SOCIAL MEDIA

Globe joins 9 Asian mobile operators to bring exclusive travel perks for roamers in Thailand

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Globe GoRoam Thailand

Traveling to the Land of Smiles? If you're a Globe customer, get ready for an amazing new experience in Thailand!

Globe has joined forces with nine leading Asian mobile operators under the Bridge Alliance to roll out the first-of-its-kind "Welcome to Thailand Privileges" campaign. 

This exciting collaboration led by AIS Thailand with retail giant Central Department Store Group allows Globe roamers in Thailand to enjoy exclusive shopping discounts, dining deals, and more at over 77 Central and Robinson department stores across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiangmai, Samui and other popular locations until February 28, 2025.

"We're thrilled to team up with our Bridge Alliance partners to make roaming more rewarding for our customers," said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Head of Globe International Business.

"Thailand is one of the top destinations for Filipinos, and now our customers can take advantage of world-class shopping and dining privileges on top of Globe's close-to-local data rates,” she said. 

Other Bridge Alliance members participating in the campaign are AIS (Thailand), China Unicom (China), HKT (Hong Kong), CTM (Macau), Telkomsel (Indonesia), MobiFone (Vietnam), Taiwan Mobile (Taiwan), Maxis (Malaysia), and Singtel (Singapore).

Here's a sneak peek into premium benefits that Globe GoRoam Thailand roamers can unlock in Thailand:

Big Savings While Shopping - Receive discount coupons valued at up to 3,600 baht for use at any Central or Robinson department store location. 

Grocery and Food Discounts - Need to restock during your travels? Use a 140 baht coupon for your grocery haul at participating Tops Supermarkets, Food Halls, and Fine Food stores.

Brand Name Game - Prepare for next-level retail therapy with exclusive privileges and discounts worth 12,000 baht from over 45 world-renowned brands, including La Mer, Estée Lauder, Tom Ford Beauty, MAC, Sabina, Guy Laroche, Marks & Spencer, Sanrio, Smiggle, Adidas, Sunglass Hut, Tissot, Zwilling, PAÑPURI, and Dyson.

Foodie Adventures - Taste the best of Thai street food with discounts at iconic spots like Lofter, Eathai, Living House, and the brand new Public Lane | Public Market food haven in downtown Bangkok.

To enjoy the "Welcome to Thailand Privileges,” just activate GoROAM Thailand, then present your passport and GlobeOne app showing the GoRoam Thailand promo at the Customer Service counter of Central Chidlom, Central at centralwOrld, Central Chiangmai, Central Pattaya, Central Patong, Central Phuket Floresta, Central Samui, Central Hatyai. Robinson Rama 9, Robinson Sukhumvit, Robinson Bangrak, Robinson Chiangmai, Robinson Mae Sot, Robinson Jungceylon, Robinson Chalong, Robinson Thalang, and Robinson Hatyai.

GoRoam Thailand gives you 15GB of all-access data for only Php 800, valid for 8 days. Register now via the GlobeOne app.

Level up your Thailand adventure. Stay tuned to glbe.co/RoamingPerks for the latest updates on accessing these travel perks. 

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/. 

Read More
di

Metro Pacific Health CEO Summit 2024: A Celebration of Excellence, Efficiency, and Effectiveness


Metro Pacific Health (MPH), the largest group of private hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Philippines, successfully concluded its 2024 CEO Summit last June 3-4. The Summit, which took place across different locations including Sheraton Manila Hotel, The Palms and Asian Hospital and Medical Center, brought together leaders from across the MPH Group to discuss advancements, share best practices, and set the course for future growth and innovation in healthcare.

With the theme "One MPH: Onwards to E3 – Excellence, Efficiency, Effectiveness," the event featured insightful presentations on the hospitals’ latest innovations, collaborative discussions, and a CEO Awards Night recognizing outstanding contributions within the MPH network.

Reflecting on the Journey

Dr. Harish Pillai, Group CEO of Metro Pacific Health, opened the summit with an inspiring reflection on MPH’s remarkable journey from 2022 to 2024. He highlighted the significant milestones achieved, including the expansion of hospitals to a total of 24, an increase in bed capacity, the growing number of doctors, and the rise in patients served, reaching almost 2 million a year. Dr. Pillai also laid out ambitious targets for 2024 and beyond, emphasizing MPH’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare delivery.

