Couchbase Mobile Brings Major Advancements for AI-Powered Applications at the Edge

Couchbase Mobile Brings Major Advancements for AI-Powered Applications at the Edge

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

New JavaScript Support, Enhanced Peer-to-Peer Sync, and Multi-Region Resilience Reduce Integration Complexity and Downtime Risk for Mobile AI Apps in Disconnected Environments

Couchbase, Inc., the developer data platform powering mission-critical applications in the AI era, today announced major updates to its Couchbase Mobile platform, enabling AI-powered applications to run seamlessly on devices at the disconnected edge.

The platform’s new JavaScript support for Couchbase Lite allows the embedded database to operate in any web browser, delivering a universal client capable of running offline-first web applications and synchronizing data across web, mobile, desktop, and custom hardware environments. Enhancements to peer-to-peer (P2P) synchronization include device auto-discovery, mesh support that adapts as users join or leave networks, and network auto-switching capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted collaboration even in offline or dynamic network conditions. Additionally, improvements to deployment resilience and failover mechanisms help ensure applications remain fast, available, and reliable regardless of internet connectivity.

“Building AI-powered applications at the edge requires delivering fast, personalized, and always-on experiences even in completely disconnected environments,” said Matt McDonough, SVP of Product at Couchbase. “These updates to Couchbase Mobile empower developers to build and ship applications faster while ensuring uninterrupted uptime. While other vendors are scaling back mobile support due to complexity, Couchbase is expanding mobile and edge capabilities, now including browser-based JavaScript apps.”

Always-On Applications Enable Business Continuity

As AI applications increasingly run on edge devices with intermittent connectivity, cloud-only solutions often fall short. Forrester reports that nearly half of enterprise IT professionals view edge technology adoption as a top priority, underscoring the need for reliable mobile experiences in disconnected environments. Couchbase Mobile addresses this by enabling AI applications to synchronize data between edge devices even in internet dead zones while automatically adapting to changing network conditions.

Global retailer Aptos relies on Couchbase to power its cloud-native point-of-sale (POS) system. Using Couchbase Capella™, Aptos ONE delivers seamless transactions beyond traditional checkout counters. “Reliable synchronization from cloud to retail devices is critical for our customers,” said John Carney, VP and Head of Architecture at Aptos. “Couchbase Mobile’s P2P replication allows us to deliver always-on experiences with lower total cost of ownership. Capella alone reduced our infrastructure footprint from 12 deployments with over 100 nodes to a single deployment with 31 nodes, saving over $1 million annually.”

Unified Platform Reduces Complexity and Risk

Organizations building AI applications face trade-offs: cloud-only databases require constant internet access, while mobile-only embedded databases demand costly custom integrations. Couchbase Mobile eliminates these challenges with a unified solution that seamlessly syncs data from cloud to edge to device to web. 

Key features include:

Couchbase Lite for JavaScript – Embed Couchbase Lite in browser-based web apps for offline-first experiences. Local data processing ensures faster, more secure, and always-available applications that synchronize seamlessly with Capella App Services and Sync Gateway.

Enhanced Peer-to-Peer Sync – Automatic device discovery, adaptive mesh networking, and upcoming network auto-switching simplify P2P integration for iOS and Android, reducing implementation code from dozens of lines to around five.

XDCR and Multi-Cluster Resilience – Cross-data center replication in Capella App Services and Sync Gateway 4.0 provides zero-downtime disaster recovery, seamless failover, and mobile user migration across clusters for maximum uptime.

Couchbase Edge Server – A lightweight database server for resource-constrained environments, designed to power applications in isolated locations like airplanes, warehouses, retail stores, and restaurants.

Couchbase Mobile is available now. Learn more about delivering offline-first AI applications at www.couchbase.com.

Read More

Why Southeast Asia CIOs Are Turning to Low-Code and AI for Faster Digital Growth

Why Southeast Asia CIOs Are Turning to Low-Code and AI for Faster Digital Growth

Monday, November 17, 2025

 

Southeast Asia is moving at lightning speed when it comes to digital transformation, and a new report from Kissflow reveals exactly how CIOs are making it happen. With businesses racing to modernize, governments pushing digital-first initiatives, and consumers expecting smoother online experiences, the region is now leaning heavily on AI-powered low-code platforms to get things done faster.

For Filipino companies especially those balancing limited tech talent with rising digital demands this shift offers a massive opportunity.

