by Ferry Bayu | Jul 9, 2025 | Business
Coliving isn’t a trend—it’s infrastructure. After relocating to Finland with my family, I’ve continued to live part-time in an 18 sqm unit in the Philippines—immersed not just as a founder of Woke Coliving, but as a full-time community member. And what I’ve seen inside our walls is extraordinary.
We run together. We puzzle together. We laugh, share meals, and sometimes even fall in love. All while the outside world grows more digitally connected—and more emotionally distant.
The real challenge? Scaling this kind of community without losing its soul. And convincing cities to treat coliving not as a novelty, but as essential social infrastructure for the future.
Here’s how we’re building not just rooms, but rhythms of belonging.
#Coliving #UrbanDesign #CommunityBuilding #FutureCities #WokeColiving #RealEstateInnovation #SocialInfrastructure
In a post-pandemic world shaped by isolation, remote work, and housing scarcity, the question is no longer whether people want to live together—it’s how we intentionally build environments where they can thrive.
About one year ago, my family relocated from the Philippines to Finland so my wife could take on an exciting new role. Since then, I’ve become even more immersed in Woke Coliving—not only as its founder, but as a full-time community member. I had to leave behind my “expat life” in Rockwell, arguably one of the best neighbourhoods in the world (and believe me, I’ve had the privilege of living and working in diverse cities around the world). Yet even after trading that lifestyle for an 18-square-meter room, I found myself surprisingly at ease.
Adaptability is part of who I am. And after a year of living the coliving experience firsthand, I can proudly say: we’ve built a strong, resilient community. What was once a professional venture has become something much more personal—an experiment in proximity, shared rhythms, and purpose-driven living.
At Woke, we don’t just manage the space—we live and breathe it. Most of the Woke team, myself included, live and work within the very walls we operate. And that proximity has allowed me to witness something remarkable.
Every week, I see groups forming organically around shared interests—fitness, wellness, hobbies, even romance. We have a running group and a gym crew that train together and join marathon and fitness challenges. Just last night, I walked through the lobby of our Mandaluyong property and was caught off guard—in the best way possible. A group of sporty residents were gearing up for a night run, another few were laughing around a table, fully engaged—with no phones, no laptops, just presence. Two more were deep into a jigsaw puzzle, heads bent in focus. This wasn’t some curated brand experience. It was a real community, unfolding in real time.
And yet, outside these walls, the digital world is doing the opposite—fragmenting our attention and pushing people further into isolation. The irony is hard to ignore: we’re more connected than ever, but lonelier than we’ve ever been. That’s why we’ve made a deliberate decision at Woke to design for connection. From the layout of common spaces to the temperature of the lighting, the height of the counters, and the softness of the couches—every detail is considered. Because the right atmosphere encourages people to linger, to engage, to open up.
But physical design is only half the equation. Community needs culture—and culture needs boundaries. We’ve implemented a clear, firm set of rules that uphold the health of our community. Racism, discrimination, or any kind of hostility is simply not tolerated. We’re Woke not just by name, but in spirit. That means inclusion, respect, and shared responsibility. Most of our team lives in the properties, and we lead by example—keeping the spaces clean, showing up for others, and creating the kind of environment we’re proud to call home.
A Dual Challenge—Operator and Architect
As both coliving operator and active resident, I’ve seen firsthand how well-designed spaces and strong community frameworks can combat urban isolation. But with that insight comes responsibility—and complexity. The challenge for us at Woke is twofold.
From an operator’s perspective, the next frontier is scaling without losing soul. Growth brings investors, metrics, expansion targets. But how do we preserve intimacy and human connection when managing 1,000+ residents across multiple cities? How do we replicate a culture—not just a floor plan? The operational playbook must evolve to include not just SOPs and legal compliance, but deep rituals of community building, staff integration, and long-term resident engagement.
From the architect’s perspective, coliving must be recognized as an essential component of future cities. We’re no longer talking about an alternative housing model—we’re talking about critical social infrastructure. One that addresses density, affordability, and the need for intentional connection in urban environments. Yet most city plans and zoning regulations still lag behind these realities. The question now is: how do we embed coliving into the architectural and policy fabric of modern cities? How do we design neighbourhoods that are not just liveable, but shared, inclusive, and vibrant?
