Schneider Electric partners with NVIDIA to maximize AI in optimizing performance, scalability and energy efficiency of data centers

Schneider Electric partners with NVIDIA to maximize AI in optimizing performance, scalability and energy efficiency of data centers

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and digital automation, partners with artificial intelligence (AI) computing company NVIDIA to optimize data center energy efficiency using AI. 

The partnership will introduce the world’s first publicly available AI data center reference designs. These designs will integrate Schneider Electric’s expertise in digital infrastructures with NVIDIA’s AI technologies, setting new standards for AI deployment and operations within data center ecosystems to drive efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of the Secure Power Division & Data Center Business at Schneider Electric, highlighted the significance of this partnership: "By combining our expertise in data center solutions with NVIDIA's leadership in AI technologies, we’re not just overcoming infrastructure limitations; we’re unlocking the full potential of AI.”

“This collaboration is a leap forward towards a more efficient, sustainable, and transformative future, powered by AI," Sharma added as he stressed that the data center industry continues to evolve, which calls for a stronger focus on integrating AI technologies to their operations and addressing Scope 3 emissions to achieve net-zero emissions. 

Scope 3 emissions account for about 50% of data centers’ GHG footprint. According to GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions attributed to the activities of companies which include business travel, waste management, and value chain operations. This type of emission is often not reported and is more challenging to measure compared to Scope 1 and 2 emissions. 

These indirect emissions are major but often overlooked drivers of environmental impact of data centers. As a response, Schneider Electric is advocating for a holistic approach to GHG management, which includes accurate carbon accounting, target-setting, and a systematic review of data and emission sources.

Schneider Electric offers data centers with accounting and reporting solutions to address their Scope 3 emissions. This includes a tool to simulate energy use to estimate GHG emissions, considering power consumption, cooling systems, and operational efficiency of the data center. 

“This approach aligns with our commitment in leading the charge to equip critical and energy-intensive industries such as data centers with advanced solutions to help them achieve better operational efficiency all while minimizing their carbon emissions beyond traditional means,” said Abraham Lim, Secure Power and Industrial Automation BVP of Schneider Electric Philippines. 

Schneider Electric remains committed to pursue the digital transformation of industries to keep pace with technological advancements and ensure environmental sustainability globally. 

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PLDT, Smart block more than 13 million SMShing messages to combat ‘hijack profile’ incidents

PLDT, Smart block more than 13 million SMShing messages to combat ‘hijack profile’ incidents

Sunday, April 21, 2024

PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has blocked more than 13 million SMShing messages in the first quarter of the year. It has also blacklisted almost 200,000 mobile numbers involved in phishing activities as the Philippine National Police (PNP) raised the alarm on ‘hijack profile’ cases.

“Data is the new oil. Cyber criminals steal personal information to defraud you or use your identity to victimize people close to you. Guard your data. Don’t share it with people you don’t know,” reminded Joseph Ian Gendrano, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT and Smart.

‘Hijack profile’ happens when a hacker gains unauthorized access to someone’s social media account. In some cases, the victims are locked out of their own account. The offender then messages the victims’ contacts to ask for money, usually under the guise of a sickness or an unfortunate life event.

To further keep customers safe from fraudulent activities, Smart is reminding the public to be wary of clicking dubious links on SMS or emails from unknown persons

During the #CyberSmart event at Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong, Elijah Mendoza, Digital Communications Senior Manager at Smart, emphasized mindfulness when traversing cyber space and reading text messages.

“Phishing is the most common technique employed by bad actors to trick you into revealing your data. Don’t go on autopilot mode and click or tap links,” said Mendoza.

To avoid getting baited by phishing messages, remember the following:

1. Don’t open suspicious emails or links. Remember what our parents used to say about not talking to strangers? It’s the same with unfamiliar senders or callers.

2. Don’t log in to unfamiliar websites. Look at the address bar. Make sure you are opening the legitimate website.

3. Brush up on grammar and branding knowledge. Phishing messages are often composed of ill-formed sentences with bad grammar. Malicious websites often use low-resolution photos to mimic the page they’re copying.

The efforts of PLDT and Smart to share CyberSmart tips are rooted in their customer-centric culture where they aim to elevate the quality of customer experience by protecting them from threats and cyber-attacks.

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13 APAC Mobile Wallet and Digital Bank Leaders Sign up for New MSME Initiative to Accelerate Inclusion and Sustainability Efforts

13 APAC Mobile Wallet and Digital Bank Leaders Sign up for New MSME Initiative to Accelerate Inclusion and Sustainability Efforts

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Programme Sirius (Sustainability Innovation for Regenerative & Inclusive Purpose), supported by 13 Asia-Pacific fintech leaders at its inaugural launch, was unveiled today to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in their transition towards sustainability, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Programme Sirius is an industry-led knowledge initiative that aims to support MSMEs operating on digital platforms in their journey towards sustainability. It will foster open industry dialogues where like-minded industry partners can exchange ideas on sustainability innovations and share best practices to supportMSMEs on their sustainability journey, helping their transition into a low-carbon economy, advancing their accessibility to sustainability financing, and uplifting MSMEs with new growth opportunities.

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, will collaborate with Ant International to develop and promote a set of Digital Sustainability Impact Management Toolkits in the next two years. These toolkits aim to empower MSMEs to adopt environmentally and socially friendly practicesto improve MSMEs’ access to sustainable finance through digitalization while driving the entire economy towards a low-carbon development path.

