by Ferry Bayu | Oct 29, 2026 | Business
One Clear Portal Pte. Ltd. has announced that its platform, Mulai.com, was selected as a finalist in the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2026. Selected from 195 global submissions across 52 jurisdictions, Mulai.com solves GXS Bank’s challenge by unifying real-time credit scoring and fraud assessment into a single adaptive model, enabling financial institutions to safely assess thin-file and underserved consumers.
SINGAPORE, October 25, 2026 – One Clear Portal Pte. Ltd. today announced that its financial technology platform, Mulai.com, has been officially selected as a finalist in the prestigious Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2026, organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Mulai.com emerged as a standout solution among 195 competitive global applications originating from 52 jurisdictions, securing its position among international financial technology innovators driving the next phase of banking transformation.
Addressing Real-Time Risk with Adaptive AI Modeling
The MAS Global FinTech Hackcelerator serves as a premier global platform designed to identify and scale innovative technological solutions that address critical operational, regulatory, and risk management challenges faced by modern financial institutions. Mulai.com was selected for its solution addressing a specific challenge statement posed by GXS Bank focused on developing an Adaptive Risk Modeling System.
Traditional risk architecture in banking often processes credit risk assessment and fraud detection in distinct, operational silos. This fragmentation creates analytical blind spots and structural delays, which can expose institutions to escalating financial losses and operational risks. To solve this systemic issue, Mulai.com has developed an adaptive risk framework that unifies real-time credit scoring and continuous fraud evaluation into a single intelligent system. The model continuously updates its predictive intelligence as new data points emerge, allowing financial institutions to detect anomalous behaviors instantly while maintaining accurate, up-to-date credit profiling.
Expanding Access for Thin-File and Underserved Segments
Beyond strengthening institutional risk controls, Mulai.com’s unified engine directly tackles one of the most critical structural barriers to financial growth in Southeast Asia: access to formal credit for underserved and unbanked populations. Across emerging economies, millions of individuals and small enterprise owners lack traditional financial records, leaving them classified as “thin-file” applicants who are routinely turned away by legacy underwriting systems.
Mulai.com addresses this barrier by evaluating holistic behavioral and transactional indicators in real time. By removing data silos, the system provides financial providers with a comprehensive, continuous risk profile. This capability allows digital banks and lending institutions to safely extend credit to thin-file consumers and micro-businesses without exposing their portfolios to unmitigated risk or fraud exposure.
Experience Mulai.com at the Singapore FinTech Festival
As a recognized finalist in the MAS Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2026, Mulai.com will demonstrate its adaptive risk platform to global industry leaders, banking executives, and regulatory stakeholders at the upcoming Singapore FinTech Festival.
Industry professionals, financial institutions, and partners interested in exploring Mulai.com’s technology can secure their attendance for the festival by registering through the official Singapore FinTech Festival Registration Portal.
About One Clear Portal Pte. Ltd.
Mulai.com is an AI-powered risk orchestration and fraud prevention platform built for digital banks, fintech lenders, and regulated financial institutions across Southeast Asia. By unifying traditional credit bureau metrics, alternative credit scoring (telco and device signals), and open-source intelligence (OSINT) into a single real-time adaptive risk engine, Mulai eliminates blind spots between credit underwriting and fraud detection. Equipped with a no-code rule builder, an automated second-opinion AI Risk Score, and a conversational investigation co-pilot (AI Trace), the platform empowers institutions to safely assess thin-file borrowers, cut false positives, and boost analyst productivity. For more information, visit https://mulai.com
This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 29, 2026 | Business
When you attend industry events, it’s natural to stick with people you already know or those in your field. That’s understandable when everyone’s busy and it’s easier to start conversations with familiar faces. But these events are also a chance to meet people whose work connects with yours in unexpected ways. What new conversations could help you tackle challenges in your role?
Security and crisis management usually involve working with teams that have different jobs, priorities, and approaches. For example, physical security teams might need help from IT during an incident. Operations staff can face real problems when following security procedures. If an incident affects both digital systems and physical spaces, everyone needs to know how their work fits together and how they’ll communicate. Clear procedures, shared information, and a common understanding of roles are key in these situations.
i4C.PH 2026, happening from November 3 to 5 at SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, brings together people from physical security, safety, disaster risk and crisis management, and cybersecurity. With all these fields in one place, it’s a great chance to have conversations that are tough to arrange during a regular workweek.
If you work in physical security, talking with someone from IT or cybersecurity can start with a simple question: what information helps your team respond better during a physical security incident? You might discuss reporting channels, access to records, notification steps, or when one team should reach out to another. The question goes both ways: what does the security team need from IT that’s hard to get, and are the right contacts and escalation steps clear for everyone?
