by Ferry Bayu | Sep 22, 2023 | Business
CIMB Bank PH posts unprecedented growth in H1 2023; poised for strong year-end closing
MANILA, Philippines — Digital-only commercial bank CIMB Bank Philippines delivered impressive financial results for the first half of 2023, with its revenues growing to nearly 240% from its figures in the same period last year.
The bank’s exceptional performance can be attributed to the growth in its loan portfolio, which grew a record-breaking 150% in the aforementioned period.
Its customer base grew from 6.47 million in 2022 to 7.13 million as of June 2023, showing a robust rise from previous year.
Deposit customer count grew from 5.70 million in 2022 to 6.02 million, while loan customers have breached 2.56 million, showing a 40% growth of loan customers from year-ago figures.
CIMB also saw an increase in debit card transactions and usage, due to the launch of the CIMB Virtual Debit Card. Powered by Visa, the CIMB Virtual Debit Card enables Fast Plus, GSave or UpSave account holders to transact online using their savings accounts, safely and securely.
The virtual cards reinforce the bank’s embedded banking business model in providing accessible financial solutions to Filipinos and are in alignment with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in strengthening customer preference for digital payments. The bank currently has close to 500,000 Visa virtual and physical card customers.
Buoyed by the strong numbers, CIMB Bank PH CEO Vijay Manoharan expressed his satisfaction and gratitude, stating, “This sustained growth puts CIMB in a stronger position to support our customers by helping them achieve their life purpose and goals. We would like to thank them for their unwavering support, and rest assured that we have more exciting products and services in the pipeline, as well as new areas and segments to serve in the near horizon.”
CIMB Bank’s strong financial performance for the first half of 2023 is further underlined by its “Number one bank in the Philippines” citation by Forbes World’s Best Banks Ranking, as well as being hailed Best Bank in the Emerging Markets by Global Brands Magazine.
Its proprietary CIMB Bank Philippines Mobile App was also chosen as Best Mobile Banking App – Philippines by Brand and Business Magazine.
The bank pioneered the first-of-its-kind embedded banking model in the country, serving customers with cutting-edge digital savings and lending propositions anchored on simplicity, convenience, high value and the convenience of no fees for savings accounts, as well as attractive personal, revolving and buy-now-pay-later loan products and schemes.
CIMB has partnerships with financial powerhouses GCash and Visa, and the e-commerce platform Shopee. It is set to announce new strategic partnerships soon as well plans of expansion into new customer segments.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 22, 2023 | Business
Nanning, China – NeuXP Sdn. Bhd. (“NeuXP”), a provider of an all-in-one lifestyle and business platform is excited to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CloudBae Big Data Industry Development Co., Ltd. (“CloudBae”), a leading smart city and big data platform based in Nanning. This strategic collaboration aims to enable both companies to access new markets, resources, and partnership opportunities.
The MoU was officially signed during the grand opening of the China-ASEAN New Smart City Innovation Center, held in the vibrant Liangqing District of Nanning on September 15, 2023. The event, themed “Gathering Talents in the Free Trade Zone Working Together for a Shared Future,” attracted over 90 distinguished attendees, including esteemed experts from ASEAN countries, corporate talent teams, and prominent figures in the domestic digital economy.
The collaboration between both companies demonstrates a strong commitment to leveraging the full potential of CloudBae’s advanced I-Nanning application and other innovative platforms. This partnership aims to facilitate the flow of resources and create valuable partnership opportunities for NeuXP in the expansive Chinese market. As a result, NeuXP is expected to expand its presence and provide a range of convenient lifestyle and business services tailored to the needs of Chinese tourists traveling to Southeast Asia and various global destinations.
On the other hand, with NeuXP’s crucial support, CloudBae will gain access to a wealth of resources and lucrative partnership opportunities across Malaysia and other key Southeast Asian countries. This collaboration will connect CloudBae with important business contacts and exclusive chances to showcase its products, aiding its strategic expansion into international markets.
During the opening ceremony, Liangqing District showcased its investment environment and talent policies, highlighting the region’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth. Eminent talent experts and scholars from ASEAN nations and China delivered insightful speeches, reaffirming the significance of international collaboration and innovation in the fintech sector.
The collaboration between NeuXP and CloudBae represents a significant milestone in the fintech industry, uniting two innovative powerhouses with a shared vision for expanding digitalized lifestyle and business services in China and Southeast Asia. By leveraging each other’s strengths, resources, and expertise, both parties are poised to unlock exciting opportunities and deliver enhanced financial solutions to a broader audience.
As this partnership unfolds, NeuXP and CloudBae are dedicated to pursuing joint initiatives that will revolutionize the fintech landscape across borders and create lasting value for their customers and stakeholders.
About NeuXP
NeuXP is a provider of an integrated platform that offers a wide range of financial and lifestyle services. With a user-friendly, flexible, and accessible experience, NeuXP’s offerings surpass those of typical providers. The platform creates a comprehensive ecosystem that facilitates users’ journeys across borders. Additionally, NeuXP’s all-in-one solution is designed to help businesses transition seamlessly into the digital world while gaining access to an extensive array of global financial and business services. To learn more, visit www.neuxp.com.