To support MSMEs in commencing their sustainability journeys, Gprnt, an initiative by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, will collaborate with Ant International to provide a technology-enabled reporting solution for MSMEs to embark on simplified sustainability disclosures against basic Environmental, Socialand Governance (ESG) metrics. Gprnt will further augment Programme Sirius by sharing how MSMEs can better harness data and technology to gain access to sustainable business, finance, and supply chain opportunities.

At the launch, 13 industry partners from 11 economies have committed to be part of Programme Sirius:AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), ANEXT Bank (Singapore), Bigpay (Malaysia), bKash (Bangladesh), DANA (Indonesia), GCash (the Philippines), Hipay (Mongolia), Kakao Pay (Republic of Korea), MPay (Macao SAR, China), TNG Digital (Malaysia), TossPay (Republic of Korea), TrueMoney (Thailand) and Zalopay (Vietnam).

Corporates and businesses today face increasing reporting requirements from regulators, financial institutions, and supply chain partners to disclose and track their sustainability performances. Small Medium Sized Enterprises (“SMEs”) represent 90% of all businesses and 50% of employment worldwide1, yet their limited size means they lack the capability and data collection mechanism for sustainability related reporting. MSMEs, which form key components of larger firms’ supply chains, face even greaterchallenges from the complexities of the reporting landscape, insufficient resources, and know-how to generate basic sustainability reports, and high cost of employing technological solutions and consulting services to develop effective sustainability reporting solutions.

With multinational companies aiming to curtail their carbon footprint and extending these expectations to their suppliers, local merchants could gain competitive edge by embracing sustainability. To facilitateMSMEs, including those operating in digital channels, to transition towards sustainability, there is a greaturgency to call for industry collaborative efforts and innovations to help in addressing these key areas of challenges.

“We always talk about financial and digital inclusion, but sustainability inclusion for MSMEs is becoming one of the most pressing challenges,” said Leiming Chen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ant International. “As these merchants play an increasingly important role in the global and local economies,there is a need to provide them with the right mindset, knowledge, and resources to take climate action.Given the complexities of the task, ranging from taxonomy and governance framework to cost and education, it requires collective effort across public and private sectors, industries, and markets to drive this change. With our experience in innovation-led sustainability and MSME programs, Ant International is proud to join partners like the Gprnt and IFC, and other industry partners of the Programme Sirius likeGCash to unlock opportunities for MSMEs as they transform to become more sustainable.”

“MSMEs are the backbone of any growing economy. With this, GCash has become their bridge to digital byproviding essential tools – transforming the way they do business. We remain committed to helping FilipinoMSMEs achieve progress through democratized financial services, especially with easy access to credit,” commented Martha Sazon, President and Chief Executive Officer of GCash.

“MSMEs are the backbone of the Asia-Pacific economy, accounting for more than 97 percent of its businesses and employing over half its workforce. Meanwhile, our region accounts for three-fifths of globalemissions from power generation and includes many countries vulnerable to climate change,” saidChristina Ongoma, Upstream and Advisory Manager, Financial Institutions Group, East Asia and the Pacific, IFC. “The sustainable growth of MSMEs is of great importance, as it not only creates jobs and drives economic growth, but also paves the way for a better future for all.”

Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore, said: “The widespread adoption of digital wallets and payment solutions makes them a key enabler for helping smaller businesses commence their sustainability journeys. Industry initiatives like Programme Sirius are important for the public and private sector to coordinate the tools, frameworks and technologies for smaller businesses to build their sustainability competencies as they transition into the green economy. The MAS is pleased tosupport Programme Sirius by leveraging its work on Project Savannah, which articulates a common starting point for MSMEs to report basic ESG information; and through the involvement of the newly established Gprnt platform, which harnesses technology and automation to simplify how MSMEs report such information. We look forward to Programme Sirius bringing together global financial institutions and payment providers, to collectively power more inclusive and sustainable growth for MSMEs around the world.”

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GS1 Philippines kicks off landmark shift from barcode to QR code to bolster local retail industry’s digital transformation

GS1 Philippines kicks off landmark shift from barcode to QR code to bolster local retail industry’s digital transformation

In an era where consumers demand instant, transparent information about their purchases, the supply chain industry is undergoing a transformative shift. The 2023 Global Shopper Study by Zebra Technologies revealed that 77% of retail associates confirm that today's shoppers are more informed than ever, highlighting a well-connected, discerning consumer base.

In light of these evolving consumer expectations, businesses are revamping their products and supply chains to offer greater transparency, resilience, and sustainability. The study further reveals that approximately 7% of companies are incorporating or planning to incorporate business intelligence and analytics into their supply chain management strategies.

Responding to these industry challenges, GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, has announced the start of the adoption of the 2D barcode in the Philippines aimed at further enhancing operational efficiency in the supply chain industry and bridging better product engagement between businesses and consumers with the advent of digital labeling.

The 2D barcode, most popularly known as “QR code,” leverages web technologies and the current barcode system to store extensive product information in just one scan. Through the QR codes, brand owners and retailers can easily interact with consumers and shoppers by providing in-depth information on their physical products. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, buyers can instantly see ingredients, allergens, recipes, rewards, and promotions, as well as brand-authorized details about where the item was manufactured, facts about sustainable sourcing, guidance on recycling, easy ways to re-order, and other kinds of information.

The QR code also allows retailers and supermarkets to ensure product safety, guarantee product freshness, and reduce food waste. Additionally, it enables regulators to check a product's sustainable characteristics. 