At Woke, we’re still writing the blueprint. But we know this much: coliving isn’t a temporary fix—it’s a long-term solution to urban loneliness and fragmentation. It calls on us to build not just better rooms, but better rhythms. Not just amenities, but belonging.
by | Jul 8, 2025 | Business
Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, is emerging as a prime destination for sustainable tourism and long-term partnerships with Indonesia in tourism, ICT, and natural resource sectors.
Famous not only for its rich wildlife and cultural heritage, Uganda now invites stakeholders from Indonesia to explore its vast potential as a gateway for investment, collaboration, and long-term partnerships in tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), as well as mineral, oil, and gas resources.
To strengthen connections and shared growth, the Uganda High Commission in Malaysia will host the Uganda–Indonesia Business Forum on July 10, 2025, at Park Hyatt Jakarta. This forum will introduce Uganda’s tourism potential to travelers, tour operators, and businesses looking to expand into the East African region.
“Indonesia is an important market for Uganda. Both countries are rich in tourism destinations and natural resources—minerals, oil, and gas—which opens even greater partnership opportunities. This forum is not just a platform to showcase Uganda’s beauty, but also a step toward shared growth,” said H.E. Dr. Betty Oyella Bigombe, Uganda’s Ambassador to Malaysia, who is also accredited to Indonesia.
The forum will highlight Uganda’s rapid growth in the travel sector, mineral and oil & gas development, and digital innovation. Uganda offers significant opportunities in mineral exploration and value-added processing, particularly in sustainable mining practices that support local communities and protect the environment. Investment prospects also exist in mining infrastructure, processing facilities, and energy solutions. In the ICT sector, Uganda is actively promoting industry modernization and the development of technology parks. The forum will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, joint research, and innovative collaboration between institutions and companies from both countries.
“This forum aims to build bridges—between nations and across industries. Indonesia has a deep appreciation for nature and culture, which is where we see great potential for collaboration in hospitality, tour development, and community-based ecotourism,” Dr. Bigombe added.
The forum will feature structured sessions designed to foster dialogue, exchange ideas, and enable concrete collaboration. The event will begin with opening remarks from government officials of both countries, followed by curated networking sessions, including government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings. It will conclude with a summary of forum outcomes and the formation of cross-sector working groups to follow up on key initiatives.
This forum invites travel industry players, business leaders, investors, and media to participate. It will include in-depth discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities to strengthen cross-country collaboration and unlock new market potential.
by | Jul 8, 2025 | Business
Multi-functional AI platform delivers specialized Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support—driving productivity gains of up to 40% while reducing operational bottlenecks across entire organizations
[Philippines — July 8, 2025] – The modern workplace in the Philippines faces a productivity paradox: while 65% of employees actively use AI tools (Sprout State of AI 2025 Report), most organizations struggle with fragmented solutions that create silos rather than solve them. Repetitive questions flood HR departments, payroll processes still consume more hours than necessary, and managers spend more time on administrative tasks than strategic leadership.
Today, Sprout Solutions addresses this challenge head-on with the launch of Sidekick Central—a multi-functional suite of AI assistants designed to transform operations across every level of an organization.
Unlike generic AI tools that require employees to learn new systems, Sprout’s Sidekicks integrate seamlessly into existing workflows through a unified platform that provides specialized AI assistance for distinct business functions. From HR policy guidance and payroll optimization to management insights and employee self-service, Sidekick is purpose-built to address specific organizational challenges while working together as a cohesive intelligence layer.
Beyond Chat: AI that Works Within Your Business Context
The Sidekicks ecosystem represents a fundamental shift from one-size-fits-all AI to specialized intelligence that understands the nuances of Filipino business operations. Each assistant is trained on role-specific knowledge while maintaining seamless integration with Sprout’s existing HR and payroll platforms.
“We’ve moved beyond the era of employees having to figure out how to make AI work for them,” said Patrick Gentry, CEO and co-founder of Sprout Solutions. “Sidekick Central brings AI intelligence into the workflows that matter most. It’s built to help teams work faster, with fewer blockers and more clarity. The result is immediate productivity gains without the typical AI learning curve. We’re continuing to expand its capabilities across areas like HR, payroll, and operations — starting with high-impact use cases and evolving with the needs of each team.”
