Fiuu Hits $13 Billion in Payments as Southeast Asia’s Digital Economy Accelerates

Friday, March 27, 2026


Digital payments are no longer just a convenience. They are now the backbone of commerce across Southeast Asia. As more businesses move online and consumers embrace cashless transactions, payment platforms are scaling rapidly to meet demand.

One company seeing strong momentum is Fiuu, which has just reported a major milestone that reflects the region’s accelerating shift toward digital transactions.

Strong Growth Signals Rising Digital Adoption

Fiuu announced that it processed US$13 billion in total payment volume in 2025, marking a 32.65 percent increase from the previous year.

The company had already recorded US$8.3 billion in transaction volume by the end of the third quarter. A strong final quarter added US$4.7 billion, pushing the platform past the $13 billion mark for the full year.

In total, Fiuu processed more than 960 million transactions across Southeast Asia, highlighting the growing reliance on digital payment infrastructure among businesses and institutions.

Scaling Payment Infrastructure Across Southeast Asia

Fiuu’s continued growth reflects not just demand, but also the strength of its platform. Operating across multiple markets, the company supports over 110 payment methods, allowing businesses to accept both local and cross-border transactions through a single system.

This level of scale underscores the importance of reliable and flexible payment infrastructure in powering ASEAN’s digital economy.

Expanding Capabilities Through Innovation and Partnerships

Throughout 2025, Fiuu strengthened its ecosystem with new product launches and strategic collaborations.

Key highlights include:
  • Becoming the first payment acquirer in Malaysia to enable Samsung Pay Online
  • Launching Tap to Pay on iPhone via its virtual terminal in Singapore
  • Expanding digital wallet acceptance across multiple markets

The company also partnered with major players such as PayNet, Mastercard, Primer Group, Pos Malaysia, and Affin Bank.

These collaborations helped expand digital payment access across industries including retail, logistics, and financial services.

Fiuu CEO Eng Sheng Guan shared that as commerce becomes more connected across online, mobile, and physical channels, businesses need payment systems that are both scalable and easy to integrate.

What’s Ahead for Fiuu in 2026

Looking forward, Fiuu is doubling down on innovation and regional expansion.

The company is working with global networks such as Visa, JCB, and UnionPay to enhance payment acceptance across Southeast Asia.

Key initiatives in its 2026 roadmap include:
  • Expanding Mastercard Click-to-Pay across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines
  • Rolling out Visa installment solutions beyond Malaysia into Singapore
  • Scaling Mastercard Payment Gateway Services for better performance and multi-market support
  • Enabling direct acquiring capabilities for JCB and UnionPay in key markets
  • Expanding WeChat Pay acceptance across the region

Strengthening Security and Payment Experiences

Fiuu is also investing in next-generation payment technologies to improve both security and user experience.

These include tokenized payment capabilities for safer transactions, advanced fraud detection tools, and support for domestic payment schemes like PayNet’s MyDebit.

Notably, Fiuu is the first acquirer to support MyDebit across both card-present and card-not-present environments in Malaysia, including integration with OEM wallet-based payments.

Powering the Future of Digital Commerce

As Southeast Asia’s digital economy continues to expand, payment providers play a critical role in enabling seamless and secure transactions.

Fiuu’s latest milestone highlights how quickly the region is evolving and how important scalable infrastructure is for businesses looking to grow across borders.

For companies operating in today’s digital-first environment, investing in flexible and future-ready payment solutions is no longer optional. It is essential for staying competitive in an increasingly connected marketplace.
Read More

Palo Alto Networks Launches Prisma Browser for Business to Secure Small Business Workspaces


For many small businesses today, work happens inside a browser. From managing finances to communicating with customers and using AI tools, the browser has quietly become the modern office. But with that shift comes a growing risk, especially as cyber threats and AI misuse become more sophisticated.

Recognizing this gap, Palo Alto Networks has introduced a new solution designed specifically for smaller teams that need enterprise-level protection without added complexity.

A Secure Workspace Built for Modern Small Businesses

The company has officially launched Prisma Browser for Business, a browser-based workspace that combines productivity and security into a single platform.

