~ The essentials of protected living and doing business in the digital space
The 2025 Cyber Resilience Summit: Delivering Competitive Advantage Through Security held March 5-6 at the Crowne Plaza Manila is the first of its kind in the Philippines. The event featured top level experts from the Philippines and the SEA region representing government, finance and technology, banking and healthcare, BPM, advocacies and education, and the Armed Forces.
In a nutshell, the Cyber Resilience Summit homed in on the real-world dangers of cyber (in)security and threats. Throughout the two-day event, discourse and discussion from its top-notch resource speakers revolved on cyber-attacks and scams, online fraud, fake news, identity phishing.
Cited by the World Economic Forum as the #4 security risk globally, the Cyber Resilience Summit asked decision makers to prioritize cyber security at every level of enterprise and industry.
More importantly, the event focused on awareness and security, and how information and awareness supplemented massively by tough security measures are requisite and paramount to ensure public safety.
Not only in the Philippines, but across regional and global lines, and in the same velocity and speed as technology itself entities manipulate these advancements for criminal acts.
The World Economic Forum, among other experts state no absolute-100% security from cyber threats as these grow in intensity and at scale. Cyber resilience is imperative to protect data and maintain privacy, and to equip industries to recover from cyber attacks. At the Summit experts unanimously addressed measures that bring together human factors, organizational processes, and the latest technologies.
2025 Cyber Resilience Summit: Delivering Competitive Advantage Through Security featured, among others, the following talking heads expressing global perspectives.
Engr Jose Carlos P Reyes, Director of the Cybersecurity Bureau, Department of Information and Communications Technology – Securing the Digital Battlefield: Building a Resilient Digital Ecosystem
“Cyber security is not a solitary pursuit. We must foster collaboration across organizations, industries and even nations, like minded nations that is sharing threat intelligence and best practices enables us to stay ahead of attackers and improve our collective defenses. Resilience comes from being proactive. It’s about identifying potential risks early, understanding the impact of those risks, and implementing controls to mitigate them before they turn into actual reaches in this rapidly evolving threat landscape, static defense mechanisms are insufficient.”
Ts Mohd Zabri Adil Bin Talib, Head of Responsive Technology & Services, CyberSecurity Malaysia – E-Sovereignty and Cyber Resilience: Safeguarding Nations in the Digital Era
“Cyber security is basically an initiative, a layer of parameters to set up to prevent you from being harmed digitally. Cyber resilience is when your cyber security is solid and tested. Cyber resilience brings cyber trust—digital trust. Malaysia is focusing on (driving) the digital trust because when we have trust in the infrastructure, the public will use and participate with the digital economy as a whole country to push the national economy to the next level”
Mr. Jocel de Guzman, Founder and Co-Lead Convenor, ScamWatchPH and Founder & President, Truth360 Inc – Cyber Resilience Starts Here: Building a Robust Human Firewall
“The problem globally is legislation in terms of how to catch up when it comes to the advancement of technology. There are some advancements in the lawmaking, but there’s still a lack. The weakest link in cyber security is the end-user. The Filipino digital user learned the technology on their own. While most top 500 corporations have cyber security infrastructure in place to protect their assets, The end-user is often neglected (in lawmaking discussions). Government agencies work in silos. Existing legislation has flaws, for example, the SIM card registration allows 1 individual the ability to register 1000 sim cards. Quoting Former DICT Secretary Ivan Uy, “Online scam is now bigger than illegal drug trade globally.”
Onil Jaia G. Leyda, Technical Solutions Consultant, ManageEngine – Future-Proofing Cybersecurity: Harnessing Emerging Tech for Resilience in 2025 and Beyond
“(Among many) AI attacks we should watch out in 2025 include advanced AI powered attacks, these are the AI generated phishing, social engineering and Deep Fake scams that target CEO and focus camps. Next, polymorphic and autonomous cyber attacks that mutate their code for the malware not to detect them and adapts to the security defenses of the users. Then we also have the weaponized AI for cyber, that do large scale attacks on government, banking, finance and patient.”
