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US DoJ accuses 2 Chinese men of trying to smuggle Nvidia chips

H100, Nvidia’s GPU optimized to handle large AI models used to create text, computer code, images, video and audio. — NVIDIA/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

WASHINGTON — Two Chinese men are in custody for allegedly smuggling Nvidia H100 and H200 chips to China, the US Justice department said on Monday, as President Donald J. Trump gave the green light for Nvidia to export its H200 chips to Beijing.

Prosecutors allege that Fanyue Gong, 43, a Chinese citizen living in New York, and Benlin Yuan, 58, a Canadian citizen from China, independently conspired with employees of a Hong Kong-based logistics company and a China-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology company to circumvent US export controls, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).

In court documents, prosecutors said Mr. Gong and his co-conspirators obtained the Nvidia chips through straw purchasers and intermediaries, and falsely claimed that the goods were for US customers or customers in third countries like Taiwan and Thailand.

The chips were shipped to multiple US warehouses, where individuals removed the Nvidia labels and affixed labels bearing the name of what prosecutors believe was a fake company, according to the criminal complaint. The chips were then prepared for export, according to the complaint.

In a separate complaint, prosecutors said Mr. Yuan helped recruit and organize individuals to inspect the mislabeled chips on behalf of the Hong Kong logistics company.

Mr. Yuan allegedly agreed to direct inspectors not to say the goods were destined for China, prosecutors said, adding that he also directed discussions to craft a story his company could use to get chips and other equipment released after they were seized by federal authorities.

Prosecutors estimate that the scheme had been in operation since at least November 2023, according to court documents.

Mr. Yuan’s lawyer declined to comment, while a representative for Mr. Gong could not immediately be identified.

“The Chinese government requires Chinese citizens abroad to strictly abide by local laws and regulations, while also legally protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens overseas,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said.

Another man, Alan Hao Hsu, 43, and his company pleaded guilty in October to smuggling and unlawful export activities as part of the scheme, according to the Justice department.

Mr. Hsu and his company received more than $50 million in wire transfers from China to help fund the operations, which exported and attempted to export at least $160 million worth of export-controlled Nvidia chips, the agency said.

“Operation Gatekeeper has exposed a sophisticated smuggling network that threatens our Nation’s security by funneling cutting-edge AI technology to those who would use it against American interests,” Nicholas J. Ganjei, the US attorney for the Southern District of Texas, said in a statement.

“While millions of controlled GPUs are in service at businesses, homes and schools, we will continue to work with the government and our customers to ensure that second-hand smuggling does not occur,” an Nvidia spokesperson said, calling the sale of older generation products on the secondary market “subject to strict security and review.” 

In 2022, the US government implemented export controls cutting China off from certain semiconductor chips made anywhere in the world with US equipment. The Trump administration in September expanded its restricted export list to automatically include subsidiaries owned 50% or more by a company on the list. — Reuters

Australia social media ban set to take effect, sparking a global crackdown

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Solen Feyissa from Pixabay

SYDNEY — Australia is set to become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use on Wednesday, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube forced to block more than a million accounts, marking the beginning of an expected global wave of regulation.

From midnight (1300 GMT), 10 of the biggest platforms will be required to block Australians aged under 16 or be fined up to A$49.5 million ($33 million). The law received harsh criticism from major technology companies and free speech advocates, but was praised by parents and child advocates.

The rollout closes out a year of speculation about whether a country can block children from using technology that is built into modern life. And it begins a live experiment that will be studied globally by lawmakers who want to intervene directly because they are frustrated by what they say is a tech industry that has been too slow to implement effective harm-minimization efforts.

Governments from Denmark to Malaysia – and even some states in the US, where platforms are rolling back trust and safety features – say they plan similar steps, four years after a leak of internal Meta documents showed the company knew its products contributed to body image problems and suicidal thoughts among teenagers while publicly denying the link existed.

“While Australia is the first to adopt such restrictions, it is unlikely to be the last,” said Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University.