Designed for small business environments, the solution allows teams to:
  • Access business apps securely from any device
  • Manage tools and workflows in one place
  • Stay protected against evolving cyber threats

It also includes built-in controls for AI usage, helping prevent sensitive data from being unintentionally exposed.

Why Browser Security Is Now a Business Priority

Small businesses rely heavily on browser-based tools. On average, teams use around 36 applications directly within their browsers.

However, this growing dependence comes with risk. A significant percentage of companies have experienced security incidents that originated in the browser, making it a key attack surface for cybercriminals.

At the same time, the rapid adoption of AI tools adds another layer of complexity. Without proper controls, employees may unknowingly expose sensitive data or trigger unintended actions through AI-powered platforms.

Bringing Enterprise-Level Protection to Smaller Teams

Anupam Upadhyaya, Senior Vice President of Product at Palo Alto Networks, explained that for many small businesses, the browser now functions as the central workplace.

He noted that traditional browsers were not designed to handle modern cyber threats or prevent AI-related data leaks. With this new solution, the company aims to deliver the same level of protection used by large enterprises, but in a format that is simple to deploy and manage.

Key Features That Power a Safer Workspace

Prisma Browser for Business introduces several capabilities tailored for small business needs:

Streamlined Workspace Management

Business owners can easily configure and control the applications and AI tools their teams rely on, ensuring secure access across devices and locations.

Built-In Threat Protection

The platform proactively blocks phishing attempts, ransomware, and fraud threats before they can impact operations.

AI Usage Controls

Teams can take advantage of AI tools for productivity while maintaining safeguards that prevent sensitive information from being shared or misused.

Addressing a Critical Gap in the Market

According to Anurag Agrawal, Analyst at TechAisle, Palo Alto Networks is solving a key challenge for small businesses. By combining secure access with productivity tools, the platform enables teams to work from anywhere without compromising security.

This approach is especially relevant as remote and hybrid work setups continue to expand.

Enterprise-Grade Security, Simplified

Palo Alto Networks is known for processing billions of threats daily for some of the world’s largest organizations. With Prisma Browser for Business, that same level of protection is now accessible to smaller companies.

Currently available in the United States, the platform offers a 30-day free trial and can be set up quickly, allowing businesses to secure their operations in just a few steps.

A Smarter Way to Work Securely

As cyber risks continue to evolve, small businesses can no longer rely on basic tools to protect their operations. Investing in a secure workspace is becoming essential, not just for protection but also for maintaining productivity and trust.

For growing teams looking to simplify their tech stack while strengthening security, solutions like Prisma Browser for Business offer a practical starting point. It combines ease of use with robust protection, helping businesses stay focused on growth without compromising safety.
Read More

Women Leaders at Jollibee Group Drive Growth, Purpose, and Impact Across the Organization


Leadership today is no longer just about titles or hierarchy. It is about influence, purpose, and the ability to create meaningful change. Across industries, companies are recognizing that strong leadership cultures are built by people who uplift others while delivering results.

At Jollibee Group, this philosophy comes to life through the stories of women leaders shaping the organization from the ground up. From restaurant operations to global shared services, their journeys highlight how growth, grit, and purpose can drive both business success and people development.

From Restaurant Floors to Executive Leadership


For Ana Lourdes Limbaga Aluyen, leadership has been a journey built over decades of hands-on experience.

She started in 1995 as an Assistant Store Manager in Zamboanga City and steadily rose through the ranks, taking on leadership roles across operations. Today, she serves as President of Chowking Philippines, one of the key brands under the Jollibee Group.

Reflecting on her career, she shared that her growth was shaped by leaders who both challenged and supported her along the way. Her leadership mindset is grounded in accountability and team empowerment.

She put it simply: “If we fail, I take the blame. If we win, celebrate the team.”

This approach reflects a culture where leadership is not just about outcomes, but about building trust and developing people.

Leading a Brand That Connects with Generations


For Dorothy Ching, leadership means balancing performance with purpose.

As Vice President for Marketing of Jollibee Philippines, she plays a key role in keeping the brand relevant to evolving audiences while staying true to its identity.

