Digital is the new POP: Who and what to expect in this year’s DigiCon POP 2021

October 6, 2021 | 1:00 pm

Digicon POP 2021 Speakers — DigiCon POP 2021 speakers

Digital is the new “POP,” as digital services take preference in commerce, finances, and most other aspects of daily life.

The Internet & Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP) is set to discuss the new digital normal in this year’s DigiCon POP, which will be held virtually from Oct. 11-15, 2021.

“Digital is the new masa,” shares Leigh Reyes, Board President of IMMAP and Creative Chair of MullenLowe TREYNA Group of Companies. “From village Viber groups, to live selling, from learning how to navigate by QR code, to Zoom e-numans and Zoomba, digital made a full shift to the mainstream.”

This year’s featured speakers are comprised of industry giants such as Adam Grant, best-selling author of Think Again; Rory Sutherland, Vice-Chairman of Ogilvy UK and one of the industry’s leading experts on consumer behaviors; Scott Galloway, who’s deemed “One of the World’s 50 Best Business Professors” and host of the award-winning podcast, Pivot; Laurent Ezekiel, Chief Marketing Officer and Growth Officer for WPP, the largest advertising holdings company worldwide; and Gill Zhou, Chief Marketing Officer for one of the largest technology companies globally, IBM.

Furthermore, attendees will also get the chance to hear from DigiCon’s “baddest” speaker yet, Bretman Rock. The breakout content creator and digital influencer made headlines as a trailblazer for both the LGBTQIA+ and Asian-American communities through his very own MTV reality show and social content.

Five days of DigiCon dives into a deep framework which consists of four programming tracks — Disruption, Expansion, Emerging, and Possibilities — which brings together over fifty keynote speakers from all over the world.

The Disruption track will cover innovative trends and digital excellence and will feature speakers such as Michael Patent, founder of sports and entertainment agency, Culture Group; and Todd Schweizer, co-founder and CEO of independent financial platform, Brankas.

The Expansion vertical will cover the key sectors which are uncovering new opportunities through data and will include Key speakers like Nicholas Kontopolous, APAC Regional Head of Growth Marketing for Adobe DX; and Bea Atienza, IBE Leader for Colgate-Palmolive.

The Emerging leg will discuss rising digital trends and tools including new media and e-commerce platforms. This category brings together speakers like Ash Mandhyan, CEO of Quanta Digital, and Carlos Alimurung, CEO of ONE Esports.

The final track, Possibilities, will be about understanding new potential markets that also span multi-generations through innovative strategies. This leg will feature speakers including Budjette Tan, writer and co-creator of hit comic series, Trese; and Grace David, CEO of Edukasyon.PH.

DigiCon POP also marks the anticipated return of two events that aspiring practitioners and professionals have been looking forward to, especially following a year of hiatus due to the pandemic.

DPOP Youth — presented by Unilab — will be back for a one-day workshop and competition on Oct. 12, 2021 where university students can learn, socialize, and showcase their talents in the digital industry while also hearing from key industry leaders on strategy development, creative strategy, and media orchestration.

Aside from DPOP Youth, DigiCon POP 2021 also marks the anticipated return of the prestigious Boomerang Awards, which will culminate the week-long event on Oct. 15. With the theme Unmute, this year’s comeback promises to be louder, bolder, and more inclusive with the addition of Tech Innovation categories.

Special categories have also been added to the award body’s extensive roster including The Purple Boomerang Award, which focuses on gender equality and empowerment for women; and The Blue Impact Boomerang, which recognizes campaigns that were developed as “people first” and measures mobile ingenuity, and innovation in driving business objectives through Facebook.

For more information about DigiCon POP 2021, please visit the official website at www.digicon.com.ph where you can check out a breakdown of the various tracks, more details about this year’s speakers, and how to avail ticket prices.

IMMAP DigiCon POP 2021 would like to thank Platinum sponsors ChatGenie and ShareIt; Gold sponsors Manulife Philippines, McDonald’s, Spotify, and PMFTC, Inc.; Bronze sponsors Facebook, Media Donuts, Metrobank, and Paymaya.

Also acknowledging Platinum media partners ABS-CBN, MBC, Rakuten Viber; Gold media partners CNN Philippines, Manila Bulletin, One Mega Group Inc., Podcast Network Asia, and Rappler Philippines; Silver media partners BusinessWorld, Fully Booked, Inquirer.Net, and The Philippine Star; and Event Partners Certified Digital Marketer, Eventscape Manila, MullenLowe TREYNA, and Future Proof PH.

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Taiwan defence minister says tensions with China are the worst in four decades

October 6, 2021 | 1:00 pm

TAIPEI, Oct 6 (Reuters) – Military tensions with China are at their worst in more than 40 years, Taiwan‘s defence minister said on Wednesday, days after record numbers of Chinese aircraft flew into the island’s air defence zone.