Moreover, the migration to 2D barcodes improves operational efficiency in the supply chain industries. In addition to holding GS1's global trade item number found in the traditional 1D barcodes, the QR codes can now store essential information, such as a product's batch or lot number, serial number, and expiry date. With access to crucial data, all stakeholders in the supply chain can boost transparency, improve inventory management, enable traceability and sustainability initiatives, and simplify recall and return processes.

"In the face of rapid technological advancements, it's critical that we adapt to empower the supply chain industry further. The introduction of QR code technology serves as Pandora's box, opening infinite possibilities for brands and retailers to make their operations more efficient and improve customer engagement. GS1 Philippines members pave the way in this groundbreaking transition to more efficient and robust supply chain operations," GS1 Philippines President Roberto "Bobby" Claudio said. 

The announcement aligns with the global commemoration of GS1 Global's 50th anniversary of the barcode's invention, celebrating a legacy of innovation in business solutions through web technologies and GS1 Standards.

GS1 Philippines is eyeing to prepare industries for the shift to the 2D barcode by 2027. By then, all retail POS scanners globally are capable of reading and processing 2D barcodes powered by GS1 and there is broad, global brand owner implementation of the same.

Currently serving more than 5,000 retailers, GS1 Philippines targets to reach 30,000 businesses nationwide by the end of 2024.

To explore the infinite possibilities of one scan with GS1’s 2D barcode technology, you may visit https://www.gs1ph.org/ or their Facebook page.

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Zed launches first credit card created for Filipino young professionals

Zed launches first credit card created for Filipino young professionals

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Tailored for the Gen Z lifestyle, the new credit card offers no annual, interest, or foreign transaction fees

In the Philippines, despite the financial industry’s recent attempts at digitalization, customers still face significant hurdles when it comes to accessing credit products. A recent study by TransUnion Philippines showed that 94% of Filipino Gen Zs see the importance of credit and lending products to reach their financial goals. Still, only 35% report having sufficient access to such products. 

“If you talk to any Filipino, there’s still significant frustration with the complexity, lack of transparency, and bureaucracy embedded in financial services. Only 8% of Filipinos own a credit card, largely because it is incredibly difficult to get one if you don’t already have one,” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Zed co-founder. 

Complicated application processes, tedious documentation, and arbitrary underwriting methods are among the challenges that disproportionately impact young people when applying for their first credit card accounts. Those lucky to get approved face astronomical APRs, punitive fees, and a broken customer experience. These observations led to the creation of Zed, the first credit card for young Filipino professionals.

“We founded Zed on the belief that young people in the Philippines and Southeast Asia deserve better financial products, better technology, and ultimately better service tailored to their lifestyles and exceeding their expectations,” Danielle added.

Created by two Stanford engineers and Y-Combinator alumni, Zed is a credit-led neobank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Its first offering is a Mastercard Titanium credit card that boasts no interest, no foreign transaction fees, no annual fees and is backed by a groundbreaking app – all of which makes it the ideal credit card for everyday spending, travel, utilities, and everything in between.

“As a technology company from day one, we don’t have to pay for costly overhead like physical branches or bloated headcounts for manual, back office processes. We’re able to pass these savings on to customers in the form of no revolving interest, no fees, and excellent customer service. We started Zed on the premise that you could build financial services where a customer’s success was a core value,” said Steve Abraham, Zed co-founder. 

“Our proprietary technology platform allows us to remove the pain in traditional banking, deliver powerful first-to-market features, and provide a fair and transparent cost structure where both Zed and the customer could win,” he added.

This sentiment and Zed's mission resonated with many Filipinos. The waitlist received almost 25,000 sign-ups within the first three weeks.

“Our business model is simple and purposely built to succeed only if our customers do. Our revenue comes from the interchange fee, a standard fee that gets charged to merchants by all banks for transactions that flow over the Mastercard network,” Steve explained.

First-in-market features tailored to the Gen Z lifestyle

Beyond no interest and no fees, the Zed card is backed by a robust and secure app that ensures that customers always have full and instant control of their expenses by giving them a real-time view of their transactions, the ability to set spending limits and access to fraud controls like the ability to lock/freeze a compromised card in the app.

Zed also puts a premium on user privacy and security by offering unlimited virtual cards: Users can generate unique credit card numbers to use with merchants so they never have to worry about their primary card details being exposed. Zed also provides zero liability for all unauthorized transactions and protects customers from paying for charges made without their permission.

In addition to these features, customers enjoy an effortless payment experience facilitated through the app, where they can generate an InstaPay QR code to instantly settle their monthly bill from any bank app or e-wallet, ensuring stress-free on-time payments. 

The streamlined application process also allows customers to complete the entire card application within minutes through the app, eliminating the need for cumbersome documentation or in-person visits to bank branches. 

Zed determines smart credit limits based on current and future income, rather than outdated credit scores, traditional career profiling, or existing card limits. This approach caters to young professionals with high incomes but limited credit histories.

“At Zed, we’re reimagining what a credit card could be – smarter underwriting, groundbreaking features, no fees, and a revenue model that doesn’t rely on a customer’s failure to pay down their balance,” said Danielle.

Learn more about Zed and hop on the waitlist by visiting zed.co.

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The New Architects of Tech: Three Female Leaders Creating a More Inclusive Industry

The New Architects of Tech: Three Female Leaders Creating a More Inclusive Industry

In an era of rapid technological advancement, women are challenging the status quo, redefining innovation, and promoting inclusivity in the industry. Their contributions, from research and development to leadership, demonstrate that women are essential drivers of technological progress and diversity.

