Darwinbox Raises $140 Million Investment Co-led by Partners Group and KKR to Accelerate Global Expansion

Darwinbox Raises $140 Million Investment Co-led by Partners Group and KKR to Accelerate Global Expansion

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Darwinbox, a leading global human resource (“HR”) technology platform, today announced the signing of definitive agreements under which Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry (acting on behalf of its clients), and funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm, will co-lead an investment of $140 million in the company, with additional participation from Gravity Holdings. The addition of Partners Group and KKR to an already-solid cap-table underscores Darwinbox’s strong momentum over the recent years. The investment positions Darwinbox well to deepen its technology leadership and accelerate its international expansion plans.

Founded in 2015, Darwinbox is a mobile-first and AI-enabled human capital management platform that serves more than 1,000 enterprises around the world. In less than a decade, Darwinbox has expanded internationally across multiple markets, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In particular, since its entry into North America two years ago, the company has seen significant traction and is doubling down on its regional presence. Over the last two years, Darwinbox has built a robust and diversified global portfolio, having achieved a fivefold growth in revenue in international markets, with over 60% of new revenue coming from international markets.

In 2024, Darwinbox was recognized as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for enterprises with more than 1,000 employees, making it the youngest and only Asian company to receive the accolade.

Since establishing a local presence in the Philippines, Darwinbox has swiftly become the go-to HCM platform for top Filipino enterprises, growing 2X year on year. Leading brands in the country like Gokongwei Group, BPI, SM Prime, Security Bank, Filinvest Group, MPTC, Home Credit, URC, Federal Land, Starbucks, and Toyota Motor Philippines trust Darwinbox to modernize HR. Proudly partnering with over 10 conglomerates in the Philippines, Darwinbox recognizes the country as a pivotal market within Southeast Asia. The company has launched its multi-country payroll solution in the country early this year further strengthening its commitment to delivering localized, high-impact HR innovations tailored to the unique needs of Filipino businesses.

“This investment is a testament to Darwinbox’s strong fundamentals and the trust we have earned from our 1,000+ global customer base,” said Jayant Paleti, Co‐founder of Darwinbox. “By placing the employee experience front and center — and ensuring our platform is deeply configurable to diverse local needs — we have helped transform HR for enterprises globally. With top-tier investors backing us, we’re poised to amplify our global momentum and deliver innovative AI‐powered solutions for thousands of enterprises worldwide.”

Cyrus Driver, Managing Director, Private Equity, Partners Group, comments, “Darwinbox operates in the rapidly growing HR tech market, which we have been tracking through our thematic research. The company is acting as a key disruptor to legacy platforms in this space, investing heavily in product innovation, generative AI, and global expansion, and is well positioned to take market share. We look forward to working with Darwinbox’s talented management team on driving future growth. The company represents another exciting addition to our private equity growth portfolio.”

Akshay Tanna, Partner and Head of India Private Equity, KKR, said, “Darwinbox has established itself as a leading player in the human capital management space in a short span of time through its focus on innovation and customer centricity. We are pleased to support Darwinbox on its next stage of growth and will look to draw from our global network and expertise to accelerate its international expansion ambitions.”

Globally, over 3 million employees from leading brands — including Starbucks, Nivea, AXA, Cigna, WeWork, Crisil (an S&P company), T-Systems, and more — rely on Darwinbox’s platform for modern HR management. Darwinbox’s recent wave of product rollouts — highlighted by a multi-country payroll solution and enhanced GenAI features — demonstrates its commitment to next-generation HR innovation.

Partners Group invested through its growth equity strategy, which applies a thematic approach to identify investment opportunities in growth-stage companies globally. Partners Group made its first growth investment in 2013 and has deployed around USD 2.5 billion in the space to-date. The firm’s recent growth investments include Lumin Digital, a leading cloud-native digital banking provider, and Neara, one of the first AI-powered predictive modeling software platforms for critical infrastructure.

KKR makes its investment from its Asia Next Generation Technology strategy, which seeks to support the growth of innovative, disruptive companies in Asia across consumer technology, software, and FinTech. This marks KKR’s latest growth equity investment in India and the region, including Rebel Foods, an internet restaurant company in India; Lenskart, an omni-channel eyewear retailer; Livspace, an omni-channel home interior and renovation platform; KiotViet, a SaaS platform for SMBs in Vietnam; and Privy, a digital trust provider in Indonesia.

Avendus Capital acted as the financial advisor and investment banker on this transaction.

