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Australia s reputation among Pacific neighbours weakening
From carrying the Coalition's AUKUS pact to supporting Israel's self-defence initiative, Labor's reputation is souring among voters. Bilal Cleland reports.ASIA IS SENSITIVE to memories of the White Australia Policy, the f.....»»
Australia s reputation among Pacific neighbours weakening
From carrying the Coalition's AUKUS pact to supporting Israel's self-defence initiative, Labor's reputation is souring among voters. Bilal Cleland reports.ASIA IS SENSITIVE to memories of the White Australia Policy, the f.....»»
Regine hugot na hugot: Mahirap kapag tumatanda ka na sa industriya!
INISA-ISA ng Asia’s Songbird na si Regine Velasquez-Alcasid ang ilang mga pagbabago na nararanasan ng isang babae habang nagkakaedad. Diretsahang inamin ng singer-actress at TV host na napakaraming challenges ang kailangang harapin ng mga kababaihan, kabilang na silang mga nasa entertainment industry. Sa naging speech ni Regine sa naganap na kauna-unahang Billboard Philippines’ Women in.....»»
Special ASEAN Regional Summit in Australia
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Australia Hosting Special ASEAN Regional Summit
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Special ASEAN Regional Summit in Australia
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Australia Hosting Special ASEAN Regional Summit
SYDNEY - Although Australia isn't a member of ASEAN, the country is hosting a summit of leaders from nine members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.Strengthening economic and security ties will be the focus for the Canberra government, which has set aside $186.7 million to help countries in Southeast Asia and more broadly in the Indo-Pacific region boost their maritime security.Analysts say Au.....»»
Malixi gears up for Thailand
Rianne Malixi, coming off a breakthrough victory in Australia, is poised for another shot at glory as she gears up for the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship unfolding on Feb. 1 in Thailand......»»
Malixi, 3 others shoot for title in WAAP golf tilt
Rianne Malixi, coming off a breakthrough victory in Australia, is poised for another shot at golfing glory as she gears up for the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship unfolding on February 1 in Thailand......»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Nov. 19
SYDNEY -- Two former military planes on a training flight collided on Sunday over the Mornington Peninsula in southeast Australia, sending one plummeting into the water, local media reported. One plane crashed into the ocean about 12 km off the coast of Mount Martha while the other plane made it back to its base after the disaster struck about 1:45 p.m. local time (0245 GMT), The Herald Sun reported. (Australia-.....»»
CEB, UFG vow OFWs support
Cebu Pacific on Saturday, 28 October 2023 announced that it has entered into a partnership with United Filipino Global, a non-government organisation that helps Filipino migrant workers, to collaborate on projects aimed at improving the welfare of overseas filipino workers. CEB and UFG on 27 October 2023 signed a memorandum of understanding indicating the provision of free flights for chosen OFW beneficiaries and support for OFW kids’ scholarships. In the event of natural disasters, emergencies, or life-threatening circumstances, the airline will also organise special flights to deliver humanitarian aid and transport to affected OFWs. In addition, CEB will organize informational campaigns to update OFWs on safe and responsible air travel procedures. Internship programs The airline will also provide financial assistance to OFW families so they may be able to send their kids to internship programs for to become future flight attendants and crew members. CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog said that Cebu Pacific looks forward to this partnership with UFG with the objective of assisting OFWs. The partnership of CEB with UFG is a testament to the airline’s commitment to uplifting the lives of OFWs by connecting them to a wide international network and offering the quickest way back to the Philippines. UFG president Gemma Sotto said that with this collaboration, they are “praying” that their upcoming programs will be felt and received. CEB has already mounted several flights in recent years to provide free transport to distressed OFWs back to the Philippines. In 2021 alone, CEB repatriated over 11,000 Filipinos from Dubai and the Middle East affected by Covid-19 lockdowns through a series of Bayanihan flights. The airline currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The post CEB, UFG vow OFWs support appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden meets Chinese FM, urges cooperation on ‘global challenges’
