DoubleVerify Releases Guide to Boost Ad Performance in APAC

DoubleVerify Releases Guide to Boost Ad Performance in APAC

Sunday, September 1, 2024

DoubleVerify (DV), a leader in digital media authentication, announced today the release of a new guide The Power of Media Quality – How APAC Marketers Can Leverage Media Quality for Better Advertising ROI. DV’s 2023 report in partnership with WARC found that a significant portion of marketers in Asia Pacific (APAC) fail to evaluate digital media buys against core quality metrics. The research concluded that only 17 percent of APAC marketers evaluate critical media quality indicators like brand safety and suitability, viewability, fraud or intended geography. This new guide aims to empower advertisers across the APAC region with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance the effectiveness of their ad campaigns through verification.

Key highlights from The Power of Media Quality – How APAC Marketers Can Leverage Media Quality for Better Advertising ROI include:

Navigating today’s digital media landscape: With the proliferation of digital channels such as social, streaming, gaming and shopping platforms, advertisers are presented with unprecedented opportunities to engage their customers. However, ensuring media quality amidst this growth is essential for campaign success.

Charting your territory: The guide outlines the four pillars of media quality: brand safety and suitability, viewability, fraud and intended geography. Understanding and addressing these pillars is crucial for enhancing campaign effectiveness and mitigating risks. 

Achieving quality in any environment: DV offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to APAC advertisers, spanning social, retail media, CTV, gaming and mobile platforms. These solutions enable advertisers to verify media placements everywhere, ensuring consistent measurement standards and transparency across digital investments.

“Our guide serves as a definitive framework to maximize advertising performance in the APAC region,” said Conrad Tallariti, Managing Director and Senior Vice President, APAC, DoubleVerify. “As technology is expanding rapidly, so is the landscape of digital media with opportunities emerging across new social, streaming, gaming, CTV and more, making digital media protection of vital importance.”

To learn more, visit DV’s website and download the guide today.

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Makati Medical Center Bags Another WSO Angels Award

Makati Medical Center Bags Another WSO Angels Award

Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) received its 14th World Stroke Organization (WSO) Angels Award. Since 2019, the hospital has consistently been recognized by the WSO Angels Awards for its dedication to providing top-notch stroke care. The award categories—Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—are based on the quality of care provided to stroke patients. MakatiMed has received nine Gold, three Platinum, and two Diamond awards to date. For the second quarter of 2024, the hospital has reached the Platinum level.

“Congratulations to the Department of Neurology for another Platinum Status distinction for the 2nd quarter of 2024 - highlighting and validating once again the excellent quality of stroke care in Makati Medical Center,” said Saturnino P. Javier, MD, Interim Co-President & CEO and Medical Director. “This Platinum Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire stroke care team. Our commitment to providing world-class care to our patients remains steadfast.”

MakatiMed continues to focus on innovation, patient-centered care, and adherence to international standards as a stroke-ready hospital.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

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Trend Micro Platform Exceeds 10K Large Enterprise Customers, Extends Proven Solution to SMEs

Trend Micro Platform Exceeds 10K Large Enterprise Customers, Extends Proven Solution to SMEs

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

AI-powered platform with built-in risk management bridges cybersecurity talent shortage, supports vendor consolidation

Global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704)has achieved new growth and availability milestones for its cybersecurity platform. Trend Vision One™ now serves over 10,000 enterprise customers worldwide and has also been extended to help small- and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) better manage their cyber risk. Enhanced with new management and operational tools designed specifically for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), the platform simplifies risk management for enterprises while also allowing MSPs to gain operational efficiencies, expand their services and monetize the market opportunity.

“SMEs are often the most attractive targets for cybercriminals,” said James Rocker, CEO at IT service provider Nerds That Care. “By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, Trend Micro helps level the playing field for organizations that don’t staff large security teams. Our team is looking forward to this next evolution in Trend Micro's offering for managed services providers and customers."

Unlike other cybersecurity vendors stitching together disconnected capabilities, Trend Micro’s AI-powered cybersecurity platform goes beyond single solutions to more efficiently manage the full cyber risk lifecycle. Risk management is powered by AI to improve managing asset profiles, predicting attack paths and enabling custom remediation guidance. This means a single security tool can enable teams of all sizes to assess and prioritize risk in real time and take action to build enterprise resilience.