“Governments around the world are watching how the power of Big Tech was successfully taken on. The social media ban in Australia … is very much the canary in the coal mine.”

A spokesperson for the British government, which in July began forcing websites hosting pornographic content to block under-18 users, said it was “closely monitoring Australia’s approach to age restrictions.”

“When it comes to children’s safety, nothing is off the table,” they added.

Few will scrutinize the impact as closely as the Australians. The eSafety Commissioner, an Australian regulator tasked with enforcing the ban, hired Stanford University and 11 academics to analyze data on thousands of young Australians covered by the ban for at least two years.

BEGINNING OF THE END
Though the ban covers 10 platforms initially, including Alphabet’s YouTube, Meta’s Instagram and TikTok, the government has said the list will change as new products appear and young users switch to alternatives.

Of the initial 10, all but Elon Musk’s X have said they will comply using age inference – guessing a person’s age from their online activity – or age estimation, which is usually based on a selfie. They might also check with uploaded identification documents or linked bank account details.

Mr. Musk has said the ban “seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians” and most platforms have complained that it violates people’s right to free speech. An Australian High Court challenge overseen by a libertarian state lawmaker is pending.

For the social media businesses, the implementation marks a new era of structural stagnation as user numbers flatline and time spent on platforms shrinks, studies show.

Platforms say they don’t make much money showing advertisements to under-16s, but they add that the ban interrupts a pipeline of future users. Just before the ban took effect, 86% of Australians aged 8 to 15 used social media, the government said.

“The days of social media being seen as a platform for unbridled self-expression, I think, are coming to an end,” said Terry Flew, the co-director of University of Sydney’s Centre for AI, Trust and Governance.

Platforms responded to negative headlines and regulatory threats with measures like a minimum age of 13 and extra privacy features for teenagers, but “if that had been the structure of social media in the boom period, I don’t think we’d be having this debate,” he added. — Reuters

FACTBOX-From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children’s social media access

GERALD MCCRAY-PIXABAY

SYDNEY — Australia on Wednesday will become the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook.

The ban is being closely watched by other countries considering similar age-based measures as concerns mount over the effects of social media on children’s health and safety.

Below is a summary of what other countries and tech companies are doing to regulate access to social media.

AUSTRALIA

A landmark law passed in November 2024 forces major social media platforms to block minors younger than 16 starting on Wednesday, one of the world’s toughest regulations targeting major tech platforms.

Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($32.8 million).

BRITAIN

The Online Safety Act sets tougher standards for social media platforms, including age restrictions to block minors from accessing harmful content.

The law was passed in 2023 and enforcement began this year. No age limit for accessing social media has been set.

CHINA

China’s cyberspace regulator has put in place a so-called “minor mode” program that requires device-level restrictions and app-specific rules to restrict screen time depending on age.

DENMARK

Denmark said in November it would ban social media for children under 15, while allowing parents to give exemptions for youngsters down to the age of 13 to access certain platforms.

A majority of parties in Parliament said they would back the plan ahead of a formal vote.

FRANCE

In 2023, France passed a law requiring social platforms to get parental consent for minors under 15 to create accounts. But according to local media, technical challenges have impeded its enforcement.

GERMANY

Minors between the ages of 13 and 16 are allowed to use social media only if their parents provide consent. But child protection advocates say controls are insufficient.

ITALY

In Italy, children under the age of 14 need parental consent to sign up for social media accounts, while no consent is required from that age upwards.

MALAYSIA

Malaysia said in November it would ban social media for users under the age of 16 starting next year.

NORWAY

The Norwegian government in October 2024 proposed raising the age at which children can consent to the terms required to use social media to 15 years from 13, although parents would still be permitted to sign off on their behalf if they are under the age limit.

The government has also begun working on legislation to set an absolute minimum age limit of 15 for social media use.

THE US

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act prevents companies from collecting personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.

Several states have also passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to access social media, but they have faced court challenges on free speech grounds.

EU LEGISLATION
The European Parliament in November agreed on a resolution calling for a minimum age of 16 on social media to ensure “age-appropriate online engagement.”

