by Ferry Bayu | Oct 26, 2026 | Business
Joining the International Coastal Clean Up Day celebration, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) took action at the Dampalit Mega Dike in Malabon, through a coastal cleanup drive in partnership with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR).
Located along the coast of Barangay Dampalit, the 8.6-kilometer Dampalit Mega Dike serves as an important flood-control structure and habitat for coastal and marine biodiversity in the CAMANAVA area. This underscores the importance of keeping its coastal spaces clean and protected.
APC President Daizaburo Koga said, “Addressing plastic pollution in beaches, rivers and waterways is a huge challenge, but small actions can collectively create a wave of change. Every piece of waste we collect helps create a cleaner coast, protect marine life, and preserve our oceans for future generations.” With 40 volunteers on the ground, more than 500 kilograms of solid waste were collected during the activity.
ASSIST highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships in translating environmental goals into meaningful action. “We are happy to see the continued growth of Ajinomoto’s partnership with ASSIST for marine conservation and waste reduction. ASSIST is proud to work alongside partners like Ajinomoto who remain consistently committed to driving real, lasting environmental change—and we hope to see even more organizations follow suit,” said Francis Macatulad – ASSIST Director for Business Development.
The coastal cleanup is part of APC’s dedicated efforts to translate its sustainability commitments into concrete initiatives.The company always finds ways to contribute to Ajinomoto Group’s global goal of extending the healthy life expectancy of one billion people and reducing its environmental impact by 50% by 2030.
About Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST)
ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation) is a self-sustaining pan-Asian NGO working at the intersection of social impact and sustainable transformation. True to its role as a Partner for Progress, ASSIST collaborates with corporate and institutional funders to deliver co-created initiatives as well as award-winning flagship programs that convert social investments into lasting local capacity. Explore our work and partner with us: www.assistasia.org
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 26, 2026 | Business
New research from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall, reveals the scale and impact of scams across Asia. Among adults surveyed in 13 Asian markets, 71% encountered a scam in the past year. The study estimates that consumers across those markets lost a combined US$136.5 billion to scams over the same period.
The State of Scams in Asia 2026 report, based on a survey of 17,460 adults, also identifies a gap between confidence and outcomes. While 66% of respondents said they were confident in their ability to recognize scams, 62% of those who encountered one interacted with it. Among respondents who interacted with a scam, 26% lost money.
The findings are being released ahead of the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, taking place in Bangkok on 10–11 November. Following previous editions in Taiwan and Singapore, the summit will be held in Thailand for the first time, bringing together leaders from across sectors to strengthen the region’s response to evolving scams.
Phone calls and messages remain major points of exposure
Phone calls were the most common channel through which respondents encountered scams (56%), followed by text messages (50%) and instant messaging apps (40%). Shopping, investment and employment scams were the scam types respondents most commonly interacted with.
“Phone and text message scams remain a major challenge across Asia. In Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, more than six in ten respondents encountered scam calls. As scammers use AI-generated voices and increasingly convincing scripts, identifying suspicious numbers and warning users before they engage becomes even more important,” said Jeff Kuo, CEO of Gogolook. “Whoscall’s observations also suggest that scammers are adapting to tighter SIM registration and identity checks by using international and satellite numbers. That makes continued information sharing across markets essential.”
The harm extends beyond financial losses
The research estimates that consumers across the 13 markets lost US$136.5 billion to scams over the past 12 months. Among respondents who lost money, 51% said they had been scammed more than once.
The effects reached beyond the immediate financial loss. Among those who lost money, 72% reported an impact on their mental wellbeing, 77% experienced at least one emotional impact, and 58% experienced at least one financial impact affecting their everyday lives.
“One of the most striking findings is the gap between confidence and behavior. While 66% of respondents feel confident they can recognize scams, 62% of those who encountered one went on to interact with it. This shows why education is important but cannot be our only line of defense. We also need stronger safeguards that protect people throughout the scam journey.” said Brian D. Hanley, Director, Asia-Pacific Chapter, Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA).
Turning regional evidence into action
The findings will inform discussions at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, where representatives from government, law enforcement, financial services, technology, telecommunications, consumer protection and other sectors will explore ways to prevent and disrupt scams.
The research also points to public support for more proactive intervention. Across the markets surveyed, 71% supported allowing banks to block high-value transactions without a customer’s prior permission when they suspect a scam. Another 69% supported allowing telecom operators or messaging apps to block calls and messages they believe are malicious.
Reporting, however, does not always lead to recovery. While 85% of victims reported their scam experience, outcomes varied depending on where they reported it, and recovery and reimbursement remained limited.
Download the full State of Scams in Asia 2026 report here: https://gasa.org/knowledge-base/reports/state-of-scams-in-asia-2026
Registration for the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026 is open. For the programme and registration details, visit the summit website: https://gasa.org/global-anti-scam-summit-asia-2026
About the research
The State of Scams in Asia 2026 surveyed 17,460 adults across 13 Asian markets: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Fieldwork was conducted between March 16 and April 13, 2026. The research was conducted by Opinium for the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall.