The 2025 Cyber Resilience Summit: Delivering Competitive Advantage Through Security key takeaways are:
Collaboration is Key Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across organizations, industries, and nations. Threat intelligence sharing and best practices enhance collective defenses.
Cyber Resilience & Digital Trust
Cybersecurity acts as a protective layer, while cyber resilience ensures security systems are solid and tested. Digital trust is crucial for public confidence and economic growth in the digital era.
Legislative Challenges & End-User Risks
Technology outpaces legislation, leaving gaps in cybersecurity laws.
The end-user is the weakest link due to lack of structured education and awareness.
Emerging AI-Driven Cyber Threats (2025 and Beyond)
AI-powered attacks: Phishing, social engineering, and deepfake scams. Polymorphic malware: Mutates to bypass security defenses.
Weaponized AI: Large-scale cyberattacks targeting governments, banking, and healthcare sectors.
The call for sectors to be cyber secure and cyber resilient is pressing, and urgent. It takes proactive and collaborative approach, combined with strong legislation to be cyber resilient. Vigilance on and agility to merging technology defenses is essential to safeguarding the digital landscape.
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Mandaluyong City, Philippines — The Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) held its highly anticipated General Membership Meeting (GMM) on March 21st. This landmark event brought together the nation’s most prominent content creators, industry leaders, and policymakers. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Manila’s ever-evolving digital landscape, the gathering highlighted the crucial role of influencers in shaping public discourse, promoting responsible content creation, and addressing pressing societal issues such as disinformation and fair labor practices.
A keynote address by Donald Lim, a well-respected figure in Philippine internet marketing, was a highlight of the event. Lim’s speech resonated deeply with attendees as he explored the latest trends in content creation, emphasizing the growing importance of authenticity in influencer marketing.
He also discussed the emerging challenges within the industry, particularly the impact of algorithm changes driven by platforms on creators’ reach and revenue streams. Lim’s remarks served as both a rallying cry and a call to action for creators to adapt to these shifts while stressing the importance of maintaining their creative integrity.
A particularly impactful moment during the meeting was the speech delivered by Congresswoman Geraldine Roman. She addressed the ongoing TriComm hearings on disinformation, highlighting how fake news affects not only politicians but also all Filipinos, especially vulnerable groups like women and minors.
“Fake news is intentionally created with malicious intent to distort reality,” she stated passionately. “If you raise a generation that believes a lie, how can you create a stable future for our country?”
Her words resonated with attendees, many of whom have seen firsthand how misinformation can damage trust within communities and online spaces.
The event also included insights from CICP’s leadership team. Jel Directo, the president of CICP and its first female leader, shared her vision for fostering collaboration among creators, brands, and agencies to establish best practices in an ever-evolving industry. Directo emphasized CICP’s commitment to education through initiatives that equip creators—from nano-influencers to mega-influencers—with the tools needed to optimize their craft while pursuing career growth.
Mich De Guzman from Cebu Pacific and Ace Gapuz from Blogapalooza echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the strong turnout at the event. Both leaders encouraged stakeholders across various sectors to work together in creating a healthier ecosystem for digital professionals. Meanwhile, Robi Domingo, head of CICP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee, highlighted ongoing efforts to combat online misinformation through targeted campaigns, reinforcing CICP’s commitment to truth and transparency.
A particularly compelling segment featured candid interviews with members of WeTheFuture—mega-influencers Spart and Sheanner Navarro—who shared their struggles as independent creators navigating an increasingly commercialized industry. Known for their unique content centered around self-discovery, both expressed concerns about how shifting platform policies might stifle creative freedom. Their reflections underscored the need for collective advocacy and highlighted the urgency of the situation, making the audience feel compelled to act to protect creators’ rights while fostering innovation.