It also urged a harmonized European Union (EU) digital age limit of 13 for social media access and an age limit of 13 for video-sharing services and “AI companions.”

The resolution is not legally binding.

TECH’S OWN REGULATION
Social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat say people need to be at least 13 to sign up.

Child protection advocates say the controls are insufficient, however, and official data in several European countries show huge numbers of children under 13 have social media accounts. — Reuters

China executes ex-official for graft

ALEJANDRO LUENGO-UNSPLASH

BEIJING — China on Tuesday executed Bai Tianhui, a former general manager of China Huarong International Holdings, for taking bribes totaling 1.1 billion yuan ($156 million), state broadcaster CCTV said.

The company is a key offshore financing unit of troubled asset manager China Huarong Asset Management, known since 2024 as China CITIC Financial Asset Management.

One of China’s biggest bad debt managers, Huarong was set up to handle bad loans from state banks.

The amount of bribes taken by Mr. Bai was “particularly huge” and “the social impact was particularly pernicious, causing particularly serious losses to the interests of the state and the people,” CCTV said.

Mr. Bai’s family was not reachable for comment.

CCTV said Mr. Bai exploited his senior positions at Huarong International Financial Holdings Ltd. (Hong Kong) and China Huarong International Holdings Ltd. from 2014 to 2018 to illegally accept money and assets. 

Mr. Bai, sentenced to death in May 2024 by a court in China’s northern city of Tianjin, lost his appeal to a higher court in February, which was then approved by the country’s top court.

The execution was the latest in China’s anti-graft campaign that has been widened to the sprawling financial industry.

In 2021, China executed Lai Xiaomin, a former chairman of China Huarong, in one of its highest-profile graft cases after he was found guilty of receiving or seeking bribes totaling 1.79 billion yuan.

Huarong was renamed after its takeover by Citic Group in a government-orchestrated bailout in 2021. — Reuters

PalawanPay expands services for domestic workers 

Palawan Group of Companies and JCI Senate Philippines at the 2025 Kasambahay Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards 2025. — ALMIRA S. MARTINEZ

The Palawan Group of Companies said that it will expand the services of its e-wallet and digital payment application, PalawanPay, to cater to the needs of Filipino domestic workers and promote financial inclusion.    

“Our plan is to really expand our services for PalawanPay,” Palawan Group of Companies Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan told reporters in an interview on Monday.   

“Eventually, in our PalawanPay, we’ll form a community of services that is really applicable to our house helpers,” he added.  

This initiative aligns with the group’s mission to champion house helpers, as mentioned in its annual Kasambahay Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards, where they honor stories of Filipino helpers from across the globe.    

“The proof is when you talk to a lot of helpers, whether here in Metro Manila or other parts of the country, a lot of them are loyal customers of Palawan,” Palawan Group of Companies President and Chief Executive Officer Karlo M. Castro said in an interview.    

House helpers are among the group’s valued customers, according to Mr. Castro. “The kasambahays (housekeepers) are really an important and significant customer segment for the Palawan Group.”    

“That segment and similar segments are part of the mission of Palawan, which is to really connect people and businesses towards financial success,” he added.  

Data from the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices in the Philippines, published by the U.S Department of State, found that there are approximately two million domestic workers in the country. Of which, nearly 85% are women, aged as young as 15 years old.     

Although the population of helpers in the country is notable, Mr. Kaibigan underscored that the well-being of these workers is often overlooked. “The most neglected aspect, also for housekeepers, is that they are not given the benefit of having an annual physical exam.”   

To address this issue, the group offers insurance for housekeepers, specifically for annual physical examinations.     

“It’s really more of an advocacy product to support our households so that they can also have a health benefit,” he added.     

The group also promotes jewelry investment among domestic workers to help with their finances. “They can’t usually afford the 24K that has high grams. So, what Palawan made is one gram of gold, but the rest is silver,” the Palawan Group executive said.    

“When the time comes that they need it [funds], they can use it,” he added.    