Tensions have hit a new high between Taipei and Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own territory, and Chinese military aircraft have repeatedly flown through Taiwan‘s air defence identification zone.

Over a four day period beginning last Friday, Taiwan reported close to 150 Chinese air force aircraft https://tmsnrt.rs/3ld6TyI entered its air defence zone, part of a pattern of what Taipei calls Beijing’s continued harassment of the island.

Asked by a lawmaker on the current military tensions with China at the parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said the situation was “the most serious” in more than 40 years since he joined the military, adding there was a risk of a “misfire” across the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

“For me as a military man, the urgency is right in front of me,” he told a parliamentary committee reviewing a special military spending of T$240 billion ($8.6 billion) for home-made weapons including missiles and warships.

China says Taiwan should be taken by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country and will defend its freedoms and democracy, blaming China for the tensions.

Chiu said China already has the ability to invade Taiwan and it will be capable of mounting a “full scale” invasion by 2025.

“By 2025, China will bring the cost and attrition to its lowest. It has the capacity now, but it will not start a war easily, having to take many other things into consideration.”

The United States, Taiwan‘s main military supplier, has confirmed its “rock-solid” commitment to Taiwan and also criticised China. Beijing blames Washington’s policies of supporting Taiwan with arms sales and sending warships through the Taiwan Strait for raising tensions.

Taiwan‘s special military spending over the next five years will go mostly toward naval weapons including anti-ship weapons such as land-based missile systems.

Taiwan reported one Chinese air force aircraft entered its air defence zone on Tuesday. – Reuters

Felicidad Sy Hall: A multispecialty building soon to rise in UP-PGH

October 6, 2021 | 12:55 pm

FTSFI 4 — Groundbreaking ceremony of the Felicidad Sy Hall in UP PGH

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the multispecialty building, Felicidad Sy Hall.

Funded by the Felicidad T. Sy Foundation (FTSFI), this is the second medical building that the Sy family supported for UP Manila – PGH. Back in 2019, the family, through their Henry Sy Foundation collaborated with the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Foundation Inc. (UPMAFI) to support the construction of an 11-story Medical Sciences Building.

According to UP-PGH Director Dr. Gap Legaspi, the 15-story building will house the neuroscience department as well as other specialties such as orthopedic, dermatology, oncology, laboratory, psychiatry, ICU, and ophthalmology, among others—to bring quality medical services to the Filipino people.

Artist rendition of the Felicidad Sy Hall in UP-PGH

He also said that this building is designed to be the first pandemic-ready building and will have the most advanced laboratory in the country.

“Putting up this building is not only an infrastructure achievement – it’s a big achievement for anyone who dreams big for UP. Our alumni and current UP students always have a big dream for the university and the hospital. Through this kind of collaboration, we can realize that there’s always a way to do it and achieve our dreams,” Dr. Legaspi stated.

Artist rendition, 12th floor charity nursing units, six-bed ward

Through a video message, Ms. Teresita T. Sy conveyed Nanang’s excitement and commitment for the said project: “My mom is excited that her personal foundation was invited into this worthy project. She’s always happy when her foundation is supporting developments that are focused on health and wellness issues.”

UP President Danilo Concepcion also expressed his gratitude to the FTSFI and the Sy family for supporting this infrastructure project for the betterment of Filipino people in need of medical interventions.

“Lubos po ang ating pasasalamat sa FTSFI at sa Sy Family sa kanilang kabutihang loob sa pagsuporta sa pagpapatayo ng gusaling ito. Gusaling kailangang kailangan natin upang maparami pa natin ang mga doktor na ating sasanayin dito sa PGH at upang dumami pa ang mga pasyenteng magagamot at mapagsisilbihan natin. Makasisiguro kayo na ito po ay aming pagyayamanain para sa taumbayan,” Concepcion said.

Furthermore, UP Chancellor Carmencita Padilla underscored the importance of collaboration for making this effort come into fruition: “At the end of the day, we cannot come up with these big things around us without collaboration. This is a big day not only for UP Manila and PGH community, but also for the Filipino patients. It is indeed a fruit of collaborative planning and the philanthropic spirit of the Sy family.”

“This Felicidad Sy Hall will be a place of healing, innovation, compassion, wisdom, and courage! Thank you to our donors and partners who have continuously trusted us to be the hope and beacon of our people,” Padilla concluded.

The Felicidad T. Sy Foundation Inc. (FTSFI) is a personal foundation of the SM matriarch, “Nanang” Felicidad T. Sy. Aside from infrastructure projects, FTSFI also supports the restoration and building of Catholic churches, provides SM employees with spiritual development programs, and carries out special projects enabling church leaders and ministers to spread social good through spiritual wellness and promotion of culture.

