Alipay+ Expands to Serve 90 Million Global Merchants in 2024 Summer Campaign Following UEFA EURO Craze

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Alipay+

Alipay+, the cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solutions operated by Ant International, continued its global summer campaign, which was kicked off by UEFA EURO 2024, in preparation for the travel industry's full rebound by the end of 2024.

Alipay+ is the Official Payment Partner of the UEFA EURO 2024™, and connects leading e-wallets and bank apps, including European partners like Bluecode and Tinaba, to 400,000 merchants across Europe. During EURO 2024 from 14 June to 14 July:

  • Alipay+ merchants in Europe saw a year-on-year increase of 27% in terms of transactions made from its partner e-wallets, many of which are mobile payment leaders in Asia. The number of tourists who paid with their preferred home payment app via Alipay+ rose by over 30% during the championship period.
  • Mobile-savvy travelers from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Europe, Malaysia and South Korea lead the European travel craze in terms of the number of transactions and total spending.
  • While retail remains the most popular activity, travelers also pay with their home payment apps via Alipay+ at pharmacies and attractions, as Alipay+ increases its coverage in essential travel scenarios.
  • Cross-border consumption rose with varied user and merchant campaigns across UEFA EURO host cities like Berlin and Munich. In Germany, Alipay+ transactions increased by more than 73%, with a 40% increase in the number of merchants accepting an Alipay+ transaction, compared to the year before.

"The surge in Alipay+ transactions during UEFA EURO 2024 shows the power of sports and major events to unite people and drive cross-border tourism,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “European merchants and partners embraced new digital payment trends with remarkable openness and agility. At Ant International, we will continue to expand merchant coverage for consumers and bring more international businesses to the doors of global SMEs.”

Alipay+ turns the heat up with global summer campaign


This summer, tourists will be able to pay with their preferred payment apps via Alipay+ at more than 90 million global merchants in 66 markets as Alipay+ merchant coverage continues to grow, connecting them to users of more than 30 payment partners.

With Europe expected to be one of the top destinations during summer, Alipay+ will continue its momentum from its UEFA EURO 2024 drive, with more joint campaigns with partners to promote usage of their home payment apps in Europe, and offering exclusive promotions at leading merchants, particularly in key destinations like the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

Besides retailers, Alipay+ is also working with local partners to ensure more local businesses can benefit. For example, tourists can enjoy special deals at many small shops in Chinatown in Milan, with more small businesses across Europe to be progressively onboarded. Alipay+ is also adding more digital conveniences for tourists through its recent integration with the taxi app FREENOW, available in 7 European countries, and partnerships for digital tax refunds. The latter allows Chinese tourists to receive instant tax refunds on their Alipay app in-store.

In Japan, where more than 2 million merchants accept Alipay+, tourists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand can enjoy special discounts at 300,000 merchants across the country, including airport shops, department stores, premium shopping malls, convenience store chains, electronics and appliances retailers, and health and beauty shops.

In South Korea, Alipay+ is rolling out summer promotions with leading retailers, theme parks, traditional market and transportation providers, including duty-free stores and department stores operated by Hyundai, Shilla, Shinsegae, Lotte World, ZeroPay Jeju market and Olive Young, for users of AlipayHK, GCash, Touch 'n Go eWallet and TrueMoney.

Alipay+ expanded its acceptance for transportation in South Korea, making it easier for tourists to travel around. In Jeju, users of Alipay+ partners, including Alipay, AlipayHK, GCash, Touch ’n Go eWallet and TrueMoney, can simply use their own payment apps to pay for bus rides. The convenience extends beyond local transportation. Chinese tourists can book train tickets to travel across the country through a dedicated mini-program operated by Korail within the Alipay app.

Through its collaboration with ZeroPay, South Korea’s national QR standard, Alipay+ is accepted by more than 1.9 million merchants.

Alipay+ and its partners continue to make travel more seamless in the Chinese mainland, including the recent expansion of the International Consumer-Friendly Zone Program to Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Tourists visiting the Chinese mainland can pay across more than 80 million merchants by linking their international credit cards to the Alipay app or via 12 other Alipay+ partner payment methods.

In Southeast Asia (SEA), where Alipay+ is widely accepted, users of AlipayHK, Touch ’n Go eWallet, GCash and TrueMoney can purchase discounted travel packs for use at all Alipay+ merchants in the region. Through its partnership with national QRs in Singapore and Malaysia, Alipay+ merchants in the region include many micro and small merchants like hawker stalls in Singapore, that will allow tourists to truly ‘travel like a local’.