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Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines again awarded as a Top Employer for the 7th year in a row

Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines again awarded as a Top Employer for the 7th year in a row

For the seventh year in a row, the Top Employer Institute has recognized Boehringer Ingelheim as a Top Employer in the Philippines while also awarding the company as a “Global Top Employer” for the fifth consecutive year, and an Asia Pacific Top Employer for the sixth year straight. Boehringer is one of 17 companies worldwide to earn this award. The 2025 certification underscores the company’s commitment to an exceptional work environment that prioritizes career development and employee wellbeing. Comprehensive leadership training offers and strong values, communications, & ethics play a significant part in this.

“This remarkable achievement reflects our steadfast dedication to creating an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally,” said May Evangelista, Head of Human Resources at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines.

Boehringer’s employer offerings continue to score high, particularly in the categories “Steer” and “Develop”. The company’s internal Leadership Academy recognizes the value of leadership development for a positive and thriving work environment. It is one example how Boehringer supports its employees – whether in a leadership role or not – to steer their own development. The Academy helps create a shared understanding of leadership and offers targeted training for different leadership roles. Whether stepping into a leadership role for the first time or being a senior executive, tailored training will be available to all leaders.

“Our performance underscores our commitment to strong leadership and talent development, ensuring that our employees’ wellbeing, work environment, and career growth are always at the forefront of our initiatives,” Evangelista continued. “We encourage our employees to develop their own career paths and provide tools that help them find the balance that supports their goals.”

Develop your own path – at work and in private life

Boehringer’s learning offerings show how the company puts its people promise to “develop your own path” into practice. The internal Boehringer Ingelheim University makes a state-of-the-art virtual campus accessible to all 53,500 employees worldwide. The Leadership Academy is part of the University and offers in-person and virtual training. Their focus ranges from self-awareness to successfully driving teamwork. The modules help build skills in areas like stress and resilience, giving feedback, empowerment, problem-solving, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The leadership offerings also cover Boehringer’s holistic employee wellbeing program which includes mental, physical, social, and financial health. The company’s flexible working models are another contributor to the wellbeing approach. Some examples include the locally launched Volunteer Leave that allows employees to utilize leaves separate from their vacation leaves to carry out volunteering and charity work, as well as the formation of local well-being activities and initiatives. Overall, Boehringer takes an integrated approach to build an attractive work environment with an equitable, competitive, and transparent rewards and benefits program. It caters to the employee needs at every career stage with offerings that matter to their personal situation.

Certifications across the globe

Boehringer has been listed among the top employers in multiple countries and regions for the past 11 years. This year, it will receive the award in 30 countries. In South Korea, Boehringer is ranked among the top 3 employers and inGermany among the top 20. The company also received regional recognitions in Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, and in the Middle East.

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Award-Winning Business Leader Jos Ortega Shaping Tomorrow's Sustainable World Today

Award-Winning Business Leader Jos Ortega Shaping Tomorrow's Sustainable World Today

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Jos Ortega, 2025 Agora Awardee, leads the charge in integrating sustainability into business innovation through initiatives like Le Trophée Bleu, Red Impact, and The KITA Initiative.

In an era where sustainability is no longer just a trend but a driving force for positive change, Jos Ortega has emerged as a visionary leader in integrating environmental and social responsibility into business innovation. As the 2025 Agora Award recipient for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications, Ortega has led transformative initiatives such as Red Impact, The KITA Initiative, and Le Trophée Bleu Sustainability Awards, reshaping corporate sustainability.

As the Managing Partner at HAVAS Red, Ortega has championed the integration of sustainability into business strategies. “Sustainability is the common thread in everything I do. It's about ensuring that our actions today create a lasting, positive impact for future generations,” he explains. His leadership philosophy is centered on making businesses a catalyst for good.

Le Trophée Bleu: Recognizing Corporate Excellence in Sustainability

One of Ortega’s signature initiatives, Le Trophée Bleu, was launched in 2022 by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines. Since then, it has evolved into a prestigious platform celebrating companies committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2024, he expanded the awards to recognize businesses making significant contributions across the Five Ps: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. By showcasing initiatives that promote economic equality and environmental stewardship, Le Trophée Bleu urges companies to integrate sustainability into their core operations for the benefit of both business and society.

“Sustainability is not an option; it is a necessity for businesses to succeed in the modern world,” he emphasizes.

