Brunei& rsquo;s largest telco company DST taps MultiSys as technology arm
Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST), the largest telecommunication company in Brunei has partnered with leading Filipino software solutions provider Multisys Technologies Corporation (MultiSys) as both expand market reach to the ASEAN region......»»
PLDT puts up new unit for data centers
Telco leader PLDT Inc. has formed a new unit under its technology arm, delegating it with the task of building and operating data centers......»»
Mla slams Beijing’s expanded SCS claim
The Department of Foreign Affairs has strongly protested China’s inclusion of the entire West Philippine Sea in the newest version of its standard map, calling it “unacceptable.” Manila, through the DFA, made this very clear to Beijing on Thursday as it rejected China’s map that depicts its new “10-dash line” claim to the entire South China Sea, including maritime zones of the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Indonesia. The map was issued by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources on 28 August, drawing protests from Malaysia and India (see related story). “This latest attempt to legitimize China’s purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the DFA said. The DFA reiterated to China that a 2016 international arbitral ruling invalidated its “nine-dash line” claim in the South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. This was in reference to the final judgment rendered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on 12 July 2016. “It (decision) categorically stated that ‘maritime areas of the South China Sea encompassed by the relevant parts of the nine-dash line are contrary to the Convention and without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention,’” the statement said. “The Philippines, therefore, calls on China to act responsibly and abide by its obligations under UNCLOS and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” the DFA added. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, but has not recognized the arbitral ruling. Neither did Beijing participate in the court’s proceedings. During a Malacañang press briefing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Daniel Espiritu confirmed Manila had filed a diplomatic protest with Beijing regarding the issue. Beijing’s revised map features a sequence of 10 dashes arranged in a U-shape, encompassing not only parts of the Philippines but of self-ruled Taiwan as well as parts of the exclusive economic zones of Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Indonesia. “Suffice it to say that we have already expressed our opposition to that matter,” Espiritu told Palace reporters. “We are definitely against it, we reject it, and we continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution of disputes in that aspect,” he added. Asked how this would affect the Philippine position when Marcos meets with his Southeast Asian and Chinese counterparts during the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, Espiritu said the leaders would not complete their discussions on the matter in just one, two, or three meetings. “Progress has been made. We also expressed our profound satisfaction with recent developments in the South China Sea, particularly on the issue of the water cannoning,” Espiritu said. “We emphasized that these actions must be avoided, as they erode trust, escalate tensions in the South China Sea, and destabilize the peace and stability in the region,” Espiritu added. China’s defense For its part, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the map, saying it is “in accordance with the law.” “On 28 August, the Ministry of Natural Resources of China released the 2023 edition of the standard map. It is a routine practice in China’s exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Wang called on the countries affected by the new map to “stay objective and calm, and refrain from over-interpreting the issue.” Four of the 10 members of ASEAN are primary claimants to the resource-rich South China Sea — Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines. Final and binding In reaction, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the Philippines does not recognize China’s nine-dash line claim, more so its expanded 10-dash line. “The arbitral award is final and binding,” Año said. “It gives us our maritime entitlement, our extended economic zone, our territorial waters, and our extended continental shelf.” The Philippines, he said, is not alone in its rejection of the 10-dash line. India and Malaysia have also expressed their opposition to the new map. “There would be more countries, I think, to react adversely against this 10-dash line,” Año said. “Our Armed Forces, our uniformed services, our government will do everything in their capacities to ensure that we are protecting our national interest.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., meanwhile, will push for a rules-based international order and for parties to follow the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea during the upcoming 43rd Asean Summit next month, DFA Undersecretary Espiritu said on Thursday. “The Philippines will continue to uphold and exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law,” Espiritu added. He said Marcos is expected to have one-on-one meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. “With Vietnam, the focus will be on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and, of course, cooperation on rice and food security,” he said. ‘Cancel China projects’ With Beijing’s unrelenting expansion into the SCS, Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon said the government should reconsider existing and upcoming China-assisted infrastructure projects. “Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had earlier suggested a boycott of all Chinese companies and products, including the Chinese Communication Construction Company, to protest Beijing’s continued incursion into our territory,” Ridon said. “Why not push that call up a notch and call on the Marcos administration to cancel all China-assisted infrastructure projects in the pipeline?” he added. There are presently six major infrastructure projects financed with Chinese loans, the biggest of which is the PNR South Long Haul Project, a 380-kilometer railway that will link Calamba in Laguna and Legazpi in Albay. The project, which started in 2016 and is set to be completed in 2024, has a total price tag of P175.3 billion. The post Mla slams Beijing’s expanded SCS claim appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl welcomes McDonald’s Chicken World with NewJeans