Felicidad T. Sy Foundation is an affiliate of SM Foundation.

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Facebook ‘operating in the shadows’ says whistleblower as U.S. lawmakers demand probes

October 6, 2021 | 12:53 pm

WASHINGTON – U.S. lawmakers pounded Facebook on Tuesday, accusing CEO Mark Zuckerberg of pushing for higher profits while being cavalier about user safety, and they demanded regulators investigate whistleblower accusations that the social media company harms children’s mental health and stokes divisions.

Zuckerberg, hours later in a public Facebook post, defended the company, saying the accusations were at odds with Facebook‘s goals.

“The argument that we deliberately push content that makes people angry for profit is deeply illogical,” he wrote. “We make money from ads, and advertisers consistently tell us they don’t want their ads next to harmful or angry content. And I don’t know any tech company that sets out to build products that make people angry or depressed.”

During a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing, whistleblower Frances Haugen called for transparency about how Facebook entices users to keep scrolling, creating ample opportunity for advertisers to reach them.

“As long as Facebook is operating in the shadows, hiding its research from public scrutiny, it is unaccountable,” said Haugen, a former product manager on Facebook‘s civic misinformation team. She left the nearly $1 trillion company with tens of thousands of confidential documents.

“The company’s leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but won’t make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people. Congressional action is needed,” Haugen said.

In an era when bipartisanship is rare in Washington, lawmakers from both parties excoriated the company, illustrating the rising anger in Congress with Facebook, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp.

Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican, said he was concerned how Facebook and subsidiaries like Instagram affected the mental health of children. “We’re going to look back 20 years from now and all of us are going to be like, ‘What the hell were we thinking?'”

Haugen revealed she was the person who provided documents used in a Wall Street Journal investigation and a Senate hearing on Instagram’s harm to teenage girls. She compared the social media services to addictive substances like tobacco and opioids.

Panel chair Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, said Facebook knew that its products were addictive. “Tech now faces that big tobacco jaw-dropping moment of truth,” he said.

He called for Zuckerberg to testify before the committee, and for the Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Trade Commission to investigate Facebook.

“Our children are the ones who are victims. Teens today looking in the mirror feel doubt and insecurity. Mark Zuckerberg ought to be looking at himself in the mirror,” Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal said after the hearing that he would want to ask Zuckerberg why he rejected recommendations to make products safer for users.

Zuckerberg, in his post, said Facebook would not stop researching its societal impact. But he wrote that Congress needed to update rules to make clear the legal age for teens to use internet services, how to verify their ages and where to “balance teens’ privacy while giving parents visibility into their activity.”

SHARES UP

Facebook‘s shares rose 2% on Tuesday to close at $332.96, roughly 13% below the record closing high on Sept. 7.

Coming a day after Facebook suffered an hours-long outage, Haugen pointed to the outage in her testimony: “For more than five hours Facebook wasn’t used to deepen divides, destabilize democracies and make young girls and women feel bad about their bodies.”

As lawmakers criticized Facebook, the company’s spokespeople fired back on Twitter and in statements, arguing that Haugen did not work directly on some of the topics being raised.

“We don’t agree with her characterization of the many issues she testified about,” Facebook spokeswoman Lena Pietsch said.

Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican, accused Facebook of turning a blind eye to children below age 13 on its services. “It is clear that Facebook prioritizes profit over the well-being of children and all users,” she said.

Last week, Antigone Davis, Facebook‘s global head of safety, defended the company in front of Congress and said that it was seeking to release additional internal studies in an effort to be more transparent about its findings.

Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the Commerce Committee, said she would write Facebook to insist that it not delete documents related to Myanmar’s persecuted Muslim minority Rohingya. An aide said she would ask for broader retention of documents.

A U.S. federal judge last month had ordered Facebook to release records of accounts connected to anti-Rohingya violence in Myanmar that the social media company had shut down.

Haugen said she would encourage “oversight and public scrutiny” into Facebook‘s content recommendation algorithms and their consequences. She suggested creating a dedicated body within the federal government to oversee social media companies.

Blumenthal said he might want to hold an additional hearing to discuss national security issues related to Facebook.

Haugen said Facebook had also done too little to prevent violence.

Facebook was used by people planning mass killings in Myanmar and the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump who were determined to toss out the 2020 election results.

Senator Edward Markey, speaking to the absent Zuckerberg, said during the hearing: “Your time of invading our privacy and preying on children is over. Congress will be taking action.”

Throughout the hearing lawmakers referred to Zuckerberg as going sailing instead of facing his responsibilities. The CEO this weekend posted a video taken with the company’s new smart glasses of his wife in a boat. – Reuters

Reimagining city design is crucial to tackling climate change, experts say

October 6, 2021 | 11:13 am

forProperty_2020-03-17_Makati_PHILIPPINES — Makati central business district -- Reuters

Addressing climate change will require reimagining urban planning and design, speakers at the Reuters Impact conference said, discussing ways that buildings and cities could evolve.