"Our journey over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary," said Dr. Harish Pillai. "We have expanded our network, enhanced our capabilities, and most importantly, improved the quality of care we provide to millions of Filipinos. As we look to the future, our focus remains steadfast on achieving excellence, efficiency, and effectiveness in all aspects of our operations."

Driving Innovation: Synergy Project Updates

A major focus of the summit was on key synergy projects that are driving innovation across the MPH network. Leaders from key subsidiaries presented updates on projects such as the Digital Front Door (DFD), Hospital Laboratory Management (HLM), and Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW). Showcasing significant advancements in digital transformation, laboratory management, and data standardization, the latest updates presented during the event further underscored MPH’s dedication to leveraging technology and data to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Strengthening Partnerships: Keynote Speech by Hon. Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr.

Hon. Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr., President and CEO of PhilHealth, delivered a keynote address on the evolving role of PhilHealth in the context of Universal Health Care. He emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between the government and private sector in achieving the goals of Universal Health Care. His speech highlighted the critical collaboration between PhilHealth and private healthcare providers like Metro Pacific Health, which is essential for enhancing healthcare delivery across the Philippines.

Sharing Success: Best Practices Sessions

The summit also featured best practices sharing sessions, where leaders from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Cardinal Santos Medical Center presented their successful initiatives. Paul Richard Camangian, President and CEO of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, shared insights on achieving better business outcomes, while Raul Pagdanganan, President and CEO of Cardinal Santos Medical Center, discussed improvements in turnaround times. These sessions provided valuable strategies and practical insights that other facilities within the MPH network can adopt to enhance their operations and patient care.

Celebrating Excellence: CEO Awards Night

The summit concluded with a grand CEO Awards Night, celebrating the exceptional contributions of individuals and teams within the MPH Group. Awards were given in categories such as Excellence, Efficiency, and Effectiveness, recognizing those who have demonstrated outstanding performance in healthcare delivery. The awards night was a testament to the hard work and dedication of MPH employees, and it reinforced the organization’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence.

After the event, Dr. Harish Pillai expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their commitment to advancing healthcare in the Philippines. "The MPH CEO Summit is an ongoing testament to our collective dedication to achieving excellence, efficiency, and effectiveness in all that we do. Together, we will continue to lead the way in providing world-class healthcare to our communities," he stated.

The 2024 CEO Summit once again reaffirmed MPH’s unified commitment and position as the leading network of private healthcare facilities in the Philippines, demonstrating its unwavering pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and superior patient care.

For more information about Metro Pacific Health and its initiatives, please visit https://www.metropacifichealth.com/ .

Read More
di

EastWest Bank’s ESTA Hailed as Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year at Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2024


EastWest Bank was recently recognized and awarded the Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year for its innovative EastWest System Tech Assistant (ESTA), which was honored as the Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year at the Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2024. The award ceremony took place last July 4, 2024 at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center Singapore, recognizing ESTA for its groundbreaking contributions to the digital banking landscape in the Philippines.

The Asian Banking and Finance Awards remains as Asia Pacific region's most prestigious awards programme for banks and annually recognizes the industry's outstanding players. The Asian Banking & Finance Awards offers a platform for banks, like EastWest, to showcase their innovative solutions, products, services, and deals that have proven to be game-changers in the industry.

Award-Winning Innovation

Since its launch in 2020, ESTA has been redefining the digital banking experience for EastWest Bank’s credit cardholders, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s commitment to technological advancement and customer service excellence. ESTA leverages the widespread use of Facebook Messenger to offer a platform where credit cardholders can effortlessly perform a variety of credit card services, making it the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Key Features of ESTA

Designed to cater to the modern-day banking needs of its users, ESTA provides full-service functionality equivalent to a mobile app or web portal for credit card services, with several enhanced features. Users can access real-time transaction and balance displays, view unbilled, current, and historical transactions, and request limit increases, supplementary cards, and points redemption. Additionally, they can lock and unlock accounts in real-time for security purposes, fulfill installment conversions immediately, and update customer information on the spot. The platform also allows for promotions search and display, submission of customer service support tickets with two-way capability, and querying of EastWest credit card product features and related information through ChatGPT.

As of now, ESTA is the only locally known customer-facing electronic platform with AI capabilities, setting it apart from other industry players. Its exceptional performance is evidenced by a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60 for credit card servicing and an impressive NPS of 81 for application onboarding.