Other services lined up in the group’s pipeline for domestic workers include savings accounts and lending services, Palawan Credit. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Beyond pizza and pasta: Italy’s culinary heritage awaits UNESCO nod

STEFAN FROM PIXABAY

ROME — Italian cooking, already celebrated around the world, is poised for a new accolade: formal recognition as a cultural treasure from the United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO.

A preliminary UNESCO assessment has cleared Italian cuisine to be added to UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ lists and a final decision is expected on Wednesday.

Launched in March 2023 by Italy’s agriculture and culture ministries, the bid casts Italian cuisine – from pasta and pizza to risotto and cannoli – as a social ritual that binds families and communities together.

“There is no single Italian cuisine, but a mosaic of local expressive diversities,” the government said.

From Lombardy’s ossobuco – braised veal shanks with gremolata, to Puglia’s orecchiette con cime di rapa – ear-shaped pasta with turnip greens, each region showcases Italian biodiversity and creativity, it said.

CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC FOOTPRINT
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has championed the effort, calling Italian food a symbol of “culture, identity, tradition and strength.”

Industry groups estimate UNESCO recognition could boost tourism by up to 8% in two years, adding 18 million overnight stays. Italian cuisine also connects 59 million residents with up to 85 million people of Italian descent worldwide.

Globally, the Italian food service market hit 251 billion euros ($293 billion) in 2024, or 19% of the global restaurant market, Deloitte said. But imitation products abroad cost Italy an estimated 120 billion euros annually.

CRITICISM AND DEBATE
Not everyone in Italy supports the bid to join UNESCO lists, which already feature almost 800 items including Italian opera singing and truffle hunting.

Alberto Grandi, a food historian, called the UNESCO candidacy “just a marketing operation” in an interview with website Mantovauno last month.

In his 2024 book ‘La cucina italiana non esiste’ (‘Italian cuisine doesn’t exist’), Grandi argued that many dishes considered traditional, including pasta alla carbonara, are relatively modern inventions influenced by foreign cultures.

Grandi’s remarks have sparked a backlash from farmers’ association Coldiretti, which called his claims “surreal attacks on national culinary tradition.”

‘THE ART OF CARING’
For restaurateurs like Luigina Pantalone, owner of Rome’s historic Da Sabatino, a UNESCO nod from Wednesday’s meeting in India would be a source of pride.

“Authentic Italian cuisine needs to be protected,” she said, recalling childhood days washing dishes with her brothers and proudly noting that she is the fourth generation of her family to run the restaurant.

Three-Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura summed it up: “Italian cuisine is an ancient, daily, sacred ritual – the art of caring and loving without saying a word.” — Reuters

2025 will be world’s second or third-hottest year on record, EU scientists say

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

BRUSSELS — This year is set to be the world’s second or third-warmest on record, potentially surpassed only by 2024’S record-breaking heat, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said on Tuesday.

The data is the latest from C3S following last month’s COP30 climate summit, where governments failed to agree to substantial new measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting strained geopolitics as the US rolls back its efforts, and some countries seek to weaken CO2-cutting measures.

This year will also likely round out the first three-year period in which the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial period, when humans began burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale, C3S said in a monthly bulletin.

“These milestones are not abstract – they reflect the accelerating pace of climate change,” said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at C3S.

Extreme weather continued to hit regions around the globe this year. Typhoon Kalmaegi killed more than 200 people in the Philippines last month. Spain suffered its worst wildfires for three decades because of weather conditions that scientists confirmed were made more likely by climate change.

Last year was the planet’s hottest on record.

While natural weather patterns mean temperatures fluctuate year to year, scientists have documented a clear warming trend in global temperatures over time, and confirmed that the main cause of this warming is greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.

The last 10 years have been the 10 warmest years since records began, the World Meteorological Organization said earlier this year.

The global threshold of 1.5 Celsius is the limit of warming which countries vowed under the 2015 Paris climate agreement to try to prevent, to avoid the worst consequences of warming.