Filo-Bunnies can rejoice as the highly anticipated collaboration between McDonald’s and New Jeans has finally arrived. The fast food giant’s project with the five-member girl group, named “McDonald’s Chicken World,” made its debut on Philippine shores on 13 June, marking the second stop of the Chicken World Tour. With a combination of crispy delights, catchy tunes and limited-edition packaging, McDonald’s aims to entice customers and make them want to dance. The campaign initially kicked off in South Korea on 2 June and will also be available in Thailand starting 28 June, Indonesia on 12 July, Brunei on 1 September and Malaysia on 7 September. Hong Kong and Taiwan can expect the campaign to launch in late October. As part of this exciting initiative, McDonald’s is offering two all-time favorites -- the six-piece McNuggets and McChicken at P99 each. The limited-edition NewJeans packaging that comes with the six-piece McChicken or McNuggets will surprise and delight customers. The packaging adds a collectible touch to the overall experience with the group’s recognizable logos and colorful colors. Fans may take advantage of these special offers by downloading the McDelivery App for dine-in, takeout or drive-thru. Special treats are also in store for NewJeans’ fans, including a dance promotion throughout the first and second weeks of July. Users of the app will have the opportunity to take dance courses with 808 Studio and Tads. The McDonald’s app can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play Store. After a successful campaign with the supergroup BTS, McDonald’s second foray into K-pop is this partnership with NewJeans. Since making a surprise debut in July 2022 with the track “Attention,” NewJeans, composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein, have been making waves in the K-pop scene. Notably, NewJeans and American artist Jon Batiste have also promised another exciting collaboration, this time with renowned beverage company Coca-Cola. The female trio had previously collaborated with Coca-Cola to produce a promotional track titled “Zero” back in April, further highlighting their expanding influence and popularity. Fans of NewJeans can expect even more exciting news as the group’s label, ADOR, announced that they will be making a comeback in July with brand-new music. The expectation among the quintet’s devoted following has grown since ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin disclosed that the group’s upcoming release is planned to be released this summer. In addition to their musical endeavors, NewJeans member Danielle recently showcased her talents by releasing her version of ‘Part of Your World’ for Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She provided the primary character Ariel’s voice for the Korean version of the movie. The post Phl welcomes McDonald’s Chicken World with NewJeans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Semirara pivots to Japan, cuts reliance on waning Chinese market
To lessen dependency on the slowing Chinese market, Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, or SMPC is now looking at Japan as a new destination in the region where it can shift and grow its coal shipments. The integrated energy company on Thursday disclosed that it will export another 50,000 metric tons or MT of Semirara coal to Shikoku Electric Power Corporation for its 700-megawatt coal-fired ultra-supercritical power station. SMPC first made a trial shipment to Japan last January, selling 78,410 MT of mid-grade coal to J-Power — a utility company that operates coal, hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power stations. “China is still our main foreign buyer, but with their industrial output growing slower than expected, we want to develop other Asian markets like Japan,” SMPC president and COO Maria Cristina C. Gotianun said in a stock report. During the first quarter of the year, Semirara coal shipments to China plunged by 50 percent from 2.2 million MT to 1.1 million MT. The export to China accounted for 72 percent of the company’s total international shipments. Meanwhile, South Korea remained a steady market at 300,000 MT, representing one-fifth of export sales. Five percent of the total exports went to Japan and three percent went to Brunei. “For 2023, we are targeting to export around 30 percent of our full-year sales target of 15 to 16 million MT,” Gotianun noted. SMPC’s January to March standalone coal revenues dropped by 40 percent to P15.5 billion from P25.7 billion due to the high base effect of record production, shipments, and selling prices. Standalone reported net income, on the hand, went down by 51 percent to P7 billion from P14.2 billion due to the weak topline and slower decline in cash costs. The post Semirara pivots to Japan, cuts reliance on waning Chinese market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Multisys partners with Bruneian firm DST to co-develop a digital platform for telcos
PLDT-backed software solutions provider Multisys Technologies Corporation is set to co-develop an all-in-one telco, fintech and mobile commerce digital platform with Brunei’s largest telco company, Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd......»»
