Technology NEWS

by Allen Guo, Country Manager for the Philippines, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence

Last year, a record 29 tropical storms occurred in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Philippines, three tropical storms in the last quarter of 2020 dampened an already lethargic year principally due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19) pandemic.

Whenever a new year comes around, most look forward to it with a positive conviction and an opportunity for a fresh start. But 2020 had different plans for the world. Events and vacations were cancelled, routines and roles shifted, and mindsets turned inward as we reflected on our faith and resilience. 

As the economy proceeds to embrace the new normal, cybersecurity has become necessary in ensuring that all digital transformation initiatives happen without disruption.

In the past year, we’ve seen how businesses have switched to digital platforms due to the community quarantine. Many have come up with innovative ways to ensure that they are able to provide their basic services to people at home. One of them is Cebuana Lhuillier, which is one of the most accessible pawnshops in the country with 2,500 branches nationwide. 

PCCI President Ambassador Benedicto V. Yujuico and Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz recently met to discuss new initiatives that will strengthen the cooperation between Philippine and Israeli companies in the areas of innovation and agri-technology.  Israel is one of the leading countries in the world in innovation and new technology and the Philippines can learn from them especially in developing the country’s agriculture sector. 

A local official in Sta. Cruz, Zambales says fast, reliable and steady access to the internet has made it possible for his constituents to cope with the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless arm of the Philippines’ largest integrated telco PLDT, has launched its 5G roaming service in South Korea in partnership with KT Corp., Korea’s largest telecommunications company.

PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to reinforce integrated telco superiority, bagging a total of 19 citations at the 56th Anvil Awards, including the coveted Company of the Year distinction. This honor is awarded to an organization for garnering the greatest number of accumulated points based on the value of each Anvil trophy received. 

Businesses large and small, governments new and old all had to completely change what they do and how they operate. Helping us to manage this dramatic change was technology. Whether it was Zoom becoming our business boardroom, or Netflix being our night out at the movies, we relied on technology to help feed our families, teach our children, collaborate with co-workers, even entertain ourselves after yet another day in the house. 

ePLDT, an industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions in the Philippines, has recently been recognized as one of the Top CSP Direct Providers in the Philippines for Microsoft’s Fiscal Year 2020—further strengthening its years-long collaboration with Microsoft and its foothold in the cloud landscape.

Teko.ph (Teko Solutions Asia Inc.), recently announced the successful nationwide integration of its appliance after-sales service system, Complete Order Management System (COMS) with all the leading brands of Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), including Carrier, Condura, Midea, Toshiba, and Kelvinator. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, businesses have suffered great losses and struggled to stay afloat. Traditionally run businesses without a digital presence were doubly challenged to remain present in a market overrun by competitors with an already established audience. Given these challenges, Globe myBusiness is helping businesses power through this next normal. Globe offers tried-and-tested digital solutions, an impressive, reliable network, and empowering learning events—all of which are aimed at helping build stronger and better businesses this 2021.

February 10, 2021 – Payoneer Inc. (“Payoneer”), the global payment and commerce-enabling platform which powers growth for millions of digital businesses worldwide, and FTAC Olympus Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:FTOCU) (“FTOC”), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement and plan of reorganization (the “Reorganization”). Upon closing of the reorganization, the newly created holding company will be renamed Payoneer Global Inc. and the combined company (the “Company”) will operate as Payoneer, a U.S. publicly listed entity. The Company is expected to have an implied estimated enterprise value of approximately $3.3 billion at closing, based on current assumptions. 

With  the increasing demand for reliable information on COVID-19 vaccines, International SOS has created an innovative ‘traffic light’ indicator to help businesses track when, where and how they can roll-out corporate COVID-19 vaccination programs for their employees.

Globe myBusiness joins the Filipino-Chinese business communities in celebrating Chinese New Year through the Modern Tao Ke Campaign. The Modern Tao Ke Campaign (Tao Ke means Boss) aims to help the Tao Kes reinvent their success through the adoption of digital tools and solutions.

Hear this: 81% of Filipinos believe they have more influence as consumers in the ever-evolving online trade and commerce. This is according to “REACT,” a Prosumer report presented by Red Havas, the PR arm of reputed communications agency Havas Ortega. Prosumers are those the agency considers as trendsetters. They are the first to try out new things and, as such, are the ones who are consulted by their peers for counsel and recommendations when it comes to brands, ideas, philosophies, and beliefs.

The digital economy plays a key role in the Philippines’ economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, says Cielito Habito, Chairman of Brain Trust: Knowledge & Options for Sustainable Development, Inc.  At a recent economic briefing of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the former socioeconomic planning chief pointed out that digital economy is the only major sector to see growth during the public health crisis other than agriculture and banking.