A Digital Economy Growing Toward US$1 Trillion

According to Kissflow’s CIO Low-Code Strategy Pulse Report 2025, ASEAN’s digital economy is projected to skyrocket from US$300 billion to as much as US$1 trillion by 2030. A big driver of that growth is AI, which is expected to contribute 13%–18% to the region’s GDP by the end of the decade.

But there’s a challenge: ICT talent across Southeast Asia can’t keep up with the pace of transformation.

The report shows:

• 86% of CIOs worldwide now rely on low-code tools to build and deliver applications faster
• Many organizations are struggling with growing IT backlogs
• Over 55% of CIOs believe AI will dramatically increase the number of apps created

This paints a clear picture: while digital ambitions are rising, the region needs more efficient, scalable ways to build technology.

Low-Code + AI: The New Formula for Faster Innovation

Kissflow notes a major shift taking place not just in tech departments but across entire organizations.

A Tool for Solving Talent Shortages

Low-code platforms allow teams to build applications without deep programming skills. When combined with AI, development becomes even faster and smarter.

Kissflow’s APAC AVP, Rakesh Nandakumar, put it simply:

Southeast Asia is at the digital frontier, and low-code + AI gives CIOs the boost they need to innovate quickly without waiting for a larger tech workforce.

Key Highlights for Southeast Asia

1. Strong Adoption in Banking, Government, and Logistics

Industries with multi-branch operations, strict compliance requirements, and high customer demand are moving away from traditional development. Low-code tools help them respond faster and modernize more efficiently.

2. Business Teams Are Now Building Apps Too

Kissflow’s data shows that operations (33%), finance (25%), and HR (23%) departments are already creating applications using no-code tools with minimal IT help.

This rise of citizen developers signals a shift toward business-led innovation where teams closest to the work can quickly build what they need.

3. AI as a Key Factor in Buying Decisions

Today, 34% of CIOs consider AI capabilities essential when choosing a low-code platform. AI is no longer just a nice-to-have it’s becoming a major competitive advantage, especially for organizations operating in multiple countries with localized compliance needs.

4. A Strategic Solution for Regional Growth

Southeast Asian businesses now view low-code as a core strategy. It enables them to launch new services faster and empower their workforce to keep up as the region’s digital transformation accelerates.

Kissflow’s Influence in APAC and the Philippines

Kissflow stands out as a unified platform offering both no-code and low-code capabilities:

• No-code for business teams to automate processes
• Low-code for IT teams to build full business applications
• Built-in integration, reporting, and lightweight BI modules

Some major APAC organizations relying on Kissflow include True Corporation, Bank of the Philippines, and SCG International.

A notable Philippine success story is SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP), which saw a 451% ROI after deploying Kissflow’s low-code platform to streamline workflows and develop over 100 applications. The achievement earned them the ROI Award 2025 from Nucleus Research.

Recognized by Gartner, Forrester, and G2, Kissflow remains a leader in low-code and no-code solutions globally.

As Southeast Asia races toward a trillion-dollar digital economy, low-code and AI are becoming essential tools not just for tech giants, but for any organization that wants to stay competitive. For Filipino businesses navigating tech talent gaps and growing digital expectations, platforms like Kissflow offer a powerful way to innovate quickly and efficiently.

Whether you’re in banking, logistics, government, or even SMEs, embracing low-code may be your next big leap into the future.

Read More

Life After Diagnosis: How TGP and PCEDM Are Helping Filipinos Live Better With Diabetes

Life After Diagnosis: How TGP and PCEDM Are Helping Filipinos Live Better With Diabetes

Getting diagnosed with diabetes can feel overwhelming. Many Filipinos ask the same questions: “Ano na ang gagawin ko?”, “Magbabago ba ang buhay ko?”, or “Kaya ko pa ba ‘to?”

But the truth is while diabetes is a serious condition, it doesn’t have to dictate how you live your life. And this is exactly the message behind a new partnership between The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) and the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM).

This collaboration aims to empower Filipinos with the right knowledge, the right care, and the right support system so that life after diagnosis becomes not just manageable, but meaningful.

A Growing Health Challenge in the Philippines

Diabetes continues to be one of the country’s major health concerns.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), 4.3 million Filipinos are living with diabetes making it among the top causes of illness and death nationwide.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that diabetes claims around 1.5 million lives each year, especially in the Western Pacific region where cases continue to rise, including in the Philippines.