Outstanding Digital Impact and Adaptability

ESTA consistently generates over PHP 1 billion in credit card installment transactions monthly, with zero fraud incidents, highlighting its high engagement and relevance among EastWest’s credit card client base. The platform’s agility and adaptability are demonstrated by its ability to implement new features rapidly, such as a staff referral program completed within a week upon request.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of digital banking solutions. With Facebook Messenger having a 93% penetration rate in the Philippines, ESTA’s presence on this platform played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of the pandemic on EastWest’s credit card business.

Visionary Leadership at the Awards

Representing EastWest Bank at the awards ceremony were Lawrence Lee, EVP and Consumer Lending Head; Efren Dela Cruz, FVP and Head, Consumer Service Delivery Group; and Anton Gumiran, Senior Manager and Head, Unsecured Systems Department. Their attendance at the prestigious event further cemented the bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in digital banking.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year award for EastWest System Tech Assistant (ESTA). This recognition is proof of our commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. ESTA has transformed the way our customers interact with their credit card services, providing a seamless and secure digital banking experience. We will continue to enhance ESTA with new features and improvements to meet the evolving needs of our customers and ensure they can bank easily and securely,” said Lee.

Looking Ahead

As it celebrates its 30th year in the industry, EastWest Bank continues to adapt its processes and services for the digital age, with ESTA as a cornerstone of its digital strategy. With ongoing improvements, upgrades, and updates, ESTA will further enhance EastWest’s digital capabilities, ensuring customer satisfaction and continued trust among valued clients.

For more information about EastWest Bank’s digital initiatives and services, please visit EastWest Bank.

Read More
di

South East Asia demonstrates higher level of email security awareness among developing regions

Email Security Awareness Report 2023

Respondents from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam also lead the world in "Anomaly Detection in Email Behavior" and "Data Protection in File Sharing"

Zoho, a global technology company, today announced that South East Asia scored higher on email security awareness than other developing regions in the "State of Email Security Awareness Report 2023". Drawing from over 400 respondents from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the region scored 43.2% on email security awareness compared to the Middle East and Africa (MEA) (40.7%) and South America (SA) (39.9%).

The report also found that South East Asian respondents were global leaders in "Anomaly Detection in Email Behavior" and "Data Protection in File Sharing." Notably, 25% of these respondents were Zoho customers, and this subset exhibited higher awareness levels across these threat types compared to the overall average in the region.

Industry-Specific Measures Needed

In terms of sectors, technology and education performed best, while manufacturing, healthcare, and government were the most vulnerable to email security threats. Key findings indicate that:

The education sector shows remarkably high awareness levels in nearly all threat types, notably in areas such as "Authentication and Access Control" and "Anomaly Detection in Email Behaviour."

The retail and finance sectors exhibit moderate awareness levels. Opportunities for improvement exist in areas such as "Attachments and Phishing" and "Anomaly Detection in Email Behavior."

The technology sector leads in "Data Protection in File Sharing" with a commendable 62% awareness level, indicating a focus on safeguarding sensitive data. However, the data shows room for improvement in areas such as "Email Identity Verification" and "Attachments and Phishing," suggesting a need for enhanced email security measures.

In the healthcare sector, the vulnerabilities are evident, particularly in "Attachments and Phishing," with a low awareness of only 34%. Alarmingly, awareness regarding "Email Identity Verification" is lacking entirely, indicating a critical need for improved email security practices.

The government sector is identified as vulnerable, characterized by significant gaps in "Email Identity Verification" (29%) and "Web content and URL safety" (34%), highlighting specific areas requiring focused enhancement in email security protocols.

The manufacturing sector emerges as the most vulnerable sector, with the lowest awareness in "Web Content and URL Safety" and "Data Protection in File Sharing" at 27% and 29%, respectively. This highlights an urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity initiatives to protect critical industry assets within the manufacturing sector.

These insights highlight the necessity for industry-specific cybersecurity measures and training to address distinct vulnerabilities.

Gap Between Larger Businesses and SMEs

There was a notable gap in email security awareness between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger enterprises. South East Asian SMEs scored 40% on awareness, far behind the 51.1% of their larger regional competitors.

Awareness among South East Asian SMEs was significantly behind developed regions like North America (NA) (61.6%), Australia/New Zealand (ANZ) (57%), and Europe (EU) (54%). Developing regions like India (42%) also performed better. However, employees at South East Asian SMEs were marginally ahead of peers in the MEA (39.7%), and SA (39.2%).