The event was graced by the presence of the Board of Directors, which underscored its significance. Attendees included Rai Clemente of Meta/Facebook, Brian Dacanay of Tier One, Jaemie Mejia of Colgate Palmolive, Jeio Sabado of Jollibee, Bryan Yap of RGC, Drew Shaw of Redtorch, content creator Inka Magnaye, and TNC’s very own Apple Esplana-Manansala, who has served on the Council for a second consecutive year. Also present was CICP’s 2024 president, Jako de Leon, along with Jim Guzman of Unilab, the founding president of CICP.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among attendees. As platforms evolve alongside global policy changes, the CICP reaffirmed its role as a unifying force dedicated to uplifting Filipino creators through education, advocacy, and community building.
The organization’s efforts to draft a Creator and Influencer Code of Ethics clearly demonstrate its unwavering commitment to fostering transparency and accountability within this growing sector.
Ultimately, CICP’s first General Membership Meeting in 2025 was more than just an industry gathering; it was a powerful testament to the transformative power of collaboration. This collaboration is essential in addressing the opportunities and challenges within the digital economy. By championing initiatives such as fair compensation, intellectual property rights, and ethical content creation practices, CICP continues to pave the way for a thriving ecosystem that empowers Filipino creators while safeguarding their audiences. CICP also promised to hold quarterly gatherings for content creators throughout 2025.
Donald Lim made a compelling point in his address: “The future belongs to those who not only adapt but also lead with purpose.” In a time when influence is as valuable as currency and authenticity is essential, events like this help ensure that Filipino creators stay at the forefront of global innovation while remaining true to their roots.
As the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP) continues to shape the future of the digital content industry, we invite you to join this transformative movement. Becoming a member of CICP offers unparalleled opportunities for creators, influencers, brands, and agencies. You will gain exclusive access to industry insights, masterclasses, and the chance to network with top-tier professionals and brands. CICP is your gateway to enhancing your craft and achieving global recognition.
By joining this dynamic community, you will not only obtain tools to optimize your influence but also contribute to establishing ethical standards and best practices that will guide the industry for years to come. Together, we aim to build a healthier and more equitable digital landscape—one where creativity is not just recognized but celebrated, rights are protected, and every voice has the power to inspire change.
Visit CICP’s official website today or email he********@***il.com to take the first step towards joining a movement that is reshaping the future of content creation in the Philippines. We look forward to seeing how your unique voice and perspective can enrich our community.
A special thank you to our partners: Unilab, Jollibee, Quanta, Tiffany Chocolates, Ernesto by BarberBOY, and Basement Camp by Power Mac Center for providing the loot bags to all attendees.
San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines – March 26, 2025 – P.A. Properties, Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. (HHPC), and Anabuki Property Management Group have officially signed a strategic partnership to enhance property management services for the Idesia projects, which feature established Homeowners Associations (HoAs). This signing ceremony represents a significant step toward improving community living standards through quality property management, effective HoA management, and sustainable development.
Idesia is the premier residential brand of P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin Inc., a joint venture between P.A. Properties and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. of Osaka, Japan. The brand is designed to offer modern, well-planned housing communities across the Philippines. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and comfort, Idesia aims to redefine suburban living by providing residents with thoughtfully designed homes and comprehensive amenities.
Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, President and CEO of P.A. Properties, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing homeowner experiences: “This partnership strengthens our dedication to delivering not only quality homes but also effective property and homeowners’ association (HoA) management. Through this collaboration, we aim to create secure, well-maintained, and thriving communities where residents can enjoy a higher quality of life.”
Mr. Taisei Hayashi, representative of HHPC, highlighted the potential of the collaboration: “This is more than just a ceremonial agreement; it marks the beginning of a strong, forward-looking partnership. Together, we are combining our strengths: P.A. Properties’ insights, Hankyu Hanshin Properties’ expertise, and Anabuki Property Management’s contributions to further develop and enhance our projects.”
Mr. Ryuhei Onishi, President of Anabuki Property Management Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to bring our extensive experience in property and HoA management to ensure efficient operations, security, and overall homeowner satisfaction. Our focus is on fostering vibrant, well-maintained communities in which residents can truly take pride.”