According to a Boston Consulting Group study, only 35% of the tech workforce in the Philippines comprises women, despite having the highest number of women technology graduates in the Southeast Asia region (48%). The disparity of opportunity and gender-based discrimination in the workforce is still prevalent despite years of advancing the rights and welfare of women in a male-dominated sector—or perhaps in society. 

Amidst the challenges, these three leading ladies are helping forge a path for future female innovators to make their mark in the technology landscape.

Progression Towards a Digital Philippines

Emmy Lou Versoza-Delfin, Director IV for ICT Industry Development Bureau at the Department of Information and Communications Technology, brings a fresh perspective on the role of government in accelerating the country's digital transformation. With 25 years of forwarding the local ICT industry, Delfin is at the forefront of initiatives to ensure that technology serves as a catalyst for empowerment and equal opportunity for all Filipinos, especially women in the tech sector. Some of these initiatives include promoting diversity in leadership, creating safe and inclusive workplaces, offering training and skill development programs, and opportunities for networking and community-building.

"As a woman leader supporting the tech industry, my motivation stems from the belief that diversity in leadership drives innovation and inclusivity in the digitalization process. The DICT and the local tech industry are actively taking steps to create a more inclusive environment for women. Overall, these efforts contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of technology and innovation," Delfin emphasized.

“Remember, you have the power to shape the future of technology and make a positive impact in the world. Keep pushing forward with determination, resilience, and confidence,” she added.

Leading in Innovation: The Path Forward

This evolving narrative of female leadership in technology serves as a bridge to similar progressions in adjacent sectors, illustrating that the momentum of change can happen anywhere. We witness a parallel beacon of female leadership in Rosemarie Ong, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wilcon Depot Inc. Under Ong's stewardship, Wilcon Depot Inc. has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation journey, setting new standards in the retail and construction supply industry.

Recognizing the critical importance of keeping pace with technological trends, Ong has spearheaded initiatives such as the VR Store Experience and the development of MyWilconApp, which have revolutionized customers' interactions with Wilcon's vast product offerings. Ong's vision extends beyond enhancing customer experience; it's about creating a ripple effect of empowerment and inclusivity. "By investing in women, we foster an inclusive society—transforming the landscape of business competitiveness and productivity," she asserts.

An Inclusive and Thriving Workplace for Women

Historically dominated by male leadership, the tech sector is witnessing a remarkable shift towards gender inclusivity and diversity, thanks to visionaries like Atty. Aileen Regio, co-coordinator of Eastern Communications. With a steadfast belief in the power of innovation and the vital role of women in tech, Regio has been at the forefront of Eastern Communications' transformation. 

Her leadership during the challenging pandemic has not only steered the company towards embracing ICT solutions but has also showcased the indispensability of female leadership in driving technological advancement and organizational change. “Time has truly changed for the better. I want to encourage more women to take the lead and showcase their talents and capabilities,” she highlighted. 

At Eastern, Atty. Regio commits to be a transformative force not just in breaking barriers for women tech innovators, but also in spearheading innovation and adapting to the evolving digital era, “I firmly believed that embracing innovation was best for the company and would benefit our people.” Her seven years of visionary leadership have not only advanced Eastern Communications' position in the telecommunications industry but have also exemplified a broader movement towards inclusivity and progress.

Looking towards the future, Regio envisions a tech industry where women are not just well-represented but are steering the path toward innovation. "I dream that women in tech will thrive, driving innovation and leading change," she stated. With initiatives focused on diversity and gender equality, such as the full implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and Safe Spaces Act in the workplace and equal capacity-building opportunities, Eastern Communications is committed to making this vision a reality, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.

The technology industry is changing. Despite the challenges, there's a growing recognition of the need for gender equality and the invaluable contributions women bring to the tech scene. From leadership roles to groundbreaking innovations, women are proving indispensable in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in tech.

The message is clear: the future of technology is not just digital—it is unequivocally inclusive. As we navigate the complexities and competitive tech scene, women will thrive and leave their mark in the world. 

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ women-led programs and services, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

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Celebrating digital champions in the 3rd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards

Celebrating digital champions in the 3rd Digital Financial Inclusion Awards

Thursday, March 21, 2024

As digitalization in the business sector remains a major strategy for growth and financial inclusion in the Philippines, the Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) returns on its third year to recognize the achievements in digital transformation of the country’s most outstanding microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microentrepreneurs. The financial inclusion awards program is made possible by Citi Foundation, in partnership with the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) and supported by the Bangko ng Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

More than just honoring the excellent efforts of MFIs to adopt digital transformation, the DFIA also aims to highlight efforts on expanding digital financial services to poor households by incorporating digital solutions in the products or services offered. It includes customer-centric solutions, business and technology agility, and product and service innovation, while inspiring other microentrepreneurs and MFIs to embark on their own digitalization journey leading to business growth and livelihood opportunities for many Filipinos.

The program launch was led by BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr., MCPI Chairperson Gilbert Maramba, Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila, together with the first DFIA Digital Champion on Microentrepreneur Category, Ms. Phoebe Borce.

BSP Governor Remolona said, “Digitalization serves as a bridge that connects the financially underserved segments of the population to providers of formal financial services. It does so in a manner that allows greater efficiency of financial transactions that fuel and accelerate economic growth. Let us therefore build more digital bridges so that everyone may enjoy the benefits of financial inclusion.” 