Projected Impact Across Multiple Business Functions
Based on pilot implementations and the platform’s core capabilities, organizations implementing Sidekick Central can expect significant operational improvements:
For HR Operations:
• Up to 60% reduction in routine employee inquiries through intelligent self-service
• Up to 45% faster policy clarification and compliance guidance
• Automated generation of HR documents and communications
For Payroll Management:
• Up to 40% reduction in payroll processing time through intelligent error detection
• Up to 90% fewer compliance-related queries with proactive regulatory guidance
• Predictive analytics designed to identify potential issues before they impact employees
For Management Decision-Making:
• Real-time workforce insights enabling faster strategic decisions
• Automated report generation projected to save 15+ hours per month per manager
• Predictive analytics for better resource planning and team optimization
For Employee Experience:
• Instant access to personalized policy information and benefits guidance
• 24/7 availability designed to eliminate wait times for routine support
• Proactive notifications for important deadlines and opportunities
“With the introduction of Concierge AI, we were able to reduce the number of HR inquiries. Because the AI is integrated with our systems and policies, it’s saved our HR team a lot of time on basic queries. That’s allowed them to focus on higher-level responsibilities without additional headcount. We’re now able to focus on more impactful work as we continue to change and evolve.”
—Shakira Snowdown, Country Head, Philippines, Pepper Money
Addressing the AI Adoption Gap in Philippine Business
The Sprout State of AI 2025 Report reveals that while employees in the Philippines embrace AI tools, most organizations lack enterprise-grade solutions that balance functionality with security and compliance requirements.
83% of employees currently rely on consumer AI tools they’ve acquired independently, creating potential security risks and inconsistent outcomes.
This gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis demonstrates that workers currently using generative AI are saving 5.4% of their work hours—equivalent to over 100 hours annually per AI-using employee. For organizations where AI adoption reaches meaningful scale, this could translate to significant productivity gains across the workforce.
“Businesses in the Philippines are ready for AI, but they need solutions built for their specific context,” explained Mary Abigail Galve, Head of People Operations at Sprout. “Sidekick Central doesn’t just automate tasks—it understands Philippine labor laws, local business practices, and cultural nuances. This contextual intelligence is what transforms AI from a novelty into a strategic business advantage.”
Enterprise-Grade Security Meets Startup Agility
Built on Microsoft Azure infrastructure, Sprout’s Sidekicks adhere to international security standards including ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance, while maintaining full adherence to the Philippine Data Privacy Act. The platform features:
• Role-based access controls
• Comprehensive audit trails
• Data sovereignty protections designed specifically for enterprises operating in the Philippines
Beyond security, Sidekick Central provides unprecedented visibility into organizational knowledge gaps through built-in analytics. Leaders gain insights into frequently asked questions, process bottlenecks, and training opportunities—enabling continuous improvement of both AI assistance and underlying business operations.
Seamless Integration with Existing Sprout Ecosystem
For the thousands of organizations already using Sprout’s HR and payroll solutions, Sidekick Central represents an evolution rather than a revolution. The AI assistants leverage existing data and workflows, meaning customers immediately benefit from enhanced intelligence without system disruption or extensive retraining.
New customers gain access to the complete ecosystem—AI-enhanced HR management, intelligent payroll processing, and comprehensive analytics—through a single, integrated platform that scales from startups to enterprise organizations.
Available Now — Start Seeing Results Today
All Sprout clients now have full access to Sidekick Central. This includes:
• 300 monthly credits for Concierge, Sprout’s customizable AI Sidekick that uses uploaded company documents to answer internal HR, policy, and compliance questions
• Credits are automatically refreshed every month
• Small talk or basic greetings do not consume credits
• No additional setup required—clients can start seeing value in just a few clicks
Start your transformation: Sprout clients can access Sidekick Central through their HR dashboard or directly via https://sidekick.sprout.ph
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI-Enhanced Business Operations
Sprout is committed to continuous innovation that keeps customers ahead of global trends while addressing the unique challenges of the Philippine market. The company plans to expand the Sidekick Central platform with additional specialized assistants for finance, sales, and operations, while enhancing integration capabilities with third-party business systems.
“This is just the beginning of how AI will transform business operations in the Philippines,” noted Gentry. “Sidekick Central represents our vision of AI that amplifies human potential rather than replacing it.”
Learn More & Access Resources
• Access Sidekick Central: https://sidekick.sprout.ph
• Read the Research: Sprout State of AI 2025 Report
• Request Demo: Contact your Sprout representative or visit sprout.ph
by | Jul 7, 2025 | Business
Electric vehicle sales in Australia are off to a strong start in 2025, already outpacing the first half of last year, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.
New figures from the EVC and other sources show that more than 14,000 additional battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) have been sold in Australia so far this year compared to the same period in 2024.