With SEA being a popular destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is introducing more innovation and campaigns via Alipay, one of its payment partners, including exclusive campaigns with more than 30 of the most popular retailers – including Central Retail, The Mall Group and King Power in Thailand, Pavilion and Sunway Velocity in Malaysia, and Jewel, Resorts Word Sentosa and Mandai in Singapore.

Additionally, in Thailand, the top SEA destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is enhancing its Alipay+ D-hub and Amazing Thailand e-card – a joint digital travel innovation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand – within the Alipay app, to promote more cities, more merchants and offer more discounts.
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Rediscover Cebu’s Vibrant Facets with lyf Cebu City’s Experience-Led Living

Wednesday, July 31, 2024


Dubbed the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu is a central economic hub in the Philippines, hosting a variety of industries from information technology and business process outsourcing to shipping and furniture manufacturing. This economic vitality, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, ensures that business travelers have access to a wide range of professional opportunities and resources.

lyf Cebu, Ascott Limited’s property in Visayas, makes a fine addition to the city and has quickly emerged as every traveler’s go-to destination for any occasion. Designed to create and foster a vibrant and connected community, lyf Cebu successfully redefines urban living with its experience-led social approach.

Situated in the bustling region of Cebu, lyf Cebu is more than just a place to stay; it’s a hub where like-minded individuals with different goals and aspirations come together to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic culture while enjoying each other’s company. 

Known for its rich historical heritage, beautiful beaches, and thriving business district, Cebu has become a strategic location for both local and international visitors. As a property under the Ascott name, lyf Cebu upholds the high standards and commitment to excellence for which the brand is often recognized and expected to provide. Ascott’s reputation for delivering exceptional service and innovative living spaces is evident in every aspect of lyf Cebu—the property’s unique ability to enhance the overall city experience by offering a vibrant, community-centric environment truly sets it apart from other residences and living spaces open in the area. 

At lyf Cebu, there is an evident commitment to creating a harmonious community space where travelers from all walks of life are invited to share experiences and explore the Philippines together. Its location is strategically situated to offer easy access to the city's must-see attractions while providing a welcoming and dynamic environment that encourages interaction and personal discovery. Whether you're a digital nomad, a solo traveler, or visiting with friends, lyf offers a unique blend of comfort and community spirit.

While regular tourists only catch a glimpse of what the city may offer, residents of lyf Cebu dive deeper into the local culture and experiences. They engage in authentic interactions, uncover hidden gems, and participate in unique activities beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Whether it's joining a local festival, learning traditional crafts from artisans, or exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, lyf Cebu ensures that its guests experience the city's true essence. Through its vibrant social living concept, lyf Cebu transforms each stay into a journey of discovery and connection, encouraging guests to explore Cebu like never before.


From its modern design to its interactive spaces, lyf Cebu is tailored to encourage social connections and cultural exchanges. Guests are invited to enjoy various unique amenities and features that make it easy to connect, relax, and explore the city. Upon arrival, guests are greeted at the Say Hi check-in counter, where a friendly lyf crew ensures a smooth and personalized check-in process. The coworking spaces provide the perfect setting for productivity, blending comfort with functionality. For those looking to socialize and cook, Bond – the property’s social kitchen – offers a communal space to prepare and share meals.

“The social aspect of lyf Cebu is integral to the overall guest experience. By fostering a vibrant, connected community, we ensure that guests not only enjoy their stay but also build meaningful connections and memories that last a lifetime.” Said Joycelyn Agsaway, the Director of Operational Excellence for the lyf brand. 


Unwinding after a day of exploring or working is accessible at the Hangout (Mezzanine), where guests can share stories and experiences with fellow travelers. For fitness enthusiasts, Burn (social gym) is fully equipped to help maintain workout routines, while Dip (swimming pool) offers a refreshing escape from the city heat.

lyf Cebu, like all its sister properties, is true to its name and champions the term “Live Your Freedom,” celebrating openness, unique individuality, and creativity, empowering guests who stay true to the life they wish to lead.

lyf Cebu City is currently open and ready to welcome guests looking for both a culturally immersive and productive experience. Guests can now book their stay via this website.

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TikTok Shop Boosts Filipino MSMEs at National MSME Summit 2024


TikTok Shop, the e-commerce platform of TikTok, played a pivotal role in empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the National MSME Summit 2024. Held during the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Week, the summit, organized by Go Negosyo and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), focused on the theme "Innovate to Elevate: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable Growth."