The world has not yet technically breached that target – which refers to an average global temperature of 1.5 Celsius over decades. But the UN said this year that the 1.5 Celsius goal can no longer realistically be met and urged governments to cut CO2 emissions faster, to limit overshooting the target.

C3S’s records go back to 1940, and are cross-checked with global temperature records going back to 1850. — Reuters

MGS strengthens leadership in smart-home innovation with an expanded multi-category product line

MGS Philippines has officially strengthened its position as a leader in next-generation home living with the launch of an expanded and upgraded smart-home collection. Long recognized for its advanced smart-lock technology, the brand is now moving beyond single-category solutions and introducing a complete ecosystem designed for modern Filipino households that value convenience, security, innovation, and elevated design.

The enhanced lineup introduces a wide range of smart-living products that upgrade essential everyday routines. These include Smart Toilets with automatic cleansing systems, Smart Dishwashers built for efficient and thorough cleaning, and a premium set of Wine Coolers and Beverage Coolers designed for curated home hosting. The collection also features Ice Makers that deliver hospitality-level ice production and AI-powered Vacuum Robots that take hands-free cleaning to a new level.

MGS further broadens its offerings with intelligent fixtures such as the Smart Sink, Smart Shower, and upgraded Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets, each engineered to merge technology with refined aesthetics. The brand’s new Bathroom Cabinet Set provides an all-in-one smart storage solution that integrates lighting and functionality. Completing the lineup are premium additions like Viona Patagonia Quartz for sophisticated interiors, and the soon-to-launch MGS Coffee Maker crafted for high-quality home brewing.

Every product category supports MGS’s long-term vision of a truly connected home. Instead of isolated devices, the brand aims to build a unified smart ecosystem where design, materials, and technology work seamlessly together. This expansion also marks MGS’s fast-growing transition toward AI-driven innovation, with future offerings expected to include even more intelligent, adaptive, and personalized features.

With this comprehensive portfolio refresh, MGS reaffirms its role as a key force in the Philippines’ smart-home evolution. The brand continues to empower Filipino households to embrace intuitive, efficient, and intelligent living through technology that elevates every part of the home.

 

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Stories of hardwork and perseverance highlight the Toyota Tamaraw Roadshow at Marilao

Coco Martin waves to Marileños as he arrives at Toyota Marilao, Bulacan, Inc.

Coco Martin meets with Marileños for his provincial caravan

Abante Posible Ambassador Coco Martin met with Marileños and Bulakeños at Marilao, Bulacan during the nationwide Tamaraw roadshow organized by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Toyota Marilao, Bulacan, Inc. (TMR). Marilao is Coco’s third provincial stop after Cagayan De Oro and Tacloban, where customers have been sharing their stories of Abante Posible with the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw.

Coco Martin’s experience with the Toyota Tamaraw

Coco Martin answers questions from the media.

Keeping up the energy high in the afternoon, Coco performed a song and dance number to entertain the audience. Coco then shared his experience as a proud owner of his very own Toyota Tamaraw Utility Van which he uses for his business and for his employees’ transportation.

“Ang una-unang binili ko sa kanila (sa Toyota) yung Utility Van, kasi naisip ko gamitin sa negosyo na tinayo namin. ‘Pag nag-go-grocery kami, dito lahat namin nilalagay yung grocery namin. Kapag sa bahay kinailangan yung mga tao namin ng masasakyan, napaka-komportable nila kasi air-con at maluwag,” Coco shared. (The first variant I bought (from Toyota) is the Utility Van, because I thought of using it for our business. Every time we buy groceries we load everything we bought here (in the Utility Van). At our house, if our employees need transportation, they can ride comfortably because there’s air conditioning and it’s spacious.)

The Abante Posible ambassador also shared how delightfully surprised he was with the performance of the Toyota Tamaraw and how the clutch pedal is soft and easy to drive.