Since joining in 2022, Ching has led initiatives that strengthen the brand’s connection with Filipinos. But beyond campaigns, she emphasized the deeper impact of her role.

She noted how powerful the brand can be, not only as a business but as a force that touches people’s lives.

Her leadership style reflects this responsibility. She described it as high standards paired with empathy, emphasizing that people perform best when they feel trusted and supported.

Strengthening the Systems Behind Global Growth

While some leaders focus on front-facing roles, others ensure the organization runs seamlessly behind the scenes.

Maria Fe Monina Jayma-Cacayan, Vice President and Head of Finance and Accounting and HR Shared Services at Jollibee Worldwide Pty Ltd, leads efforts that support the company’s global expansion.

Joining in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, she managed complex integrations across markets and brands. Her work ensures that systems, processes, and people are aligned to enable sustainable growth.

For Cacayan, leadership is rooted in enabling others. She shared that she finds joy in making a difference and values being empowered within the organization.

She also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, noting that what truly matters in the workplace is not labels, but the unique strengths and perspectives individuals bring.

Building a Culture Where People Thrive

Across these leadership journeys, a clear theme emerges. The Jollibee Group continues to build a culture centered on growth, trust, and purpose.

Today, women make up 53 percent of the company’s workforce and 48 percent of senior leadership roles.

These numbers reflect a workplace where opportunities are accessible and leadership is shaped by capability and contribution.

Guided by its Choose Joy Employer Value Proposition, the company invests in mentorship, stretch opportunities, and professional development. This creates an environment where individuals are empowered to grow while making meaningful contributions.

Purpose-Driven Leadership in Action

As the Jollibee Group expands globally, leaders like Aluyen, Ching, and Cacayan show what modern leadership looks like. It is not just about driving business results. It is about creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.

For organizations looking to strengthen their leadership culture, the takeaway is clear. Investing in people, fostering trust, and creating opportunities for growth are essential to building teams that thrive in the long term.
Read More

Saviynt AI Identity Control Plane Launch


Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and so are the risks that come with it. As businesses deploy AI agents to handle everything from customer service to financial transactions, a critical gap is emerging. Most organizations still lack the tools to fully monitor and control these autonomous systems.

This is where Saviynt is stepping in. With its latest innovation, the company is redefining how enterprises secure AI-driven operations.

A New Approach to Managing AI Identities

Saviynt has introduced its Identity Security for AI solution, positioning it as the industry’s first identity control plane built specifically for AI agents.

Unlike traditional identity systems designed for human users, this platform enables organizations to continuously monitor AI agents, govern their lifecycle from creation to decommissioning, and control their actions in real time.

The goal is to give enterprises full visibility and control over both human and non-human identities, including AI agents operating at machine speed.

Why Traditional Identity Security Falls Short

As AI adoption accelerates, enterprises are facing a growing imbalance. Security systems are struggling to keep pace with the speed and scale of AI-driven workflows.

AI agents can operate autonomously, access systems continuously, and make real-time decisions.

According to Saviynt, this gap leaves 91 percent of organizations exposed to what it describes as “blind risk,” where AI activities are not fully visible or governed.

Vibhuti Sinha, Chief Product Officer at Saviynt, explained that AI agents behave fundamentally differently from human users. Instead of simply updating policies, enterprises now need an entirely new control layer designed for autonomous systems.

Built for the AI-Driven Enterprise Ecosystem

Saviynt’s platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with leading AI development environments, including:
  • Amazon Bedrock
  • Microsoft Copilot Studio
  • Google Vertex AI
  • ServiceNow AI
  • Salesforce Agentforce

This ensures organizations can discover and manage AI agents across multiple environments without disrupting existing workflows.

Core Capabilities of the AI Identity Control Plane

Saviynt’s solution is built on three key pillars that address the full lifecycle and behavior of AI agents:

Identity Security Posture Management for AI

The platform provides a unified view of all AI agents, including unauthorized ones. It identifies risks such as excessive access and helps eliminate shadow AI within the organization.

Full Lifecycle Governance

Every AI agent is assigned ownership and tracked throughout its lifecycle. From onboarding to decommissioning, organizations maintain accountability for each agent operating in their environment.