The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for leveraging digitalization to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth among Filipino MSMEs. TikTok Shop emerged as a key player in this conversation, emphasizing its commitment to supporting local businesses through its innovative Shoppertainment platform.

"We are excited to partner with TikTok Shop in accelerating the growth of Filipino MSMEs," said Joey Concepcion, Founder of Go Negosyo. "TikTok Shop's unique blend of content and commerce provides a powerful platform for MSMEs to reach a wider audience and boost sales."

TikTok Shop's participation included engaging panel discussions featuring industry experts who shared insights on market trends, content creation strategies, and the benefits of online marketplaces. The company also highlighted its ACE Framework – Assortment, Content, and Empowerment – which helps MSMEs optimize their online presence and drive sales.


"We believe that TikTok Shop can be a game-changer for Filipino MSMEs," said Jonah Ople, Category Lead for Fashion, TikTok Shop. "By providing the right tools and support, we can help them succeed in the digital economy."

Undersecretary Ma. Cristina Roque of the DTI-MSME Development Group expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with TikTok Shop, emphasizing the platform's potential to help Filipino MSMEs compete on a national scale.

TikTok Shop remains dedicated to empowering MSMEs through innovative tools, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to fostering economic growth and inclusivity across the Philippines.



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SM Prime widens the landscape in renewable energy


As part of its net-zero commitment by 2040, one of Asia’s leading real estate and property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), partnered with global integrated energy company TotalEnergies for the installation of a 2 Megawatt-peak (MWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Rooftop project in Pasay City.

The partnership venture aligns with SM Prime’s efforts in expanding its renewable energy portfolio and affirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in various urban settings. 

Designed with a power yield of 3,000 Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity annually, the solar partnership project has over 3,672 PV panels installed and is expected to provide huge cost savings for SM Prime. Located at the MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex, the solar installations are expected to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by about 1,430 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

"SM Prime is proud to work alongside TotalEnergies on this project. This partnership is our commitment to sustainability and achieving Net Zero by 2040. We are also taking a proactive stance in supporting the Department of Energy’s (DOE) target of reaching 35% renewable energy by 2030. Together, we’re driving meaningful change towards a more environmentally conscious future," said John Nai Peng Ong, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer. 

“We are thrilled to announce the successful deployment of solar rooftop installations at the Mall of Asia in the Philippines, marking a significant achievement in both environmental and economic sustainability for SM Prime,” said Elodie Renaud, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Asia. 

For the past few years, SM Prime continues to grow its partnerships with key clean energy players, leveraging its relationships and earned experiences to drive its environmental stewardship campaign. Capitalizing on these partnerships has provided for SM Prime huge economic, environmental, and social dividends. 

In 2022, SM Prime secured a long-term deal with AboitizPower for its clean energy supply. Under the agreement, AboitizPower will provide reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). 

The following year, SM Prime signed a memorandum of agreement with Citicore Renewable Energy Company (CREC), wherein SM Prime will source 90 megawatts (MWac) from CREC’s upcoming Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. 

Apart from contributing to the DOE’s 35% renewable energy goal by 2030, all these partnerships are aligned with the energy department and Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) policy of expanding the adoption of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) in the energy industry.

To date, SM Prime currently sources at least 50% of its electricity utilization from clean, renewable energy. 

SM Prime supports the Philippine government’s aim to increase the country's renewable energy supply component to 50% by the year 2040. It remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.
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Appdome Tackles Geo-Fraud with More Defenses for Mobile Apps


Mobile Brands and Enterprises Can Now Add Geo-Location Fencing and Geo DeSync Detection to Android & iOS Apps with No Code, No SDK and No Server Needed

Appdome, the mobile app economy’s one-stop shop for mobile defense, today announced it has enhanced its award-winning Geo-Fraud Detection service to include two new defenses: Geo-Location Fencing and Geo DeSync Attack Detection. Combined with other Geo-Compliance features available on the Appdome platform, mobile app developers and enterprises can eliminate location-based fraud, ensure geo-compliance and deliver location relevant user experiences in mobile apps free from location spoofing, fake location, VPNs, Fake GPS Apps and other threats.

Geo-fencing is essential in finance apps and other regulated industries that need to meet Know Your Customer (KYC) and other compliance mandates, such as the US Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) requirements. Geo-fencing enables mobile app developers to restrict or limit app access on a country or regional level, ensuring that operations are compliant with local laws and regulations.

A Geo Desync Attack is a cyber-attack that intentionally creates mismatches in location data on a mobile device. By manipulating GPS coordinates, altering the time zone settings, and falsifying accelerometer readings, attackers can deceive location-based services and security systems. This type of attack can lead to inaccurate tracking, unauthorized access, and potential breaches of security protocols, undermining the integrity of location-dependent applications and services.