Brunei’s largest telco company DST launches mobile app jointly developed by MultiSys
MyDST, the mobile app and website that leading software developer Multisys Technology Corporation recently completed with Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST), has been successfully launched in Brunei......»»
Brunei’s largest telco company DST launches mobile app jointly developed by MultiSys
MyDST, the mobile app and website that leading software developer Multisys Technology Corporation recently completed with Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST), has been successfully launched in Brunei......»»
Coke PH expands Balik Pinas program for repatriated OFWs
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI)—the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the country—has expanded its Balik Pinas program to national scale to reach more repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and help them start their own business at home. Gareth McGeown, CCBPI President and CEO. “Coca-Cola’s commitment to Filipinos has only grown stronger, in weathering this crisis together,” said Gareth McGeown, CCBPI President and CEO. “We will help and support where we can. Through Balik Pinas, our goal is to help repatriated OFWs who have lost their livelihood abroad to start anew, via owning and operating their own business and be successful here, at home, with their families.” With the help of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), CCBPI aims to reach more OFWs who are interested to start their own business through Balik Pinas. Data from the Department of Foreign Affairs show that as of September 2020, over 190,000 overseas Filipino workers have been repatriated. Balik Pinas gives opportunities to OFWs to be part of the Coca-Cola family as a distributor, wholesaler, or a community reseller. Balik Pinas is a journey that the company and new entrepreneurs take together at every step—from setting up the business, to sustaining it, to ensuring growth. Coca-Cola assists former OFWs in choosing a suitable business model for their area, helps in managing their cash flow and inventory, and sees to it that they are given proper guidance and training until they are fully ready and equipped to operate on their own—all in all, a sustainable and profitable business founded on practical support from a global beverage brand. According to Carlos Rivera, CCBPI Territory Sales Team in Naga City, the Balik Pinas Program started as a small-scale initiative in Naga City to help former OFWs. Just a couple of months after returning home, Carlos Manzano and his family was able to set up their business as Coca-Cola distributor through the Balik Pinas Program, which Carlos said has reshaped his life and outlook forever. IN PHOTO: Carlos and their family’s multi-cab routing unit with the Coca-Cola Naga Sales team. When the program’s pilot rollout started, the Manzanos—brothers Carlos and Jazz, and their father Lito—were among the pioneer members. Carlos and Jazz had both been working for several years in Qatar until the COVID-19 pandemic shook the trajectory of their career and, consequently, the well-being of their families. Together with their father, Lito, who also used to be an overseas worker, they set up a beverage distribution business in their hometown Naga City. Their optimism, as with any new business venture, was tempered with anxiety over how it would all turn out—especially with the considerable challenge of launching during such tenuous times until Rivera offered them membership to the Balik Pinas Program of Coca-Cola. Now, the Manzanos are running a profitable business as Coca-Cola distributors. “Even when I had to leave Qatar suddenly because of the lay-offs, I always envisioned that I would head back to work there when things settle. But with Coca-Cola’s Balik Pinas, I have a livelihood that doesn’t take me away from my family as being an OFW had,” said Carlos. Lito can still remember his first order of 60 cases of Coke products. Now, the Manzano family business has grown to an average of 4,000 cases a month, just five months after they started—a feat magnified for it being in the middle of a pandemic and strict quarantine measures. The Manzanos have also since invested in routing units to augment their business’s capabilities—a multicab and a tricycle. Since starting his business in 2019, Billy Belleza (left), is now one of the prominent Coca-Cola distributors in his area and has added another mini truck to serve more routes and