About CloudBae
Cloudbae Big Data Industry Development Co., Ltd, established in 2017, functions as a smart city and big data platform company. Our operations are guided by a “Light Asset, Platform-Based, Hybrid Ownership” model. Headquartered in Nanning, we offer services for governments and citizens in Guangxi. We are committed to fostering a new ecosystem for smart city operations, which aligns with our vision to contribute to the development of the Digital Silk Road.
Melati Musa
me****@***xp.biz
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 21, 2023 | Business
The Art of Standing Out. Unveiling the Secrets of Personal Branding Success.
Mr. Ozan, the author of “SME Branding on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Minimal Resources” and co-founder of Getbuzz Solutions, a renowned digital marketing agency in Singapore, shares his expertise in this interview. His upcoming book offers practical insights into SME branding, helping businesses create a big impact with minimum budget. Mr. Ozan emphasizes the importance of clarity, consistency, and differentiation in SME branding, highlights common mistakes to avoid, and provides strategies.
In the fast-paced world of business, branding is a crucial tool for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to make their mark. Meet Mr. Ozan, the author of “SME Branding on a Budget: Maximizing Impact with Minimal Resources.” He’s also the co-founder of Getbuzz Solutions, a digital marketing agency in Singapore, known for helping hundreds of SMEs, individuals, and even big corporations with their marketing and branding. In his upcoming book, he breaks down the essence of SME branding, offering practical insights to help SMEs create a big impact without breaking the bank. 
Join us as we explore SME branding with Mr. Ozan, an expert in the field.
Q: Can you share your background and how you became an expert in personal and corporate branding? What inspired you to specialize in this field?
A: I’ve built my expertise in personal and corporate branding through years of hands-on experience. My journey began with a strong passion for helping individuals and companies distinguish themselves in competitive markets, eventually leading me to specialize in branding and lead generation. 2 key areas business get very high return on their investments.
Q: Small and medium-sized enterprises often struggle with establishing a strong brand presence. What are some key principles or strategies they should focus on when it comes to personal and corporate branding?
A: SME owners should anchor their branding efforts in three core principles: clarity, consistency, and differentiation. Clearly defining your unique value proposition, whom you want to attract and maintaining brand consistency across all channels, and emphasizing what makes you stand out from competitors specifically for your target audience are essential.
Q: In your experience, what are the most common mistakes SME owners make when trying to build their personal or corporate brand? How can they avoid these pitfalls?
A: A common mistake SME owners make is failing to establish a clear brand identity. It’s crucial to avoid generic messaging and instead ensure that your branding aligns with your core values and deeply resonates with your target audience. Many SME owners try to appeal to everyone, but this dilutes their message towards their ideal customers.
Q: Being featured in the news can be a game-changer for businesses. Could you elaborate on how SME owners can position themselves or their companies to get media coverage? What steps should they take?
A: Gaining media coverage requires a compelling narrative. SME owners should actively seek opportunities, cultivate relationships with journalists, and craft newsworthy stories relevant to their industry or expertise. Over the 5 years I met many journalists, and what they want is a content that gain the attraction of their target audience, and either get popular via shares, or add value to them to be used on later stage.
Q: Many people aspire to become published authors. What advice do you have for them on how to leverage this accomplishment to enhance their personal and corporate brand?
A: Becoming a published author is a powerful branding tool. SME owners should start by identifying their areas of expertise, outlining their knowledge in a book, and exploring publishing options, be it through self-publishing or traditional channels. A published book can significantly enhance credibility and personal branding. More importantly it automatically places you in top 1% position in your field, the reason is less than 1% of SME owners or professionals wrote a book about their field, so it is associated with being an expert.
Q: Building a substantial social media following is a goal for many individuals and businesses. What are some effective strategies to attract and engage thousands of followers on social media platforms?
A: Growing a substantial social media following is attainable through consistent, engaging content. SME owners should regularly share valuable content, engage with their audience, and consider leveraging paid advertising and influencer partnerships to expand their reach.
Q: Is branding considered a high ROI investment?
A: Absolutely, branding is a high ROI investment. Think of it as a one-time, low-cost exercise with lifelong benefits. Once you write a book, you’re an author for life; once you’re featured in the news, you’re featured for life. A strong brand boosts reputation, builds trust, and differentiates you from competitors, translating into long-term customer loyalty, increased sales, and the potential for premium pricing. The enduring impact makes branding a smart investment.
Q: Can you share a success story or case study of an SME owner or company that significantly improved their branding and achieved tangible results under your guidance?
A: I’ve had the privilege of assisting numerous SME owners in achieving branding success. For instance, I have witnessed how owner of Energia Vernoica Tan, when she publish her book, automatically she was asked to join events as key note speaker, and been featured in local and overseas news. As a result her business tripped in less than 2 years, the biggest change washer branding attracting more exposure and customers to her.
Q: Personal branding can be a blend of authenticity and strategic presentation. How can SME owners strike the right balance between being genuine and promoting themselves effectively?