MFI winners will be chosen based on the types of adopted digital solutions, measurable outcomes on digital solutions, and institutional/client benefits of digitalization. Meanwhile, microentrepreneurs will be nominated by the MFIs based on success stories, types of digital solutions used, and measurable results on digital solutions. The National Selection Committee is composed of representatives from the government, business sector, media, and academia, and is co-chaired by heads of the BSP and Citi Philippines. Four MFIs and fifteen microentrepreneur winners will be selected as digital champions for the third DFIA. 

The program includes learning exchanges and technical assistance for MFIs as part of MCPI’s awareness and readiness campaign. An awarding ceremony will be held to recognize the winners on November 8, 2024.

The winners will be awarded cash incentives (PHP100,000 for each winner) and provided laptops that can be used to enhance their digital financial services program.

“Citi Foundation invests in efforts that increase financial inclusion, economic opportunities for the youth, and develop community solutions because it leads to economic empowerment and opportunities for low-income communities and individuals around the world. With the DFIA, we are able to support the nation’s pursuit of financial inclusion through digitalization. We hope that this will serve as inspiration for the microfinance industry and MSME sector to continue innovating their services for Filipinos and help transform the country into a more financially inclusive and resilient society,” said Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila.

“The impact of digitalization is seen everywhere around the world. This transformation not only allowed MFIs to help clients thrive, especially during crucial times, but most importantly, it has helped the institution in bringing more transformative change to businesses and help them succeed in today’s challenging business world,” said MCPI Chairperson Gilbert Maramba.

Aligned with the central bank’s push to promote financial inclusion nationwide, the DFIA program is an evolution of the Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards that enables Citi Foundation and MCPI to continue raising awareness about the importance of microentrepreneurship and microfinance in supporting digitalization and economic empowerment of low-income individuals.

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KodeGo bridges digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

KodeGo bridges digital skills gap among Filipinos, prepares future-proof workforce

Sunday, March 17, 2024

• 71% of Filipino employees consider digital skills as a must-have to become competitive in the increasingly digital landscape;

• This highlights the importance of digital upskilling programs are easily available and accessible for all employees;

• As one of the largest venture builders in Southeast Asia, 917Ventures recognizes this imperative, which led them to create KodeGo to help upskill Filipinos

The Philippines is on track towards becoming a US$35 billion economy by 2025.But even with the promising outlook, the country’s workforce remains challenged by a digital skills gap that hampers its transformation into a truly digital nation. 

According to the 2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 59th out of 64 countries in overall digital competitiveness, showing low rankings on knowledge and talent (63rd), technology (51st), and future readiness (59th). This underscores an urgent need to prioritize digital skills development to ensure the country's digital competitiveness and sustainable growth.

“In an era defined by digitalization, the importance of digital skills across industries has become undeniable. KodeGo was developed to create more accessible and affordable opportunities for Filipinos to upskill themselves and strengthen their employability with advanced to intermediate digital skills,” said Ina Gervasio, KodeGo Chief Executive Officer.

Launched in 2020, KodeGo is a study now, pay later edutech platform that provides accessible, comprehensive digital skills training programs, including the following:

• Full-stack web development
• Virtual Assistance
• Virtual Bookkeeping
• Basic transcription 

“As the Philippine tech industry gears up to expand to 2.5 million full-time employees and generate US$59 billion in revenues by 2028. It's crucial to ensure our courses align with industry standards. Our mission at KodeGo goes beyond imparting new skills; we're committed to ensuring our students are not just equipped for the job market but are also highly employable,” Gervasio said.

In line with this, KodeGo introduced a flexible payment scheme that includes a study-now-pay-later format while providing end-to-end career assistance and support for its students post-training. Each curriculum takes between two and 22 weeks to complete. 

To date, the platform has over 2,000 graduates, many of whom achieved meaningful employment opportunities with industry heavyweights including GCash and Accenture.

Kwentong KodeGo (KodeGo Stories)

At the forefront of KodeGo's mission is the commitment to empower women and break barriers in the tech industry. To date, out of the almost 2,000 KodeGo graduates, 20% are women looking to learn and make a name for themselves in the tech industry, a number that is constantly growing.

Among Filipinas who took KodeGo’s courses is Lorie Pascual, a former music teacher whose career ground to a halt during the pandemic. While considering what to do to continue providing for her family, one of her churchmates encouraged her to join KodeGo’s full-stack web development boot camp.

“I thought I should try studying a tech course since I had a laptop and internet, I had enough to start with what I had, so I enrolled in KodeGo,” Lorie said.

After 12 weeks of full-time classes, Lorie completed the course and is now a web developer at Aemorph, an internet marketing service company based in Singapore.

Another successful KodeGo graduate is Lorraine Ostan, who had to drop out of her first year in college due to financial difficulties after her father lost his job as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the United Arab Emirates.

She decided that she needed to find a job to help her family and raise her young child, which led her to take KodeGo’s full-stack web development program. Two weeks after completing the course, she landed a job in a Japanese offshore company as a web designer and eventually moved on as a software engineer. 

“Stories like Lorie’s and Lorraine’s are why we are deeply passionate about what we do. Their journeys highlight the power of education and the opportunities that arise when individuals are equipped with the right skills and support,” Gervasio said.

How to enroll at KodeGo

Those interested in enrolling at KodeGo should go visit kodego.ph, apply on the website, and take a short assessment test. 