“It’s about reminding ourselves that we all have a shared responsibility to ensure that we use less resources,” said architect and chair of the Quality of Life Foundation, Sadie Morgan. “We just have to be open to new ways of living.”

When designing new structures, for instance, architects should think about how the buildings can be deconstructed and recycled at the end of their life cycle, or transformed for other purposes, said Morgan. City planners can create more places for people to gather and socialize without needing cars.

But drastic shifts in how cities operate – such as transforming the use of cars – cannot come from architects alone and would need the work of politicians, she said.

About 56% of people worldwide live in cities, yet urban areas are responsible for an estimated three-quarters of global CO2 emissions. Buildings and transport are among the largest sources of urban emissions – including emissions from cars, building construction, heating and cooling systems and lights.

The importance of cities in efforts to slow climate change continues to grow, with just over two-thirds of people expected to live in urban areas by 2050, according to U.N. estimates.

Density was necessary for the future sustainability of cities, said architect and urban planner Stefano Boeri, but density without variety was a “nightmare”. As cities expand, planners needed to find ways to encourage richness of function as well as culture, he said.

Boeri also emphasized incorporating nature into city design. “Living nature is not something that is outside our body, outside our house, outside our cities,” he said. “We have to redefine our relation, a new balance between the human sphere and the living nature sphere.” — Reuters

Experience seamless 5G experience with the vivo Y72, now available at Globe stores

October 6, 2021 | 10:12 am

vivo Y72 5G 1 — Get the vivo Y72 5G with no cash out with Globe’s GPLAN 1499

Leading global tech brand vivo continues to reach out to more consumers as it partners with mobile services provider Globe, to give people a convenient option to own a vivo Y72 5G smartphone.

Through this partnership, existing Globe clients and future applicants can get their hands on the vivo Y72 5G when they sign up for the postpaid GPLAN 1499. This 24-month contract gives subscribers a wonderful postpaid experience with 10GB of mobile data, unli text and call to all networks, and unli call to DUO (Globe landline) and landline numbers.

Users can also maximize their use of the vivo Y72 5G with the exciting freebies that come with the GPLAN 1499. They can visit their favorite sites with a free 3GB of GoWiFi. They can also watch their favorite Asian shows on iQIYI and WeTV via the GlobeOne app, as they enjoy 3 months of standard VIP access to both streaming sites. Subscribers can also get 6 months’ access to HBO GO for only P599 via the GlobeOne app.

Aside from the entertainment freebies, owners of the vivo Y72 5G through the GPLAN 1499 can get a free KonsultaMD membership and have 24/7 access to licensed medical professionals for the entirety of their contract period. They can also reap the benefits of the GInsure voucher, which provides months’ worth of income loss coverage from Singlife.

All these can be experienced by choosing the vivo Y72 5G with the GPLAN 1499. The Y72 5G smartphone from vivo features a slim sophistication with a 2.75mm narrow frame, that gives the look and feel of a true flagship masterpiece. It also comes in soft, delicate hues with Dream Glow in kaleidoscope gradient and Graphite Black in night sky splendor.

vivo Y72 5G in Dream Glow. Experience style and power in one sophisticated smartphone.

Users can also watch their best-loved shows with the ‘Big-screen Experience’ as the vivo Y72 5G delivers clear, vivid pictures in Full HD resolution. They can also take top-quality photos with its Multi-Scenario Camera System — which combines a 64MP main rear camera, 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, super macro lens, a 16MP super night selfie camera, and an EIS ultra-stable video feature.

The vivo Y72 5G also comes with a 5000mAh Battery with an 18W Fast Charge feature. Consumers can also enjoy the vivo Y72’s powerful performance with its 5G capability and 8GB internal memory + 128GB ROM, guaranteeing a smoother, faster internet experience and multiple app downloads.

Get the vivo Y72 5G for only 1499 per month through Globe’s postpaid GPLAN. For more information, visit vivo Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and their global website at https://www.vivoglobal.ph/phone/vivo-Y72/.

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‘Taiwan Excellence’ showcases smart upgrade with Taiwanese AI technology

October 6, 2021 | 10:00 am

“Taiwan Excellence,” the international promotional campaign run by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), hosted a webinar last Oct. 1 showcasing together how Taiwan’s AI technology can improve the world we live in.

AI solutions have gradually been applied in various fields such as smart medical care, smart traffic tolling, and smart manufacturing. Taiwan’s AI industry is seizing upon market trends and the opportunities they provide to develop more integrated, expandable, and customized products, which will implement smarter life through comprehensive smart information management. During the webinar, top Taiwanese brands — Acer Medical, AI3, AVer, FETCi, imedtac and WiAdvance demonstrated their latest products and shared the trend of AI solutions.