About Global Anti-Scam Alliance
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is a nonprofit organization bringing together policymakers, law enforcement, consumer authorities, NGOs, the financial sector, telecommunications operators, internet platforms, cybersecurity organizations and other stakeholders to share knowledge and develop solutions to protect consumers from scams. GASA Website: https://gasa.org/
About Gogolook
Gogolook is a leading TrustTech company established in 2012. With “Build for Trust” as its core value, Gogolook has expanded its business from Asia to Europe and the Americas. As a foundation member of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Gogolook collaborates with law enforcement agencies and public-sector organizations, including the Taiwan National Police Agency, the Royal Thai Police, the Philippines Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police. These partnerships support its commitment to building a scam-free environment. Gogolook Website: https://www.gogolook.com/
About Whoscall
Whoscall, developed by Gogolook, is a caller ID and digital anti-scam app designed to protect users from scams across various channels, including phone calls, text messages, social media, and links. With over 100 million downloads globally, it features the most comprehensive database in East and Southeast Asia, covering more than 2.6 billion phone numbers. Whoscall Website: https://web.whoscall.com/en
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 26, 2026 | Business
Education does not begin and end in the classroom. To develop strong literacy skills, children also need books, places to read, and resources that encourage them to keep learning. Yet for many Filipino families, particularly those in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, these basic tools remain difficult to find.
The challenges facing Filipino learners highlight the need to strengthen access to learning resources. The latest PISA 2025 results show that only 31% of Filipino 15-year-olds reached at least Level 2 proficiency in reading, compared with 69% across OECD countries. Meanwhile, the World Bank reported in 2026 that 91% of 10-year-olds in the Philippines cannot read and understand an age-appropriate text, a condition it identifies as learning poverty. These figures underscore the continuing need to strengthen foundational literacy and bring learning resources closer to children, particularly those in underserved communities.
For Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, the idea for Cebuana Aralan took shape after he learned about the situation at Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Manila, where students lacked a library to support their reading and study needs. Seeing how the absence of a dedicated space could limit children’s opportunities to read, explore new ideas, and learn beyond their regular classes, Lhuillier saw an opportunity to address a practical need through the Cebuana Aralan Mini Library Project.
“We believe that every child deserves a fair chance to succeed and that opportunities should not be determined by circumstance. Cebuana Aralan reflects our commitment to helping create a stronger foundation for children and supporting them as they work toward their aspirations,” he said.
The need to bring learning resources closer to communities remains significant, particularly as the country continues to address gaps in reading and comprehension. The 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) found that 18.9 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 were functionally illiterate, meaning they experienced difficulty with comprehension despite having basic reading and language skills. Recent learning assessments also show that while Filipino Grade 5 learners have made progress in reading, significant disparities remain, underscoring the importance of sustained support for foundational literacy and access to learning resources.
While strengthening the country’s education system remains a shared responsibility, initiatives outside the classroom can help address some of these gaps. Cebuana Aralan does this by providing books, digital materials, school supplies, and practical learning opportunities in communities where they are needed.
Implemented by the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), Cebuana Aralan has launched three community and school libraries, donated more than 2,500 books, and distributed 764 school supply packs. It has also introduced the C Learning eLibrary App and digital library tablets with ebooks, giving students additional ways to access learning materials.
CLFI’s experience with the project has also reinforced the importance of collaboration. Cebuana Aralan works with local governments, NGOs, community leaders, educators, volunteers, scholars, and other partners to identify areas that can benefit from the program and better understand students’ needs. The project also brings together CLFI’s Inclusive Education and Financial Inclusion programs, complementing literacy efforts with financial education and practical knowledge.
“Education initiatives are most meaningful when they respond to the realities of the communities they serve. By working with local partners and listening to what learners need, we can bring resources closer to them and create opportunities that can make a practical difference in their everyday learning,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Cebuana Lhuillier and Executive Director of CLFI.
As CLFI looks to expand Cebuana Aralan to more remote barangays nationwide, its goal remains to ensure that a child’s location does not determine their opportunities to learn. By bringing educational resources closer to underserved communities, the program helps children strengthen their skills, build confidence, and see greater possibilities for their future.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 23, 2026 | Business
GameX Sports, the PAGCOR-licensed brand of Las Casas Gaming, Inc., hosted a free NBA Opening Day Watch Party at Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City on October 21, with Knicks vs 76ers and a surprise second game, Thunder vs Spurs. The event was open only to guests aged 21 and above, and GameX Sports will hold more fan viewing events this basketball season.
Basketball fans packed the 6th Floor of Victoria Sports Tower early Wednesday morning for the GameX Sports NBA Opening Day Watch Party. More than 200 guests came to watch the first games of the new season together, hosted by the PAGCOR-licensed sports entertainment brand of Las Casas Gaming, Inc.
Doors opened at 7:00 AM, just as the New York Knicks tipped off their season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers.