Upon successful application, students will receive their KodeGo contracts and an invitation to an onboarding session to familiarize themselves with the curriculum and how to use the KodeGo platform. All that’s left to do is complete the training.

Learn more about KodeGo and its courses by visiting kodego.ph

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Schneider Electric says 2 out of 3 travelers prefer green hotels, emphasizes need for digital transformation in the PH hospitality industry

Schneider Electric says 2 out of 3 travelers prefer green hotels, emphasizes need for digital transformation in the PH hospitality industry

Friday, March 15, 2024

 

Schneider Electric, the leader in energy management and digital automation, emphasized during the recent Hotel + Accommodation Industry Summit Philippines 2024 that sustainability plays a crucial role in the hotel and accommodation industry, as 2 out of 3 travelers now prefer establishments that engage in green practices.

This growing preference for sustainable establishments coincides with the expected return of international travel to pre-pandemic levels this 2024, which is estimated to grow by 2% above 2019 figures, according to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the Year. 

Schneider Electric’s Segment Head of East Asia and Japan Madhu Menon explained that digital transformation could enable the industry to continue offering comfort and convenience to travelers while reducing its energy consumption. 

"Travelers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint," Menon said as he emphasized that "this shift in priorities underscores the need for hotels to embrace innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate sustainability and efficiency into their operations." He added that hotels consume 50% more energy than similar-sized residential buildings despite having only 55% occupancy rates on average. 

This integration can be accomplished with end-to-end digital solutions that Schneider Electric offers through EcoStruxure™ IT, the company’s Internet of Things (IoT) platform that provides energy management and automation solutions.

Specifically, this technology features the Asset Advisor and Building Advisor, offering cloud-based analytics to monitor and control their energy use in real time, identify savings opportunities, and reduce their overall carbon footprint. Meanwhile, its Building Operation and Power Monitoring Expert provides data-driven insights to inform hotels about possible problems and diagnostics and determine areas for maintenance– decreasing downtime and guest complaints. 

To future-proof hotels in the Philippines, Schneider Electric identified four focus areas where end-to-end solutions could be utilized: reducing carbon footprint by adopting greener sources of energy, improving the efficiency of operations and energy use, as well as the productivity of staff, ensuring continuity and agility in operations, and delivering exceptional guest and staff experiences. 

As the Philippine hospitality industry gears up for a travel boom, embracing sustainability and digitalization is no longer an option but a necessity. Schneider Electric stands ready to partner with hotels on their journey toward a greener, more efficient, and future-proof business.

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GS1 Philippines launches “GS1 Activate” to boost digital transformation in the retail sector with robust barcode system

GS1 Philippines launches “GS1 Activate” to boost digital transformation in the retail sector with robust barcode system

Friday, March 1, 2024

Aims to introduce to over 30,000 retailers nationwide by the end of 2024

GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, officially launched GS1 Activate, a web-based service aimed at simplifying barcode generation and symbol creation for businesses, revolutionizing the retail supply chain through digitalization.

Launched during GS1 Philippines’ Annual Conference and General Membership Meeting on January 30, 2024, GS1 Activate streamlines the processing of generating barcode numbers and symbols for businesses, making product data and identification digitized and further improving the efficiency and visibility of supply and demand chains globally and across sectors.

By adhering to GS1 standards and services, GS1 Activate enables businesses to achieve accurate product identification with global trade item numbers (GTINs) and seamless data sharing, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. With GS1 Activate, businesses can easily obtain barcode numbers for their products, allowing for their global distribution. Additionally, the service provides expert guidance on printing and placing barcode symbols to ensure optimal scanning performance. By leveraging GS1 Activate to share product data, companies can expand their reach to retailers and marketplaces worldwide, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of their products on a global scale.

GS1 Philippines targets to introduce GS1 Activate to over 30,000 retailers nationwide by the end of 2024. They are currently serving over 5,000 retailers. 

“In an economy where the Philippines’ e-commerce market is estimated to reach $24 billion (approx. Php 1.3 trillion) through 2025, GS1 Activate is a game-changer. This new service revolutionizes business barcode generation, reducing the time required compared to traditional product identification methods and eliminating common errors, saving costs on label reprinting and minimizing the need for extensive personnel training. By dramatically simplifying the process, GS1 Activate also enhances efficient data sharing, crucial for strengthening both local and global trade. This launch is a testament to our dedication to advancing digital integration within the Philippines' supply chain ecosystem, reinforcing our role in the global economy,” GS1 Philippines, and Philippine Retailers Association President Bobby Claudio said.

Aligning with the annual gathering’s theme, “Unified Unlocked: Activating Integrated Digitalization,” GS1 Philippines’ conference marked the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the barcode system and highlighted GS1’s focus on shifting to the 2D migration of barcodes to QR codes while calling for global retail Point of Sale (POS) scanners to be capable of processing 2D barcodes by 2027. 

In his remark, GS1 Philippines Chairman Atty. Pablo Gancayo shared, "We are now focused on evolving the barcode into the next level we call the 2D migration, which is expected to revolutionize further commerce. GS1 will guide the industry towards 2D migration, which it hopes to achieve and implement comprehensively by the year 2027."

The annual gathering hosted insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration opportunities among key government figures, industry players, and GS1 members. Among those present was Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco, who emphasized GS1 standards' pivotal role in enhancing supply chain efficiency and visibility for Philippine industries competing globally. During her talk, she discussed the government agency’s three-year food logistics action agenda aimed to revolutionize the food distribution system by addressing critical supply chain gaps and integrating ICT to enhance logistics performance. Undersecretary Pacheco expressed eagerness for collaborations with GS1 Philippines to achieve these goals.