Acer Medical applies AI technology to its VeriSee DR solution, which could analyze retinal fundus images for signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR), to assist doctors in diagnosing patients in early stages. The performance of VeriSee DR is similar to that of ophthalmologists with a referral accuracy rate of 93%. After implementing VeriSee DR, Taichung Veterans General Hospital found that the speed and the accuracy of diagnosis was greatly improved, and the referral specificity of DR increased from 50% to 84%.

The research team of AI3 developed new-generation service robots with deep learning and AI technology, and was recognized for winning the “Civil Affairs ChatBot Competition,” held by the Taipei City Government in 2017. The team has conducted research in the CRM field for many years and applied the core technology of AI to the QbiAI Omni-channel smart customer service platform consisting of three products: the QbiBot, QbiCRM and QbiAI. This platform provides consumers with precise interactive services and has been widely adopted in the e-commerce, financial and logistics industries.

AVer DL30 distance learning tracking cameras with the built-in human detection AI technology can automatically focus, move and track teachers without the need to wear a sensor. Three tracking modes can be set according to the situations, including Presenter Mode, Zone Mode and Hybrid Mode. With DL30, teachers can concentrate on their teaching, and the students will not miss the course content.

The RFID All Electronic Toll Collection System of FETCi in Taiwan was the world’s first successfully shift from toll collection with manual fix-point toll gates to a Multi-Lane Free-Flow electronic toll collection system. By applying AI technology, even when vehicles might change lanes at high speeds, tolling accuracy rate still exceeds 99.99%, which showcases Taiwan excellent technology.

Imedtac utilizes Time-of-Flight (ToF) technology in their Care Recipient Monitor solution to oversee care recipients while protecting their privacy. ToF technology calculates the distance between the sensor and the object using infrared rays. Applying their proprietary AI algorithm to the ToF sensor data, imedtac’s solution can determine the care recipient’s positions around the bed and issue warnings to caregivers for any emergencies. The Care Recipient Monitor solution not only ensures care recipients’ safety, but also improves caregivers’ work efficiency.

Focus on clouds, data, and AI, WiAdvance is an expert hybrid cloud providing customers with services of cloud migration consulting, implementation and next-generation managed services. It has a wealth of extensive experience in manufacturing field, making the company strong in systems integration (SI), Industry 4.0, and cloud services. Combining the advantages of the Wistron Group and Chunghwa Telecom, WiAdvance has successfully demonstrated how 5G enterprise private networks boost smart manufacturing.

Taiwan Excellence will keep encouraging Taiwanese companies to apply AI technology with innovative energy to continue and ensure progress.

For more information, please refer to https://sites.google.com/view/smart-upgrade-with-ai-webinar.

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How to make your brand ‘smashable’

October 6, 2021 | 8:42 am

Lindstrom---Smashable — COURTESY OF MARTIN LINDSTROM

“Smashable” brands like Walt Disney, Lego, and Louis Vuitton are consistent, with specific details that are true to the whole, said Martin Lindstrom, founder of branding firm Lindstrom Company.

The term “smashable” comes from Coca-Cola’s iconic bottle.

“Many years ago, Coca-Cola issued a briefing for the redevelopment of its bottle, so that if it smashes to pieces, you can pick out one piece and still recognize the brand,” said Mr. Lindstrom at a recent webinar. “It’s important to develop ‘smashables.’”

A product or service that is “smashable,” he added, can cut through an individual’s subconscious thought patterns when making a purchasing decision.

Some of the ways to smash a brand are through color, service, shape, language, traditions, and rituals.

Brands can also differentiate in this pandemic world by going back to the core of who they are to connect with customers.

In a Sept. 28 webinar organized by computer software company Adobe, Nike (another “smashable” brand) was cited for being able to find a point of difference and amplifying it. The athletic apparel manufacturer, Mr. Lindstrom said, is able to drive across the message “If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

A restaurant in Sydney, Australia, called Catalina, meanwhile, was also cited as being successful at creating luxury dining experiences within the comforts of home. Each of the seafood boxes and celebration packs it delivers comes with a handwritten note from the restaurant owners, the McMahon family.

“The boxes… are not cheap but they’re always sold out,” said Maryel B. Price, Adobe’s manager for digital customer experience and commercial marketing in the Asia Pacific. Even pre-pandemic, she said, “the experience they created was excellent.”

Mr. Lindstrom advised getting inspired by observing how people behave.

