by Ferry Bayu | Oct 26, 2023 | Business
The ASEAN Foundation, in collaboration with TikTok and SAP, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Regional Workshop for the ASEAN Social Enterprise Development Programme (ASEAN SEDP) 2.0. Themed “Empowering Social Enterprises to Drive Meaningful Change in ASEAN,” this event recently took place in Singapore, coinciding with the 16th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME).
During the workshop, three outstanding social enterprises were awarded a total of $30,000 in grants to support the implementation of their innovative social business ideas and further promote sustainable development goals in the ASEAN region.
SINGAPORE – The ASEAN Foundation, in collaboration with TikTok and SAP, is proud to announce the successful completion of the Regional Workshop for the
ASEAN Social Enterprise Development Programme (ASEAN SEDP) 2.0. The workshop, titled “Empowering Social Enterprises to Drive Meaningful Change in ASEAN,” was held in Singapore from October 17 to 20, 2023, in conjunction with the 16th ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME).
During the event, three outstanding social enterprises were awarded grants totaling $30,000 to help bring their innovative social business ideas to life, contributing to the advancement of sustainable development goals in the ASEAN region.
The Regional Workshop featured an engaging program that included a Demo Day and Business Matchmaking sessions, connecting visionary social entrepreneurs with potential investors, such as venture capitalists and angel investors. The workshop also hosted insightful roundtable discussions and a networking dinner with ACCMSME delegates. This provided participants with a platform to build meaningful relationships, express their aspirations, and showcase their promising initiatives to ASEAN policymakers. The winners of the grants were Survival Skills Vietnam from Vietnam in first place, Tulibot from Indonesia in second place, and Beebag from Malaysia in third place.
“We are excited to announce the seed grant winners today, and we look forward to witnessing their growth and contribution to sustainability across the region. The Regional Workshop offers an invaluable opportunity for these social entrepreneurs to gain exposure to potential investors, actively participate in regional conversations, and network with influential policymakers across ASEAN. We are confident that all the participating social enterprises will harness the knowledge they have acquired during the program and continue to thrive,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation.
The ASEAN Foundation, in partnership with TikTok and SAP, has successfully launched the ASEAN SEDP 2.0 program to empower social enterprises throughout the ASEAN region. This initiative focuses on promoting productivity, technology, and innovation. It aims to enhance access to financing, improve market access and internationalization, and foster entrepreneurship and human capital development.
After a rigorous selection process involving 145 applicants, 20 exceptional social enterprises from ten ASEAN member countries have been chosen to participate in the program. The selected enterprises are as follows:
- Brunei Darussalam: Big BWN Project
- Cambodia: ADSA Cambodia
- Indonesia: Komerce, PetaNetra, PT. Disabilitas Kerja Indonesia, and Tulibot
- Lao PDR: Cofarm – Farm for Local
- Malaysia: Beebag, Native Discovery, and PichaEats
- Myanmar: CC Educare Myanmar, Taungthutada, and TTTD – Farmers’ Bridge
- Philippines: Hinablon sa Cebu and Mayani
- Singapore: Recyglo
- Thailand: Lukthamdai, Moreloop, and PakDone
- Vietnam: Survival Skills Vietnam and Tohe Social Enterprise
These enterprises represent a diverse range of innovative solutions aimed at addressing social issues within their communities.
The selected social enterprises benefited from 15 customized virtual training and mentoring sessions tailored to their specific needs. One of these sessions, held in September 2023, focused on TikTok Trust and Safety. It provided insights into TikTok’s safety efforts, community guidelines, and user protection measures.
Hasnita Taslim, the Founder of PT Disabilitas Kerja, stated, “I am grateful to have learned about TikTok’s Trust and Safety (T&S) strategies and measures that are in place to ensure user safety on the platform. As a TikTok user, it gives me great confidence knowing that we are well protected.”
Another workshop that TikTok conducted focused on content creation strategy, equipping social enterprises with skills and techniques to connect, grow, and mobilize their audience authentically.
