by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
PARIS—The Paris Court of Appeal will on 7 July weigh what may be the final bid by heirs of the Sultan of Sulu to enforce a controversial US$15 billion arbitration over Malaysia’s Sabah, after courts across Europe tossed out the claim.
Paris – On July 7, the Paris Court of Appeal will hear what is expected to be the final legal challenge in a dispute involving a nearly US$15 billion arbitration award tied to historical claims over Sabah, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo.
The hearing follows multiple rulings across Europe rejecting attempts by individuals claiming to be heirs of the former Sultan of Sulu to enforce the award issued by Spanish arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa in 2022. Stampa was later convicted by a Spanish court for contempt and banned from acting as an arbitrator for one year.
At the heart of the case is an 1878 agreement between the Sultan of Sulu and European traders, which remains the subject of legal and historical debate.
Efforts to enforce the arbitration award have been dismissed in Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with courts citing procedural irregularities, jurisdictional overreach, and the annulment of Stampa’s mandate by Spanish authorities.
With the upcoming Paris ruling, legal experts anticipate closure in a case that has tested the boundaries of international arbitration and sovereign immunity. Malaysian officials have expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal will reaffirm the inapplicability of arbitration to the 1878 agreement.
Despite legal setbacks, representatives of the claimants have signaled intentions to continue pursuing their case through alternative channels, although the path forward remains uncertain.
Full article here: https://knowsulu.ph/unforeseen-consequences/how-did-we-get-here-a-timeline-of-the-sabah-dispute
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
The world-renowned Swan Lake ballet returns to Southeast Asia in October 2025 by overwhelming popular demand. Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this encore tour features former Mariinsky Ballet soloists and brings the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece to new and returning audiences. Following a sold-out tour in 2024, this production promises an unforgettable experience of grace, emotion, and classical Russian ballet excellence.
Kuala Lumpur, 2 July 2025 – By overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Swan Lake returns this October for a spectacular encore tour—inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the enchantment, drama, and poetic beauty of the world’s most iconic ballet.
Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this majestic production features former soloists from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, delivering the essence and tradition of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asian stages.
Renowned as one of the most beautiful and magical ballets ever created, Swan Lake continues to mesmerize with its haunting Tchaikovsky score, emotional intensity, and breathtaking storytelling. The show is a celebration of grace, love, and mystery—a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul and captures the imagination.
A Proven Triumph Last year
In 2024, Crescendo’s Southeast Asia ballet tour featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were nothing short of phenomenal—selling out every venue and earning glowing reviews, standing ovations, and endless admiration from audiences across the region. “The first tour exceeded every expectation—sold-out venues, thunderous applause, and fans who demanded for more,” says Dimitri Montalto, Director of Crescendo Asia. “This encore is for everyone who loved the magic the first time — and for those about to fall in love with it for the very first time.”
Whether you’re a lifelong ballet lover or stepping into the theatre for the very first time, Swan Lake offers an unforgettable evening of elegance, emotion, and ethereal beauty—the kind of experience that lives on in the heart long after the curtain falls. Check the closest show from your home below:
Encore Tour Dates
• 11 October 2025 – KLCC Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur
• 16 October 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore
• 18 October 2025 – JIEXPO Theatre, Jakarta
The magic begins — public ticket sales go live on Friday, 4 July at 3PM (GMT+8). Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s most iconic ballet. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and tour updates: @crescendoasia
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
By overwhelming demand, Swan Lake returns to Singapore on 16 October 2025 for an encore tour, inviting audiences to relive the timeless magic of the world’s most iconic ballet. Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, the production stars former Mariinsky Ballet soloists, bringing the elegance of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asia.
After a sold-out Southeast Asia tour in 2024, featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, Crescendo Asia returns with a production praised for its emotional depth, breathtaking storytelling, and Tchaikovsky’s haunting score. This encore is a gift for both loyal fans and first-time viewers.
Singapore, 2 July 2025 – By overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Swan Lake returns this October for a spectacular encore tour—inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the enchantment, drama, and poetic beauty of the world’s most iconic ballet.
Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this majestic production features former soloists from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, delivering the essence and tradition of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asian stages.
Renowned as one of the most beautiful and magical ballets ever created, Swan Lake continues to mesmerize with its haunting Tchaikovsky score, emotional intensity, and breathtaking storytelling. The show is a celebration of grace, love, and mystery—a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul and captures the imagination.