In larger organizations, employee awareness in this region was also higher than MEA (38.1%) and SA (36.4%), and likewise lagged behind India (54%). Moreover, there was a significant gap of around 13% between South East Asian large enterprises and those in developed regions like NA, ANZ, and EU.

Correlation Between Experience and Awareness

Senior-level employees (11-20 years of experience) in South East Asia scored highest among all experience levels in the region at 54%. Though behind NA, ANZ, and EU by 12%, 9%, and 6% respectively, they outdid MEA and SA by 18% and 16% respectively. This suggests a moderate level of awareness among seasoned professionals in the region.

On the other hand, executive-level employees (more than 20 years of experience) exhibited a surprising dip from the year before, to 45%. They trail NA, ANZ, EU by 20%, 15%, and 11% respectively, and also lagged behind India, MEA, SA) by 4%, 10%, and 5% respectively.

New entrants into the workforce displayed a 30% awareness level, behind NA, ANZ, EU by 20%, 18%, and 15% respectively. However, consistent with freshers in India, MEA, SA, they exhibited similar awareness levels.

There is also a significant awareness gap of 24.6% between freshers and senior-level employees in the South East Asia region. The disparities in awareness across experience levels highlight the need for continuous training and upskilling initiatives tailored to professionals at different stages of their careers, regardless of their seniority.

The survey included responses from 1,814 survey participants globally and serves as an essential benchmark for businesses, IT leaders, and cybersecurity educators, aiding in the evaluation and improvement of email security awareness initiatives.

Read the full report here:
Read More
di

Bayad is now PCIDSS 4.0 certified, elevating payment security standards in the Philippines


With the fast-growing fintech network in the Philippines, Bayad continues to trailblaze in the industry as an outsourced bills payment collection service provider, enabling a one-stop-shop payment solution for its consumers.

Formerly known as Bayad Center, the company has rebranded to Bayad, transforming into a digital first institution which offers a full-range of services made available for consumers and enterprise. From its own brick-and-mortar business model, Bayad has expanded its payment ecosystem by connecting a multitude of billers with leading establishments and e-money players in the country.

Today, Bayad stands as a fintech subsidiary of Meralco, the largest electric distribution utility company in the Philippines.

As Bayad enhances it backend and frontend solutions, it also intensifies its cybersecurity measures, where trust and convenience remain at the core of its consumer protection standards. 

In line with these efforts, Bayad has successfully obtained its Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard 4.0 (PCIDSS 4.0).

The said security standard certification was thoroughly assessed by SISA, a forensics-driven cybersecurity company specializing in risk assessment, security compliance & validation, monitoring & threat hunting, as well as training for various payment security certifications.

SISA’s assessment has proven Bayad’s capability to provide reliable fintech solutions, having effectively deployed multi-factor authentication, key management system, data at rest encryption, secure wipe solutions, and web application firewall that are critical features in passing for the said data security standard certification.

Bayad Deputy Chief Information Security Officer Rolly N. Bañez shared, “Bayad’s PCIDSS 4.0 certification attests our commitment in harnessing technologies that will foster security, efficiency, and scalability in digital payments. The robust cybersecurity measures we implement enables us to confidently innovate and co-create projects with various stakeholders centered on our goal of maintaining a frictionless customer experience.”

Bayad Chief Information Security Officer Rocky D. Bacani added “Bayad’s PCIDSS 4.0 certification is a critical milestone in our continuous fight against cyber threats. Consequently, cybercrime remains one of the foremost risks confronting businesses and communities. At Bayad, we recognize the role that cybersecurity plays in protecting our consumers and our business counterparts.”

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer also underscored “Ultimately, efficiency, and innovation are the bedrock of Bayad’s cybersecurity initiatives. We value the way people do payments and also help institutions to thrive and expand, with a robust system that enables reliable, seamless and real-time transactions.”

For fintech institutions that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive bills payment network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient and secured payment collection processing.

Read More
di

VFS Global inaugurates Joint Schengen Visa Application Centre in Manila, serving 10 countries

Schengen Visa Application

To offer an enhanced visa application submission experience to Schengen visa applicants in Manila, Philippines, VFS Global, the world's largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, inaugurated the newly relocated state-of-the-art Joint Visa Application Centre in Manila providing visa services to 10 countries - Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Switzerland, and The Netherlands.

