers important to its Asia-Pacific growth.

Neoh joined Roblox in October 2026 and will serve as its senior-most business lead across Southeast Asia and Oceania. His responsibilities include expanding the platform's regional presence, strengthening relationships with local partners and supporting developers and creators seeking to build businesses through Roblox.

The appointment comes as the company looks to deepen its engagement with local studios, players and parents while adapting its global product and business priorities to regional market needs.

Creator economy at the centre of regional strategy

A major focus of Neoh's role will be developing Roblox's creator ecosystem. The company intends to help local developers and studios make greater use of its tools, grow their audiences and explore commercial opportunities through the platform.

Roblox is positioning this effort within a broader shift in digital participation, where users are not only consuming online experiences but also creating games, communities and interactive content.

For developers, the platform offers an environment in which creative projects can potentially reach audiences beyond their home markets. Building a stronger regional ecosystem will require local partnerships, creator support and a better understanding of the needs of different markets.

Neoh said his experience building companies across Asia-Pacific has given him an appreciation of the region's entrepreneurial activity and creative potential.

He also pointed to the opportunity for more people to turn digital ideas into experiences, communities and businesses that can reach a global audience.

Online safety remains a regional priority

Alongside creator development and commercial growth, Roblox identified online safety as a central part of its regional strategy.

The company said it intends to work more closely with parents, regulators and local communities as it expands its presence in Southeast Asia and Oceania. This is particularly relevant given the platform's appeal to younger users and the importance of building trust among families.

Neoh said keeping young people safe would remain central to the company's approach, alongside efforts to understand local communities and support creators.

Zhen Fang, Roblox Vice President of International, said Southeast Asia and Oceania have vibrant and growing communities of players and creators. She added that the company plans to continue investing in local teams, creators and partners.

Fang cited Neoh's two decades of experience building and scaling businesses across the region, as well as his connections within the technology ecosystem, as important to Roblox's next phase of growth.

An entrepreneur with experience across technology sectors

Neoh brings experience spanning digital media, e-commerce, financial technology, consumer health and artificial intelligence.

He founded GroupsMore in Malaysia, which merged with Groupon before the latter's initial public offering. He subsequently led Groupon's Asia-Pacific business.

In 2015, he founded Fave, a Southeast Asian consumer fintech and payments platform that expanded to more than 10 million users before its acquisition by Pine Labs in 2021.

Neoh later served as Managing Director at Prenetics, where he led its consumer health businesses. His entrepreneurial and investment activities also include First Move, an early-stage venture capital platform supporting founders across Southeast Asia. He has backed more than 50 startups across Asia, particularly in consumer technology.

His background combines operating experience in technology companies with exposure to the startup investment ecosystem, giving Roblox a regional leader familiar with building consumer platforms and scaling businesses across markets.

What the appointment means for Southeast Asia

Roblox's leadership change signals an intention to strengthen its regional operations beyond brand awareness and user growth. Its stated priorities include supporting local studios, building commercial partnerships and adapting its platform strategy to the needs of individual markets.

For Southeast Asia, the opportunity extends to developers and creative businesses seeking to reach international audiences through interactive digital experiences. However, turning that potential into sustainable growth will depend on the partnerships, creator support and safety measures the company develops across the region.

With Neoh leading its Southeast Asia and Oceania business, Roblox is positioning its next phase of regional expansion around a combination of local market knowledge, creator development and long-term engagement with communities.

More information about the platform and its creator ecosystem is available through the official Roblox website.

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Multipolitan Raises US$2M at US$25M Valuation, Plans Manila Technology Expansion

Multipolitan Raises US$2M at US$25M Valuation, Plans Manila Technology Expansion

Singapore-based global mobility technology company Multipolitan has raised US$2 million in seed funding at a US$25 million pre-money valuation, with plans to establish an office and expand its technology team in Manila.

Led by global venture studio EmergentX, the funding round will support the planned December 2026 worldwide launch of the company's free consumer-facing Multipolitan App and the continued expansion of Multipolitan Private Client, its service for high-net-worth individuals and affluent families.

The planned Manila expansion places the Philippines within the company's broader Asian growth strategy, as it looks to strengthen its technology capabilities and develop a platform for people who travel, work, study, invest and live across national borders.

Private client business provides commercial foundation

Multipolitan is entering its next growth phase with an established revenue-generating operation. The company reports that its Private Client business has generated more than US$4 million in net revenue in less than two years.

The company says its experience serving affluent clients has provided commercial validation, as well as research and customer insights that are informing the development of its consumer technology platform.

Multipolitan was founded by Nirbhay Handa, formerly Group Head of Business Development at Henley & Partners, and Lee Smith, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Japanese fintech company Paidy, which was acquired by PayPal for US$2.7 billion.

Their backgrounds span global mobility, wealth migration and financial technology, areas that inform the company's approach to bringing cross-border services into a connected digital experience.

A platform for managing life across borders

International travel and relocation often involve coordinating information from different sources, including passport and visa records, immigration requirements, insurance, pre-arrival documents and flight updates.

Multipolitan is developing a platform intended to bring several of these requirements together. Its business has two main offerings: the consumer-focused Multipolitan App and Multipolitan Private Client, which provides tailored services for affluent individuals and families with more complex international mobility needs.

The app is organised around three functions: Live, Travel and Stay.

Live is designed to help users manage passports, visas, residence information and family documents in one place, with reminders for important deadlines.

