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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Inauguration of 'Friendship Smart Benches' marks 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Philippines

Inauguration of 'Friendship Smart Benches' marks 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Philippines

Published Dec 29, 2024 01:43 am
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with Rodney Hall, Ambassador Titanilla Tóth, Deputy State Secretary Katalin Bihari, Atty. Ma. Theresa Veloso, and Rico Manuel

The Embassy of Hungary, together with Asia by Bromhead Holdings Inc., introduced Kuube, smart benches developed from ideas the company had been working on as a graphic design and web interface startup in Hungary.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Philippines, Ambassador Titanilla Tóth inaugurated the Friendship Smart Benches, donated by the pioneering Hungarian company Kuube to the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. on Dec. 4, 2024, at BGC High Street. These innovative benches symbolize the shared commitment of the Embassy of Hungary and the City of Taguig to sustainable urban solutions and fostering cooperation in cutting-edge technologies.

Joining Ambassador Tóth were Hungary’s Deputy State Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Katalin Bihari, Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.’s Rico Manuel, Atty. Ma. Theresa Veloso, head of Taguig City’s Business Permit and Licensing Office, and Rodney Hall of Bromhead Holdings Inc.

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Ambassador Titanilla Tóth delivered the welcoming remarks

In a tropical country like the Philippines, where the population continues to grow, harvesting solar energy is a key sustainable solution. The Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. in Taguig City was chosen as the recipient of these benches to help make sustainable technology accessible in emerging smart cities. This milestone celebrates not only the shared commitment between Hungary and the Philippines to innovation but also the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The two countries continue to work together through joint research initiatives, technology exchanges, and bilateral cooperation to promote advancements that benefit both nations and the global community.

Kuube’s developers sought to create smart furniture combining innovative technology and sustainability. This led to their focus on solar energy, enabling them to contribute to smart city developments locally and internationally.

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Deputy State Secretary Katalin Bihari at the inauguration of the Friendship Smart Benches

The benches are designed to be both practical and sustainable. They feature an antibacterial coating that reduces bacterial contamination by 90% and a unique finish that helps minimize carbon dioxide emissions. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the benches can charge devices via USB ports or wirelessly. They also function as Wi-Fi hotspots and include environmental sensors to measure temperature, UV levels, air quality, humidity, and air pressure.

Beyond device charging, these benches serve as community hubs, thanks to their striking design and free Wi-Fi. The Kuube Plus model includes two 7-inch high-resolution touch displays and a studio-quality sound system, enhancing its role as a meeting point. The displays and sound system allow interactive communication between bench owners and users.
The Kuube Plus also features RGB ambient lighting with more than 16 million color options, matching the mood of any setting. The displays and speakers can play media, including advertising, informational content, or customized messages, adding another dimension to their functionality in smart cities.

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held with Rodney Hall, Ambassador Titanilla Tóth, Deputy State Secretary Katalin Bihari, Atty. Ma. Theresa Veloso, and Rico Manuel
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Trying out the bench are Atty. Ma. Theresa Veloso, Deputy State Secretary Katalin Bihari, and Ambassador Titanilla Tóth. Standing in the back are Rodney Hall and Rico Manuel


 

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