“TikTok is proud to partner with the ASEAN Foundation to meaningfully empower social enterprises across Southeast Asia to advance inclusive economic growth and drive meaningful change in their communities. We believe that a collective partnership involving governments, non-profits, and private sector partners can enable the next generation of entrepreneurs to grow and thrive,” said Jerry Lewis Ong, Social Impact APAC, TikTok.
The ongoing strategic collaboration between the ASEAN Foundation and SAP aims to empower youth-led social enterprises and young talents across the ASEAN region. This program focuses on equipping them with the essential skills needed to create a future-ready workforce and encourages young social entrepreneurs to explore innovative solutions that provide inclusive economic benefits throughout the region. Recently, SAP conducted training sessions for selected social entrepreneurs under the themes “Powerful Collaborations: Enhancing Impact through Partnership” and “SAP S/4HANA for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.”
Lu Hongwei, the Regional CSR Director for East Asia, Pacific, and Greater China at SAP, stated, “We are dedicated to supporting social entrepreneurs who are ready to create significant regional and global change. Through the knowledge gained from our program, along with ongoing mentorship and access to our corporate supplier networks, we firmly believe they will achieve a profound impact.”
One of the highlighted social enterprises is Recyglo Singapore, a sustainability platform based in Singapore. They offer closed-loop waste management solutions for both businesses and individuals and operate in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Adhering to their motto, “Making the world a cleaner place,” their mission is to process materials in a safe and non-hazardous manner to prevent environmental harm.
The Regional Workshop was attended by several officials nominated by ACCMSME, including:
- Mr. Tham Jierong, Assistant CEO and Head of Venture Building at raiSE, Singapore.
- Ms. Joanne Tan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Capability Programmes and Planning Group at Enterprise Singapore.
- Mr. M. Reza Guntara, Expert Planner at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs in Indonesia.
Three decades after ASEAN was established, it became evident that there was a need for enhanced shared prosperity, awareness, and interaction among its people.
In response, ASEAN leaders founded the ASEAN Foundation during the ASEAN 30th Anniversary Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 15, 1997. The ASEAN Foundation, created by and for the people of ASEAN, has a vision of building a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community.
As an integral part of ASEAN, the Foundation is committed to promoting awareness, identity, interaction, and development among its people. For more information about the ASEAN Foundation, please visit: www.aseanfoundation.org.Faye Jeremy
081990851272
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 24, 2023 | Business
DSAM and Lazada Ink Groundbreaking Industry Collaboration Supported by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living
This first-ever initiative permits only registered distributors with a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to directly market Direct Selling products on the Lazada platform.
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 OCTOBER 2023 – Direct Selling Association Malaysia (DSAM) and Lazada, Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of a strategic collaboration to strengthen oversight of product sales of the Direct Selling industry on Lazada e-Commerce platform. This landmark MoU represents the inaugural partnership between 145 DSAM Member Companies and Lazada Malaysia, under the guidance and support of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). KPDN regulates the Direct Selling Industry through the Direct Selling and Anti-Pyramid Schemes Act 1993 [Act 500] which requires members of DSAM, Direct Selling companies and its authorized distributors to have a valid approval. This first-ever initiative permits only registered distributors with a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to directly market Direct Selling products on the Lazada platform.
KPDN Senior Director of Distributive Trade & Business Sector, Dato’ Rohaizi bin Bahari, who witnessed the MoU signing said, “The Ministry is of the view that this partnership will give rise to a fair and harmonious business landscape, and increase consumer confidence in buying direct sales products through online platforms. This effort will also ensure quality and authenticity of products are maintained for a safer online ecosystem. The Ministry encourages such future collaborations which adds value to the growth of domestic trade and in contributing to the national economy in general, through direct selling industry”. Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham, DSAM Code Administrator, jointly witnessed the MoU signing event.