Operations and business continuity professionals bring another valuable point of view. Security procedures might seem simple on paper, but the people doing the work know what it’s really like. Sometimes a process needs extra coordination during busy times, or a procedure needs to be clearer before staff can follow it consistently. Asking which security steps are hard to do in practice can show where instructions, roles, or communication need more attention and reveal issues missed during planning.
People in disaster risk or crisis management have their own set of concerns. They often have to pull together information from different teams, set priorities, and help decision-makers see how a situation is unfolding. Security professionals can ask what information crisis managers need from them, how they want to get updates, and which responsibilities should be sorted out before anything happens.
A bit of preparation helps these conversations go further. Before you attend, think of a real challenge from your work—maybe about sharing information, a process, or working with other teams. Pick a question that’s specific and can be discussed quickly. When you talk, ask about real processes: how their team handles the issue, what information they use, and who else they work with. After the event, see which ideas fit your organization and share them with your team.
The program includes plenary sessions, technical talks, and case studies. If you get the three-day pass, you can also join the NerveCenter crisis simulation. Other activities cover topics like energy and grid resilience, tourism and hospitality security with PROtecTOURS, and youth engagement through the Youth Resilience Lab, which looks at AI safety, digital trust, misinformation, and design thinking.
i4C.PH 2026 is happening from November 3 to 5 at SMX Convention Center, Clark, Pampanga. Check out the program and available passes, and register at https://i4c.ph/ to see how insights from security, crisis management, and cybersecurity can help your work.
Building the cross-disciplinary relationships that security and resilience work requires takes time and the right opportunities. i4C.PH 2026 is one of them. Click here to register now or scan the QR Code above. Or visit the i4C.PH Website to learn more. We hope to see you there.
About Ace And Assiociates Risk Management, Inc.
Ace and Associates Risk Management, Inc. (AAA) provides asset protection and risk management consultancy services, with an emphasis on the convergence of all aspects of security from conception to implementation. Its team combines globally accepted corporate best practices with knowledge of local conditions. AAA is one of the conceptualizers of i4C.PH, together with Resilient.PH and Security Matters. i4C.PH: Resilience Reimagined is a national, multi-sector platform that advances integrated security, crisis resilience and digital trust across the Philippines. It convenes leaders and practitioners from government, defense, public safety, critical infrastructure, industry, technology and academia around the convergence of physical security and safety, cybersecurity, and disaster and crisis management. The program follows the Resilience Programming Framework (RPF) from The Resilient.PH, a systems-based approach that treats resilience as a continuum from foresight and prevention through preparedness, response, recovery and long-term adaptation.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 28, 2026 | Business
A difficult search for a treadmill technician inspired Julian Markus Villaflores, 11, to start No DIY in Cebu. Built with student developers and supported by his family, the home and repair services marketplace is inviting service professionals to register ahead of its customer rollout.
A broken treadmill at home gave 11-year-old Julian Markus Villaflores the idea for No DIY, a marketplace that aims to help households find skilled workers and service professionals. The Cebu-based platform is now inviting professionals to register ahead of its customer rollout.
It started with one repair
Julian Markus watched his father ask around, search online and call for help, yet finding a treadmill technician still took time. A household needed a repair, but reaching the right person was difficult. No DIY aims to give families another place to look and professionals another way to reach customers beyond their existing contacts.
“I saw my dad try so hard just to find one person who could fix it,” Julian Markus said. “There are so many good technicians out there. They just can’t find each other. I wanted to make that easy.”
Built with student teams
Julian Markus brought the idea to ASV Business Solution, the Cebu software company led by his mother, April Villaflores. The company, which develops Cirquolus, runs an internship program for Computer Science and IT students from universities across the Philippines.
Students from La Salle University in Ozamiz City laid the initial foundation. A team from Cebu Technological University-Ginatilan Extension conducted social surveys and market-fit analysis. Interns from Northwest Samar State University continued development and completed the app. As each batch finished its required hours, the work passed to the next team.
“Every batch knew they might not be the ones to finish it, and they gave it their best anyway,” said April Villaflores, managing owner of ASV Business Solution. “Julian learned what it means to lead. The students learned what it means to build something real people will use.”
Learning within Cebu’s startup community
Alongside his work on No DIY, Julian is actively involved in Cebu City’s startup community. He participates in Sugod Bahay gatherings and a startup development program through StellarPH and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). These activities give him opportunities to learn alongside other entrepreneurs, with support from his family and the student developers who helped build the platform.
