SM Investments strongest Ph company in corporate governance
Hong Kong-based magazine Alpha Southeast Asia recognized SM Investments Corp. as the best company in the Philippines with the Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance in its 14th Institutional Investor Corporate Awards.
This marked SM’s 9th win in the said category after being voted by 586 investors and analysts across the Southeast Asian region as well as in US and Europe.
“At SM, we uphold the highest standards of corporate governance in keeping with our commitment to attain shared value for our stakeholders — towards responsible and sustainable development for the communities we serve,” said Frederic DyBuncio, SM Investments president and CEO.
SM Investments was also among the top five best performing companies in the categories of Most Organised Investor Relations, its 13th win, and Best Strategic CSR (corporate social responsibility).
The Alpha Southeast Asia poll included fund managers with investment interests in Southeast Asia, large institutional investors, insurance companies, pension funds, funds of hedge funds, private banks, equity and fixed income brokers as well as buy and sell-side analysts. A total of 38 publicly-listed companies from across Southeast Asia were ranked this year representing the crí¨me-de-la crí¨me of best practices on corporate governance, investor relations, disclosure, transparency, financial management, integrated reporting, CSR and/or dividend policy.
MCIA becomes 1st PH airport to receive Platinum Green Airport Award
Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) received the Platinum Green Airport Award 2024 from the Airports Council International (ACI), becoming the first Filipino airport to receive both distinctions.
Serving more than 10 million passengers a year, Aboitiz GMCAC (AGMCAC), the operator of MCIA, implemented projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which ensure safe and sustainable airport operations while preserving the environment.
These projects include executing policies and utilizing technology like solar PV systems to reduce carbon emissions and maintaining green spaces.
MCIA is among the 12 exceptional airports across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions recognized for their groundbreaking sustainability efforts. The award was presented during the ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA 2024) held from May 21 to 23.
In the 8-15 million passenger airport category, MCIA outperformed Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport (Gold) and Japan’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (Silver).
The aim of the Green Airports Recognition is to champion environmental best practices that reduce aviation’s impact on the environment and acknowledge airports that excel in their environmental endeavors.
The Green Airport Recognition 2024 for Asia-Pacific and Middle East awards ceremony was held at the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East / ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition (WAGA 2024) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Newport World Resorts celebrates double win
Newport World Resorts wins two recognitions at the 11th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for its innovative product and excellence in leadership. These accolades highlight the multifaceted integrated resorts’ commitment to offering epic experiences to patrons while championing sustainability within the industry.
“From Thought Leadership to product innovation through our Epic Rewards program, we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our best,” said Newport World Resorts chief marketing officer David Jorden. “The Stevie Awards is a valuable recognition of our efforts to both elevate the way guests experience Newport World Resorts, and also to amplify our advocacies to create positive impact within our industry and beyond.”
Newport World Resorts received the Silver Stevie Award in the Thought Leader of the Year category. This award celebrates the efforts of president and CEO Kingson Sian, who has been a vocal advocate of sustainability in business operations and sustainable living. Sian has actively promoted Newport World Resorts’ all encompassing and fully integrated I LOVE Earth sustainability program across the industry and inspired a wide range of audiences.
The integrated resort has also been honored with a Bronze Stevie Award for its membership program Epic Rewards. Since launching in 2022, the rewards program treated its thousands of patrons to rewarding experiences and exclusive perks that positively impact guest experience within Newport World Resorts.
Siemens Healthineers unveils new look
Leading German medical technology company Siemens Healthineers Inc. recently launched its revamped head office space in Makati.
With its upgraded features and amenities, the company looks to be able to provide its employees with a space that would encourage and inspire creativity, collaboration, and inspiration.
With this refresh to the company’s working environment, Siemens Healthineers aims to be able to partner with even more hospitals and organizations across the country to provide quality healthcare solutions and services to more Filipinos.
Cloud, cybersecurity in focus at summit
The role of cloud, advanced cybersecurity measures, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence were discussed by the leading minds in the tech industry at the recent 2nd Philippine CTO Cloud Summit held at The Fifth, Rockwell, Makati.
At the summit, Department of Information and Communications Technology
“Considering the breadth of government data, proper classification schemes are essential to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access or disclosure. Cloud services offer flexibility, security, and cost efficiency,” said Dy.
Dy said the National Cybersecurity Plan
CTO Cloud showcased its commitment to advancing the Philippine tech landscape. CTO Cloud’s local infrastructure prioritizes compliance with data privacy laws and supports data sovereignty, giving users control and ownership over their data.
PLDT, Smart calls for protection of children from online predators
PLDT and Smart call for a deeper collaborative approach in fighting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) at the 7th National Women’s Summit organized by Miriam College.
The PLDT Group earlier pledged continuous support to government efforts in protecting children online.
“As technology enablers, PLDT and Smart recognize our vital role in cybersecurity by providing a safe and secure digital experience for Filipinos, especially children. We protect not only our network and our customers’ access and devices, but communities,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
A vital cog to the fight against the spread of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM) is the PLDT Group’s pioneering child protection platform that blocks access to these illicit materials at the content level. PLDT and Smart’s membership to the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection enabled them to block more than a billion attempts to open CSAEM since 2021.