Recognizing the pressing challenges, the MoU will implement rigorous measures proactively to enhance and strengthen oversight of DSAM Member Companies’ product sales on Lazada Malaysia. DSAM and Lazada will join hands in an effort to ensure product quality and authenticity, contributing to a safer online ecosystem for both consumers and sellers. Official supporting documents such as a copy of the direct selling license, as well as the letter of authorization (LOA) by DSAM Member Companies need to be submitted by the sellers prior to onboarding and operating their online store on Lazada. For all existing sellers of Direct Selling products on Lazada, a LOA must be obtained.
“Through this MoU, sellers on Lazada can be authenticated as legitimate sellers of DSAM Member Companies’ products through a joint-approval process from DSAM Member Companies and Lazada. This will enable us to establish a legitimate business landscape and foster sustainable entrepreneurial growth from Malaysia’s current base of 4 million distributors nationwide,” said Zaihan Ariffin, DSAM President.
Direct Selling distributors complying with the Act 500 face challenges posed by those who sell DSAM members’ products without adhering to industry’s prescribed conditions. The situation has led to the proliferation of counterfeit products, cross border unregistered products, items with unapproved claims, unauthorized pricing issues and altered products, as well as instances of abuse and scams, all of which have had detrimental effects on both the DSAM Member Companies and their distributors. The collaboration with Lazada ensures that Direct Selling products purchased through authorized sellers with LOAs are genuine and supported by the principal Direct Selling companies.
“This partnership is all about trust and assurance. It ensures that the consumers would be able to buy quality products and authentic goods from the brands’ trusted authorized sellers on Lazada platform. With strong support and strategic collaboration with the Ministry and DSAM, Lazada strives to provide the best for our customers and sellers as we contribute towards a thriving digital economy,” said Alan Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Malaysia.
The Direct Selling industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in Malaysia with KPDN requiring all Direct Selling companies to have a valid Direct Selling License (AJL), highlighting the compliance with the Act 500, its associated regulations and the AJL guidelines. These measures are crucial in preserving the industry integrity.
The AJL guidelines also incorporate provisions for price control and various strategies aimed at fostering a correct and favorable perception of the Direct Selling industry. This is essential to combat negative stereotypes such as ‘get-rich-quick’ and pyramid schemes perpetrated by some unscrupulous individuals and companies.
Currently, Malaysia has over 400 AJL holders, all committed to upholding the highest industry standards. DSAM has been ranked Platinum status, the highest of its ranking, by the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) amongst associations in 62 countries.
About DSAM (www.dsam.org.my)
DSAM was established in 1978 as a national Direct Selling association dedicated to promoting Direct Selling nationally and globally and becoming the de facto voice of the industry. As the ethical bearer of the Direct Selling industry in Malaysia, our mission is to support Direct Selling companies in the fields of governance, education, communication, consumer protection and ethics.
DSAM currently has 145 members with nearly 3.9 million distributors. DSAM members which make up 64% of local direct selling companies and various other countries, have generated over RM15 billion in retail sales for 2022. DSAM is a Platinum Member of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) as well as an advisor for the Asia Pacific region.
About Lazada Group
Lazada Group is Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform. For the past 11 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payments channels and Lazada Wallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region.
With a vision to achieve USD100 billion annual GMV, Lazada aims to serve 300 million shoppers by 2030, and be the best at enabling brands and sellers in digitalizing their businesses.
In Malaysia, customers can shop on Lazada with a peace of mind and receive their orders quickly and reliably with the ‘Fast and Free Shipping’ and ‘Priority Delivery’ options. Orders can be tracked up-to-date on the Lazada app and customers can save more with ‘Free Shipping’, vouchers and promotions.
Media Contact for DSAM:
Irene Yeoh
+60123868873
ir*******@**********ia.com
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 23, 2023 | Business
VRITIMES Introduces New Feature for Scheduling and Reserving Press Releases
Manila, October 23, 2023 – VRITIMES, a leading media technology startup, is excited to announce a new feature that enhances the user experience for distributing press releases. The new “Schedule and Reserve Press Releases” feature allows users to plan their press releases for future dates, offering greater flexibility and control over their media distribution strategy.