Service professionals invited to register
No DIY is welcoming technicians, electricians, plumbers, aircon and appliance repair specialists, carpenters and other service professionals to create profiles ahead of its customer rollout. A profile gives professionals a place to explain what they offer and helps potential customers find services that match their needs.
Professionals can register at https://no-diy.com/auth/register
About No DIY Technologies
No DIY is a Philippine marketplace founded by Julian Markus Villaflores in Cebu to connect households with skilled workers and service professionals. It is currently accepting professional registrations ahead of its customer rollout. Website: https://no-diy.com/
ASV Business Solution is a software company based at UPinIT, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City. It develops Cirquolus ERP and runs an internship program for Computer Science and IT students. Student teams in the program contributed to the development of No DIY.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 28, 2026 | Business
SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Christmas Centerpiece Launch Held on October 22 and 23, respectively, the Christmas Centerpiece Launch is part of SM Supermalls’ annual tradition of simultaneously unveiling festive holiday displays that bring the magic of Christmas to life and delight mallgoers.
The most wonderful time of the year shines brighter as your most loved SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Cabanatuan unveil their enchanting Christmas displays, bringing festive magic, dazzling lights, and heartwarming holiday experiences to shoppers and families across the city.
With “A Symphony of Sparkles” at SM City Cabanatuan and “An Elf-Tastic World of Sparkles” at SM Megacenter Cabanatuan, the two malls invite everyone to celebrate the season through captivating holiday wonderlands filled with imagination, joy, and the spirit of Filipino Christmas traditions. Each destination offers its own magical experience, creating more reasons for families and friends to come together and enjoy a maxed-out Christmas experience.
At SM City Cabanatuan, A Symphony of Sparkles transforms the mall into a breathtaking holiday wonderland inspired by the graceful art of ballet. Taking center stage is a majestic 35-foot Christmas tree, glowing brilliantly amid shimmering trees, radiant golden accents, and elegant ballerina figures. Every sparkling detail creates a harmonious spectacle of beauty and festive charm, celebrating the Filipino spirit that moves to the rhythm of everyday life through joyful celebrations, cherished traditions, and meaningful moments shared with loved ones.
Meanwhile, SM Megacenter Cabanatuan brings a playful touch to the holidays with An Elf-Tastic World of Sparkles. Amid a 15-foot Christmas tree, oversized Christmas ornaments, twinkling holiday lights, and dazzling festive accents, merry little elves busily prepare gifts and spread Christmas cheer. This whimsical display invites families, friends, and guests of all ages to step into an enchanting world where imagination comes alive and every corner holds a delightful holiday surprise.
Though different in theme, both Christmas displays share one beautiful message: the magic of Christmas shines brightest when shared. From admiring the graceful ballerinas at SM City Cabanatuan to discovering the playful elves at SM Megacenter Cabanatuan, shoppers can look forward to memorable moments filled with laughter, wonder, and togetherness. These festive showcases provide picture-perfect backdrops for holiday photos, family bonding, and treasured memories that last long after the season ends.
More than spectacular decorations, these Christmas celebrations reflect the warmth and generosity at the heart of Filipino traditions. They create welcoming spaces where families reconnect, friends celebrate, and communities come together to embrace the simple joys of the season. Every twinkling light, shimmering ornament, and enchanting detail serves as a reminder that Christmas is not only about the beauty surrounding us, but also about the love, kindness, and happiness we share.
This holiday season, your most loved SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Cabanatuan invite everyone to make the most of the festivities with magical experiences that bring the Christmas spirit to life. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of ballet or the playful charm of Christmas elves, there’s a wonderland waiting to make your holidays extra special.
Gala to the max and celebrate the season with your loved ones at SM City Cabanatuan and SM Megacenter Cabanatuan! Discover two enchanting Christmas worlds, capture unforgettable moments, and let every sparkle remind you of the joy of being together. Because at SM, Christmas isn’t just celebrated — it’s shared, creating magical memories that make the season truly shine.
About SM Supermalls Cabanatuan
About SM Supermalls SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. For generations, SM has grown alongside Filipino communities by creating destinations where people, businesses, and opportunities come together. Through “My SM,” SM continues to evolve with the changing lifestyles and needs of Filipino communities, reimagining the mall experience through thoughtfully designed spaces, better connectivity, innovative digital conveniences, and meaningful experiences that foster connection and strengthen communities.