Other government leaders and industry experts also shared their perspectives on the impact of global standards in the digital age, including Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Enrile Uy; De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Environment and Design faculty member and packaging designer and consultant Prof. Ana Maria Veronica Solano; and CLASSchool Founder and Nutraways Manufacturing Corporation General Manager Love Emmanuel Agudo.

Several executives from both GS1 Philippines and the GS1 Global Office graced the event, namely: GS1 Global Office President and CEO Renaud De Barbuat; GS1 Philippines Trustee and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.; and GS1 Global Office GS1 Registry Platform Global Deployment Lead Joe Horwood.

Among the prominent industry groups present at the conference were PHILEXPORT, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (PHILFOODEX), Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers, Inc. (PCFMI), Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), Philippine Consumer Centric Traders Association (PCCTA), Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP), Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), Soap and Detergent Association of the Philippines (SDAP), and the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines.

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917Ventures supports Filipino MSMEs adopt digital processes with MemoApp

917Ventures supports Filipino MSMEs adopt digital processes with MemoApp

Sunday, February 11, 2024

While digitalization is valuable for businesses across various scales, it is a critical need for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs, unlike bigger businesses, are less likely to introduce digital practices despite these tools allowing them to improve operational processes, foster innovation, and ability to rapidly respond to market changes to remain competitive amidst today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

"Embracing digital tools should be a strategic imperative for sustaining competitiveness and resilience in today's dynamic landscape, but we understand that it is not always easy to make the shift,” said Carla Bianca Sy Su, Entrepreneur-at-Residence at 917Ventures. 

Even with the persistence of digitalization, the World Economic Forum points out that only 25% of MSMEs globally have managed to truly shift and keep up with technology. Specific to the Philippines, only 6% of MSMEs use digital tools revealing a substantial technology gap in the country.

Sy Su said MSMEs, in particular, grapple with numerous manual and paper-based processes but find it difficult to fully adopt digital tools because of financial constraints or constantly adjusting processes.

MemoApp, a web-based solution, was introduced to the Philippine market in late 2023 as one of the newest startups from 917Ventures. Its goal is to support local Filipino businesses digitize their manual and paper-based processes. 

With features such as a swift workflow approval system, an integrated e-signature capability, and effortless access to essential document templates, MemoApp stands as a practical tool for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and boost productivity and efficiency all at a fraction of the cost charged by other solutions. The solution is flexible enough to accommodate all types of business administrative needs, whether for filing contracts, routing for approvals, invoicing, and many others.

“When we talk about digitalization, we often see it as a tool that helps us with external-facing efforts, but before we get to that stage, we have to understand that it is a transformative journey that starts from within a company’s people and operations.” Sy Su added. “Memoapp was created to help businesses of all sizes become more efficient and productive– giving them a tool that allows them to go paperless, route documents faster, and get approvals easily, all in one platform.” 

Creating an avenue for digital transformation

Since its launch, MemoApp has transformed a variety of businesses across different industries including government agencies, education, healthcare, food and beverage, and more. Among businesses that have found success with MemoApp is the Center for Bright Beginnings, an early childhood intervention center in Davao City. 

For over two decades, the center grappled with time-consuming and error-prone paper-based processes–a challenge that intensified with the opening of a new campus in Tagum City. Before implementing MemoApp, requests and approvals were frequently handled manually, requiring hard copies of forms and documents. Unfortunately, this manual process often led to misplacement of documents, causing delays and inefficiencies.

“Before, we had to do all our requests and approvals in hard copy. That became an issue as we now have two separate offices. Since we would need the signatures on hard copy before we can do anything, there were instances when the documents didn’t reach the appropriate signatories or they were misplaced. This led to a lot of things taking more time than necessary and a lot of things had to be put on hold,” said Mandy Gavino, Chief Financial Officer, Center for Bright Beginnings. 

Gavino added that the convenience of having everything accessible on the website enabled swift communication and significantly accelerated approval processes for the center. The shift to MemoApp eliminated their need for physical document filing; providing easier tracking and ensuring accountability for pending approvals. She also talked about how she appreciates MemoApp's Watcher feature, which allows tracking of document progress, as well as the time-saving basic document templates for invoices, leave forms, memos, and more. 

As businesses continue to evolve, the startup plans to introduce more features and integrations in the near future. This includes bulk document creations, bulk approvals, and full-on document collaborations, to name a few. It is also preparing a self-service feature to enable new users and team members to onboard themselves and create their form templates. 

MemoApp also plans to introduce Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to allow businesses to connect MemoApp to their existing workflow and process software.

Businesses who want to experience a smoother, more organized, and paperless process can register for a Basic Subscription Plan to explore the features of MemoApp. Learn more by visiting memoapp.ph.

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Building a More Secure Web for Businesses: Eastern Communications Leads Awareness on Safer Internet Day

Building a More Secure Web for Businesses: Eastern Communications Leads Awareness on Safer Internet Day

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

In alignment with the global observance of Safer Internet Day 2024, premier telecommunications company Eastern Communications steps forward to highlight the critical issue of online security. Amid the growing prevalence of online scams, particularly through work emails and misleading links, Eastern Communications is at the forefront of educating and protecting businesses and individuals alike.

In 2023, Sophos revealed that 30% of cyber attacks were orchestrated through email, while ransomware assaults on private sector businesses led to 84% revenue losses for the victims.