Driving Purpose-Driven Business

At the core of Ortega’s leadership philosophy is the conviction that sustainability extends beyond profit—it is about creating an impact. Through his leadership at HAVAS Ortega and HAVAS Red, he has guided businesses in integrating sustainability into their long-term strategies, ensuring it is not just a marketing message but a fundamental business priority.

“Sustainability is about building a future-proof business that aligns with evolving consumer values,” he explains. Under his guidance, HAVAS Red has helped numerous organizations transition from short-term CSR efforts to authentic, sustained sustainability programs, generating lasting value for both businesses and communities.

Red Impact: Turning Sustainability Commitments into Action

To bridge the gap between sustainability goals and real-world implementation, Ortega launched Red Impact, HAVAS Red’s dedicated sustainability arm. This initiative equips businesses with the tools, research, and strategies to integrate sustainability into their core operations.

“Red Impact ensures brands go beyond talking about sustainability—it drives them to make real, measurable changes,” he says. Through data-driven insights and strategic storytelling, Red Impact empowers companies to achieve their sustainability objectives while enhancing brand credibility.

The KITA Initiative: Championing Women Entrepreneurs

Ortega is also a strong advocate for gender equality in business. The KITA Initiative highlights the economic power of women entrepreneurs, shedding light on their often-overlooked contributions.

Developed by an all-women team at HAVAS Ortega, The KITA font is a unique typeface used by women-owned businesses to signify their ownership, challenging traditional narratives around gender and entrepreneurship.

“The KITA Initiative unmasks the true economic impact of women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated world. This is about empowerment and ensuring women are not just succeeding, but also being recognized and celebrated for their contributions,” he emphasizes.

Leading the Charge for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

Ortega’s 2025 Agora Award win reinforces his status as a pioneer in sustainability and business transformation. Through Le Trophée Bleu, Red Impact, and The KITA Initiative, he demonstrates that business success and social responsibility are interconnected.

By urging companies to move beyond surface-level sustainability efforts and commit to impactful, measurable programs, Ortega is redefining the role of business in shaping a greener, more inclusive world.

His legacy is one of leadership that prioritizes environmental responsibility, economic inclusivity, and sustained societal change. With Ortega’s ongoing innovation, the future of sustainable business is not just a possibility—it is a promise to the next generation!

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Marking 50 Years of Mega: CEO Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan on What’s Next

Marking 50 Years of Mega: CEO Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan on What’s Next

Mega Prime Foods Inc., the company behind Mega Sardines, the #1 sardines brand in the Philippines, has built a strong legacy in the fishing and food industry. Founded by William Tiu Lim, the company has grown from its humble beginnings as a fishing group 50 years ago into a powerhouse with a diverse portfolio of globally recognized brands.

As the company celebrates this milestone, it looks ahead with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. In 2023, Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan was appointed President and CEO, continuing the company’s commitment to growth.

Her appointment is significant—not just as a woman executive but as a daughter stepping into a leadership role in a family business, reflecting a shift toward more inclusive leadership.

A recent PBCWE census showed that women held 21% of board seats in 2022 but only 13% of CEO positions in the country. Tiu Lim-Chan’s leadership is a step toward increasing female representation at the executive level.

Beyond her role as CEO, she is a mentor and role model, demonstrating that women can lead successfully while managing personal commitments. She fosters a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered, championing inclusive leadership and supporting the next generation of female leaders. Through her leadership, she is helping shape the future of Mega Prime Foods and contributing to a more diverse business landscape in the Philippines

A Family Legacy of Excellence and Malasakit

The value of Mega Malasakit was built on the strong foundation of Filipino family values—caring, providing, and extending support to others. This has been the driving force behind Mega Prime Foods' success. With a steadfast commitment to this vision, Tiu Lim-Chan ensures that the Mega legacy continues to thrive, inspiring future generations and expanding its impact beyond borders.

“When malasakit is embedded in the workplace culture, it fosters an environment where employees work with compassion and a genuine desire to uplift one another. It becomes a powerful motivator, encouraging individuals to act with goodwill and purpose. In our 50 years in the business, our proudest edge is our ability to translate this commitment into our products, fostering a deep understanding of food and love on the table,” shares Tiu Lim-Chan.

Her dedication to sustainability is also evident through the Mega Ocean Clean-Up, an initiative that involves sweeping the sea floor for garbage by attaching nets to the company’s boats and bringing the collected waste back to land. This effort reflects her commitment to environmental responsibility and marine conservation.