This partnership will directly benefit current and future homeowners by enhancing property maintenance, security, and overall community management. Homeowners’ associations can expect improved facilities, responsive services, and a seamless living experience, reinforcing Idesia’s reputation as a trusted residential brand.
The event gathered executives from all three companies, celebrating a shared vision for enhanced property management. Moving forward, homeowners can expect an elevated standard of living supported by expert-driven community management.
Struggling to Secure an Employment Pass? Here’s How to Get It Right
Hiring top overseas talent can transform your business, but securing an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore is tougher than ever. Many SMEs face delays, rejections, and wasted months, simply because they don’t know MOM’s evolving criteria.
At Ace Digital SG, we spoke with HRplus, a leader with 20+ years of experience, to uncover the most common mistakes businesses make—and how to avoid costly delays. From salary benchmarks and job descriptions to compliance pitfalls, this article breaks down exactly what you need to do to maximize your chances of approval.
Want to avoid EP rejection? Read now and get expert insights.
Why Singapore SMEs Struggle with Employment Pass Approvals
Hiring top international talent can be the game-changer your business needs—but securing an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore has become harder than ever. Stricter regulations, increased scrutiny, and complex requirements mean many businesses waste months on applications, only to face costly rejections.
At Ace Digital SG, we bring you expert insights to help your business thrive. We spoke with HRPlus, an industry leader who has helped hundreds of businesses successfully secure EPs over the past 20 years. If you’re planning to hire from overseas, you can’t afford to get this wrong—here’s how to increase your chances of approval and avoid costly mistakes.
The Most Common Employment Pass Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Many SMEs assume that if a candidate meets the qualifications, the EP will be approved. In reality, MOM (Ministry of Manpower) evaluates much more—including your company’s hiring history, salary structure, and industry demand.
Here’s where most businesses go wrong and how you can avoid costly delays.
1. Not Demonstrating a Genuine Need for Foreign Talent
MOM prioritizes local employment, and if your business hasn’t shown effort to hire Singaporeans, your application is more likely to be rejected or delayed.
✅ How to Fix It:
Provide clear documentation of your local hiring efforts.
Justify why a foreign hire is essential for your business.
Make sure to structure your application properly based on the latest regulations.
2. Offering a Salary That Raises Red Flags
Many businesses underestimate MOM’s salary benchmarks, assuming they can offer a lower package. If your salary doesn’t match industry standards, it can trigger a rejection or lengthy review process.
✅ How to Fix It:
Benchmark your salary against MOM’s latest requirements.
Show competitive compensation aligned with the candidate’s qualifications.
Ensure your salary package meets approval standards without unnecessary overspending.
3. Weak Job Descriptions & Poor Justification
Vague job roles or unclear justifications can lead to automatic rejection. MOM needs to see that this role requires specialized skills that are difficult to find locally.
✅ How to Fix It:
Clearly define the job scope and how it benefits Singapore’s economy.
Highlight the unique skills of your candidate and why they are critical to your business.
Customise your job descriptions that align with MOM’s expectations.
4. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
Many EP applications fail because of minor errors—missing documents, incorrect details, or outdated financial statements. Even a small mistake can delay your approval for months.
✅ How to Fix It:
Double-check all documents before submission.
Provide updated company financials and clear hiring records.
Go though all required documents in detail to avoid critical mistakes.
Why You Can’t Afford to Get It Wrong
Every EP rejection or delay costs your business valuable time and money. With Singapore’s employment regulations tightening, there is no room for error. A single mistake can result in months of delays, lost candidates, and wasted effort—while competitors move forward with their hiring.
The smart way forward? Work with experts who have done this successfully hundreds of times.
Don’t Risk Your EP Approval – Get Expert Help Now
Securing an Employment Pass isn’t just paperwork—it’s a strategy. Without expert guidance, your business could be stuck in rejections, costly delays, and endless frustration.
Don’t waste time on guesswork. Get it right the first time.