"We understand the threats online scams pose, and they have become increasingly sophisticated," said Rex Evangelista, Eastern Communications’ Head of Information Technology Department, "Our mission is not only to provide top-notch security solutions but also to educate our internal and external stakeholders to practice awareness and resilience against these threats."

Online scams, especially through work emails, mimicked email accounts, and suspicious links, are on the rise due to sophisticated phishing attacks, advanced social engineering tactics, and the exploitation of system vulnerabilities and human error. The shift towards remote work and the increasing reliance on digital communication have further exposed businesses to these threats.

Eastern Communications prioritizes digital safety through comprehensive internal practices. Staff training programs are a cornerstone of this initiative, equipping employees with essential skills to recognize and counter potential online threats.

This dedication to cybersecurity is further cemented by Eastern Communications' ISO 27001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), underscoring the company’s steadfast commitment to securing data and managing the information of its stakeholders responsibly.

The process is followed by extending Eastern’s expertise to its customers and partners through thought leadership sessions, technological workshops like Access Eastern, and online educational materials like videos, posts, and blogs.

Finally, Eastern Communications delivers holistic cyber defense solutions to its clients and identifies four online safety essentials to combat various threats originating from emails and online sources. The full suite, covering all stages of cyberattacks, includes the Sophos XG Firewall (Next Generation Firewall), Central Intercept X Advanced (CIXA), Central Email Advanced for email security, and Sophos Phish Threat for educating the whole organization. 

The Sophos XG Firewall is a Next Generation Firewall that safeguards users throughout the initial stages of ransomware attacks. XG Firewall includes one of the best-performing IPS engines on the market and offers easy, simple, and flexible tools to secure your LAN. 

CIXA on the other hand, is a cloud-based security platform that combines advanced endpoint detection and response with anti-malware protection to spot cybersecurity vulnerabilities and block malicious attempts. CIXA is an endpoint security solution that employs machine learning, allowing it to understand new forms of threats and risks.

To complete the online defense suite, Eastern offers Central Email Advanced, a secure email gateway engineered to keep businesses safe from all email threats, and Sophos Phish Threats, a phishing attack simulation system that assesses the organization’s preparedness against real-world attacks.

"In today's digital age, understanding the landscape of online threats is as crucial as having the tools to combat them. Our approach is holistic – we focus on empowering users with knowledge as well as technology,” Evangelista emphasized.

Marking the annual Safer Internet Day, Eastern Communications reaffirms its commitment to enhancing online security and setting new standards in combating digital threats. By integrating advanced technology with educational outreach, Eastern leads in empowering individuals and businesses to navigate the digital world safely, inspiring change toward a more secure and informed online world.

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Revolutionising digital entertainment in the Philippines

Revolutionising digital entertainment in the Philippines

Putting the GAME in eGaming: DigiPlus utilises cutting-edge technologies and a deep bench of experts from different spaces within the gaming industry.

Traditional bingo is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. Such gaming activities have served as a space where people from all walks of life get to enjoy, relax, and build meaningful connections with every game.

However, the unprecedented times brought by the pandemic changed the entire gaming industry amidst quarantine restrictions preventing any form of social gatherings. The public crisis also rapidly pushed digital adoption across the world. This comes amidst a digitally adept young demographic and a significant penetration of the Internet and smartphones in recent years.

This brought both a challenge and an opportunity for gaming and leisure company DigiPlus Interactive in leading digitalisation in the Philippine gaming industry whilst creating enjoyable experiences for its players across channels.

DigiPlus Interactive has launched BingoPlus in January 2022. It is the first digital platform where bingo-loving Filipinos can play with the convenience of time and place by bringing the game live online. BingoPlus leverages the company’s deep understanding of its customers whilst bringing in innovation and technologies to offer new entertainment product formats to more Filipinos.

BingoPlus’ brick-and-mortar or traditional bingo operations also complemented the foray into the digital space. DigiPlus Interactive currently operates at least 200 bingo halls in different parts of the Philippines, which continue to be popular amongst Filipinos.

The strong performance of BingoPlus propelled the robust growth of DigiPlus. In 2022, DigiPlus posted a turnaround in its financial performance, with a net income of ₱686.9m coming from a net loss of ₱894.6m in the previous year. Furthermore, in the first nine months of 2023, DigiPlus registered a net income of ₱2.1b, more than a tenfold growth from 2022.

As the first and only government-licensed digital bingo platform in the country, BingoPlus is reshaping the country’s gaming industry. Continuing to dominate the digital gaming space, BingoPlus has opened up new opportunities, triggering a proliferation of online gaming platforms in the Philippines. This healthy competition fosters innovation and creativity that fundamentally benefits the customers.

The platform has also since become a community and entertainment platform, a source of revenue for the Philippine government, and a contributor to various social and educational non-profit programmes.

“The success of BingoPlus has paved the way for [DigiPlus] to undertake a strategic transformation to position itself as a digital entertainment platform,” the company said. It added its plans of launching new and innovative game offerings to cater to broader demographics and lifestyle preferences.

The platform’s continued investment in research and development, as well as its efforts in revolutionising the digital gaming experience, has been lauded by the inaugural Asian Management Excellence Awards, with the company bringing home the Philippines Innovator of the Year - Media & Entertainment category win.

The coveted awards programme celebrates the finest business leaders, innovators, and companies in Asia, and commends exceptional achievements in the various aspects of operations, including employee engagement programmes, diversity and inclusion projects, and health and wellness initiatives.

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