by Ferry Bayu | Sep 27, 2023 | Business
Keeping Bayanihan Alive in Laguna: PHINMA RCL Inaugurates New School Building
PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (PHINMA RCL) inaugurated the newly built PHINMA Hall on September 18, a four-storey building that will serve as the new home for a growing number of students in South Luzon. Its 18 classrooms and seven laboratories will cater to students from courses like Criminology and Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as Senior High School (SHS).
[Calamba, Laguna, Philippines] – PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (PHINMA RCL) inaugurated the newly built PHINMA Hall on September 18, a four-storey building that will serve as the new home for a growing number of students in South Luzon. Its 18 classrooms and seven laboratories will cater to students from courses like Criminology and Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as Senior High School (SHS).
“We are honored by the opportunity to extend the mission of PHINMA Education to South Luzon students,” said Eduardo Arevalo, Chief Operating Officer of the Laguna network. “The inauguration of PHINMA hall is just one of our efforts to highlight our commitment to nurturing the new generation of heroes capable of improving the lives of their families, communities, and the country through accessible quality education.”
Christopher Tan, Country Head of PHINMA Education Philippines, explained that PHINMA RCL will deliver the same student-centered, conducive, and effective learning for students that have become the hallmark of PHINMA Education. “This is what makes us successful as we try across the country to lower the barriers of helping through education and to provide a better future for our children,” he added.
To keep the spirit of Bayanihan alive not just for its students but also the greater Laguna community, PHINMA Hall is equipped with 86 solar panels to reduce its impact on the environment. Like other PHINMA Education campuses, it is also equipped with green facilities like rainwater catchment systems and sewage treatment plants. Finally, a tree planting ceremony was held during the event to underscore the network’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.
Present at the inauguration were Laguna Mayor Roseller “Ross” H. Rizal and Congresswoman Charisse Anne Hernandez-Alcantara, PHINMA RCL Board Members Ramon del Rosario, Jr., Magdaleno Albarracin, Jr., Dr. Chito Salazar, Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) founder Bernardo Villegas, along with students and faculty members.
Together with the rest of the eight PHINMA Education schools in the Philippines, which includes PHINMA Araullo University (AU), PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College (COC), PHINMA University of Iloilo (UI), PHINMA University of Pangasinan (UPang), Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA, and PHINMA St. Jude College (SJC) Manila and Quezon City Campus, and PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL), PHINMA RCL commits to the mission of making lives better through education.
PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI) under the conglomerate PHINMA Corporation, started investing in the education services sector in 2004 through the acquisition of PHINMA Araullo University in Nueva Ecija. It has since expanded its presence across the country with its network of schools namely: PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, PHINMA University of Pangasinan, PHINMA University of Iloilo, Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu City, PHINMA Saint Jude College Manila, PHINMA Saint Jude College Quezon City, PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna, and PHINMA Union College of Laguna. It also aims to expand across Southeast Asia beginning with Horizon Education in Indonesia. For more information, please visit: https://www.phinma.edu.ph.
MA Ramirez
ma*******@******ed.com
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 27, 2023 | Business
Grab to deploy ‘holiday fleet’
Super app operator Grab Philippines is in talks with regulatory agencies to increase the number of its partner-drivers between 10,000 to 20,000 this holiday season to address the projected spike in demand, particularly from tourists and home-bound overseas Filipino workers.
Grace Vera-Cruz, country head of the dominant ride-hailing service provider, told reporters in a recent interview they were planning to deploy a “holiday fleet”, comprising temporary partner-drivers to augment the supply during Christmas.
She said Grab was coordinating with the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board to determine how many more partner-drivers should be given slots in the meantime.
Grab is hoping to finalize the plan by November amid the expected pickup in ride-hailing service demand.
Christmas rush
Ronald Roda, Grab senior director for strategy and operations, previously said that passengers usually have three out of 10 chances of successfully booking a ride during the Christmas rush.
“We’ve been working on this since July. We really want to deliver a good customer experience,” Vera-Cruz said.
Currently, the country head said they have between 20,000 to 30,000 drivers. The number is below the 65,000 it had prior to the pandemic.