“Detecting geo related fraud is a top priority in today's mobile app economy. Attackers are increasingly using location spoofing to avoid compliance, for example,” said Eric Newcomer, CTO and Principal Analyst at Intellyx. “Mobile apps rely on accurate location for their services and are increasingly required to confirm device location to maintain trust. Appdome’s mobile Geo Compliance service reduces developer complexity for implementing advanced geo-compliance security features.”

Unlike legacy geo compliance offerings that rely on proprietary, costly, and vendor-built geo service networks, the Appdome Geo Compliance solution zeros in on protecting the mobile device’s built-in location services and ensures these services have not been abused or tampered with. Appdome’s approach eliminates the need for third-party networks, SDKs, complex server-based implementations and does not require third-party monthly usage fees, allowing the enforcement to work even if the device is not network-connected.

“Offering a broad range of mobile Geo Compliance features under a single pane of glass with other security and anti-fraud defenses is a game changer,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO of Appdome. “These added Geo-Fraud defenses showcase how the Appdome platform is uniquely extensible, and allows brands, developers and enterprises alike to solve multiple mobile app defense objectives simultaneously in the same automated workflow.”

The full Appdome Mobile Geo-Compliance solution puts an end to geo-fraud by detecting fake location, fake GPS apps, fraudulent location, detect VPN, no SIM (fake device), teleportation, Geo DeSync and other attacks. Customers simply select the Geo-Compliance features needed in any Android & iOS apps and initiate the build command from CI/CD or using the Appdome Platform’s “Build My App” button. Appdome’s patented technology uses machine learning to code the defenses into each application, so mobile developers don’t have to.

“Compliance was the early driver for our geo-fraud solution, but now there’s so much more customers are getting out of it,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer of Appdome. “Stopping location-fraud and ensuring valid, real location in mobile applications is universal across every Android & iOS app, whether it’s a streaming, dating, restaurant, retail, gig economy or other app. True location is what we deliver in these mobile apps.”

The Appdome Geo-Compliance solution is available in multiple enforcement modes including advanced telemetry and customized responses or workflows when geo compliance threats are detected, and monitoring geo-fraud attacks via the Appdome ThreatScope™ Mobile XDR, either before or after the deployment of geo-location defenses via the Appdome platform.

See the full Appdome Mobile Geo-Compliance solution live at Black Hat USA August 3-8, 2024 in booth #1350.

For more information on Appdome Geo-Compliance capabilities and to book a personalized demo, visit https://www.appdome.com/mobile-fraud-detection/geo-compliance/.

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RLC Residences announces net zero carbon and resilient condo target, with advisory support from the International Finance Corporation

Monday, July 29, 2024

RLC Residences Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager John Richard Sotelo (left) with International Finance Corporation Country Lead (Climate Business) for the Philippines, Malaysia, and the Pacific Angelo Tan at the ceremonial contract signing during the 2nd Climate Forum


RLC Residences recently forged a groundbreaking agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), committing one million square meters (GFA) of net zero carbon and resilient condominiums by 2031. 

The pledge was spearheaded by RLC Residences Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager Chad Sotelo during IFC’s 2nd Climate Forum at Ayala Museum. Sotelo was joined by Angelo Tan, Country Lead for IFC World Bank Group's Climate Business in the Philippines, Malaysia and the Pacific. The partnership will focus on identifying, evaluating, and implementing green building measures to help achieve net zero carbon using Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification from IFC Additionally, they will assess and verify the resilience rating of RLC Residences projects to be built moving forward through IFC’s Building Resilience Index (BRI) tool.

“We started this journey on sustainability back in 2022 and we’re happy to have known enough to get our first building, Le Pont Residences in Bridgetowne [Destination Estate], to be EDGE-certified. With this fantastic partnership we have with IFC, we're learning that there's a lot of work involved but at the same time, it's part and parcel of what we do on a day-to-day basis. We are thankful to IFC for helping us understand sustainability and resilience better and how we can improve our residential projects with that in mind,” shared Sotelo during the Forum.

As the residential division of the property giant Robinsons Land Corporation, which is also active in sustainability efforts on a corporate level, RLC Residences is now taking a proactive stance on designing developments that are efficiently built. Despite being a newcomer in sustainable residential developments, RLC Residences got its first preliminary EDGE Certification for Le Pont Residences Tower 1 at Bridgetowne East in Pasig City, recognizing its energy and water efficiency measures and sustainability features for future homeowners.