With a deep respect for the brand’s rich heritage and culture, Tiu Lim-Chan has transformed Mega Prime Foods into a modern, globally competitive enterprise. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its portfolio, diversifying into the beverage industry with Primo Sparkling Juice and Jimm’s Coffee Mix. Her bold vision continues to drive the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and service to Filipino families.

Women Leading the Future of Business

Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan is a testament to the power of women in leadership, proving that they have the ability to inspire, empower communities, and raise industry standards. Her dedication and vision continue to pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that women can lead with impact, innovation, and purpose.

She strongly believes in continuous learning, having graduated from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia. She also shares this passion for growth by conducting training for her team, ensuring that her leadership fosters a culture of learning and excellence within Mega Prime Foods.

As Mega Prime Foods celebrates this remarkable milestone, it also takes this Women’s Month as an opportunity to recognize the impact of women in leadership. Tiu Lim-Chan’s commitment to innovation and sustainability reflects how women continue to shape industries and drive meaningful progress

Her leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration, proving that women have the ability to empower communities, raise industry standards, and lead with impact, innovation, and purpose. Through her example, she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a female leader.

By blending tradition with forward-thinking solutions, she is shaping the future of Mega Prime Foods, ensuring that its impact will be felt for generations to come.

Fore more information, visit megaprimefoods.com.ph or shop on its official stores in Shopee, Lazada and Tiktok Shop.

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Visa and PHLPost Sign Agreement to Enhance Financial Services for Underserved Filipinos

Visa and PHLPost Sign Agreement to Enhance Financial Services for Underserved Filipinos

Friday, March 7, 2025

Visa and PHLPost to work together to provide more secure and efficient financial services

Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) aimed at expanding access to financial services for Filipinos, particularly those in underserved sectors such as rural communities.

Under the agreement, Visa will utilize its innovation in digital payments as well as its global payments network to explore opportunities with PHLPost in modernizing and expanding the reach of its financial services, which include handling remittances and money orders for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as well as disbursement of healthcare subsidies, social welfare payments, and disaster relief.

Visa and PHLPost will also explore opportunities to enhance business and financial literacy for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as share best practices in making financial transactions more seamless, secure, and accessible.

The PHLPost remains committed to providing essential postal and financial services to Filipinos, especially those in remote and or Filipinos abroad. Through this collaboration with Visa, PHLPost aims to enhance its financial offerings by integrating digital payment solutions, improving transaction efficiency, and ensuring greater security for its customers through good governance. By modernizing its services, PHLPost seeks to bridge the financial gap for communities that rely on its extensive network across the country.

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GenAI Capabilities rolled out to 100% of Manulife’s Workforce with 75% Engagement Rate

GenAI Capabilities rolled out to 100% of Manulife’s Workforce with 75% Engagement Rate

Manulife’s digital capabilities, including AI-enabled enhancements, are expected to generate a threefold return on investment over five years through 2027

Manulife announced that over 75 percent of its global workforce are engaged with GenAI through learning, immersive experiences and tools, including ChatMFC, its proprietary GenAI assistant introduced in 2024. Manulife has been actively investing in AI tools to embed across its workforce since the AI practice was introduced nearly ten years ago.

By democratizing access to AI-enabled solutions, the Company is empowering colleagues to harness its potential in their daily workflows, enhancing efficiency and driving innovation. AI is not a stand-alone function at Manulife, it is an integral part of how the company operates across teams, geographies, and business units.

A Culture of AI Democratization and Innovation

“AI is transformative, and it is creating efficiencies for how we work, create, and interact with one another,” said Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer, Manulife. “By equipping our teams with GenAI tools, we’re enabling them to work smarter, move faster, and make a bigger impact. We’ve doubled our AI-driven impact by diversifying and expanding solutions, strengthening data and AI platforms, and practicing responsible AI governance, proving that our teams see real value.”

Manulife has made a multi-billion-dollar investment in its’ digital transformation including a cloud-based data and AI platform and scaled AI solutions. Today, the Company has deployed:

● ChatMFC, available across Manulife’s global workforce, this GenAI tool can be used to automate routine tasks and allow employees to focus on higher-value, strategic work.

● A skills-building program that empowers colleagues at all levels to understand, experiment with, and apply AI effectively.

● More than 35 GenAI use cases across Canada, the U.S., and Asia have been deployed to-date, with an additional 70 GenAI use cases prioritized to be deployed by the end of 2025. These GenAI use cases are sourced from the Company’s pipeline of over 400 GenAI solutions submitted by its workforce.

● A dedicated talent pool of nearly 200 global data scientists and machine learning engineers, embedded across the organization to scale AI capabilities.