The process for using this feature is simple and user-friendly. Users can continue to create their press releases in the usual manner but now have the option to specify a future date and time for publication. This added functionality aims to make the process of distributing press releases even more seamless and efficient.
To further assist users in utilizing this new feature, VRITIMES has also released an instructional video. This step-by-step guide is embedded on the platform and provides a visual walkthrough on how to schedule and reserve posts effectively.
“We are committed to providing our users with the tools they need to effectively communicate their messages,” said Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder / CEO at VRITIMES. “This new feature is a testament to that commitment, and we are excited to see how it will benefit our user community.”
VRITIMES (https://www.vritimes.com/ph/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 Team
ma*******@******es.com
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 23, 2023 | Business
The Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel, located in the vibrant Ginza District of Tokyo, Japan, offers a convenient and comfortable stay. Surrounded by shopping, business, and tourist attractions, the hotel is ideally situated on Showa-Dori Avenue, close to popular cultural sites such as Tokyo Disneyland, Asakusa, and Hamarikyu Garden.
The hotel features a variety of dining options, serving both authentic Japanese cuisine and international dishes. These restaurants are scheduled to open in November. Additionally, guests can take advantage of a 24-hour fitness center and flexible meeting rooms suitable for seminars and presentations.
After undergoing renovations by Tobu Group, the hotel will reopen in November 2023, with guest rooms available for booking starting in December.
Enjoy a convenient stay at the Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel, located in the famous Ginza District along Showa-Dori Avenue. A diverse selection of shopping, business, and tourist attractions surrounds our hotel.
Step outside of our hotel, and you’ll enter the vibrant shopping and entertainment district of Ginza. Within walking distance, you can discover popular cultural sites in Tokyo, including Tokyo Disney Resort, Asakusa, and Hamarikyu Garden.
Experience authentic Japanese and international cuisine at our hotel’s restaurants during your visit to Tokyo. The restaurant is scheduled to open on November 1st.
Stay fit at our 24-hour fitness center, which features cardio machines and free weights right in the heart of Ginza.
If you need a space to host a seminar, lecture, or presentation, take advantage of our versatile meeting rooms. They come equipped with large screens and comfortable seating to ensure your guests are both content and productive.
The Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel, located in the heart of Tokyo, serves as your gateway to the vibrant city life of Japan. We offer a comprehensive range of amenities and services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, regardless of the purpose of your trip. We are excited to announce that our hotel will be reopening after renovations completed by Tobu Group in November 2023, with guest rooms available for booking starting on December 1st.
Representatives from Tobu Railway in Malaysia will promote the tourism areas covered by Tobu Railway and share news and information with travel-related partners.
Tobu Railway boasts an extensive network that spans Tokyo and four surrounding prefectures: Chiba, Saitama, Tochigi, and Gunma. With a total of 463.3 kilometers of operating track, Tobu is the largest private railway in the Kanto region, serving commuters, students, business travelers, and tourists alike.
Desmond Haw
+6010-236 2611
de*****@*********on.com
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 20, 2023 | Business
When building a home, everyone dreams of being able to create a space that they truly love. Whether this means having a house that reflects your unique personality or a space that gives you a sense of true serenity, this can easily be achieved by carefully choosing the colors and finishes of your furniture. With the newly launched finishes by American Standard – Polished Cool Sunrise, Brushed Hard Graphite, and Matte Black, consumers are now able to add a more personal touch to their bathroom spaces.
Every color has a story. Which one fits yours?
Polished Cool Sunrise
Polished Cool Sunrise adds more sophistication and a touch of vibrant color to your bathroom.
The timeless beauty of Polished Cool Sunrise will brighten up your home. Whether you prefer a more sophisticated feel or want a touch of vibrant color in your bathroom, this bright gold polish can infuse your space with a comforting glow that will match what you’re looking for. With this color, light gracefully dances across its glossy finish, which helps you create a warm and joyful ambiance in your home.
Brushed Hard Graphite
The stunning Brushed Hard Graphite shade and its rich grey hue and textured finish create an atmosphere of zen and tranquility.