“Over the past 15 years, I spent time in 3,000 consumer homes across 80 countries,” he said. “That’s my source of inspiration. If you’re an entrepreneur, that’s super important.” — Patricia B. Mirasol

CommScope expands RUCKUS Wi-Fi 6 portfolio for hospitality, MDUs and smart spaces

October 6, 2021 | 8:30 am

New Wi-Fi 6 access points bring high performance, IoT connectivity to dense environments; new SmartZoneOS features enhance usability, add Google Orion Wifi interoperability

CommScope announced the latest additions to its Wi-Fi 6 access point (AP) portfolio—the indoor RUCKUS H550 and outdoor RUCKUS T350—and new enterprise and service-provider features in RUCKUS SmartZoneOS.

The modern device environment includes countless Wi-Fi-enabled end-user computing devices and a dizzying array of IoT endpoints enabled by multiple wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Zigbee. The H550 and T350 incorporate all three protocols, enabling organizations to deploy a single, converged network infrastructure that supports both end-user needs and operational needs, including building and energy management, asset tracking, physical security and telemetry. Organizations can manage these new APs using any RUCKUS management option, including SmartZoneOS-based network controllers, RUCKUS Cloud and RUCKUS Unleashed.

The H550 AP powers the hyper-connected room, enabling hotel, apartment, dormitory and other multi-dwelling unit (MDU) owners and operators to deliver multiple 4K video streams, IPTV, virtual reality, VoIP and ultra-fast downloads alongside support for IoT endpoints and associated applications such as connected entry and staff alerts, which are easily enabled using the RUCKUS IoT Suite. With a slim, compact form factor and integrated switch ports, the H550 can be hidden discretely behind or next to cabinets, desks or televisions, providing PoE pass-through for VoIP phones and TVoIP.

The T350 AP delivers high-performance outdoor connectivity in a compact form factor, enabling it to meet the aesthetic requirements of smart spaces, community Wi-Fi installations, airports and other large public venues. In addition to built-in IoT capabilities the T350 includes a USB port to support additional wireless protocols. The T350 is built to handle the harshest outdoor conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, wind, salt and fog.

The new APs, like all other RUCKUS APs and switches, serve as data sources for the artificial intelligence (AI)- and machine learning (ML)-powered network analytics capabilities available in RUCKUS Analytics, for use in networks managed by RUCKUS Cloud and SmartZoneOS-based network controllers.

SmartZoneOS powers a family of high-scale physical and virtual network controllers for use by service providers and large enterprises to manage wired and wireless networks. New enhancements to SmartZoneOS include:

Interoperability with Google’s Orion Wifi, which enables network operators to participate in the global cellular offload market;
Native integration of Hotspot 2.0 (including Release 3) and RadSec, which simplifies OpenRoaming operations for service providers, enhances subscriber, guest and visitor convenience and opens new opportunities for roaming-driven revenue;
A re-architected user interface that improves administrator experience through easy navigability, new search and “favorites” functionality, and faster response time; and
Social login functionality, which makes it easier than ever for operators to facilitate a positive guest experience, and an enhanced captive portal that simplifies operations for administrators.

What Customers are Saying

“We are excited to pair this new H550 Wi-Fi 6 wall access point (AP) with our current SmartZone management system. The RUCKUS solutions always come through with exceptional performance and with the new Wi-Fi 6 features, we expect this AP to become our ‘go-to’ AP for all our MDU (multi-dwelling unit) deployments. The dual IoT radios will simplify our installations and allow us to work simultaneously with multiple IoT vendors—key to our MDU strategy.” Denton Meier, chief technology officer, Firefly Technologies.

To learn more, please email sales@acw-group.com.ph, call 8706 5592, or visit www.acw-distribution.com.ph.

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JERA partnership seen as ‘enabler’ in AboitizPower’s 10-year RE expansion journey

October 6, 2021 | 7:45 am

Hedcor Ampohaw Hydro — AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor’s Ampohaw Hydro, located in Banengbeng, Sablan, Benguet, harnesses the power of the Balili river to generate clean and renewable electricity. (AboitizPower photo)

AboitizPower’s renewable energy (RE) aspirations are taking a huge leap forward following Japanese firm JERA’s recent acquisition of a 27% stake in the Aboitiz-led power company for $1.46 billion.

The sale was announced on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, and was characterized as a “transaction [that] unlocks significant capital that will be used toward fueling the [Aboitiz Equity Ventures] Group’s growth initiatives.”

“This transaction will deepen our bonds and represents a leap forward in our shared mission to support economic development in the Philippines and beyond while supporting the energy transition towards a decarbonized future,” AboitizPower President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

JERA is one of the world’s largest power producers and the largest single liquefied natural gas (LNG) buyer in the world. Rubio said that as the energy sector undergoes a transition, this presents a great opportunity for AboitizPower.

With a presence in more than 10 countries across the globe, JERA’s international footprint provides AboitizPower with further opportunities for collaboration and new market entry.