US President Joe Biden met China's foreign minister for talks on Friday as the two countries seek to smooth ties ahead of a possible visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Biden told top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi that Washington and Beijing must "manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication," the White House said. With the Israel-Hamas conflict raging in the Middle East, Biden also "underscored that the United States and China must work together to address global challenges," it added in a statement. Biden has invited Xi to San Francisco next month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, but he has also stood firm on China in the run-up, keeping up a stream of sanctions and backing US allies in disputes with Beijing. Wang Yi has been on a two-day visit to Washington during which he also met US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. The Chinese foreign minister had been expected to meet Biden too after Blinken met Chinese president Xi in Beijing in June, but it had not previously been confirmed. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had said on Thursday that this week's talks were a "milestone in that effort to keep the lines of communication open with the PRC (People's Republic of China)." Sullivan was going to raise "areas of concern" including China's behavior in the South China Sea, where it has been forcefully asserting its maritime boundaries. Stabilize Wang said after meeting Blinken on Thursday that he wanted to "stabilize US-China relations" and "reduce misunderstanding" after years of tensions. Acknowledging that differences will still come up, Wang said China would respond "calmly, because we are of the view that what is right and what is wrong is not determined by who has the stronger arm or the louder voice." Biden and Xi have had no contact since a meeting in Bali in November 2022. Relations have been tense for years between world's top two economies as they vie for influence in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and as Beijing boosts cooperation with Russia in a bid to reduce US dominance. Tensions have been particularly high over Taiwan, the self-ruling democracy claimed by Beijing that over the past year has launched major military exercises in response to actions by US lawmakers. The United States and China have also traded barbs over the conflict in the Middle East, where Biden has been Israel's foremost ally. US officials have repeatedly spoken of creating "guardrails" with China to prevent worst-case scenarios and have sought, without success, to restore contact between the two militaries. Biden on Wednesday warned China of US treaty obligations to the Philippines, which said that Chinese vessels deliberately hit Manila's boats in dispute-rife waters -- an account contested by Beijing. Speaking alongside Australia's prime minister, a key Asia-Pacific ally, Biden vowed to compete with China "every way according to the international rules -- economically, politically, in other ways. But I'm not looking for conflict." The post Biden meets Chinese FM, urges cooperation on ‘global challenges’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asia Markets Regain Ground as Crucial Data Unveiled from Japan, Australia, and South Korea
Title: Asian-Pacific Markets Rebound Amidst Positive Business Data Subtitle: Australian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese markets show resilience after recent losses Date: [Insert Date] Contributor: [Your.....»»
Meralco shines with int’l awards
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest distribution utility has emerged as a beacon of excellence on the global stage as it bagged multiple accolades at the recently concluded 2023 International Business Awards. At the prestigious awards ceremony held in Rome, Italy, on 13 October, Meralco was feted with a total of eight Stevies — four Gold and four Bronze awards, for its transformative programs centered on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Embedding sustainability Recognizing the company’s dedication to embedding sustainability at the core of its strategy and operations, Meralco was the sole recipient of the Gold Stevie under the “Sustainability Leadership Award in Asia, Australia and New Zealand” category. Also taking home Gold Stevies were Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo and Meralco vice president and chief corporate social responsibility officer Jeffrey O. Tarayao, who were named “Sustainability Hero of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand” and “Thought Leader of the Year,” respectively. Ravelo was cited for his leadership of Meralco’s sustainability agenda. Tarayao, who is also president of One Meralco Foundation, was recognized for combining thought leadership with practical solutions. Compelling video Another Gold Stevie was awarded to “Meralco’s Spectrum on Solar Rooftop Installations: The Gift that Keeps on Giving,” a three-minute compelling video on sustainability and the environment underscoring the myriad benefits of investing in solar power. OMF’s community development endeavors also basked in the international spotlight after it earned for the company three Bronze Stevies for its corporate social responsibility initiatives. These were the community energization project “Electrification for Development: Improving the Lives of LastMile Filipinos” that highlighted the transformative power of electricity in unserved and underserved communities across the archipelago; the “One for Trees: Empowering People and Communities to Nurture Our Forest, a practical approach to addressing climate change; and the “Powering-Up Communities During the Pandemic” proactive communications campaign that braved the challenges of community electrification during the global crisis. Completing Meralco’s haul this year was the Bronze Stevie for #Mbrace, the company’s diversity and inclusion program advancing gender balance and inclusivity within the workplace. Also known as “the International Stevies,” the prestigious International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards honoring achievements and positive contributions of companies and working professionals worldwide. Since its launch in 2002, the Stevie has become one of the most coveted prizes globally. The post Meralco shines with int’l awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GCash expands in Singapore
GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app, doubles down on its presence in Singapore as it can now be used as a cashless payment option in both Alipay+ and Alipay China-enabled merchants. This further expands GCash’s availability in one of the most famous destinations in Southeast Asia. It has already been accepted by Alipay+ merchants in 2022, but now GCash can also be used to pay in select AlipayCN establishments. Some of these merchants include 7-Eleven, which has the largest convenience store network in the country at 450 branches; the largest orange juice vending machine operator, iJooz; the exclusive distributor of duty-free cosmetic products, The Shilla Duty-Free; and the largest taxi operator, ComfortDelGro taxis. “GCash is committed to always being there for our millions of users wherever they are here in the Philippines and all over the world. Thanks to our global partner Alipay+, GCash users can now go cashless in thousands more touchpoints in Singapore,” said Ren-Ren Reyes, president and CEO of GCash mobile wallet operator, G-Xchange. Aside from expanding its touchpoints, GCash is also making it rewarding for users to go cashless in Singapore. When they use GCash to pay in 7-Eleven, iJooz, and hawkers like Lau Pa Sat they can get P85 off from their purchase. Likewise, users can enjoy up to P400 off at ComfortDelGro taxi rides and their shopping at The Shilla Duty-Free stores. To claim these vouchers, head on over to the GCash app and tap the “A+ Rewards” button. In the dropdown button, select Singapore and scroll down to select a voucher to purchase. When paying for your purchases at these destinations, be sure to look for the Alipay+ or AlipayCN logo at the checkout. Open your GCash app and select the QR or PayQR button at the bottom of the screen. Scan the merchant’s QR code, or tap “Pay Abroad with Alipay+ or AlipayCN” to have the merchant scan your generated QR. Then, check the amount and click “Pay” to see the receipt. GCash is continuously expanding its international footprint in partnership with Alipay+. Aside from Singapore, the Philippine e-wallet can be used to pay in select Alipay+-enabled merchants across Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Qatar, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy. “Our users can expect GCash to further expand its global reach as we partner with more merchants in more countries,” Reyes said. The Philippine finance super app is also making its services available to more Filipinos who live abroad as the GCash app can now be used with international numbers in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Italy and Australia. The post GCash expands in Singapore appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nicole Borromeo moves up to 2nd spot in Miss International poll
MANILA, Philippines — Nicole Borromeo of the Philippines jumped to the No. 2 spot in the Asia-Pacific region, in the latest Miss International pageant’s online poll. On Oct. 15, the Cebu-based Borromeo ranked third in her region, following Vietnam’s Nguyen Phuong Nhi and Bangladesh’s Farzana Yasmin Ananna. The Vietnamese beauty maintained her lead in the latest partial count on Oct. 17. READ: Cebu City’s Nicole Borromeo is Bb. Pilipinas International 2022 But Ananna was dislodged of her spot in the Top 3, with a new delegate moving up, former Miss Philippines Australia and Charity Queen Australia Jazel Mae Alarca, who is representing the Land Down Under in the 2023 Miss International pageant. The votes were taken from an online poll on the Miss International mobile app, powered by Choicely, and available for free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The top delegates from three geographic regions will earn automatic spots in the Top 15. For the Americas, Itzia Garcia from Mexico maintained her lead, while Yamilex Hernandez from the Dominican Republic moved up to the second spot. Andrea Rubio from Venezuela who was second in the initial partial count has left the Top 3 in the latest tabulation, with Vanessa Hayes from Bolivia placing third. Europe and Africa, lumped in one geographic region for the poll, has a new leader. Nassita Diako from Cote D’Ivoire who was not even among the top vote-getters in the initial partial count now tops the group, dislodging Lilene Vieira Sarrao from Portugal who is now out of the Top 3. Lysia Allaire from France and Zoi Asoumanaki from Greece are still in second and third places, respectively. “Keep on voting for your favorite delegates by downloading our Miss International App” the pageant reminded the public on social media. READ: Nicole Borromeo is not just a pretty face Nicole Borromeo is not new to pageants. She was crowned Sinulog Festival Queen in 2019 and took home the Millenial Queen title that year. Last year, first runner-up Stephany Amado from Cape Verde and second runner-up Tatiana Calmell from Peru topped the voting for Europe, Africa, and the Americas, respectively. Savanna Delos Santos from the Northern Mariana Islands, who topped the poll for Asia-Pacific, finished in the Top 15. The results of the online voting will be announced during the coronation show at the Yoyogi Gymnasium No. 2 in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward on Oct......»»