A Proven Triumph Last year
In 2024, Crescendo’s Southeast Asia ballet tour featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were nothing short of phenomenal—selling out every venue and earning glowing reviews, standing ovations, and endless admiration from audiences across the region. “The first tour exceeded every expectation—sold-out venues, thunderous applause, and fans who demanded for more,” says Dimitri Montalto, Director of Crescendo Asia. “This encore is for everyone who loved the magic the first time — and for those about to fall in love with it for the very first time.”
Whether you’re a lifelong ballet lover or stepping into the theatre for the very first time, Swan Lake offers an unforgettable evening of elegance, emotion, and ethereal beauty—the kind of experience that lives on in the heart long after the curtain falls. Check the closest show from your home below:
Encore Tour Dates
• 11 October 2025 – KLCC Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur
• 16 October 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore
• 18 October 2025 – JIEXPO Theatre, Jakarta
The magic begins — public ticket sales go live on Friday, 4 July at 3PM (GMT+8). Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s most iconic ballet. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and tour updates: @crescendo_asia
by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia was proud to join the vibrant Japanese cultural celebration at UCSI Lantern Matsuri 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor. From fireworks to festive vibes, here’s a look back at the unforgettable evening filled with culture, community, and karaoke joy!
Karaoke
Manekineko Malaysia proudly took
part as a Platinum Sponsor in the Lantern Matsuri 2025,
held on 28 June at UCSI Campsite. Organized by the UCSI
Japanese Cultural Society (JCS) with support from UCSI University and
Student Affairs & Alumni, the event was a vibrant celebration of
Japanese tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
From 4:00
PM to 10:00 PM, the festival welcomed visitors with exciting cultural
performances, yukata-clad guests, colourful booths, and a festive fireworks
finale. As a brand
deeply rooted in Japanese entertainment, Karaoke
Manekineko was honored to be
part of such a meaningful cultural gathering.
During the
event, we connected with many passionate fans of Japanese culture and karaoke.
Our team enjoyed interacting with attendees, including families and young
children, who brought a lively energy to the venue. It was truly heartwarming
to witness the shared joy and laughter that filled the evening.
Our
participation at Lantern Matsuri reflected our ongoing commitment to one of our
core mottos: “To revitalize local community and the world.” We
believe in using entertainment to bring people together—and this event was a
perfect reminder of the power of shared culture and celebration.
We extend our
sincere appreciation to the UCSI JCS committee for the smooth organization and
warm hospitality. Karaoke
Manekineko looks forward to more
opportunities to collaborate and bring joy to the community through future
cultural and student-led initiatives.
by | Jul 1, 2025 | Business
Independent label led by Seoul-based entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt aims to develop the next generation of Filipino pop stars
Popolo Music Group (PMG), a rising independent music label founded by Seoul-based American entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt, has officially launched the first full-scale P-Pop trainee program in the Philippines, a move set to revolutionize how Filipino artists are trained and developed for the global stage.
Drawing inspiration from the proven Korean K-Pop training model, PMG’s program blends intense performance development with personal growth and professionalism. The six-month training system will cover vocals, dance, language, stage presence, image development, and media training, designed to mold raw talent into world-class performers.
“This isn’t just about launching new artists—it’s about building a platform for long-term global success,” said Paul Lunt, PMG Founder and CEO. “We believe the Philippines is ready to take center stage in the Asian pop music wave, and we’re committed to discovering and developing the artists who will lead it.”
Popolo Music Group is now actively auditioning the next generation of P-Pop stars. Filipino singers and dancers aged 14 to 25 are encouraged to apply. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a 2-minute performance video—vocals, dance, or both—along with their full name, age, location, and contact information via email to De***@*********ic.asia.
Only the most promising applicants will be selected for a second-round live audition and an in-depth interview process, after which a final group will be chosen to enter the trainee program.
Founded with a mission to elevate Filipino talent to international recognition, PMG already manages a roster of over 50 artists across recording, management, booking, and promotion. With operations connected to Seoul, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Manila, and a team of global producers and trainers from the U.S., U.K., South Korea, France, and the Netherlands, PMG is fast emerging as a leader in Asian music innovation.
As part of its broader vision, PMG aims to position the Philippines as Asia’s next pop music powerhouse by combining cutting-edge promotional strategies with authentic artistry and rigorous training.