Roda said about two-thirds of their fleet quit from the platform during the pandemic when mobility was heavily curtailed. At that time, several cars were also repossessed due to financial challenges, he said.
Grab has since been onboarding more driver-partners along with the resurgence of mobility.
Provincial network
This October, the ride-hailing company is set to launch its Davao operations with 250 driver-partners. It is targeting to increase the slots to 1,500 eventually.
Grab launched its services in Iloilo in March. Moving forward, it is also keen on establishing presence in Pampanga, Albay, Camarines Sur and Bacolod.
The super app operator is set to launch the Hotspot Navigation feature this year, which will enable drivers to identify areas with high demand for ride-hailing bookings in real time. It is designed to improve the earning capability of the company’s driver-partners.
The local ride-hailing market has been dominated by Grab after it bought competitor Uber in 2018. However, two players—low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines and California-based ride-hailing company InDrive—are now trying to break into the sector as they request for licenses to operate.
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 27, 2023 | Business
Asia Recruit Partners with Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) to Empower Asnaf Through Job Placement
Asia Recruit (Asia Recruit Management Sdn Bhd) is honoured to announce its collaboration as an official recruitment partner of Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) in our shared mission to facilitate candidate placement and foster career growth for Asnaf beneficiaries of Zakat (Islamic almsgiving).
Selangor, Malaysia – Asia Recruit (Asia Recruit Management Sdn Bhd) is honoured to
announce its collaboration as an official recruitment partner of Lembaga Zakat
Selangor (LZS) in our shared mission to facilitate candidate placement and
foster career growth for Asnaf beneficiaries of Zakat (Islamic almsgiving).
This meaningful partnership is dedicated to extending
support to individuals who are recipients of Zakat, many of whom face
considerable challenges in their daily lives, including financial constraints,
unmet essential needs, and limited to no access to employment opportunities.
Asia Recruit is committed to assisting them in securing
stable and fulfilling employment prospects, thereby enabling them to access
their basic daily necessities and enhance their overall quality of life and
well-being. Our recruitment expertise will work in harmony with the dedicated
efforts of Lembaga Zakat Selangor, contributing to the betterment of the local
communities comprising Asnaf beneficiaries.
We are deeply humbled to be part of this noble effort and
look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need,
together with Lembaga Zakat Selangor. This partnership reflects our commitment
to creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
Asia Recruit is one of the top recruitment companies in Malaysia providing a range of talent solutions including permanent placement, contract staffing, and executive search. Since its founding in 2003, Asia Recruit has supported countless clients and candidates across different industries including manufacturing, banking, IT, shared services, oil & gas, and many more.
Asia Recruit (headquarters)
Tel: +603-5038 3983
Email: he***@*************om.my
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 26, 2023 | Business
VRITIMES Announces Strategic Partnership with ThailandBusinessNews.net to Distribute English-Language Press Releases in Southeast Asia
VRITIMES, a leading press release media distribution platform, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with ThailandBusinessNews.net, a prominent news portal in the region. This collaboration aims to enhance the distribution of English-language press releases across Southeast Asia.
Under the terms of the partnership, VRITIMES will supply ThailandBusinessNews.net with press releases in English, catering to the growing demand for international news and updates in the Southeast Asian market. This alliance is expected to amplify the reach of businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to communicate their news to a broader audience in the region.
“We are excited about this collaboration with ThailandBusinessNews.net,” said Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder / CEO of VRITIMES. “Our mission has always been to provide comprehensive media distribution services, and this partnership will further our reach in the Southeast Asian market. We believe that by working together, we can offer unparalleled exposure to our clients and contribute to the growing information exchange in the region.”
Both VRITIMES and ThailandBusinessNews.net are dedicated to ensuring that this partnership benefits their clients and readers by offering timely and relevant news updates. The collaboration is set to commence immediately,
VRITIMES (https://www.vritimes.com/sg/service) is a media technology startup company, established in Tokyo in August 2022. We specialize in press releases, functioning both as a media platform and a distributor to our media partners. Users can create and distribute press releases through VRITIMES, then use our analytics feature to review their results – all within one solution. By making it easy and affordable to distribute press releases, we aim to facilitate a more valuable flow of information in the world, serving as the infrastructure that ensures this information reaches the media and consumers.