Ian Felipe , Country Manager at Trend Micro Philippines: “This is a major growth period for SMEs in the Philippines, and it’s important to build on secure foundations. According to the Department of Trade and Industry’s MSME Statistics, 99.59% of businesses established in the Philippines are MSMEs. This indicates that this sector plays a crucial role in shaping our economy. We see a critical need to address growing attack surface risk while enterprises are facing a significant lack of cybersecurity talent—that’s a valuable opportunity for the channel. Our expanded platform offering empowers MSPs to seamlessly deliver enterprise-grade cyber risk management to SMEs, enhancing customer business resilience and confidence while increasing the market opportunity for our partners.”

Managing cyber risk is one of the most difficult challenges that SMEs face as threats continue to evolve and multiply, with many lacking sufficient staffing to meet security needs. According to industry association CompTIA, 35% of small and 27% of medium-sized US businesses are assessing risk, but without a formal framework for doing so. A further 15% and 9% respectively are still only at the discussion stage regarding risk management.

Trend Vision One™ for Managed Service Providers offers partners a broad range of proven, enterprise-grade capabilities from a single platform with the integrations they require to efficiently manage their operations. In an industry first, MSPs can now deliver comprehensive, precise and continuous cyber risk management for their customers in a multi-tenant platform, leveraging broad security capabilities for endpoint, email, network, identity, and cloud combined with powerful built-in modules like XDR and Attack Surface Risk Management (ASRM).

To learn more about Trend Vision One™ and powerful capabilities like Attack Surface Risk Management, visit here.

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USANA Achieves HR Asia’s “Best Companies to Work For” Title for Three Consecutive Years

USANA Achieves HR Asia’s “Best Companies to Work For” Title for Three Consecutive Years

USANA Philippines has once again been honored with the prestigious HR Asia Award for being one of the Best Companies to Work For in the Philippines. This marks the third consecutive year the company has received this esteemed recognition, underscoring its commitment to creating a positive and dynamic work environment.

The HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia Philippines 2024 is an annual award given by HR Asia, a leading publication in the human resources industry. The award recognizes companies with the best HR practices, high levels of employee engagement, and excellent workplace culture.

The awards night, attended by industry leaders, employees, and partners, celebrated USANA’s dedication to its workforce and celebrated the company’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition for the third year in a row,” said Cherry Ampig, General Manager of USANA Philippines. “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who contribute every day to making USANA an exceptional place to work. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”

USANA Health Sciences, Inc., a leader in global nutrition and the parent company of USANA Philippines, has also relayed its appreciation to the Philippine market for this achievement while emphasizing the significance of the company’s core values in winning the award.

“Being recognized for the third time as one of the Best Companies to Work For in the Philippines is a remarkable achievement for us,” said David Mulham, USANA’s chief sales officer. “It is a testament to the hard work and passion of our Philippine team, and we are incredibly proud of this accomplishment.”

USANA Philippines, also known as UHS Essential Philippines, Inc., was launched locally in 2009 and is the only USANA subsidiary that operates three offices outside the United States, specifically in Makati, Davao, and Cebu.

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Bayad cybersecurity lead awarded as Cybersecurity Practitioner of the Year in the 2024 World Financial Innovation Series

Bayad cybersecurity lead awarded as Cybersecurity Practitioner of the Year in the 2024 World Financial Innovation Series

Rolly “RB” N. Bañez, Bayad Deputy Chief Information Security Officer and Head of Cyber Security Governance has been recognized with Cybersecurity Practitioner of the Year Award in the recently concluded 2024 World Financial Innovation Series.

Organized by Tradepass, a renowned international business networking platform, the World Financial Innovation Series was held on August 13-14, 2024 at the Marriott Hotel, bringing together over 600 tech and business experts from leading banks, insurance, and micro-finance institutions across the country.

Bañez’ Cybersecurity Practitioner of the Year Award highlights his exceptional leadership in establishing robust and advanced cybersecurity framework in his organization – Bayad (previously Bayad Center), while amplifying a culture of cybersecurity awareness in the fintech industry.

Bayad is the pioneer brand in the outsourced bills payment collection service in the Philippines, aggregating a multitude of billers into a robust system that is now being used by leading establishments and electronic money institutions across the country. 

Bañez shared “With the increasing sophistication in the fintech landscape, it was essential for us at Bayad to implement advanced cybersecurity measures, ensuring that everyone has access to reliable financial services.

I am both honored and humbled to receive the Cybersecurity Practitioner of the Year Award. This recognition is genuinely a testament to Bayad’s unwavering commitment and collective effort in establishing digital trust as we help spur the country’s digital transformation journey.”