Real-Time Access Control with Agent Gateway

Saviynt evaluates every action performed by an AI agent in real time. Unauthorized activities are blocked before they can impact systems, whether interactions happen between agents or with enterprise applications.

Backed by Enterprise-Scale Use Cases

Saviynt developed this control plane in collaboration with organizations already deploying AI agents in real-world environments. These include, Hertz, The Auto Club Group, and UKG.

Gnana Thanikachalam of Hertz emphasized that as AI becomes central to operations, identity governance must scale at the same pace. By treating AI agents like human identities, organizations can close security gaps while enabling innovation.

Similarly, Jeyanth Jambunathan of The Auto Club Group noted that real-time visibility and control are essential for safely scaling autonomous agents across enterprise systems.

Expanding Visibility with Security Integrations

To provide a more comprehensive view of AI-related risks, Saviynt integrates external signals from cybersecurity leaders such as CrowdStrike, Zscaler, Wiz, and Cyera.

These integrations help security teams monitor and respond to threats across a broader digital ecosystem.

Enabling Secure Innovation at AI Speed


Saviynt CEO Sachin Nayyar described this release as the company’s most significant milestone to date. By combining posture management, identity governance, privileged access, and real-time enforcement into a single platform, Saviynt is delivering a complete identity security stack for the AI era.

The Future of Identity Security Starts with AI

As AI agents take on more critical roles in business operations, organizations can no longer rely on outdated identity frameworks. The need for real-time visibility, control, and accountability is becoming non-negotiable.

Saviynt’s identity control plane offers a forward-looking solution for enterprises ready to scale AI responsibly. For businesses exploring or already deploying AI agents, investing in purpose-built identity security tools is no longer optional. It is essential for building trust, reducing risk, and unlocking the full potential of AI.
Read More

ManageEngine Endpoint Central Launches EDR and Zero Trust Access for Smarter Endpoint Security


As cyber threats become more advanced and workforces grow more distributed, endpoint security is quickly becoming a top priority for businesses. Devices are no longer just tools for productivity. They are now key entry points for cyberattacks, making it critical for organizations to rethink how they manage and secure them.

That is where ManageEngine is making its next move. By expanding its flagship platform, the company is helping enterprises simplify security while staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats.

Endpoint Central Evolves into a Unified Security Platform

Endpoint Central, ManageEngine’s unified endpoint management and security platform, now includes endpoint detection and response and secure private access capabilities.

These additions aim to strengthen endpoint protection through:
  • AI-powered threat detection
  • Automated remediation
  • Zero Trust-based access to internal applications

The goal is simple. Bring endpoint management, security, and access control into one system instead of relying on disconnected tools.

Why Businesses Are Moving Away from Fragmented Security Tools

Modern enterprises are managing a growing number of devices across remote and hybrid environments. This shift has made endpoints both operational hubs and prime targets for attacks.

Many organizations still depend on separate tools for device management, threat detection, and remote access.

This fragmented setup creates inefficiencies and security gaps. At the same time, attackers are leveraging AI to scale threats like ransomware, making traditional defenses less effective.

Even VPN-based access is becoming outdated, as it often grants broad network access once credentials are verified. This increases risk, especially if those credentials are compromised.

According to Chirag Mehta of Constellation Research, endpoint security is now a race against time. Detecting and containing threats early, while enforcing stricter access controls, is critical to minimizing damage.

How EDR and Secure Private Access Strengthen Protection

By integrating EDR and secure private access into Endpoint Central, ManageEngine enables IT and security teams to work from a single layer of endpoint intelligence.

This unified approach delivers faster threat detection and investigation through shared telemetry, immediate remediation actions such as patching and configuration updates, and streamlined workflows using a single lightweight agent and centralized console.

Mathivanan Venkatachalam of ManageEngine shared that as environments become more distributed, endpoints are now the main enforcement point for both security and access control. With these new capabilities, organizations can move from reactive defense to more autonomous and proactive security operations.

Key Features That Drive Autonomous Endpoint Security

The latest update enhances Endpoint Central with several advanced capabilities:

Deep Visibility and Attack Tracking

The platform correlates endpoint data across processes, files, and network activity. It maps behaviors to frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, helping teams trace attacker movement and investigate incidents faster.