These numbers can be alarming, but they also highlight one important point: early action and proper management can change the story.

Living Better Through the IWAS: 4Dapat Diabetes Advocacy

PCEDM reminds the public that diabetes management doesn’t have to be complicated. With consistent habits and proper medical guidance, patients can still enjoy long, fulfilling lives.

Their advocacy, IWAS: 4Dapat Diabetes, emphasizes four essential steps:

1. Ikonsulta sa Doktor

Early diagnosis and regular checkups help prevent complications.

2. Wastong Pagkain

Nutritious and balanced meals can significantly improve daily health.

3. Aktibong Pamumuhay

Even small steps like daily walking can make a big difference.

4. Sapat at Angkop na Gamot

Taking doctor-prescribed medication consistently is key to managing blood sugar levels.

These are simple, practical habits that Filipinos can apply no matter their age or lifestyle.

TGP and PCEDM: A Partnership for Better Health

To strengthen nationwide diabetes education, TGP officially partnered with PCEDM through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by TGP Deputy General Manager Aileen Natividad and PCEDM President Dr. Lora May Tan-Tin Hay.

By combining TGP’s wide retail reach with PCEDM’s medical expertise, the partnership aims to bring reliable, easy-to-understand diabetes information to more communities.

Natividad shared that this collaboration aligns with TGP’s mission to make healthcare more accessible for Filipinos.

She emphasized that working closely with PCEDM helps bridge the gap between awareness and real action in diabetes prevention and management.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tan-Tin Hay highlighted that life after diagnosis remains hopeful:

With proper guidance, education, and support, Filipinos can live fully and confidently even with diabetes.

Bringing Health Awareness to Communities Nationwide

To kick off the initiative, both organizations will launch educational efforts across digital platforms, TGP branches, and on-ground events. Expect to see:

• Expert-led health talks
• Community engagement programs
• Accessible and consistent diabetes information
• Amplified PCEDM educational content through TGP’s platforms

The campaign will officially roll out on World Diabetes Day, November 14, encouraging Filipinos to prioritize their health and take proactive steps toward better diabetes management.

Diabetes may be a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to be a lifelong burden. With organizations like TGP and PCEDM working together, Filipinos now have better access to education, treatment, and encouragement—proving that life after diagnosis can still be bright, healthy, and full of hope.

If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, now is the perfect time to learn more, seek guidance, and take small but meaningful steps toward better health.

Read More

DBS and Ant International Boost Cross-Border Payments and Fintech Innovation

DBS and Ant International Boost Cross-Border Payments and Fintech Innovation

In an era where digital payments are transforming how we shop, send money, and do business, regional banks and fintech leaders are taking collaboration to the next level. DBS and Ant International have strengthened their strategic partnership, promising more seamless cross-border payments and innovative fintech solutions designed to empower businesses and consumers across Asia and beyond.

Expanding Digital Payments Across Borders

The renewed partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2025, brings DBS PayLah! users into the Alipay+ ecosystem. This means over three million DBS PayLah! users can now scan Alipay+ QR codes to pay at more than 150 million merchants in over 100 markets, bridging local convenience with global connectivity.

Real-Time Remittances for Greater Financial Inclusion

Beyond payments, DBS and Ant International are exploring near-instant remittance solutions. The bank-to-wallet initiative aims to enable real-time transfers between DBS customers and 1.8 billion Alipay+ users worldwide, using ISO 20022 messaging standards and the SWIFT network. These innovations simplify cross-border transfers for both individuals and businesses, making financial services more accessible than ever.

Supporting SMEs on Their Digital Journey

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) stand to gain significantly from this partnership. DBS is teaming up with Antom, Ant International’s merchant payment and digitisation platform, to explore innovative solutions such as the Model Context Protocol (MCP)-based Antom Agentic Payment system. This platform combines alternative payment methods, AI-driven insights, and efficient payment mandates to support SMEs in digitizing operations.

Additionally, DBS is working with WorldFirst to scale up same-day and near-instant cross-border payments, giving SMEs faster access to their funds and helping them thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

Driving Regional Fintech Innovation

Both DBS and Ant International are committed to fostering innovation in the regional fintech ecosystem. Their collaboration includes exploring tokenised deposits and other cutting-edge financial solutions, aiming to create more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready financial services.