Rubio shared that this partnership with JERA will result in a more future-ready organization with access to new perspectives, capabilities, and a global network.

“Through this partnership, we hope to build on our 10-year plan, where we aim to reduce the carbon intensity of our business. We intend to explore new pathways toward decarbonization that will complement our renewable energy growth plan and our nature-based carbon sequestration program,” said Rubio.

AboitizPower earlier announced its 10-year growth ambition, where it aims to exponentially increase its Cleanergy capacity to 4,600 MW to achieve a 50:50 balance between its renewable and thermal portfolios. The company’s top executive pointed out that its “partnership with JERA will be a key enabler in this journey.”

Both parties have already identified potential areas for collaboration across multiple fronts including joint development of LNG-to-power projects, LNG fuel sourcing and management, potential participation in aspects of plant operations and maintenance, as well as the exploration of the use of new generation technologies.

Rubio assured that there will be no management changes resulting from the partnership, but rather a “greater diversity of perspective at the board and enhanced governance.”

“We are optimistic that our partnership will bring about positive change not only for our organizations but, ultimately, for the customers and communities we serve,” Rubio said.

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Inflation slows from near 3-year high

October 6, 2021 | 12:33 am

Inflation eased in September, as the increase in prices of food and transport slowed. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

PHILIPPINE INFLATION eased in September from a near three-year high in the month prior, as the rise in the prices of food and transport slowed, the statistics agency said on Tuesday.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the consumer price index at 4.8% in September, slowing from the 32-month high of 4.9% in August. Still, this was above the 2.3% print recorded in September 2020.

Last month’s inflation is below the 5% median in a BusinessWorld poll conducted late last week, and is at the low end of the 4.8%-5.6% estimate given by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for September.

Year-to-date inflation settled at 4.5%, still above the BSP’s 2-4% target this year and above the forecast of 4.4% for the entire year.

Core inflation, which discounted volatile prices of food and fuel, stood at 3.3% in August — steady from the previous month but slightly faster than last year’s 3.2%. It averaged 3.3% so far this year.

The slower annual increase in the transport index at 5.2%, from 7.2% in the previous month helped pull down inflation, the PSA said. It was also the slowest year-on-year rise in transport prices since the 2.4% in June 2020.

The PSA also noted slower annual rates in the following indices: food and non-alcoholic beverages (6.2% from 6.5% in August); furnishing, household equipment, and routine maintenance of the house (2.4% from 2.5%); communication (0.2% from 0.3%); and education (0.9% from 1.1%).

Similarly, the September inflation rate for the bottom 30% of income households also eased to 5% from 5.3% in August. Still, this was faster than the previous year’s 2.8%. From January to September, the bottom 30% inflation averaged 4.9%.

In a note, Nomura Chief ASEAN Economist Euben Paracuelles and analyst Rangga Cipta cited the slowdown in food prices as a factor why September inflation settled below their forecast.

“We expected food prices to rise more significantly, partly on tighter agricultural supply given recent weather disturbances. Rice and vegetable prices picked up only modestly while meat and fish prices eased marginally,” they said.

In addition, transport inflation eased to 5.2% year on year from 7.2%, marking its lowest level in a year despite the uptick in crude oil prices. Household utilities inflation, however, rose to 3.8% from 3.1%, consistent with higher electricity generation rates.

The food-alone index likewise eased to 6.5% in September from 6.9% in August. However, this was still faster than the annual 1.5% print recorded in September 2020.

In a statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the decline in September inflation was aided by the government’s policies aimed at bringing down food prices.

NEDA noted zero growth in rice inflation following the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 135 which lowered the tariff on rice imports to 35% from 40% for a year.

“Meanwhile, meat inflation decreased to 15.6% from 16.4%, as pork inflation declined to 36.4% from 39%. Moreover, month-on-month meat inflation continued to decline at 1.6%, suggesting some price stabilization following the implementation of EOs No. 133 and 134,” NEDA said.

The government adopted EOs 133 and 134 in earlier in May to help increase the supply of pork in the country amid its shortage due to the African Swine Fever (ASF). These interventions increased the minimum access volume (MAV) for imported pork, and imposed a temporary reduction of pork tariffs, respectively.

‘REMAIN ELEVATED’
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno in a statement said inflation may “remain elevated in the near term” before returning to within the 2-4% target range by end of the year.

“[T]he recent inflation upticks is expected to be driven largely by supply side factors related to weather disruptions, global oil prospects, and continued impact of the [ASF]. These supply-side shocks are best addressed by timely non-monetary policy interventions that could ease domestic supply constraints,” Mr. Diokno said, adding the return of inflation to the target band is “highly contingent” on the successful implementation of supply-side measures.

Inflation is projected to be close to the midpoint of the target range in 2022 and 2023 with expectations “remaining firmly anchored” to the target, he added.