AI-Powered Threat Detection

Behavioral analytics and artificial intelligence detect complex threats, including file-less malware and evasive attack techniques, allowing earlier intervention.

Unified Response and Ransomware Recovery

Security teams can isolate compromised devices, terminate threats, restore encrypted files, and deploy patches from a single console. This reduces downtime and strengthens system resilience.

AI-Guided Investigations

The system surfaces relevant data and attack patterns to assist analysts, making threat hunting faster and more accessible even for smaller teams.

Context-Aware Secure Access

Secure private access uses identity-based policies to verify every access request, ensuring only trusted devices can connect to critical applications.

Industry Recognition Validates Platform Performance

Endpoint Central continues to receive strong validation from leading industry bodies. Its malware protection capabilities have earned certification from AV-Comparatives, highlighting its low system impact and efficient performance.

ManageEngine has also been named a Challenger in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant, recognized as a Leader in the IDC MarketScape and the only vendor awarded Customers’ Choice in the 2025 Gartner Peer Insights Voice of the Customer. These recognitions reinforce the platform’s growing role in the endpoint security space.

Availability and Deployment Options

The new EDR and secure private access features are now available as add-ons for Endpoint Central. Organizations can deploy the platform either on-premises or as a SaaS solution, depending on their IT requirements.

Currently, Endpoint Central supports more than 31,000 organizations worldwide, managing endpoints across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and mobile devices.

A Smarter Approach to Endpoint Security

As cyber threats continue to evolve, businesses need security solutions that are not only powerful but also streamlined. ManageEngine’s latest update reflects a broader shift toward unified, AI-driven platforms that reduce complexity while improving response times.

For organizations looking to modernize their endpoint security strategy, adopting an integrated approach like Endpoint Central can help close gaps, improve visibility, and build stronger resilience against today’s threats.
Read More

Monde Nissin Earns EPR Recognition for Plastic Reduction and Circular Packaging Efforts


Sustainability is no longer just a corporate buzzword. It is becoming a measurable commitment, especially in industries that rely heavily on packaging. For food manufacturers, the challenge is even greater as they balance product accessibility with environmental responsibility.

That is why Monde Nissin Corporation’s latest recognition stands out. It signals real, trackable progress in reducing plastic waste while rethinking how packaging fits into a circular economy.

Recognized for Advancing EPR Goals in the Philippines

Monde Nissin Corporation recently received a Special Citation for Obliged Enterprises at the 2026 Extended Producer Responsibility Recognition Program. The initiative is led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability.

The award highlights companies that are actively supporting the Philippines’ EPR Act, which pushes businesses to take accountability for the lifecycle of their plastic packaging. For Monde Nissin, this recognition reinforces its long-term focus on environmental stewardship while continuing to deliver accessible food products.

Measurable Reductions in Plastic Use

One of the company’s most notable achievements is its significant reduction in plastic use. Between 2023 and November 2025, Monde Nissin was able to cut down 176,000 kilograms of plastic through smarter packaging design and operational improvements.

Several initiatives contributed to this progress:

  • Packaging redesign for Monde Mamon, which reduced around 80 metric tons of plastic through lightweighting and component removal
  • Removal of garnish sachets from Lucky Me! Mini Go Cup, eliminating about 96 metric tons of plastic waste in 2023
  • Introduction of resealable Lucky Me! Salu-Salo packs, lowering plastic use in outer packaging by 25 percent
  • Adoption of lightweight EcoLean packaging for GoodNom Gata products

These efforts show how incremental changes in product design can lead to substantial environmental impact when scaled across large product lines.

Moving Closer to Circular Packaging Targets

Beyond reducing plastic, Monde Nissin is also making strides in circularity. In 2024, 94 percent of its plastic packaging by volume was made from mono-material plastics. This brings the company closer to its goal of reaching 95 percent by 2025.

Mono-material packaging is easier to recycle compared to mixed materials, making it a critical step toward a more efficient recycling system.