A: Striking the right balance between authenticity and strategic presentation is crucial. SME owners should showcase their genuine personality while emphasizing those aspects of their brand that align most closely with their target audience’s values and needs.
Q: In today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, what emerging trends or tools should SME owners be aware of to stay ahead in the personal and corporate branding game?
A: In today’s dynamic digital landscape, it’s essential to keep an eye on emerging trends. Video content, live streaming, and leveraging artificial intelligence for personalized marketing are all noteworthy trends. Additionally, staying attuned to evolving consumer behaviors and social media algorithms is vital to remaining competitive in personal and corporate branding efforts.
Thanks, Mr. Ozan, for your insights!
A big thanks to Mr. Ozan for his valuable advice on SME branding. His expertise is a great help to SME owners. If you want to learn more, check out his book, “SME Branding on a Budget.” And if you’d like his help with your SME’s branding, don’t hesitate to contact him directly.
Getbuzz Solutions is a Singapore-based Digital Marketing Agency. Mr. Ozan, the Co-Founder has been helping SMEs in Singapore grow their online branding and revenue.
Ozan Turay
oz*******@***il.com
Getbuzz.net
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 21, 2023 | Business
Recircle Expands Its Footprint: Now Serving Kuantan, Segamat, and Johor Bahru
Recircle, a leading online recycling platform in Malaysia, is thrilled to share news of its expansion beyond the Klang Valley. Driven by a mission to enhance recycling accessibility and incentives for Malaysians, Recircle has formed strategic collaborations with local recycling partners, extending its collection services to the regions of Kuantan, Segamat, and Johor Bahru. Additionally, stay tuned for more exciting expansions in the coming months.
Recircle Goes Regional: Expanding Recycling Services to Kuantan, Segamat, and Johor Bahru
Malaysia’s favorite recycling platform, Recircle, is proud to take its commitment to sustainability to the next level by expanding its services to three new cities: Kuantan, Segamat, and Johor Bahru.
Since its inception, Recircle has been dedicated to encouraging recycling by offering a user-friendly recycling platform that brings a rewarding experience, eases the recycling process, and also comes with carbon footprint tracking. Through strategic partnerships with local recycling companies in these new regions, Recircle aims to address the challenges of collection and encourage more Malaysians to participate in recycling.

Recircle has already made a significant impact on recycling habits & “Green Profile” building within the Klang Valley. With an innovative mobile app that enables users to request recycling pickups, self-drop off, and earn rewards, Recircle has successfully created a user base or community that is dedicated to reducing waste and protecting the environment.
The expansion into new regions aligns with Recircle’s broader mission to promote sustainability and make recycling a seamless part of Malaysians’ daily lives. By partnering with local recycling companies, Recircle aims to ensure efficient collection services, making it easier for residents of Kuantan, Segamat, and Johor Bahru to recycle their waste. Through this partnership, the platform helps develop a new online customer base for the collection partner and digitalize their operation process. Concurrently, Recircle is actively reaching out to potential partners from various states to join our expanding network.
Recircle encourages all residents in these regions to join the recycling movement. To begin recycling, just download the Recircle app, sign up as a user, and experience this revolutionary recycling platform. Recycling has never been this easy and rewarding!

Established in 2018, we create an online recycling concept for the market. Our innovative mobile application aims to revolutionize the recycling industry in Malaysia by using technology to make recycling more accessible and convenient.
For more information, visit www.recircle.com.my
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2v0XB0S
App Store: https://apple.co/2EzrQvq
Lee Hillton
017-296 1012
le*****************@***il.com
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 21, 2023 | Business
AIA Philippines to launch new global investment product in October
AIA Philippines will launch in October 2023 a high-performing investment product that captures opportunities in the global market, a top executive said Wednesday.
AIA Philippines chief executive Kelvin Ang said in a briefing in Ortigas AIA Global Dynamic Income-Paying Fund is ideal for investors looking to maximize their savings and growth opportunities with the possibility of having additional income.
The new fund will be managed by experts from AIAIM Singapore with years of experience handling over $244 billion across different asset classes.
Ang said the fund is ideal for adventurous Filipino investors who are unafraid to take a risk for bigger rewards.
AIA Philippines said its customers have benefitted from their expertise with Elite Funds posting gross performance between 7.07 percent and 13.07 percent since 2020.
AIA Group chief investment officer Mark Konyn, whose division manages more than $300 billion in assets, said the company helps customers capture long-term opportunities.
“We make sound investment decisions based on deep bottom-up research, leveraging on out extensive resources and experience to deliver the desired outcome for the investor,” Konyn said.
He said AIA Group is repositioning its portfolio of investments over the next decade to be in line with energy transition and environmental, social and governance (ESG).
AIA is moving away from investments in coal and fossil fuel in line with its net zero emissions target by 2050.
Ang said AIA Philippines has a more ambitious net zero target by 2030, with one of its buildings—Philam Life Center Cebu—already running on 100-percent renewable energy.
He said five more AIA buildings in the Philippines would follow the lead of the Cebu facility to meet its 2030 target.
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