“Sabi ko ang tagal ko nang nag-da-drive. Nagulat ako siguro dahil moderno na ngayon at inaayos ng inaayos ang makina. First time ko makaapak ng clutch na ganun kalambot, sabi ko ba’t napakalambot ng clutch neto at napakalakas ng power? Nagulat ako dun sa performance ng Toyota Tamaraw,” he said. (I’ve been driving for a long time. I was probably surprised because (the Tamaraw) is modern now and the engine is continuously being improved. It’s the first time that I stepped on a clutch that is so soft. I said to myself, “why is the clutch so soft and there is so much power?” I was surprised with the performance of the Toyota Tamaraw.)

Stories of Abante, Posible!

Domingo Delizo with his Toyota Tamaraw Utility Van

Domingo Delizo from Pandi Bulacan, is one of the many people in the showroom who got to meet Coco during his visit. Domingo praised the effectiveness of the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw for his business, saying that his business income has tripled ever since he bought his Toyota Tamaraw. Additionally, he says that he bought the Toyota Tamaraw due to the reliability Toyota vehicles provide to their customers. This has led to his family having peace of mind when it comes to their business operations. Domingo also shared many people praise his Toyota Tamaraw, to which he encourages them to buy a unit as well, referring them to Toyota Marilao, Bulacan, Inc. for their purchase.

Estrella Maruyama with TMR Marketing Professionals

Another customer, Estrella Maruyama, shared that they bought the Toyota Tamaraw as they wanted to experience the durability and quality that it offered. Once they received their Tamaraw, she was not disappointed as she found the interior to be comfortable and their rides with their Tamaraw to be smooth and relaxing. Estrella was so satisfied with her Toyota Tamaraw, that she recommended her daughter, Catherine, purchase one as well. 

“At dahil sobrang nagustuhan ko (yung Tamaraw), ni-recommend ko agad sa anak ko, kaya kumuha rin siya kaagad. Ngayon, dalawa na ang Tamaraw sa pamilya namin. Ibig sabihin, hindi lang ako ang satisfied, pati anak ko satisfied din. Sa tibay, practicality, at comfort, masasabi ko, hindi lang sasakyan ang Tamaraw, katuwang talaga siya sa negosyo at sa buhay,” she shared. (Since I really liked the Toyota Tamaraw, I immediately recommended my daughter to buy one immediately. Now, we have two Tamaraws in our family. It means it is not only me who is satisfied, but also my daughter who is satisfied as well. Because of the durability, practicality, and comfort, I can say, that the Tamaraw is not only a vehicle but a partner in business and in life.)

Toyota Tamaraw: The Filipino’s Choice

TMR President Cosco Oben and Coco Martin posing for a picture

Amid the record sales and a high preferability among MSME owners, more Filipinos are choosing to make Abante, Posible with the Toyota Tamaraw as their mobility partner. The Toyota Tamaraw has been empowering communities ever since its launch last year, becoming an important aspect in many Filipino livelihoods. Marilao is no exception to this as TMR President Cosco Oben, emphasized the immense growth and importance of the Toyota Tamaraw to Marileños and Bulakeños, not only in business but also for family use. He also expressed his gratitude to customers in Bulacan for the trust they have placed in the Toyota Tamaraw.

“The Next Gen Tamaraw is quickly becoming the mobility choice of many Marileños and Bulakeños. They see it as a practical solution for both business and family needs — reliable for their daily business operations, and dependable for bringing their loved ones where they need to be, with confidence and style. I’m truly grateful to our team and to our customers here in Bulacan for the trust they’ve given the Next Gen Tamaraw,” Oben said.

Local dealers such as Toyota Marilao Bulacan, Inc. have been an important aspect of the Tamaraw’s record sales, building a strong relationship with their local MSMEs and their owners. Dealers have been cultivating trust towards MSMEs with the Tamaraw at the forefront, leading to growth among MSMEs in the community.

Throughout the whole afternoon Coco met and gave the Marileños a day filled with joy. He entertained the audience with his performances and shared his love for the Toyota Tamaraw. The Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw, a partner for progress with its reliability, customizability, and fuel-efficiency, shows the Filipino people that they can achieve Abante, Posible!

The Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw was launched in 2024 as a highly customizable utility vehicle that could respond to the needs of various entrepreneurs, especially MSMEs.

In line with the Tamaraw answering the needs of customers, TMP recently launched new AT variants and conversion units for the utility vehicle:

AT Variants 2.4 GL Utility Van DSL AT
2.4 GL Aluminum Cargo DSL AT
Additional Conversions 2.4 Ambulance DSL MT*
2.4 Telco Van DSL MT*
2.4 Patrol Car DSL MT*
2.4 Ref Van DSL MT*

*Additional Conversions are for Indent Order basis only

Additionally, some variants of the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw are now available in other colors for customers to choose from. The GL Dropside will now be available in Super Red. The Tamaraw Utility Van will be available in Black 1, Greyish Blue Metallic, and Super Red. The Tamaraw Dropside DSL M/T, meanwhile, will additionally be available in Silver Metallic.

To learn more about Next Generation Tamaraw, visit https://www.toyota.com.ph/tamaraw or inquire at your nearest Toyota dealership.

Follow Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook, Instagram and X, and join the ToyotaPH community on Viber to get the latest updates on products, services, and promos.

 

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115 years of InLife: A night of legacy, purpose, and celebration

InLife Board of Trustees. Front row from left: Ms. Mona Lisa B. de la Cruz, Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas, and Ms. Maria Noemi G. Azura. Back row from left: Vice-Chairman of the Board Luis C. la Ò, Mr. Luis Y. Benitez, Atty. Victor P. Lazatin, and President and CEO Raoul Antonio E. Littaua. Not in photo are Trustees Mr. Justo A. Ortiz and Ms. Marietta C. Gorrez.

How do you honor 115 years of safeguarding Filipino families? InLife did it with music, memories, and meaningful moments that reflected more than a century of service.

Held at Shangri-La The Fort, the anniversary gala became the highlight of the milestone year — an evening that blended culture, artistry, and heartfelt storytelling. Vice-Chairman Luis C. La Ó opened the night by affirming the company’s enduring mission: “InLife’s mission has always been clear: to protect Filipino families from financial hardships through life insurance. This purpose remains as vital today as it was at the very start.”

Executive Chairperson Nina D. Aguas followed with an inspiring message on the legacy behind InLife and the future ahead. “We were not built in comfort. We were forged in challenge. Yet each time history pressed in, we pressed forward. What has carried InLife for 115 years: a purpose anchored in faith, and in love for country and for our people… Let us make one more promise together: to lead with conscience, to innovate with heart, to act with courage, and to build something enduring for those who will follow long after we are gone.”

A key highlight was the unveiling of Kairos: Moments that Moved Us, InLife’s commemorative book capturing defining decisions and turning points in its storied history. Executives led by President and CEO Raoul Antonio E. Littaua read excerpts from their authored chapters, offering personal perspectives on pivotal choices that shaped the company. A message from Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, who wrote the foreword, honored InLife as a cornerstone of national progress, highlighting how the company laid the foundation for the insurance industry and has long stood as a symbol of trust, stability, and innovation.

Guests were treated to outstanding performances from the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, Acapellago, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, capped by a special number from InLife Dreamweaver and Brand Ambassador Sharon Cuneta. Award-winning host Rico Hizon led the program, culminating in a collective toast to 115 years of service and fortitude.

Ms. Aguas led the ceremonial toast to InLife’s 115-year legacy and future, joined by (from left) Mr. La Ó, Ayala Corporation Vice-Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Mr. Littaua.

The celebration extended beyond the ballroom with the launch of the Kairos microsite (https://kairos.inlife.com.ph/)  and the photo exhibit Kairos: The Visual Narratives featuring images taken by President Littaua. These were auctioned to InLife employees and executives with the proceeds donated to the InLife Foundation. The exhibit will run until Dec. 15 at InLife Treasures, the company’s art gallery located at its Alabang Headquarters.