At 9:00 AM the program began with a surprise the crowd hadn’t been told about: a second live game, the Oklahoma City Thunder against the San Antonio Spurs.
Between quarters and at halftime, guests took to the court for a free throw shootout, 15 seconds per shooter, and a half-court shot contest. Arcade games ran all morning, and registered guests were served breakfast while they watched.
Entry was free and open only to guests 21 years old and above. Staff checked IDs at the door, and each registered guest could bring up to three companions of legal age from 21 years old and above. Content creators Kyle Yves, Ivan from Dugout, Lawrence, Khristyn, Jerssey and Cindy joined the crowd and shared the morning with their followers.
“Opening day is one of those mornings you’d rather not watch alone,” said Leo A. Barrosa, President of Las Casas Gaming Incorporated. “Filipinos grew up watching basketball together, in sari-sari stores and barangay courts. We wanted to give fans a room full of people who love the game as much as they do.”
For GameX Sports, the morning was also a thank-you to the fans who have stayed with the brand since Happy Ending launched in 2022.
“People ask us if we’re legit, and we get why,” Maria Cellerina S. Gallardo III, Vice President of Operations, Las Casas Gaming Incorporated said. “We’re licensed by PAGCOR, our company name is on everything we do, and today we checked every ID at the door. We’d rather show fans who we are in person, so this won’t be the last one.”
GameX Sports will hold more fan viewing events this basketball season. Dates and venues will be announced on the official GameX Sports Facebook page.
RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY In line with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice:
GameX Sports is for players aged 21 and above only. Persons restricted under PAGCOR regulations may not play.
Gaming is for entertainment only. It is not a source of income or a way out of financial problems.
Winning is never guaranteed. All outcomes are determined by chance.
Gaming can be addictive. Know when to stop.
For assistance, email Re***************@****or.ph.
About Gamex Sports PH
GameX Sports is an online sports entertainment platform operated by Las Casas Gaming, Inc. and registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) at gamexsports.com.ph. Its games are built around basketball, starting with Happy Ending in 2022, and it has partnered with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) since 2024. The platform is open only to players aged 21 and above. Its newest basketball game is Otso Panalo. To learn more about how Otso Panalo works, visit the official GameX Sports Facebook page at facebook.com/officialgamexsports or gamexsports.com.ph.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 23, 2026 | Business
ESET is refining its B2B portfolio by adding a new AI Security module to the ESET PROTECT Platform.
ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, is refining its B2B portfolio by adding a new AI Security module to the ESET PROTECT Platform. By helping organizations protect against threats across the AI ecosystem, ESET enables businesses to adopt AI with greater confidence through the following capabilities:
- AI Agent Security: A dedicated security layer that protects organizations using autonomous AI agents from malicious AI components, expanding defenses into the AI agent ecosystem to maintain AI productivity without compromising security.
- AI Behavioral Monitoring: A continuous monitoring capability that tracks the behavior of autonomous AI agents. This will detect and flag suspicious actions to help reduce risk, strengthen oversight of AI agent operations, and prevent suspicious AI behavior from turning into a security incident.
The cybersecurity landscape is being reshaped by AI. As employees adopt AI tools, developers embrace coding assistants, and organizations integrate AI agents and AI-driven workflows, a new attack surface is emerging. ESET is already seeing this shift firsthand. Its researchers have previously uncovered AI-enabled threats such as PromptLockand PromptSpy, while detecting thousands of malicious agentic AI skills. As AI accelerates innovation, it is also accelerating risk, requiring a new approach to cyber resilience.
“AI is transforming the way businesses operate, innovate and grow, but it is also reshaping the cybersecurity landscape at an extraordinary pace. Across APAC, organizations are increasingly looking for security that can keep pace with this change while giving them the confidence to embrace new technologies. For us, cybersecurity is not only about responding to threats; it is about enabling progress securely. ESET’s updated B2B portfolio, supported by an additional €40 million investment in AI in 2026, reflects our commitment to helping organizations strengthen their resilience, navigate emerging AI-driven risks and ensure that security remains a foundation for innovation,” said Parvinder Walia, President of the APAC Region, ESET.
ESET is also strengthening its core AI detection technologies, which have been decades in development, by investing in security-first AI foundations designed specifically for cybersecurity. These includeESET LiveCortex, a cross-perimeter correlation and response engine included in the ESET PROTECT Platform.
Similarly, ESET AI Advisor is being renamed to ESET LiveAI to better reflect its place in the company’s core product portfolio and its new capability to provide live incident remediation context.
About B1G2 Technologies International Inc.
B1G2 Technologies is the exclusive distributor of ESET products in the Philippines. With a focus on delivering world-class cybersecurity solutions, B1G2 Technologies offers cybersecurity solutions and services, local support, and partner enablement to help businesses secure their digital operations. Its portfolio includes SOC as a Service, Threat Sweeping, Governance and Risk Management, and Cybersecurity Posture Improvement programs—empowering businesses to secure their digital transformation journey. For more information, visit our website or follow our LinkedIn and Facebook page.
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