PLDT and Smart embark on a whole-of-nation strategy by engaging child rights advocates from the government and private sectors to launch impactful programs aimed at child protection.
PLDT and Smart participated in the crafting of Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM law, particularly pushing for the Good Samaritan clause that would allow internet service providers to take down offensive materials without being held civilly, criminally or administratively liable.
Outstanding accountancy students
This year marks the silver anniversary of the Search for Outstanding Accountancy Students of the Philippines (SOASP).
The annual competition aims to recognize and distinguish graduating accounting students from across the country, challenging them in a rigorous battle of wits and knowledge.
P&A Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI), hosted the grand finals of the 25th SOASP.
Kristina Vistal from the University of San Carlos was named the 25th SOASP champion. Vistal’s schoolmates, Jericka Mapula and Kyle Taganas, secured 2nd and 4th places, respectively. Alex Guadalupe of the University of Santo Tomas and Aaron Culianan of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila placed 3rd and 5th.
Each of the top 25 outstanding accounting students received a plaque and a cash prize.
The competition emphasized recognizing the students’ immense potential.
New solar energy storage solution unveiled
Ian Solar Energy Corp., JA Solar Technology and Ginlong (Solis) Technology Co. Ltd. and Dyness Philippines have launched Solis 50KW Inverter and Dyness high-voltage full-scenario energy storage solution at the Conrad Hotel.
With a focus on innovation and high-quality solutions, Dyness released high-voltage full-scenario energy storage solutions including BF100, Stack100 and Stack280, which are suitable for industrial and commercial applications with different needs.
Solis also launched its latest cutting-edge inverter technology, the S6-EH3P(29.9-50)K-H. T
In the same event, the four companies also celebrated their fruitful partnership with the unveiling of their slogan “Light of Tomorrow – Driving Energy Innovation.”
“The product launch marks a pivotal moment in shaping the Philippine energy landscape, heralding a new era of sustainability and innovation. With our cutting-edge solutions from Ian Solar Energy Corp., in collaboration with Solis and Dyness, we are not just introducing a product; we are revolutionizing the way energy is harnessed and utilized,” said Emil Wang, president of Ian Solar.
“We are thrilled to introduce a game-changing product that will not only revolutionize the energy landscape but also bring tangible benefits to Filipinos across the nation. The innovation and efficiency of our HV full scene product matrix are set to empower businesses and communities, paving the way for a brighter and sustainable future for all,”said Viki Yang, director of Dyness Philippines.
Security Bank gets Digital CX award
Security Bank took home the Highly Acclaimed Best Digital CX-Account Opening and Onboarding (Retail Banking) award at The Digital Banker’s Digital CX Awards, held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on April 25.
The bank’s innovative Online Account Opening solution was recognized for its focus on digital excellence and advancements in eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer)technology–providing customers with a seamless, secure, and efficient onboarding process.
The bank’s new eKYC online platform improves the traditional KYC process. Customers can easily send their identification documents and personal information online, eliminating the need for manual paperwork or video calls. This makes verification and validation faster, and accounts can be opened in as little as 10 minutes.
Mylo Speech Buddy earns spot at TOP100 Startups
Mylo Speech Buddy, an app designed to support individuals with speech delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has earned a spot at the Echelon’s TOP100 Startups, hosted at the Singapore Expo on May 15 to 16.
Mylo Speech Buddy was joined by nine other Philippine startups that have participated in exclusive events and masterclass since March, gaining access to over 800 investors on the e27 PRO Connect platform. They showcased their innovations at exhibition booths and tried to earn a spot to present on the Pitch Stage.
“Being part of Echelon’s TOP100 Growth Program is an ‘ausome’ opportunity for Mylo Speech Buddy and for my fellow autism parents. This opportunity provides us with unparalleled access to investors and mentors who can help us scale our impact. We are excited to leverage this platform to further our mission of supporting children with ASD and speech delays,” Vincent Rocha, CEO and founder of Mylo Speech Buddy.
Launched on April 2 in conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day, Mylo Speech Buddy is committed to supporting more individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in their journey from zero words to their first spoken word.
Pilmico ramps up tech-driven efforts
Pilmico and Gold Coin group (Pilmico) has embarked on several projects that allow its team members to leverage technology and innovation.
One of Pilmico’s most remarkable programs is “TechMate,” which began with the goal of automating processes and optimizing operations across various departments.
Since the project began, 34 processes have been automated in 12 departments–ranging from production to finance and even the corporate and social responsibility teams, among others. This has resulted in a significant reduction in time spent on routine, time-consuming, repetitive manual tasks and led to more accurate data.
TechMate not only helped teams save time and costs but also fostered the Aboitiz Values of “Innovation” and “Teamwork.” This initiative provided an opportunity for Pilmico team members to embrace a student-always mindset by learning new tech-driven skills, such as basic coding and business process streamlining, and to cultivate the culture of teamwork through knowledge sharing across departments.