Manulife’s Global AI Strategy: Scaling Responsibly

“AI is driving efficiency, fueling growth, and strengthening our bottom line globally,” said Karen Leggett, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife. “By embedding AI at scale, we’re not just optimizing operations – we’re empowering colleagues to deepen customer relationships, improving advisor connections, and unlocking new revenue streams. As a strategic enabler of long-term success, AI will continue to be a cornerstone of Manulife’s responsible and scalable growth.”

Manulife’s commitment to responsible AI ensures that innovations align with ethical, safety, and sustainability standards. The company's Responsible AI Principles guide how solutions are designed, developed, and deployed, reinforcing trust and transparency in AI applications.

Beyond ChatMFC, AI is being embedded in customer interactions, operations, and strategic decision-making. Examples include:

● New Ways of Working: Manulife's new AI-enabled translation tool provides global access to self-serve real-time translations in 9 languages, increasing efficiency and speed.

● Revenue Growth: The Sales Enablement Tool, initially launched in Singapore, provides personalized insights to advisors. Its rapid global expansion, including to wholesalers, has expanded to multiple global markets.

● Customer Experience: GenAI-powered solutions now support over 110 million calls annually, with further expansion planned this year. Deployed across all North America contact centres and being scaled to our Asia operations, the technology enhances response speed, accuracy, and service quality by providing agents with instant, source-backed answers and confidence scores.

Manulife’s AI roadmap for 2025 is designed for impact, deepening AI-driven insights, enhancing personalization for customers and advisors, and expanding investment in scalable, responsible solutions. By ensuring every colleague can leverage AI in their work, Manulife is strengthening its position as a leader in AI adoption across financial services.

Manulife expects their digital capabilities, including AI-enabled enhancements, to generate a threefold return on investment over five years through 2027 with over $600 million of benefits realized in 2024 from our digital initiatives globally .

To learn more about Manulife’s AI progress, visit: https://www.manulife.com/en/about/ai.html

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Singapore Airlines Group and Aether Fuels Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Singapore Airlines Group and Aether Fuels Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to potentially source neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Aether Fuels (Aether), a climate technology firm that plans to set up SAF production plants in the United States of America and South East Asia.

The agreement outlines the SIA Group’s intention to procure neat SAF for five years when Aether plants begin commercial production, with an option for a five-year extension. The neat SAF will be blended with regular jet fuel before being supplied to selected airports served by Singapore Airlines and Scoot.

Aether will use waste carbon feedstock to produce the fuel, employing its innovative and proprietary Aether AuroraTM technology. This method reduces plant capital cost, increases production efficiency, and achieves higher SAF yields compared to existing techniques.

Ms Lee Wen Fen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership marks another step in the SIA Group’s journey towards our long-term decarbonisation goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. By collaborating with like-minded ecosystem partners such as Aether, we aim to accelerate and scale up the adoption of SAF in our flight operations, laying the groundwork for more sustainable air travel.”

Aether was incubated and funded in 2022 by Xora, a deep tech venture firm backed by Temasek. Since then, it has grown its South East Asia team while expanding its operations in Chicago, where its research and development hub is located. Aether’s upcoming commercial-scale production projects in the United States of America and South East Asia will produce Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)-certified SAF. These projects are set to achieve a minimum greenhouse gas reduction of 75%, significantly contributing to the aviation industry’s sustainability efforts.

Mr Conor Madigan, Chief Executive Officer, Aether Fuels, said: “We are proud to join the SIA Group’s ecosystem of SAF technology innovators. Their decarbonisation goals are catalysing ingenuity throughout the supply chain and galvanising companies like Aether to develop production solutions that pair breakthrough technologies with next-generation feedstock strategies. The collaboration will deepen our understanding of the end-user customer priorities and of the SAF market, particularly in South East Asia. These advantages will further inform our project development programmes and accelerate our path to commercialisation.”

Mr Phil Inagaki, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Xora; Board Chair, Aether Fuels, said: “It is encouraging to see the SIA Group committing to meaningful sustainability goals and taking concrete steps to advance the adoption of SAF. Singapore has built a supportive environment for deep tech innovation, empowering companies like Aether to amplify the impact of transformative solutions to global challenges. Its Aurora™ breakthrough technology enables the production of SAF with the lowest green premium and most flexible, scalable feedstock. This collaboration with the SIA Group reflects a shared focus and commitment, making it a natural fit that will undoubtedly accelerate SAF innovation and adoption.”

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