Times Education picks Pacquiao as ambassador
STRENGTHENING their presence in Southeast Asia and appealing directly to prospective students in the Philippines, Education and Training provider Times Education Group Australia announced its partnership with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao as their brand ambassador and investor, to collaborate on several education-related projects in both the Philippines and Australia. The plan is to expand Times Education – an Australia-based education and training provider – worldwide in 2024, with the goal of making it a premier institution for education. In addition to a variety of courses, including English, Hospitality, Accounting, Information Technology, Cookery, Travel and Tourism, Real Estate, Digital Marketing, Human Resource Management, Social Media Marketing, Business and Management, Leadership and Management, Marketing and Communication, Aged Care and Community Services, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Higher Education Diploma and Graduate Diploma, Times Education will grow their curriculum to include Sport Coaching and Exercise Management with the creation a new Sports Institute. Additional expansion into residential aged care and employment recruitment services is slated. In a statement welcoming the eight-division world champion to the team, Times Education founder and CEO Charles Shiao explained, through their partnership with Manny Pacquiao and planned collaborations with Philippines colleges, lifelong scholarships will be provided to aspiring students. "Manny is a proven winner in life, and we couldn't be more enthusiastic to have him onboard as an investor and brand ambassador. His ring exploits continue to inspire the youth to keep persevering in life, and his passion for education, as proven by his efforts to pursue his studies, is perfectly in line with our ideals," Shiao said. Pacquiao — himself a holder of a master's degree in management Major in Public Education — emphasized the importance of education, even as he encouraged prospective investors to join him in helping Times Education in its expansion efforts. “Education is not merely a process of acquiring knowledge; it is a catalyst for personal growth, social progress, and economic development. It empowers individuals, enhances critical thinking, and equips us to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world,” the former eight-division world champion said. “My journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a testament to the transformative power of education. Despite facing numerous challenges, my unwavering determination and commitment to self-improvement led me to become not only a sporting icon but also a respected leader and advocate for education. My story inspires countless individuals around the world, proving that education is the great equalizer that transcends social and economic barriers,” he added. One of Australia’s largest institutions offering vocational education and training, and higher learning among others, Times Education has delivered training to over 35,000 students across seven colleges and 12 campuses in key Australian cities. The company has set its sights on a global expansion, and Pacquiao is keen on helping them achieve the goal. “The partnership between Times Education Group Australia and Manny Pacquiao symbolizes the transformative power of education,” Pacquiao said. The post Times Education picks Pacquiao as ambassador appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aviation decarbonization needs gov’t backing
The aviation sector, poised to become a major economic growth driver, is one of the main contributors to global carbon emissions. Industry players are, thus, rushing to decarbonize their operations by using sustainable aviation fuel or SAF. However, Cebu Pacific Chief Strategy Officer Alex Reyes argued that the initiative needs government support before it can fully take off. For instance, he said government partners could "put in the proper incentives so that more capital flows into this vital industry." “There needs to be a coordinated effort throughout the complicated supply chain of aviation to achieve these investments, to get all these massive amounts of SAF refineries,” Reyes said at a recent aviation forum. "If everyone can put SAF on top of their agenda, it all brings us to a much better place for the entire aviation sector," he added. Cebu Pacific was the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to incorporate SAF into its operations when it took delivery of its third A330NEO in May last year. CEB is scheduled to receive 21 aircraft deliveries this year, 17 of which are new engine options or NEOs, while four are current engine options or CEOs on short-term leases. The airline aims to shift to a more fuel-efficient, all-NEO fleet by 2028. It also aims to utilize SAF by launching green routes by 2025 and using SAF for its entire network by 2030. SAF is an environmentally sustainable and chemically identical alternative to fossil fuel-based aviation fuel. It can be processed from plant and used oil feedstock such as forestry and agricultural waste and used vegetable oils. It does not require any adaptations to the aircraft or engines and does not have any negative impact on performance. Using SAF results in up to 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle. Locally, one potential feedstock for SAF is coconut oil or CNO, which is also used for biodiesel production. Last February, the DOE reportedly met with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Philippine National Oil Company, and the European Aviation Safety Agency or EASA to discuss the potential