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer added. “Through RB Bañez’ dedication and leadership in cybersecurity, Bayad has intensified our digitalization efforts. The Cybersecurity Practitioner of the Year Award inspires us to further implement solutions that will elevate the financial experience in Philippines, ensuring that each and every transaction coursed through Bayad is reliable and secured.”

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Visa collaborates with Good Transport and GHL to enable contactless payments in Cebu and Mandaue City modern jeepneys in first transit project in the Philippines

Visa collaborates with Good Transport and GHL to enable contactless payments in Cebu and Mandaue City modern jeepneys in first transit project in the Philippines

Visa cards can be used to pay on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, creating a seamless transit experience and inclusive acceptance for daily commuters and tourists in the Philippines

Visa, a world leader in digital payments, is collaborating with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider, and GHL, a leading nationwide payment service provider and payment acquirer. This collaboration has enabled the use of Visa cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu and Mandaue City, the second biggest city in Cebu. 

The initiative kicked off today with an official launch ceremony at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI) working in partnership with local transport operators, Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO) and Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC), to launch 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 modern jeepneys in Mandaue City. The onboard terminals in these vehicles now accept Visa payments. This initiative, part of a pilot project, signifies Visa's commitment to promoting transit acceptance in the Philippines with plans to expand to more modes of transit in coming years.

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said: "We are thrilled to unveil Visa's inaugural transit project in the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for daily commuters and tourists in Mandaue City by offering a wider array of payment options. As tourism in the Philippines rebounds, we have observed a growth in inbound tourism and this partnership will make the transit experience more seamless for tourists. The future of transit, both globally and within the Philippines, is poised to create inclusivity through open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit, and will be centered around providing commuters with seamless, convenient, and secure payment options.”

In February 2024, Cebu experienced a 69% year-on-year increase in visitors, welcoming 104,439 tourists, according to the Department of Tourism. Meanwhile, Mandaue City, a popular tourist destination in Cebu, recorded 228,472 tourist arrivals between January and September 2022. With such strong tourism growth, the ability to use Visa cards on public transit significantly enhances convenience, as travelers increasingly prefer secure, contactless digital payments. Visa's Global Travel Intentions Study highlights this shift, revealing that 97% of Asia Pacific travelers plan to use card payments (credit, debit, or prepaid) on their trips, while only 17% intend to carry foreign currency (cash).

Brezhnev Tero, CEO, Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), said: “We are proud to partner with Visa and GHL to bring the first-of-its-kind contactless payment solution to the Philippines’ transport sector through our Transport Mobility Solution, the Bus Revenue Tracker System (BRTS). This groundbreaking collaboration not only revolutionizes fare collection with enhanced efficiency and security but also redefines the commuter experience. By leading the way in transport innovation, we are making every journey smoother, faster, and more convenient, setting a new standard for public transport in the country.” 

Jay Tirona, CEO, GHL Systems Philippines Inc, said: “This partnership is an exciting example of how technology and digital innovation in payments can come together positively for the private and public sectors, and ultimately, for the benefit of Filipinos who ride these jeepneys every day. These efficiencies drive social and economic change and we need to start with a focused approach, which I believe will eventually and inevitably be adapted across public transport systems nationwide.”

Faster and more seamless travel through a cashless, open-loop system

The rapid urbanization across Asia Pacific, with 120,000 people moving to cities daily, has underscored the need for efficient public transit systems. Governments, including the Philippines, are investing in these systems as part of their strategies to mitigate road congestion, with a focus on simplifying public transit payments and increasing digital payment options. 

Visa’s Global Urban Mobility survey found that 58% of commuters favor a unified payment method for all transport modes, as currently half of them use four or more different methods each month. Meanwhile, another Visa survey showed that implementing open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit agencies creates a faster, safer, and more hygienic payment experience. Such a system promotes inclusivity and accessibility in public transit, even for those without access to traditional banking services, with modern payment systems simplifying fare processes for transit agencies, reducing costs and mitigating financial risks. 

“With Visa making access to payments more inclusive, we are glad to be moving the needle in embracing innovative systems such as the open-loop payment system which significantly enhances the commuting experience for all,” Navarro added. “This approach not only makes urban mobility more efficient and secure but ensures that everyone, especially those underserved by traditional banking services, has access to seamless and reliable public transportation.” 