Between January and June 2025, EVs accounted for more than 12 per cent of all new car sales, up from 9.6 per cent during the same period last year.
In June 2025 alone, electric vehicles accounted for almost 16 per cent of all new cars sold.
Electric Vehicle Council CEO Julie Delvecchio said: “Electric vehicle sales are powering ahead in 2025 with more Australians than ever before getting behind the wheel.
“An additional 14,000 EVs sold in the first half of this year compared to the same period the year before. Monthly EV sales set a new Australian record in June as well, with market share breaking through 15 per cent for the first time ever.
“The transition to electric vehicles is picking up speed – that’s because of federal government support through policies and incentives, and more Australians recognising that making the switch is good for the environment and their wallets.
“We’ve seen really important changes come into effect in Australia this year in the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard which is bringing consumers more choice in electric cars and more competitive prices.
“More than 350,000 people are driving EVs in Australia today: tradies in utes, mums and dads ferrying their kids in SUVs, suburban dwellers zipping around in hatchbacks and small business owners delivering goods from vans. Once people make the switch to electric driving, they tend to stick to it.
“While the growth in electric vehicle sales is encouraging, it’s crucial that Australia maintains this momentum by expanding infrastructure, increasing incentives, and supporting innovation such as vehicle-to-grid technology.
“More EVs on our roads benefit all Australians, delivering quieter streets, cleaner air, and greater protection for our environment.”
by | Jul 7, 2025 | Business
A restaurant that you must visit when on vacation in Bali, precisely in Ubud with elegant decoration, Arabian nuances and appetizing Middle Eastern cuisine, of course 100% Halal and also friendly staff are ready to welcome you. Open from 10 AM – 02 AM.
Bali is a tropical dream for many travelers sun, surf, culture, and food. But if you’re Muslim and looking for halal in Ubud, you might have noticed something: it’s not always easy to find authentic, 100% halal cuisine in this spiritual and artsy town.
Enter Arabian Knight Resto Ubud an elegant, Middle Eastern escape nestled right in the center of Ubud (Jl Suweta no.1). This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. With warm hospitality, refined Arabian decor, and a menu full of bold, traditional flavors, this is where luxury meets halal.
Whether you’re wandering the rice fields, visiting temples, or just hunting down a good plate of Biryani, here’s why Arabian Knight should be your next culinary stop.
Dive Into a Flavor-Packed Halal Menu
When it comes to food, Arabian Knight takes no shortcuts. Every dish is carefully crafted with authentic Middle Eastern ingredients, bold flavors, and of course certified halal meats.
Not only is everything on the menu halal, but all ingredients are washed using an advanced water filtration system, ensuring both cleanliness and taste.
Here are just a few stars from the menu:
Signature Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss
Chicken & Lamb Mandi – Fragrant rice infused with spices, served with tender meat falling off the bone.
Biryani Chicken & Lamb – A colorful, aromatic classic packed with saffron, herbs, and slow-cooked meats.
Manglubah – A hearty traditional rice dish with deep roots in Arabian home cooking.
Shawarma (Chicken or Lamb) – Juicy, marinated meat carved from the spit and served with soft bread and creamy garlic sauce.
Hummus bil Lamb – A decadent twist on the classic hummus, topped with sizzling minced lamb.
There’s something for every mood from shareable mezze platters to comforting one-plate meals. Vegans and vegetarians? They haven’t been left out either. Think fresh tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and lentil soup.
Interior That Transports You Straight to the Middle East
The minute you walk into Arabian Knight, the ambiance grabs you. This isn’t your typical casual eatery. The design is elegant yet cozy, with rich fabrics, mosaic tiles, ornate lanterns, and deep wooden accents all designed to reflect the beauty of Arabian architecture.
It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a group gathering, or even a late-night shisha session. In fact, Arabian Knight is open at 10:00 AM until 2:00 AM, making it one of the few places in Ubud where you can get great food (and good vibes) past midnight.
VIP Rooms & Premium Shisha
Looking for something more private? Arabian Knight offers VIP Room 1, ideal for intimate gatherings, business dinners, or family-style meals with a little more privacy.
And if you’re a fan of shisha, you’re in for a treat. Their shisha menu includes premium tobaccos sourced from Asia and Europe, offering a smooth and flavorful experience. Whether you’re new to shisha or a seasoned smoker, their staff will help you find the perfect blend to match your palate.
Family-Friendly with Heartwarming Hospitality
One of the highlights of dining at Arabian Knight is the staff. Friendly, attentive, and always happy to recommend dishes or share the story behind the food, the team here goes above and beyond.