For more details, visit www.popolomusic.asia or email in**@*********ic.asia.
by | Jun 30, 2025 | Business
Sprout’s 3,819-Employee Study Reveals Human Connection Trumps Technology in Post-Pandemic Retention Crisis.
[Manila, June 2025] – In a striking contradiction to Silicon Valley’s tech-first workplace revolution, new research reveals that as AI adoption soars to 62% across Filipino workplaces, employee retention depends more on workplace friendships than cutting-edge features.
The finding emerges from the 2025 State of HR Report prepared by Sprout Solutions and BS Works—the country’s most comprehensive workforce study involving 3,819 employees—unveiled at the State of HR Summit 2025. The research exposes what analysts call “The Great AI Retention Paradox”: while companies pour resources into AI-powered productivity tools, workers stay or leave based on fundamentally human factors.
The numbers tell a compelling story: Employees with three or more workplace friendships are 40% more likely to remain beyond five years, while those citing “sadness at leaving colleagues” as a retention factor outnumber those motivated by salary increases 3:1.
The Connection-Retention Formula
The research reveals “The 3 C’s of AI-Era Retention”: Connection, Contribution, and Community. Organizations scoring highest across these human-centered metrics show 35% lower turnover rates, even when offering below-market compensation.
Connection: Employees embedded in 1-3 workplace social groups demonstrate significantly longer tenure, with each additional meaningful relationship correlating with 8 months of extended employment.
Contribution: Workers reporting clear purpose and meaningful contribution stay 2.3 times longer than those focused primarily on career advancement or salary growth.
Community: Organizations fostering informal support networks see retention rates climb despite offering fewer remote work options than competitors.
“Companies implementing AI to boost efficiency while neglecting human connection are optimizing for the wrong variables,” explained Patrick Gentry, CEO of Sprout Solutions.
Generational Divide Reveals Leadership Evolution
The study uncovers striking generational differences challenging traditional management. While Baby Boomers prefer independent, low-context leadership environments, Millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward collaborative, high-context workplace cultures—coinciding with AI-augmented work environments.
“Gen Z workers don’t want AI to replace human interaction—they want it to enable deeper collaboration,” noted Maria Lourdes Ann “L.A.” Cruz, VP of People at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. “The most successful organizations use AI to create more time for meaningful human connection, not less.”
The AI Readiness Gap
Despite widespread adoption, research reveals a critical implementation divide. Organizations perceived as “AI-ready” show 3x higher tool adoption rates and significantly better retention outcomes. However, readiness depends less on technology infrastructure and more on change management and cultural preparation.
This aligns with recent MIT research showing successful AI implementation correlates more strongly with organizational culture than technical capability—positioning the Philippines data as a leading indicator for global workforce trends.
Global Implications for the $720B Talent Crisis
The findings arrive as global organizations grapple with what McKinsey estimates as a $720 billion annual cost from employee turnover. While most retention strategies focus on compensation and benefits, the Philippine data suggests a fundamentally different approach.
“If these patterns hold globally, we’re looking at a complete rethinking of retention strategy,” said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operations Officer of Sprout Solutions. “The solution isn’t more sophisticated AI tools—it’s more sophisticated human connection.”
Actionable Framework for Leaders
Based on the research, Sprout and BS Works developed the “HUMAN Protocol” for AI-era retention:
Host regular cross-functional social interactions; Understand individual purpose and contribution motivations; Measure and foster workplace friendship networks; Align AI implementation with human connection goals; Nurture interest-based communities and support groups
Early adopters report 25% improvement in retention metrics within six months.
Building on Success
The State of HR Summit 2025, co-presented with BS Works, brought together 500+ HR and business leaders at Manila’s Crowne Plaza Galleria. The event featured panels on “Lead to Last: Retaining Talent Through Empowered Leadership” with executives from Tala, Canva, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines, exploring practical applications of the research findings.
The summit builds on the momentum of 5 consecutive annual State of HR events hosted by Sprout Solutions, while introducing new data-driven insights for organizations navigating the intersection of AI adoption and human-centered workplace culture.
Sprout Sidekick Central
The event also saw the unveiling of Sidekick Central, a multi-functional AI platform offering specialized AI-Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support that will help teams achieve up to 40% productivity gains and reduce repetitive admin across operations.
Report Access: The full State of HR Report 2025 is available here: https://bit.ly/SOHRReportMedia
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