HRplus has over 20 years of experience helping businesses like yours secure EP approvals quickly and successfully.
Stop delaying—every day your EP isn’t approved is a day your business loses talent. Act now.
Ace Digital SG: Helping Singapore Businesses
At Ace Digital SG, we bring you expert insights that matter—from marketing to hiring the right talent to scaling your business smarter.
Have a question or need us to cover a business topic? Let us know—we bring you the answers Singapore business owners need.
About Ace Digital SG Pte. Ltd
Interviewer: Ace Digital SG established in 2018 heps to bring expert insights for issues Singapore SMEs care.
JobPlus Employment Agency Has Been Established Since 2003. Our firm and our consultants are licensed by the Ministry of Manpower (License No: 03C4955) to apply for Singapore Employment Pass. We adhere to the highest standards of professional ethical conduct and practices. At JobPlus Singapore Employment Pass Agency, we specialize in providing comprehensive Singapore Employment Pass application service for Employers. Whether you need assistance with applying, renewing, or canceling employment passes for foreign directors, shareholders, or employees, our team is here to make the process seamless and efficient.
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES
Davao City, Philippines – ITSTEP Academy Philippines is excited to invite technology enthusiasts, students, parents, and those considering a career change to its highly anticipated Open House event, “Level Up: ITSTEP Academy Philippines Open House.” This event will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM, located on the 2nd Floor of the Pharma Nutria Building, at #2 Rimas St. corner J.P. Laurel Avenue, Barangay Wilfredo Aquino, Bajada, Davao City.
The Open House offers prospective students an immersive experience to explore the Academy’s specialized courses, state-of-the-art facilities, and expert faculty. Attendees will have the chance to discover career pathways in IT, participate in interactive sessions, and gain insights into various technology-driven programs designed to prepare them for success in the digital world.
One of the event highlights is the Game Development Using Roblox Studio program, which is perfect for aspiring developers and gaming enthusiasts eager to create immersive gaming experiences.
Roblox Studio, a well-known game development platform, allows learners to bring their creative ideas to life by developing interactive games. This program is particularly appealing to young creators and those looking to enter the gaming industry.
Another program that will be featured is Computer Graphics and Design, which presents an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about visual communication, digital design, and multimedia artistry.
The program emphasizes hands-on training, teaching students graphic design principles, digital illustration techniques, and multimedia production skills, equipping them for careers in the rapidly growing creative industries.
Lastly, the event will showcase a course in Python Programming, a globally recognized and versatile programming language that opens the door to numerous career paths, including software development, artificial intelligence, data science, and automation.
This program is structured to cater to both beginners and experienced programmers, ensuring all participants gain practical and in-demand skills relevant to various industries.
The Open House will introduce attendees to a variety of in-demand programs, including Networks and Cybersecurity, Internet Marketing, Social Media Marketing (SMM Intensive Course), Front-end Development, and Quality Assurance (QA): Software Tester. These courses are designed not only to meet but to exceed the growing demand for skilled professionals in their respective technology sectors, providing an optimistic outlook for your future career prospects.
For younger attendees and their parents, ITSTEP Academy will showcase its Junior Computer Academy, a specially designed initiative aimed at nurturing tech skills in young learners. This program features engaging courses such as Animation and Cartoon Creation and Digital Kids: Programming, Design, and Artificial Intelligence. These courses offer early exposure to digital skills in a creative and supportive learning environment, assuring parents that their children are in capable hands.
Additionally, while exploring ITSTEP Academy’s diverse educational offerings, attendees will have the unique opportunity to benefit from a streamlined same-day admission process. This allows you to secure your enrollment in your chosen course on the spot, giving you immediate control over your educational journey.
Registration for the event is now open through the official website at https://itstep.ph/event/join-us-for-our-open-house. Interested participants can also reach out for inquiries via landline at +63 82 308 3376 or through WhatsApp and Viber at (+63) 967 470 3891. Further updates and event details can be accessed through ITSTEP Philippines’ official social media channels (@itstepph) on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
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