The company also reported full recovery and diversion of its obligated plastic footprint in both 2023 and 2024. This includes flexible plastics, which are typically harder to process in traditional recycling systems.

Empowering Communities Through Plastic Recovery

Sustainability efforts are not limited to internal operations. Monde Nissin is also investing in community-driven solutions.

Through its Aling Tindera Program, implemented in partnership with PCX Markets and HOPE, the company supports women micro-entrepreneurs by integrating them into plastic recovery networks.

In 2024, the program achieved two key outcomes:

  • Recovered 600 metric tons of multi-layer plastic waste
  • Generated approximately ₱1.5 million in additional income for participating women

This initiative highlights how environmental programs can also create meaningful economic opportunities at the grassroots level.

Collaboration Drives Long-Term Impact

The recognition from DENR and PARMS reflects the growing importance of collaboration in tackling plastic waste. Government agencies, private companies, and local communities each play a role in building a more sustainable system.

Monde Nissin’s approach shows that progress is possible when innovation in packaging is paired with strong recovery systems and inclusive programs.
Building a More Sustainable Food Future

Monde Nissin’s latest milestone is more than just an award. It represents a shift toward accountability and long-term thinking in the food manufacturing sector.

As sustainability becomes a key factor in consumer and business decisions, companies that invest early in circular solutions are better positioned for the future. For organizations looking to strengthen their own environmental strategies, Monde Nissin’s approach offers a practical example of how to combine innovation, measurable targets, and community impact.
Read More

Jollibee Group Expands Inclusive Hiring Program to Baguio City

Monday, March 23, 2026


Meaningful employment should be accessible to everyone and one of the country’s biggest food companies is proving that it can be done at scale. With its latest move, the Jollibee Group is opening more doors for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, reinforcing the idea that inclusive workplaces benefit both businesses and communities.

New Opportunities Open in Baguio City

The Jollibee Group has partnered with the local government of Baguio City to expand its inclusive employment initiative. The agreement, formalized in March 2026 under the leadership of Benjamin Magalong, allows qualified seniors and PWDs to work across participating stores in the city.

Through the program, employees take on roles as Customer Relations Staff. These roles include assisting with order presentation, serving drinks, managing tables, and engaging with customers. The initiative currently covers 12 stores under brands like Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, and Burger King.

A Program That Continues to Grow

Since launching in 2019, the program has already created job opportunities for more than 1,000 senior citizens and persons with disabilities across the Philippines. Its reach spans multiple cities including Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, and Davao, among others.

While the initiative was temporarily paused during the pandemic, it resumed in 2023 and has continued to gain momentum. In 2025 alone, the company hired 451 individuals under the program, highlighting its growing impact nationwide.

This steady expansion shows how collaboration between private companies and local governments can create real, tangible opportunities for sectors that are often overlooked in the workforce.

Building Inclusive Workplaces 

The initiative is part of the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda, specifically under its People Pillar, which focuses on inclusion and community development.

In a statement, CEO Joseph Tanbuntiong emphasized that inclusive growth leads to stronger and more meaningful business outcomes. He explained that opening employment opportunities to seniors and PWDs not only strengthens store teams but also helps individuals stay active and engaged in their communities.

Meanwhile, Chief Human Resources Officer Ruth Angeles shared that inclusion is about creating spaces where people can work with dignity, independence, and purpose. She highlighted how employees in the program bring valuable experience and warmth to customer interactions, enriching the overall service culture.

More Than Jobs, It’s About Dignity

Beyond employment numbers, the initiative reflects a deeper commitment to restoring dignity and purpose. For many senior citizens and persons with disabilities, having access to meaningful work can significantly improve quality of life.

By continuing to expand into new cities like Baguio, the Jollibee Group demonstrates how businesses can play a key role in building more inclusive communities while also strengthening their workforce.

Inclusive hiring is no longer just a corporate initiative. It is becoming a benchmark for responsible business.

Programs like this show that when companies invest in people, especially those often left out of traditional employment, the impact goes far beyond the workplace. It creates stronger communities, fosters respect, and sets a standard that others can follow.

If more organizations adopt similar models, the future of work in the Philippines could become more inclusive, more compassionate, and ultimately more sustainable.

Read More
...