Media Relations
Email: ma*******@******es.com
by Ferry Bayu | Sep 26, 2023 | Business
Permutable AI Advocates for Government-Led ESG Standardization in South East Asia
Leading AI-driven analytics firm Permutable AI takes a prominent role in addressing the escalating importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations within the business landscape. Following S&P’s recent decision to exclude ESG indicators from credit reports, discussions on the urgency of standardized ESG ratings have surged. Permutable AI’s CEO, Wilson Chan, and Regional Director for Asia, Manuela Moollan, provide key insights into this pressing matter, emphasizing the pivotal role of ESG ratings in holding companies accountable for their environmental and social impacts. The firm highlights the need for regulatory standardization, asserting that government-led efforts are essential for creating transparent and unified ESG standards.
In a dynamic business environment where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are gaining increasing prominence, Permutable AI, a leading AI-driven analytics firm, is at the forefront of the conversation.
The recent announcement by S&P regarding their decision to exclude ESG indicators from their credit reports has ignited discussions on the need for standardized ESG ratings. Permutable AI’s CEO, Wilson Chan, and Manuela Moollan, Regional Director for Asia, have shared their perspectives on this crucial matter.
Why ESG Ratings Matter
Wilson Chan, CEO and Co-Founder of Permutable AI, emphasized the significance of ESG ratings, stating, “ESG ratings play a pivotal role in holding companies accountable for their environmental and social impacts. They are guiding beacons for investors and drive businesses towards more sustainable practices.”
The Challenge of ESG Rating Diversity
Discussing the challenges surrounding ESG ratings, Chan added, “The lack of uniformity and standardization in the ESG rating landscape is a formidable challenge. This diversity of interpretations makes it exceptionally challenging to compare one company’s ESG performance with another’s.”
The Case for Regulatory Standardization
Permutable AI firmly believes in the necessity of regulatory standardization. Wilson Chan stated, “ESG ratings should not originate solely from private entities. Instead, regulators and governmental organisations should be at the forefront of establishing a unified and transparent standard. Standardization is paramount because it provides a level playing field for businesses, ensures the reliability of ratings, and facilitates more accurate comparisons.”
Reliability and Transparency of Permutable AI’s Data
A distinguishing factor of Permutable AI’s approach is the real-time and progressive nature of their data. Wilson Chan highlighted this, saying, “Unlike rating agencies, our data is real-time and shows progress over time. This real-time insight allows businesses and investors to track ESG performance and improvements continuously.”
The Role of South East Asia in Standardization
Manuela Moollan, Regional Director for Asia at Permutable AI, discussed the regional perspective, stating, “In South East Asia, regions such as Hong Kong and Singapore are actively developing principles for climate transition plans and green taxonomies to support standardization efforts. These initiatives mark a significant step towards regional alignment with international ESG standards.”
She continues, “Since the ASEAN’s sustainable finance taxonomy publication in 2021, ASEAN countries have been developing their own taxonomies to be interoperable with international standards. Taxonomies are key to reduce divergence and inconsistencies in ESG ratings. With standardization in mind, ESG data providers and ESG ratings will be at the forefront of risk evaluation in the banking sector and determining capital requirements to reflect ESG risk.”
S&P’s Decision and Permutable AI’s Unique Perspective
Commenting on S&P’s recent decision to temporarily withdraw ESG ratings, Wilson Chan remarked, “This move is prudent. It acknowledges the significant variance between different rating providers and underscores the importance of reliability in ESG ratings. Reintroducing ESG ratings once standardized and reliable frameworks are in place would be a sensible course of action.”
Permutable AI is a leading AI-driven analytics firm that specializes in providing real-time, reliable ESG data and insights to businesses and investors. With a mission to promote sustainability and responsible business practices, Permutable AI empowers stakeholders with the information needed to make informed decisions in an ever-evolving global landscape.
In a significant move to expand its presence and enhance its commitment to the Asian market, Permutable AI recently appointed Manuela Moollan as the Regional Head of Asia. This strategic appointment signifies Permutable AI’s dedication to serving the unique ESG needs of the Asian business landscape.
Talya Stone, ta***@********le.ai
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