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Regional insurtech Igloo on how insurers can attract Gen Z and boost insurance penetration in the Philippines, Southeast Asia

Regional insurtech Igloo on how insurers can attract Gen Z and boost insurance penetration in the Philippines, Southeast Asia

Monday, August 26, 2024

In Southeast Asia, insurers are grappling with the challenge of attracting Gen Z—a generation known for its financial savvy and strong desire for financial security. However, despite these traits, traditional insurance products often fail to resonate with them due to their perceived complexity and a general distrust of conventional financial institutions. This disconnect is particularly evident in the Philippines, where despite a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% which will see the country’s insurance industry’s value grow to P 209 billion in 2028, actual insurance penetration remains low at 1.6%.

This shows how the industry must address the concerns of Gen Z, a demographic that McKinsey predicts will comprise a quarter of the Asia Pacific’s population by 2025, including around 40 million Filipinos (34.7% of the Philippine population).

Many Gen Z individuals feel that insurance is unnecessary at their age, preferring to focus on immediate experiences rather than long-term financial products. A study by EY found that nearly 40% of Gen Z are worried about making the wrong choices with their money. Further compounding the issue, a survey by Accenture revealed that 52% of Gen Z in Southeast Asia do not trust traditional insurers, fearing hidden clauses and high premiums.

To bridge this gap, insurers must adopt innovative strategies that resonate with Gen Z's preferences. Regional award-winning insurtech Igloo emphasizes that this approach is vital for boosting insurance penetration in Southeast Asia. Here are some tips for effectively engaging this unique demographic:

Make insurance simple and affordable

Insurance products are often seen as complex and confusing, which can turn off younger consumers. To counter this, insurers should focus on offering straightforward policies with clear terms and conditions. Microinsurance, which provides affordable coverage for specific, smaller-scale risks, can be especially appealing to Gen Z. This generation may not have substantial financial resources but still needs protection.

Microinsurance policies can be tailored to cover travel mishaps, gadget protection, or event cancellations at affordable premiums. In the Philippines, Igloo offers products like Travel Master for travel enthusiasts to protect them health emergencies, flight delays and cancellations and Pet Insure, which provides three-in-one coverage package including reimbursements for veterinary care, owner’s liability coverage, and personal accident coverage for dog owners, ensuring that their pets a living their best lives.

By offering these targeted and relevant solutions, insurers can demonstrate an understanding of Gen Z's priorities and financial constraints, fostering a stronger connection with this demographic.

Meet your Gen Z customers where they are

This generation values convenience and expects services to be integrated into their digital lifestyles effortlessly. By embedding insurance within products or services that Gen Z already uses and trusts—such as offering gadget insurance at the point of purchase of a mobile phone or laptop, for example—insurers can streamline the purchase experience. Insurance then becomes more relevant to the consumer, making it a natural part of their purchasing decisions, rather than an afterthought.

Moreover, embedding insurance in relevant contexts enhances its perceived value and relevance to Gen Z. Insurers can integrate insurance options into digital wallets or payment apps, making it easier for Gen Z to purchase them. Igloo, for instance, has collaborated with prominent regional fintech players like GCash in the Philippines, DANA in Indonesia, and ZaloPay in Vietnam, integrating their insurance products into platforms that Gen Z consumers are accustomed to.

Through embedding insurance, insurers demonstrate the value of protection in scenarios that resonate with Gen Z's experiences and priorities, positioning insurance as a supportive and proactive solution in their daily lives.

Gamify insurance to make it fun and rewarding

Gamification involves incorporating game design elements into non-game contexts to enhance user engagement, enjoyment, and motivation. For insurers, this means transforming routine tasks like policy management and claims processing into interactive activities, creating a more appealing experience for younger consumers.

Insurers can offer points, badges, and other incentives for behavior, which will work well for Gen Z who are motivated by rewards and recognition. For example, users can earn points renewing policies, referring friends, or completing a task. These points can then be redeemed for rewards, creating a sense of value and appreciation. This approach not only incentivizes engagement but also builds a loyal customer base.

Gamification can also address the complexity issues Gen Z faces with traditional insurance products by simplifying it through interactive tutorials, quizzes, and simulations. Users can complete these educational modules and earn rewards, making the learning process both informative and engaging.

Igloo believes insurers targeting Gen Z in Southeast Asia must simplify insurance, making it accessible and rewarding. By aligning with Gen Z's preferences, insurers can build trust and loyalty while expanding insurance penetration.

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