deliveries. Billy is one of the pioneers of Coca-Cola’s Balik Pinas program. Another Balik Pinas program pioneer member is Billy Belleza who decided to return to the country after working for 20 years in Brunei. “I am really thankful that Coca-Cola reached out to me to be a part of this. They have never failed to present opportunities for me and my business to grow since I decided to take part in the Balik Pinas Program. My sales actually soared this year,” said Belleza, who is also based in Naga City. According to Rivera, Balik Pinas Program was really designed for returning OFWs like Billy, Carlos, and Jazz and their families to set up and run a viable business at home. “With their success and in light of current events, this program was expanded to operate on a national scale, so the company can lend assistance to repatriated OFWs and their families as they weather through new challenges brought on by the pandemic,” Rivera said. Coca-Cola has consistently sought to create programs to support MSMEs, more so now with the COVID-19 pandemic having disrupted countless lives and livelihoods. With programs like Balik Pinas, Coca-Cola remains firm in their commitment to help local communities, contributing to the restart of the national economy—by way of reaching out to Filipinos. To know more about the program, you may reach Coca-Cola’s contact center at (02)-8813-COKE (2653). For SMART/PLDT users: toll-free number: 1800-1888-COKE (2653); and for GLOBE users: toll-free number: 1800-8888-COKE (2653). You may also contact 0919-160-COKE (2653) via SMS......»»
Brunei& rsquo;s largest telco company DST taps MultiSys as technology arm
Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST), the largest telecommunication company in Brunei has partnered with leading Filipino software solutions provider Multisys Technologies Corporation (MultiSys) as both expand market reach to the ASEAN region......»»
Numerous Individuals and Businesses Profit from Trump Media Stock
Former President Donald J. Trump’s social media company, Truth Social, had a successful first official trading session on the Nasdaq, with shares surging and approaching.....»»
Sy family invests P5 billion in Megawide affiliate
The Sy family is once again playing a big brother role to a company led by businessman Edgar Saavedra, this time investing in Megawide’s affiliate renewable energy real estate investment trust......»»
SPC grad No. 4 in MTLE
The San Pedro College (SPC) took to Facebook on March 27, 2024, congratulating Ai-Jay Vidal Cortez for placing fourth in the March 2024 Medical Technology Licensure Examination (MTLE)......»»
New DCPO chief pledges technology-driven approach
THE new director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) underscored the utilization of technology to streamline their operations......»»
Trending tickers: Trump Media, Tesla, Bitcoin and DS Smith
Former US president Donald Trump’s media firm, Trump Media & Technology Group, had a successful stock market debut in New York, with shares soaring past.....»»
Security Council warns of foreign interference in 2025 polls
There may be foreign interference in next year’s midterm elections and the Department of Information and Communications Technology should prepare to counter cyberattacks, the National Security Councilwarned yesterday......»»
JG Summit FY23 profit: P19.6-B (up 216%)
JG Summit, the Gokongwei Family’s diversified conglomerate, teased its FY23 financial results headlined by a 216% increase in the company’s net income to P19.6 billion......»»
Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. to hold Annual Stockholders Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of ABOITIZ EQUITY VENTURES INC. (the "Company") will be held on April 22, 2024, Monday at 11:00 a.m. (the "2024 ASM”)......»»
Aboitiz Power Corporation to hold Annual Stockholders Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of ABOITIZ POWER CORPORATION (the "Company") will be held on April 22, 2024, Monday at 9:30 a.m. (the "2024 ASM")......»»
Globe closed on an additional P1.16-B in tower sales
Globe Telecom, the Zobel Family’s telecommunications company, disclosed that it closed on the sale of another 91 cell towers to Frontier Towers to raise approximately P1.16 billion in cash......»»
Tech advancements in agri sans job threats in Date 2024
Despite the pivotal role of technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) in agricultural development, farmers and laborers in Davao Region face no immediate threat......»»