Good Going Round

Earlier that day, InLife delighted policyholders and visitors nationwide through its Good Going Round anniversary promo — giving out free Dunkin’ donuts in its offices and in UnionBank branches. More than a treat, each donut symbolized the goodness InLife has passed on for generations and continues to share today. The simple gesture sparked warm interactions, encouraged digital engagement, and brought the anniversary spirit to communities across the country.

As InLife turns the page to its next chapter, the promise remains: to continue giving Filipinos A Lifetime for Good.

 

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JuanHand secures a multimillion-peso credit facility in the Philippines

In the photo from left to right: Joseph Ruan, COO of WeFund Lending Corp. | JuanHand; Tim Li, CEO of FinVolution Group; Francisco “Coco” Mauricio, president and CEO of WeFund Lending Corp. | JuanHand; Shaun Sakhrani, head of Structured Banking Southeast Asia, HSBC Philippines / HSBC Singapore; and Xiaodong Sun, head of International Business of FinVolution Group

WeFund Lending Corp., operator of the JuanHand online lending application, has secured a multimillion-peso credit facility with HSBC in the Philippines. The proceeds will be deployed to expand financial access for underserved yet creditworthy Filipinos.

The credit facility aims to strengthen financial inclusion by providing immediate and sustainable access to financing for individuals with limited or no credit history. This initiative underscores WeFund’s commitment to advancing responsible lending and promoting long-term financial empowerment across the country.

WeFund, operator of the JuanHand lending platform, has disbursed over P85 billion in loans to more than 20 million registered users. Recognized as one of the Philippines’ leading fintech cash lending apps, JuanHand provides fast and reliable access to funds, approving and disbursing loans in under five minutes. With its strong focus on fair interest rates, regulatory compliance, and customer-centric service, JuanHand continues to lead the way in offering trusted, technology-driven financial solutions to mainstream Filipinos.

According to Francisco “Coco” Mauricio, president and CEO of WeFund Lending Corp. | JuanHand, “This credit facility will enable us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that millions of Filipinos, particularly those historically underserved, can gain access to responsible credit. Empowering individuals through financial inclusion is at the core of what we do, and this collaboration marks a meaningful step toward that goal.”

The credit facility represents a significant milestone in bridging traditional banking and fintech collaboration, demonstrating how collaboration between established financial institutions and agile digital lenders can create scalable and sustainable solutions for inclusive economic growth.

About WeFund | JuanHand

WeFund Lending Corp. operates the JuanHand mobile lending platform, one of the Philippines’ most trusted fintech apps. To date, JuanHand has extended more than P85 billion in loans to over 20 million Filipinos. The platform’s mission is to empower underserved communities by providing fast, fair, and accessible credit, supported by robust technology and strong compliance standards.

Download the JuanHand app today via the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, or visit www.juanhand.com.

 

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DigiPlus to spotlight responsible gaming and CSR innovations at G2E Asia PH panel on Dec. 11

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, is set to take the stage at the upcoming Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia Philippines, a highly anticipated gathering of international gaming industry leaders and professionals, happening on Dec. 10 to 11 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

DigiPlus will be represented on the panel “Innovations in Responsible Gaming and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” by Erick Su, head of ArenaPlus, the company’s flagship sportsbook platform. The discussion will take place on Day 2 of the conference, Thursday, Dec. 11, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

During the panel, DigiPlus will share insights on responsible gaming practices, including the company’s innovations in player protection and CSR activities that create meaningful impact for players and communities.

“As the pioneer and industry leader in Philippine online gaming and digital entertainment, DigiPlus is proud to be at the forefront of global industry dialogue at G2E Asia,” said Mr. Su. “Our participation will showcase how we champion responsible gaming and sustainable growth, as DigiPlus continues to evolve from a local to a global entertainment brand.”

Together with its flagship brands BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, DigiPlus also serves as the Exclusive Conference Track Sponsor of G2E Asia @ the Philippines 2025: Connecting People and Innovations for the Philippine Gaming Market.

Recognized as a major gaming industry trade show and conference, G2E Asia is part of the wider Global Gaming Expo (G2E) series, which includes flagship events such as G2E Las Vegas and G2E Macau.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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