Singapore Diagnostics wins awards

Singapore Diagnostics (SGD), one of the largest medical laboratories in the Philippines, was recently recognized by the prestigious Healthcare Asia Awards as the Diagnostics Provider of the Year.
The awards program distinguishes healthcare institutions throughout Asia for their remarkable achievements in healthcare.
With the theme “Recognizing Trailblazing Initiatives in the Healthcare Sector,” this year’s Healthcare Asia Awards gives recognition to healthcare institutions that rose to the challenge of the massive disruption post pandemic.
Last year, SGD, which is a subsidiary of Pathology Asia (PAH), one of Southeast Asia’s large medical diagnostic groups with laboratory, genomic and digital health operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Australia, also received its re-accreditation from the prestigious College of American Pathologists.
UnionBank named Digital Bank of the Year
Union Bank of the Philippines has consistently proven itself to be the undisputed digital leader in the country’s banking industry.
Its recent win of an unprecedented sixth consecutive “Digital Bank of the Year” award from renowned financial news and research publication The Asset Triple A is proof that UnionBank has indeed established a Digital Dynasty in the Philippine banking industry.
UnionBank embarked on its digital transformation journey over seven years ago, long before other Philippine banks and industries recognized digital transformation as critical for survival. The vision has always been to be the pioneer in digital banking on the journey to be a great retail bank.
What made the Bank’s digital transformation journey notable was the promise that “no one gets left behind.” Beyond simply digitizing its assets and capabilities, the Bank made sure that no one–not its customers, not its colleagues, not its countrymen–gets left behind.
Since winning its first “Digital Bank of the Year” award from The Asset in 2017, UnionBank has consistently been streets ahead of the competition in introducing innovative solutions that continue to redefine the future of banking today.
Eurotel hosts Easter Egg hunt across 4 branches
Eurotel, a popular hotel chain in the Philippines, organized an Easter egg hunt event for kids and families The event was held simultaneously at four different Eurotel branches in Las Piñas, Makati, and North Edsa and Vivaldi-Cubao, with a total of 500 participants.
Eurotel is known for its convenient locations, modern amenities, and reasonable rates. The Easter egg hunt event was well-received by both parents and children who attended. A parent shared, “My kids loved the Easter egg hunt! It was a great way to celebrate the holiday and spend quality time together as a family.”
A representative from Eurotel shared that the event was their way of giving back to the community and showing support during a significant time for Filipinos. “We believe that events like these help bring people together, and we are honored to have been able to organize it,” stated by Ms. Mariel Quinto, Advertisings & Promotions Manager.
Eurotel is committed to providing high-quality customer service and creating memorable experiences for its guests. Its affordable rates and convenient locations make it an attractive option for both business and leisure travelers in the Philippines.
Globe honored for COVID response
Globe was recognized by the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) and SM Cares for its steadfast support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent awards ceremonies, the company was honored for COVID-19 hotlines in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The initiative helped motorists, commuters, and the general public with their road, aviation, and maritime concerns while movement restrictions were in place across the country.
The I-ACT At your service Awards 2.0 acknowledged services and deeds of deserving individuals and government and private entities that brought safe, secure, affordable, and comfortable public commuting during the health crisis.
The DOTr COVID-19 hotlines were launched in May 2020. All calls to the hotline were provided free of charge for all Globe and TM customers, whether they were using Globe landline or mobile phone service.
Surf2Sawa for the marginalized
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is bringing its world-class broadband connectivity to the marginalized sectors as it accelerates the roll-out of its prepaid fiber internet called “Surf2Sawa” to more unserved areas in the country.
“This is the future for the majority of Filipinos. There are still some barriers to widespread adoption of fiber broadband because of the cost, but we are lowering those barriers with these new products that are within reach of lower-income households,” said Converge founder and CEO Dennis Anthony Uy.
The new Surf2Sawa product is available through prepaid loading for as low as P50 a day, once the fiber line with modem has been installed. There are also plans for P200 for seven days, P380 for 15 days, and P700 for one month. The prepaid product has been rolled out in 400 cities and municipalities so far and will reach more areas nationwide this year.
Surf2Sawa guarantees speeds of up to 25 Mbps for six gadgets with unlimited data. This can reliably support basic internet applications such as email, web surfing, social media, video and music streaming, as well as gaming.
Inclusivity, diversity in business
The Final Pitch has introduced Open Edition, a theme that emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in the business world.
The Open Edition provides opportunities for entrepreneurs from all industries to present their innovative business solutions to a diverse panel of investor-judges.
The show’s mentoring sessions, previously exclusive to the contestants, will be open for the first time to participants outside of the program and the mentorship program will involve a diversified group of business mentors who will guide the participants. This season’s roster of judges includes experts from different industries, including the diplomatic corps.
Rico Bautista, president and CEO of Etiqa Life & General Assurance Philippines; Brian Poe-Llamanzares, president of Pantheon Holdings; Henry Aguda, president and CEO of UnionDigital Bank and member-convenor of GoDigital Pilipinas; and Robert Scott, VP-Hotel Operations of Okada Manila. The show will have judges from the diplomatic corps – the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, and the British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils.
The Final Pitch will invite the show’s contestants, students, startups, and other organizations to come together for a one-day learning experience during the filming of the Open House Mentoring Day episode on May 23 at Thames International Business School.
Key trends in F&B
Tetra Pak released key findings and insights from its full report, Trendipedia 2023, which showed three trends in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia: flexi-shopping, in control and eatertainment.
Flexi-shopping refers to consumers that are living with a flexible mindset, cutting back where needed but treating themselves occasionally, especially where there are perceived additional benefits around health or sustainability. Here, the ready-to-drink (RTD) category provides consumers with a convenient, accessible, and affordable way to drink beverages
In control refers to how consumers are using the way they eat and drink to bring a feeling of control to their lives. In recent times, consumers have been embracing plant-based options in their diet to support a healthy living, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
Eatertainment is where consumers look to be entertained as they dare to try new flavors, recipes, and trends from cyberspace. To reach new segments of consumers, brands should consider exploring online and entertainment platforms that are growing in popularity.
MCM unveils new logo, new name
Malayan Colleges Mindanao has been rejuvenated and renamed as Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM), made all the more official with the school’s unveiling of its rebranded faí§ade on April 27.
The rebranding reflects the legacy of excellence and global standards in which the college is rooted. It is also a nod towards the institution’s commitment to high-quality education that equips students to compete globally.
The move also heralds the higher education institution’s efforts to transform itself into a comprehensive university known for its encompassing leadership in engineering and technological, computing, architecture, health sciences, business, and the arts.
Aside from its world-class programs and courses, Mapúa MCM uses a learner-centered, outcomes-based approach, which is the signature learning methodology of Mapúa schools. This practice enables students to enjoy a personalized, in-depth education that helps them achieve clear learning results, industry-relevant skills, and a keen interest in research and innovation.
To further ensure that students have a smooth and engaged learning experience, the Mapúa MCM campus has state-of-the-art facilities that include globally-acclaimed hybrid flexible classrooms for teaching and learning, an intuitive Blackboard learning management system, and digitally-savvy credentialed faculty members.