Travel brings together entry requirements, pre-arrival preparation and real-time flight updates to help users prepare for journeys and monitor travel information.

Stay is intended to track time spent abroad, remaining stay allowances and approaching deadlines, including planned calculations for covered travel rules such as Schengen scenarios.

The platform is supported by three proprietary technology systems: INREX, an immigration intelligence engine; FlightIQ, a real-time travel intelligence platform; and Visa Connect, an AI-powered travel visa engine.

Lee Smith, Multipolitan co-founder, said the company aims to reduce the complexity of managing travel and residency requirements, particularly for families handling multiple passports and visas.

The app is scheduled to launch free worldwide in December 2026. Multipolitan plans to use insights from the initial rollout to inform a premium version with additional features, targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

Manila forms part of the company's Asian expansion

The Philippines is among the markets Multipolitan intends to serve as it expands across Asia. The company sees potential demand from Filipinos who travel, work and study overseas, as well as digital nomads who live and work from the country.

Manila is also part of its technology expansion plans. Multipolitan intends to establish a local office and grow its technology team, drawing on the city's pool of mobile and full-stack developers to support product development.

"As more Filipinos travel, work, study, and build lives across borders, we see growing demand for clear, connected mobility support," said Handa. "We expect the country to remain a key part of our expansion in Asia."

The company currently employs more than 40 people across its Singapore headquarters and offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Bengaluru. It also plans to establish additional offices in Manila and Kuala Lumpur as it builds its regional presence.

Building for a more mobile global population

Multipolitan's expansion comes as international movement creates demand for services that help individuals and families navigate different immigration and travel systems. The company cites more than 1.5 billion international trips annually, over 300 million people living outside their country of birth, and an estimated 40 million digital nomads as indicators of the market it aims to address.

For Multipolitan, the challenge is to bring fragmented information and services into a more coordinated experience, while maintaining a specialised offering for clients with more complex mobility and wealth-related requirements.

The US$2-million seed round will fund the next stage of that strategy, with the planned Manila office giving the company an additional base for technology development as it prepares to introduce its consumer app globally.

More information about the company and its upcoming app is available through Multipolitan's website.

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EastWest Priority Puts Wealth Preservation and Legacy Planning in Focus

EastWest Priority Puts Wealth Preservation and Legacy Planning in Focus

Building wealth is only one part of long-term financial planning. Preserving capital, maintaining access to liquidity and preparing for the transfer of family assets are also important considerations, particularly when markets remain uncertain.

These concerns were discussed during recent editions of EastWest Priority’s Partnership Perspectives series in Bacolod and Pampanga. The forums brought clients together with financial experts to examine market conditions, investment strategies, wealth preservation and legacy planning.

The sessions featured EastWest Chief Investment Officer Bede Lovell Gomez and EastWest Ageas Distribution Training Head Patrick Lim, who shared perspectives on managing investments while preparing for long-term financial security.

Diversification and capital preservation amid market uncertainty

With inflation pressures, elevated yields and currency volatility presenting risks for investors, Gomez emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to portfolio management.

Rather than focusing solely on potential returns, he encouraged investors to consider diversification, liquidity and capital preservation when making financial decisions.

“With inflation pressures, elevated yields, and currency volatility remaining key risks, investors should focus on diversification, liquidity, and capital preservation rather than chasing returns,” Gomez said.

He added that effective wealth management involves more than generating investment gains. It also requires strategies for creating sustainable income, protecting family wealth and maintaining the flexibility to respond as market conditions change.

For investors with long-term financial commitments, these considerations can influence how portfolios are structured and how financial resources are made available when needed.

Why legacy planning matters

The discussions also examined how families can prepare for the eventual transfer of wealth to the next generation.

Legacy planning involves more than deciding who will receive family assets. It also includes succession planning, wealth protection and preparing future generations to manage inherited resources responsibly.

Patrick Lim highlighted the importance of having these conversations before wealth needs to be transferred.

“Many families spend years building wealth. Legacy planning helps ensure that wealth continues to support future generations in the way it was intended,” Lim said.

Planning ahead can help families clarify their intentions, consider how assets will be managed and prepare successors for the responsibilities that come with inheriting wealth.

Bringing financial insights closer to clients

Partnership Perspectives is among the exclusive benefits offered to EastWest Priority clients. Through the series, the bank connects clients with investment and wealth management experts while creating opportunities to discuss financial goals and long-term strategies.

For Richard Chester Tamayo, EastWest Head of Wealth Management, these conversations reflect the importance of looking beyond wealth accumulation.

“Building wealth is only one part of the journey. Equally important is preserving it and ensuring it can support future generations,” Tamayo said.

He added that Partnership Perspectives aims to bring clients closer to relevant insights, solutions and experts who can help them pursue their financial goals and build a meaningful legacy for their families.

Planning for wealth across generations

The discussions in Bacolod and Pampanga reflect two connected aspects of financial planning: managing wealth in the present and preparing for its future use.

Investment decisions involve navigating changing market conditions, while legacy planning considers how family resources can continue to serve their intended purpose across generations.

For EastWest Priority, Partnership Perspectives provides a setting for clients to explore both areas with access to financial expertise and discussions on wealth creation, preservation and succession.

Those interested in EastWest Priority’s client privileges, events and wealth management solutions can visit the bank’s official Priority website.

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