Meanwhile, Nomura’s Messrs. Paracuelles and Cipta see upside risks to their annual inflation forecast of 4.3% despite the decline in September.

“As we have discussed in previous reports, soaring energy prices should have a significant impact on headline inflation amid limited fiscal subsidies. We estimate that, if crude oil, LNG (liquefied natural gas) and coal prices stay at current levels for the rest of the year, headline inflation would rise to 5.2% in [the fourth quarter], 1.4 percentage points above our current forecasts,” they explained.

In a separate note, ANZ Research economists Sanjay Mathur and Debalika Sarkar said that while latest result marks a “welcome break” from the trend, it is “unlikely to have any bearing on current monetary settings.”

“We… are of the view that reviving growth needs to remain the main policy imperative over the next several quarters,” they said.

In an e-mail, Asian Institute of Management economist John Paolo R. Rivera said the economy may see the combined effects of both “cost-push” and “demand-pull” inflation in the coming months as the holiday season approaches.

In a separate e-mail, Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces expects the BSP to “remain accommodative.”

“[I]ts preference in the meantime to support recovery means it has limited scope to move on policy in the near-term,” Mr. Roces said.

“Fourth-quarter inflation may remain above-target… in October and November and likely easing into the BSP target range in December,” he added.

The central bank has maintained its key interest rate at a record low for the last seven consecutive policy meetings.

“The BSP stands ready to maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance for as long as necessary to support the economy’s sustained recovery to the extent that the inflation outlook would allow,” Mr. Diokno said. — Abigail Marie P. Yraola with inputs from Beatrice M. Laforga and Luz Wendy T. Noble

PHL likely to be Asia’s economic laggard in 2022

October 6, 2021 | 12:32 am

The Delta wave is already subsiding in most of Southeast Asia, bringing a much-needed reprieve ahead of the holiday season. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

By Luz Wendy T. Noble, Reporter

MOODY’S ANALYTICS said the Philippines is likely be the last country in Asia to regain its pre-pandemic economic growth level, which may be seen by the fourth quarter of 2022.

In a note released on Tuesday, Moody’s Analytics slashed its forecast for Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) to 6.4% in 2022, from 8.8% previously as it expects the number of coronavirus infections to remain high. This is below the government’s 7-9% GDP growth target range.

“The revision is due to the still elevated number of deaths due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that may still add stress to the public health system and thus require at least limited neighborhood/community quarantines,” Moody’s Analytics Chief Asia-Pacific Economist Steven Cochrane said in an e-mail.

The Philippines may only regain its pre-pandemic GDP level by the fourth quarter of 2022, he added.

“The Philippines could be the last country in Asia to achieve this benchmark,” Mr. Cochrane said.

The Health department reported 9,055 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the active caseload to 103,077.

Mr. Cochrane also noted the government has not given any additional fiscal policy support since November 2020.

The proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act (Bayanihan III), which allots up to P400 billion for stimulus measures to revive the economy, is still pending at the Senate. It was approved by the House of Representatives in June, but economic managers remain cool to the proposal.

With business and consumer confidence still in the doldrums, fiscal support will help boost recovery, Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said.

“Fiscal stimulus is deemed crucial especially in pandemic recovery mode, as it complements and sustains the existing monetary policy levers right when the economy is beginning to turn the corner,” Mr. Roces said in a Viber message.

Also, Mr. Cochrane said the government needs to put in place an integrated approach to handle the pandemic, which involves prioritizing vaccination, boosting hospital capacity, and improving COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.

“An integrated approach will allow the reopening of the domestic economy that will generate greater consumption and investment spending. And with a freer flow of goods around the country, inflation should ease,” he said.

Based on available data from the Johns Hopkins University, only 22.73% or 24.579 million of the Philippine population are fully vaccinated. This is among the lowest rates in Southeast Asia and is only better than Indonesia (19.46%) and Vietnam (10.87%).

“Another crucial factor is the acceleration of infrastructure spending that was started prior to the pandemic. And finally, while it may take some time, the opening of the Philippines to a greater volume of international business and leisure travel will support the hospitality and tourism industries,” Mr. Cochrane said.

Meanwhile, Moody’s Analytics has kept its Philippine GDP growth forecast for 2021 at 4%, which is the low end of the government’s 4-5% full-year target.

The country exited recession in the second quarter as GDP rose 11.8% year on year, but it declined 1.3% quarter on quarter.

The Delta wave is already subsiding in most of Southeast Asia, bringing a reprieve for the last quarter of the year, Moody’s Analytics said.

“The remaining months will depend upon rising domestic consumer demand and continued improvement in exports. Consumer demand should rise as quarantine restrictions are eased and become more targeted,” Mr. Cochrane said.