Peng Yang, CEO of Ant International, shared that the strengthened partnership builds on a decade-long collaboration, highlighting the potential to boost digital economies and inclusive growth across the region.

Tan Su Shan, CEO of DBS, emphasized that combining their expertise allows both organizations to unlock new growth opportunities, accelerate innovations like tokenised deposits and agentic payments, and reimagine the future of finance for clients and consumers alike.

For Filipino businesses and consumers eyeing cross-border opportunities, the DBS–Ant International partnership signals a more connected and innovative financial landscape. With faster payments, smarter fintech solutions, and greater support for SMEs, the future of finance in Asia is not just digital—it’s inclusive, empowering, and accessible.

Read More

FWD and JA Philippines Ignite Financial Dreams for Filipino Youth

FWD and JA Philippines Ignite Financial Dreams for Filipino Youth

 

Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a superpower for the next generation. In a country where financial inclusion is more important than ever, FWD Life Insurance and Junior Achievement (JA) Philippines are taking bold steps to ensure young Filipinos are not only dreaming big but also planning smart. Their flagship program, JA SparktheDream, recently kicked off its third year, bringing hands-on financial education to hundreds of eager students in Makati City and beyond.

Sparking Ambition in Schools

This year, the program launched with an exciting face-to-face session at Pembo Elementary School, where over 200 grade six students explored financial concepts through interactive, activity-based learning. FWD volunteers guided the students, demonstrating that managing money can be both fun and empowering.

As part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, FWD is using JA SparktheDream to equip young Filipinos with essential financial skills, nurturing confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Impact Across the Philippines and Beyond

Since 2022, the program has reached more than 14,600 students nationwide. Its success in the Philippines also helped extend FWD’s collaboration with JA Asia Pacific, impacting over 37,000 students across the region far exceeding initial expectations.

FWD’s Chief Marketing & Digital Commerce Officer, Gavin Lai, highlighted the importance of starting financial education early. He shared that empowering youth with money management skills lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines, enabling them to positively influence their families and communities.

Words of Inspiration from FWD Leaders

At the launch, FWD Chief Agency Officer Nol De Leon encouraged students to pursue their dreams with determination. “Whatever your dreams are, you can achieve them with focus, discipline, and the right mindset,” he said, stressing that financial literacy is the stepping stone to turning ambitions into reality.

Meanwhile, FWD Chief Life Operations Officer Judith Baliton offered practical advice for building healthy financial habits early: “Spend only half of your money on the things you want, and save the other half. Dreaming is free, but it should be matched with action. Don’t just dream, do the work.”

Preparing Youth for a Changing Financial Landscape

In a world shaped by digital innovation and evolving economies, programs like JA SparktheDream are vital. By combining financial knowledge, confidence, and practical skills, FWD is helping students make empowered choices and design the futures they aspire to. This initiative represents a significant stride toward a financially inclusive Philippines where every young Filipino is ready to shape their best life.

For parents, teachers, and young Filipinos, programs like JA SparktheDream are more than lessons, they’re opportunities to spark curiosity, ambition, and practical money skills that last a lifetime. If you’re looking for ways to help children develop smart financial habits, keep an eye on FWD and JA Philippines, they’re making financial literacy a fun and attainable dream for every student.

Read More

Healthier Rides Ahead: inDrive Joins DOH in Strengthening Smoke- and Vape-Free Transport in the Philippines

Healthier Rides Ahead: inDrive Joins DOH in Strengthening Smoke- and Vape-Free Transport in the Philippines

In the spirit of promoting healthier and safer daily commutes, global ride-hailing platform inDrive is stepping up to support the Department of Health’s (DOH) push for 100% smoke- and vape-free rides across the country.

A United Effort for Clean, Safe, and Healthy Transport

As the DOH intensifies its smoke- and vape-free transport initiatives, inDrive has partnered with key government agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help create cleaner, safer, and more mindful commuting experiences.

Through this collaboration, inDrive is rolling out both digital reminders and on-ground engagement efforts to ensure commuters enjoy healthier rides.

In-App Reminders for Smoke- and Vape-Free Trips

To reinforce the initiative, inDrive has launched a new in-app pop-up notification for both passengers and drivers. This friendly reminder encourages everyone onboard to maintain smoke-free and vape-free trips, aligning with the brand’s commitment to public health and responsible mobility.