“RLC Residences' commitment to green and resilient initiatives is commendable and a vital step towards a sustainable future. Achieving EDGE Preliminary Certification for Le Pont Residences reflects a forward-thinking approach that benefits the environment and the local community.” Says Ommid Saberi, IFC’s Global Lead for EDGE and Building Resilience Index. “IFC will also be supporting the resilient assessment of its projects. As a hot spot for disasters, it is crucial to explore how the Philippines can incorporate climate resilience practices into the design and construction of buildings.”

Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), is a free software and green building standard and certification system. The prestigious certification aims to empower developers to build sustainable properties through cost-effective and environment-friendly means while delivering high-quality buildings.

For more information, visit rlcresidences.com or follow RLC Residences on Facebook and Instagram.
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InLife CMO and Bancassurance Head discusses challenges and opportunities of marketing insurance to women

Monday, July 22, 2024

Gae L. Martinez

Tailoring insurance to meet women’s unique needs, concerns, and preferences is a crucial step in encouraging them to practice financial empowerment and security. This is according to Insular Life (InLife) Chief Marketing Officer and Bancassurance Head Gae L. Martinez.

“Women are incredibly diverse. They come from varied backgrounds, possess unique life experiences, and face a multitude of challenges. Therefore, our approach to selling insurance to women must be nuanced, empathetic, and tailored to individual circumstances,” she said in her speech before the Professional Insurance and Financial Advisors Association of the Philippines (PIFAAP) Congress.

The PIFAAP is comprised of leading insurance and financial service professionals dedicated to promoting high standards of ethics, client services, and productivity. It is focused on professional excellence through continuing education.

Understand what women need

Martinez emphasized women’s crucial role as catalysts for social progress and as substantial contributors to income generation and community investment. This is why insurance providers should devote themselves to genuinely hearing women, comprehending their distinct situations, and empathizing with their worries.

“Whether it's supporting their families, planning for the future, or navigating life's uncertainties, women possess specific needs that necessitate attention. The InLife Sheroes Landmark Study on Women in 2018, yielded valuable insights into the financial and health-related mindsets of Filipino women,” she shared.

The InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement is the flagship initiative of InLife for women empowerment through financial inclusion. It was launched in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2019. Initially targeting one million Filipino women in three years, it has surpassed expectations, reaching out to 4.56 million Filipino women by the end of 2021 and up to 6.5 million Filipino in 2023.

Martinez shared that InLife Sheroes has forged partnerships with various like-minded organizations that are committed to empowering women through on-ground events, webinars, and other initiatives. They include the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, Imaginable Impact, and What Glass Ceiling podcast among others.

Provide education, empathy, and trust

Empowerment through education is equally important. In order to make informed and wise financial decisions, women prefer comprehensive explanations and educational resources according to Martinez.

“As insurance professionals, it's our responsibility to demystify complex insurance policies, explain coverage options in clear terms, and provide the necessary information for women to make informed choices,” she said.

Just as important as education is practicing empathy and building trust.

“To cultivate trust, it’s essential to go beyond mere transactions and foster genuine connections. Demonstrating empathy, by truly understanding and acknowledging women’s concerns, fosters a sense of being heard and valued. Transparency is equally vital, openly sharing information about products, processes, and potential outcomes instills confidence and removes uncertainty,” Martinez said.

Customize solutions

Martinez said that women’s insurance needs differ based on various factors such as life stage, civil status, family structure and career. Insurance companies must therefore offer personalized solutions that align with these.

Last year, InLife launched Resilience Female Cancers, a limited pay whole life critical illness plan that provides a guaranteed lump sum cash benefit upon the diagnosis of nine specific cancer types: breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer, uterine sarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, fallopian tube cancer and leiomyosarcomas.

Make insurance accessible and affordable

Martinez also encouraged insurance professionals to provide transparent pricing information and explain how insurance can be affordable, considering its long-term financial protection.

“Utilize digital tools and resources to make the insurance buying process more convenient and accessible for women,” she encouraged.

Martinez shared that InLife offers affordable insurance for women on Lazada for as low as P99 and through the UnionBank Insurance Marketplace. InLife products are also available through InLife financial advisors, and through the regional managers, financial advisors, insurance solutions managers of UnionBank.

“Selling insurance to women is more than just closing deals, it’s about empowering women to take control of their financial futures. By understanding their needs, educating them about their options, building trust, and providing personalized solutions, insurance professionals and financial advisors can play a pivotal role in ensuring that every woman has the protection and security she deserves,” Martinez said.

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