advantage of exploring SAF in the country in compliance with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation or CORSIA by 2027. Cebu Pacific Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs also recently conveyed the Philippines' strategic position to serve more domestic and international passengers. “The Philippines has a moment here with this young middle class, increasing the wealth of the nation but also wanting to travel. We are strategically placed within the ASEAN region to be a hub, allowing more connectivity between all the people in this region,” Szucs said. “The growth story is impressive and consistent, and the tourism potential here is massive. This is the moment; this is the opportunity to get back. Now is our time to get back to that pedestal, to that very top,” he added. Cebu Pacific currently flies to 35 domestic and 24 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The post Aviation decarbonization needs gov’t backing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biggest franchise expo rides on growth
Franchising is expected to earn an unprecedented P30 billion by the end of the year, based on industry projections. During the Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 International Expo briefing on Monday, Philippine Franchise Association chairperson Sherill Quintana said that franchising revenues has reached P27 billion in the year to date, already surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 revenues of P25 billion. With the growing local market, Quintana said global franchise brands should consider the Philippines as their “launching pad” in Asia. “The future is Asia, and the Philippines will be the launch pad for what the Asian economy will be able to seize for the global market,” Quintana said in a press conference in Quezon City. In the next five years, she said her group is expecting to reap 10 to 13 percent revenues for the industry over the next five years. PFA president Chris Lim said the exposition will be the biggest franchise show that the country hosted in the past 10 years. Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 International Franchise Expo will run from 27 to 29 October and the meetings of the World Franchise Council and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation from 24 to 30 October 2023. “More than a decade ago was the last time that a similar event was held in the Philippines, so it is really a very momentous occasion. And what a great way to really celebrate and to really show that we’re back in business, that the franchise industry in the Philippines is as vibrant as ever,” Lim added. SMX Convention Center taken up Franchise Asia Philippines 2023 overall co-chair Richard Sanz said this will be the first time for a franchise event to occupy the entire SMX Convention Center in Pasay City to showcase 1,000 local and global franchise brands from 26 countries. Further, he said 39 percent of the expo participants are new exhibitors with new concepts such as breastfeeding center, agriculture supplies, automated retail and convenience store, vape store and kickboxing gym. “This speaks of the vibrancy of the franchise sector with new players joining the market,” he said. Sanz mentioned that also 20 percent of the participants are international brands from Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Sinapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States. More than 50,000 exhibitors are expected to attend the expo. “This highlights the continued interest among Filipinos in franchising as an investment option,” Sanz said. The post Biggest franchise expo rides on growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India
Army chiefs and senior officers from 30 countries including the United States met in India Tuesday to discuss threats facing the Asia-Pacific region, in the face of concern at an increasingly assertive China. US Army chief Randy George said the region was "critically important", speaking to reporters alongside his Indian counterpart Manoj Pande, and vowed to boost cooperation to "maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific". Generals from Japan and Australia, which make up the "Quad" defense cooperation forum alongside Washington and New Delhi, also took part, as did Britain and France. As the generals met, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing would oppose the "wanton expansion of military alliances", the latest in a string of warnings as Washington deepens security ties in the Asia-Pacific. Beijing has long said that any effort to establish a NATO-like military alliance in the Asia-Pacific would provoke conflict. Nations present at the two-day conference in New Delhi included Vietnam and the Philippines, both of which have longstanding pending territorial disputes with China. The conference, which launched in 1999, brings together army chiefs and top officers from 30 countries. India's Pande said the region faced challenges on both land and at sea. "These range from territorial disputes over land masses, or in some cases, even over artificially expanded islands to acquire real estate and establish military bases," Pande added, in an indirect reference to China. India has also had to balance its traditional alliance with Russia -- the provider of most of its arms imports, and now a source of cut-price oil -- with growing ties to Washington. "The partnership between India and the US armies is vital for stability in the region, and the relationship between our armies is strong and growing stronger," George said. The post US army chief and allies discuss Asia-Pacific in India appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»