“As a TNVS provider, it is our duty to protect our partner drivers and passengers, and this includes their overall health and well-being,” shared Sofia Guinto, Business Development Head of inDrive Philippines.

“Kaya buo ang pagsuporta namin sa programa na ito upang matiyak na makaranas sila ng tunay na biyaheng ligtas at protektado.”

She added that strong public–private sector partnerships can inspire real change:

“Ang ganitong mga partnerships... ay patunay na kaya nating gumawa ng pagbabago para sa ikabubuti ng kalusugan ng lahat ng mga Pilipino. Nawa’y ito ang maging simula ng mas marami pang programang maglalayon ng mas malinis at ligtas na biyahe.”

Smoke-Free Byahe Caravan: Taking Advocacy to the Streets

Beyond digital reminders, inDrive is launching its Smoke-Free Byahe Caravan, a series of on-ground activations across major cities. During the caravan, inDrive teams will distribute:

• Advocacy decals
• Health and wellness kits
• Educational materials for drivers

These efforts support the DOH’s vision for smoke-free public transportation while strengthening inDrive’s broader #inDriveLigtasBiyahe campaign for safe and health-conscious commuting.

DOH Welcomes Private Sector Support

DOH Metro Manila CHD Regional Director Dr. Lester M. Tan expressed appreciation for inDrive’s active involvement:

“When private sector partners like inDrive join our advocacy, it helps us reach more people and inspire everyday choices that lead to healthier communities. We look forward to building on this partnership through more initiatives that champion wellness on the road.”

Stay Updated

Drivers and passengers can stay informed about inDrive’s health and safety initiatives through inDrive.com or download the app via the App Store and Google Play.

Together with the DOH and other TNVS providers, inDrive is helping pave the way for cleaner air, healthier commutes, and more responsible mobility for Filipinos.

Read More

C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Named APAC Growth Leader by Instructure

C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions Named APAC Growth Leader by Instructure

As more schools embrace digital transformation, Filipino education partners are stepping up to lead the way. One standout is C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions (C&E ALS), which was recently honored by Instructure, the global company behind Canvas LMS, with the APAC Pipeline Powerhouse Award. This recognition places the Philippine-based company among the Asia-Pacific region’s most impactful digital learning innovators.

Empowering Schools Through Strong Digital Learning Partnerships

At the award ceremony, John Emyl Eugenio, Chief Operating Officer, and Gerric Gomez, Vice President for Business Development and Growth Markets, accepted the distinction on behalf of C&E ALS.

Eugenio described the award as a milestone that reflects the shared vision between C&E ALS and Instructure. He emphasized that their collaboration is helping academic institutions rethink the teaching and learning experience, saying the recognition is a “momentum toward more connected, inclusive, and meaningful education for every educator and learner.”

Driving Innovation With Canvas LMS

C&E ALS is one of the few Diamond Services Partners of Canvas LMS worldwide—an achievement that highlights the company’s expertise in implementing and supporting advanced learning systems.

The company works closely with schools to help them:

• Transition from traditional learning to digital-first environments
• Train educators on leveraging learning management tools
• Adopt localized, culturally relevant e-learning solutions
• Improve course delivery, performance tracking, and teacher-student collaboration

Gomez shared that being recognized by the world’s leading learning management system strengthens their mission to “help institutions across the Philippines and Asia embrace digital transformation with confidence and impact.”

Expanding Access to Future-Ready Education

The APAC Pipeline Powerhouse Award recognizes partners that drive exceptional growth while uplifting education systems through innovation. For C&E ALS, the honor underscores its crucial role in expanding Instructure’s footprint in the region while ensuring schools receive world-class support tailored for Filipino learners.

From its beginnings under C&E Publishing, the company has evolved from a publisher of academic materials into a key digital learning provider. Its Adaptive Learning Solutions division continues to support institutions navigating modern education challenges by combining global technology with deep local insight.

Eugenio further explained that the company’s mission is grounded in expanding access: “Education today is no longer limited by geography or circumstance. Our goal is to empower every Filipino learner with access to quality education anytime, anywhere.”

Building a Future Without Limits

With its strong partnership with Instructure and a growing portfolio of digital solutions, C&E ALS is committed to shaping a future where learning is not confined within classroom walls. By empowering educators and institutions with reliable technology, the company is helping build a generation of learners prepared for a more connected, future-ready world.

Read More