The official inauguration was done by:
  • H.E. Juha Pyykkö - Ambassador of Finland to the Philippines
  • Michael Kutzner - Head of Visa Section, Federal Republic of the German Embassy in Manila
  • H.E. Dr. Titanilla Tóth - Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines
  • Nicole Clivaz - Head of Consular Affairs, Embassy of Switzerland
  • Fabio Pompetti - Consul and Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of Belgium
  • Julia Netta Vildžius Pena - Honorary Consul of Lithuania to the Philippines
  • H.E. Mr. Karel Hejč - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Republic of the Philippines
  • Romano Gualtieri – Attaché
  • Pieter C.M. de Wit - Consul of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Philippines
  • Ioannis Pediotis - Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic in the Philippines

Mr. Kaushik Ghosh, Head - Australasia, VFS Global, said, “We are excited to bring an enhanced experience for our Schengen visa applicants in and around Manila through this newly relocated state-of-the-art Visa Application Centre. Applying for a visa is one of the first steps to international travel, and we look forward to making it smooth and convenient for our travellers.”

Applicants who wish to submit their visa applications for the above listed Schengen countries, will have to first book an appointment online to submit their applications. 

The discerning set of visa applicants can choose from a range of optional and additional services to enhance their overall visa application submission experience. The Visa At Your Doorstep service allows visa applicants to submit their applications from the comfort of their home or office, our Premium Lounge service offers a personalised and comfortable environment at our centres for submitting applications, while our Prime Time service allows the flexibility of submission and passport collection beyond normal working hours. Other additional services include Form-filling Assistance, SMS Alerts, Courier Service, and Personal Assistance service, among others. 

It is important to note that these optional services are available for select countries and opting for these additional services does not have any bearing on the timeline or decision on visa applications.

VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms and required documentation as per the checklist, and enrolling biometrics, if applicable. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa. Decision making on granting or refusal of visa is the sole prerogative of the concerned embassy / consulate.

#DoNotFallForFraud

Visa applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent entities who charge fees from customers for scheduling appointments or providing any other services using VFS Global’s name or independently. VFS Global does not charge any fee for booking appointments on www.vfsglobal.com which is the official website catering to visa applications. However, some governments require pre-payment of the service fee at the time of booking the appointment. This payment will be reimbursed or deducted during the application process. This step is only to ensure genuine travellers use appointment booking and the system is kept safe from misuse by fraudulent entities. For any assistance, feel free to reach out to one of our staff and to report any instances of fraud, visit https://secure.ethicspoint.eu/domain/media/en/gui/108559/index.html.

Optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience:

Visa At Your Doorstep: Apply for your visa and enrol biometrics from the location of your choice.

Premium Lounge: Get an end-to-end personalised visa submission experience from the comfort of a lounge.

Prime Time: Apply for your visa beyond normal working hours or even on weekends.

Form-filling assistance: Allow our expert staff to assist you in completing your visa application on phone or at a visa application centre

Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient. 

Travel Medical Insurance: Get your mandatory Travel Medical Insurance including Covid-19 coverage from global insurers.

SMS Alerts: Stay updated on the progress of your visa application.

Read More
di

JCI Manila-Ignacio B. Gimenez Awards honors outstanding cops

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

JCI Manila-Ignacio B. Gimenez Awards

JCI Manila, a distinguished leadership development organization in Asia, recently hosted the 5th Ignacio B. Gimenez PNP Awards to recognize exceptional police officers within Metro Manila. These dedicated men and women in uniform showcased remarkable expertise across various fields, including crime prevention, disaster response, and community outreach. 

Nominated by their peers, superiors, and community members, the awardees embody patriotism, integrity, courage, and social responsibility—values closely aligned with those upheld by JCI Manila and the Ignacio B. Gimenez Foundation. 

“Please continue making our country proud, and become the shoulders that future generations of policemen and women look up to and stand on. Your decisions and actions today onwards will hold a stronger meaning as you are now the recipient of the award, more eyes will be on you, people will start looking at you and thinking, ganito pala ang pagiging isang awardee ng Ignacio Gimenez. Your story will forever be in our award history, and I hope you use this platform to effect bigger and better positive change,” said JCI Manila President Charles Matthew “Calel” Gosingtian.

The annual event serves as a platform to celebrate the police’s unwavering commitment to public safety and tireless efforts to protect and serve the community. Through exemplary service, they have become role models and an inspiration to the next generation of law enforcement professionals.

The Ignacio B. Gimenez Awards underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating law enforcement officers who go above and beyond their call of duty. By honoring their contributions, JCI Manila aims to foster a culture of excellence and encourage others to follow in their footsteps.



Read More
di
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
...