Families, solo travelers, couples everyone is welcomed with open arms. The restaurant also offers large communal tables for group meals, and yes, children are more than welcome.
Looking for halal in Ubud that caters to your family? This is it.
So next time you’re in Bali and searching for halal in Ubud, you now know exactly where to go. Trust us one bite of that Mandi lamb, and you’ll already be planning your next visit.
Don’t Forget to Share the Moment
Arabian Knight was practically built for your Instagram feed from the dramatic lighting to the sizzling platters to the intricate mosaic walls. Whether you’re a travel blogger or just someone who loves a good food photo, this is the kind of place that’ll light up your grid.
Tag your photos with #ArabianKnightUbud and join a growing community of travelers who’ve discovered Bali’s best-kept halal secret.
Final Thoughts
Arabian Knight Resto Ubud brings something rare and beautiful to the Balinese food scene: a truly halal, authentically Arabian, and visually stunning dining experience. With dishes that warm the heart and a setting that soothes the soul, this is not just another restaurant it’s a destination.
For those seeking halal in Ubud, this is your sign. Make the reservation. Bring your friends. Try the Manglubah. And breathe in the culture, one bite at a time.
You can make a reservation at the following link. Reserve Now Before Full!
by | Jul 7, 2025 | Business
Multisys marks 15th anniversary with major milestones
Multisys renews ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, expands partnerships and AI capabilities<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/public-38" alt="From left to right: QRC Assurance and Solutions Corp. Country Business Lead – Philippines Lyn Aquino, Multisys CEO Vic Tria, and Multisys COO Atty. Kath Mila during the ISO 270001:2022 conferment ceremony for Multisys” />
Manila, Philippines—Multisys Technologies Corporation, a leader in software as a service (SaaS) and system integrations, and an affiliate of PLDT, the country’s largest telecommunications and digital services provider, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with more global certifications, expanded partnerships, and advanced innovations featuring artificial intelligence–cementing its position as one of the longstanding and trusted IT companies in the Philippines.
In its 15th year, Multisys successfully renewed its ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System (ISMS), following an extensive recertification audit by international certification body QRC Assurance and Solutions Corp. The audit confirmed that Multisys’ ISMS policies and procedures meet globally-recognized standards for securing data assets, with organizational, people, physical, and technological controls in place.
Multisys CEO & President Vic Tria shared that Multisys has also been beefing up its partnerships, having recognized as an official technology partner of Google and ServiceNow.
Multisys is officially part of the Google Cloud Partner program under the ‘Build’ category, allowing it to develop softwares that run on Google products. This is in line with Multisys’ strategic move to integrate Artifical Intellience in both its operations and product suite. Apart from Google, it has partnered with other AI pioneers to now offer geospatial intelligence, AI contact center and AI agents.
Meanwhile, ServiceNow listed Multisys under its ‘Consulting and Implementation’ Partner Program, equipping the latter to resell and integrate ServiceNow’s solutions and provide software development and integration services. ServiceNow is a leading Silicon Valley-based software company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
“Our 15-year milestone reflects the trust our partners place in us. We intend to keep that commitment by making sure we use the best security measures and deliver the most advanced software innovations that truly add value,” Tria said.
Multisys saw a record-breaking banner year in 2024, posting a 105% increase in revenue–an all-time high for the company–as well as a 212% growth in its bottomline.
Among the biggest growth drivers is its strategic partnership with PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, which empowers industries through next-generation digital solutions. Beyond reliable connectivity, PLDT Enterprise brings deep expertise in managing enterprise relationships and a robust ecosystem of solutions partners. Combined with Multisys’ strength in software innovation, the partnership is driving operational transformation, enhancing customer experiences, and enabling long-term business growth.
Together, Multisys and PLDT Enterprise have introduced telco-integrated platforms and services, powered by Multisys’ all-in-one digital solutions, including an enterprise portal, business support system, payment system, dealer management system, and order portal, designed to streamline operations and deliver greater value to businesses across industries.
Tria also shared that outside the country, Multisys is replicating its success story with Brunei’s largest telco, DST, who has tapped Multisys to co-develop Brunei’s first-ever Super App.
Multisys was named SME of the Year and a finalist for Technology Company of the Year alongside Accenture, IBM, Collabera, GENPACT and MDI Novare at the 2024 SOLAIA IT-BPM Awards, hosted by the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).
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