For those who want to transform their bathroom space, the stunning Brushed Hard Graphite shade and its rich grey hue and textured finish are perfect. If you pair this finish with dark or earth tones, this will create an atmosphere of Zen and tranquility in any room. However, if you’re looking to add more unique character to your home, its industrial-inspired look and refined appearance can also effortlessly balance style and functionality.
Matte Black
The striking beauty of Matte Black helps you escape the noise of everyday life within your home.
The striking beauty of Matte Black helps you escape the noise of everyday life within your home. This finish can either help you set a bold statement or establish understated elegance — all because of its rugged all-black texture that exudes a commanding presence and leaves a lasting impression.
Elevate your bathroom with Acacia Evolution and EasySet
All three-color finishes are available in the Acacia Evolution faucets, EasySet Concealed Auto Temperature Mixer, and EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature and select accessories.
Elevate the look and feel of the bathroom with the modern, minimalistic, clean lines of Acacia Evolution fittings. With EcoStart, the Acacia Evolution faucet releases cold water instead of warm water upon lifting the lever, saving you up to 30% of precious energy as it prevents the boiler from heating up. To get hot water, you will only need to move the lever to the left, and by providing a resistance midway when lifting the lever, ClickMove gives you better water volume control, saving you water. Lastly, ComfortMove provides smooth handle performance for optimal precision and comfort.
The EasySet Auto Temperature Mixers, which come in both Concealed and Exposed variants, will elevate your showering experience to a whole new level of comfort. Adjust the water temperature and volume with a simple push and turn to pamper yourself with a shower at a constant and comfortable temperature with ThermoComfort, even when cold water is used elsewhere in the house. Prevent accidental scalding, especially for the young and elderly, with ThermoSafe, which caps water temperature at 49° Celsius and shuts off when cold water supply fails. As an added precaution, the EasySet Exposed Auto Temperature Mixer features CoolShield to ensure the faucet body is always cool to the touch to prevent any instances of scalding when coming into contact.
If you’re building your first home or planning an upgrade to your current homestead, the bathroom space design plays an important role in your wellness experience at home. Choosing mood-boosting colors for you and your family can transform your basic toilet and bath into a personal sanctuary – something that you will love to come home to every day—a space you and your family will enjoy being in.
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About American Standard
American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for almost 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best-in-class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.
About Lixil
LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve everyday, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high-quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this: through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry-leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and TOSTEM. Approximately 55,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com.ph
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 19, 2023 | Business
GCash expressed its full support for the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10946, also known as “Kontra-Bigay”, ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Officials from the fintech company attended the campaign’s launch at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila, earlier in September. The launch was also attended by distinguished representatives from lead agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Department of Education (DepEd), as well as prominent election-focused NGOs like National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and Legal Network For Truthful Elections (LENTE).
COMELEC Resolution No. 10946 aims to combat online vote buying and selling by establishing a Kontra-Bigay Committee and expanding the existing vote-buying regulations under the Omnibus Election Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, as well as the other rules and regulations issued by COMELEC.
One of the most significant highlights of the newly passed resolution is its recognition of online banking transactions and the use of e-wallets as potential channels for vote buying under Section 30. During the launch, COMELEC emphasized its authority to scrutinize the financial details of account holders suspected of involvement in such illicit activities.
“GCash reiterates its unwavering commitment to cooperate fully with the COMELEC in the fight against online vote buying. The company recognizes the critical role fintech companies play in safeguarding the integrity of elections by preventing the misuse of digital financial tools for unlawful purposes,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive officer of GCash.
GCash believes that fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in financial transactions is paramount to ensuring fair, honest, and inclusive elections that reflect the people’s will.
“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and security in financial transactions and will actively support the COMELEC in their efforts to maintain a level playing field for all candidates and voters,” added Sazon.
As the country’s no. 1 finance super app, GCash embraces its responsibility in ensuring that not only finance but also democracy is for all.
About GCash
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones.
GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only duacorn in the Philippines, which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones.
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