My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 28, 2026 | Business
Co-hosted with Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Summit will bring regional leaders together to address cross-border scam networks, victim protection and AI-driven threats BANGKOK, THAILAND, October 26, 2026 — The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall, and Meta will bring the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia to Bangkok for the first time on November 10–11, 2026. Held at Pullman Bangkok King Power, the two-day Summit will bring together government officials, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications providers, technology companies, researchers and civil society organisations to strengthen the region’s collective response to scams.
Co-hosted by GASA, Royal Thai Police (RTP), and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), the Summit is supported by organisations including Gogolook, Meta, Google, Trend Micro, CUBE AI, and Outseer. H.E. Chaichanok Chidchob, Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society, is scheduled to deliver the opening keynote on Thailand’s leadership in building a safer digital future.
“Scam networks operate across borders and digital channels, so our response must connect the organisations that can prevent harm, support victims and disrupt criminal operations,” said Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of GASA. “As a major regional hub, Thailand faces the challenges posed by transnational scam networks. Its policies and actions can play a pivotal role in strengthening safety across Southeast Asia. Bringing the Summit to Bangkok gives leaders from across the region an opportunity to turn shared insights into practical cooperation.”
The Summit will present findings from the State of Scams in Asia 2026 report and unveil the State of Scams in Thailand 2026 report, offering both a regional perspective and a closer look at the challenges facing Thailand. The findings will provide a starting point for discussions on how governments and industries can identify emerging threats and coordinate their responses.
The programme will examine the human and operational impact of scam compounds, including survivor experiences and cross-border responses to trafficking. Sessions will also address the financial infrastructure behind scams, national anti-scam systems, AI-enabled threats, safer digital services, and the role of telecommunications providers in tackling fraudulent calls and messages. On the second day, GASA working groups will bring participants together to advance cooperation in research, enforcement, intelligence sharing, prevention and consumer education.
“Scams rarely stay within one platform, industry or country. Protecting people requires us to identify risks earlier and share the intelligence needed to act across the entire scam journey,” said Jeff Kuo, Co-founder and CEO of Gogolook. “Our participation in previous Asia Summits, from Taipei to Singapore, has shown us the value of bringing different sectors together. We look forward to building on those connections in Bangkok and working with partners across the region to strengthen practical defences against scams.”
The Summit will also host the Scam Fighter Awards, recognising initiatives that have made a measurable contribution to scam prevention, detection, disruption and enforcement.
Registration for the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026 is now open. Government agencies, businesses, researchers and other organisations working on digital safety are invited to join the discussions, learn from the latest anti-scam research and connect with partners from across the region. For the programme and registration details, visit the Summit website.
About Global Anti-Scam Alliance
About the Global Anti-Scam Alliance The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is a nonprofit organization bringing together policymakers, law enforcement, consumer authorities, NGOs, the financial sector, telecommunications operators, internet platforms, cybersecurity organizations and other stakeholders to share knowledge and develop solutions to protect consumers from scams. GASA Website: https://gasa.org/
by Ferry Bayu | Oct 28, 2026 | Business
Going to college in the Philippines is now tuition-free at state universities, but for millions of public high school graduates, the real hurdle isn’t the cost of tuition—it’s passing difficult entrance exams like the PUPCET and UPCAT.
To help more students succeed, AHEAD Education Group, the team behind AHEAD Tutorial and Review’s 31 years of excellent service, has launched ReviewLab. This new online platform offers simple, affordable, and easy-to-access review programs built specifically for students taking exams at State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the country.
As part of this initiative, AHEAD is also launching a major advocacy effort: providing 90,000 free review slots specifically for public high school students nationwide.
Making College Entrance Review Equal for Everyone
While the Free Higher Education Law (RA 10931) covers tuition at state colleges, getting accepted is harder than ever. Hundreds of thousands of applicants compete for limited slots every year. Students from private schools or families who can pay for expensive review programs often have a big advantage.
ReviewLab aims to change that. By combining AHEAD’s 31-year teaching background with online tools, ReviewLab brings quality exam prep directly to students preparing for Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), University of the Philippines (UP), and other public state colleges.
“Education can change a young person’s life,” said Rossana Llenado, Founder and Chair of AHEAD Education Group. “Many public high school students have the skill and talent, but they don’t always get the study support they need for college entrance tests. Through ReviewLab and our 90,000 free review slots, we want to give every hardworking student an equal chance to enter their dream university.”
Proven Test Strategies Made Easy and Accessible
Official government data highlights the huge demand for higher education in the Philippines. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports around 32 million young Filipinos enrolled in school, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) notes that over 2.6 million students currently benefit from free college tuition in state schools. Yet, many high school seniors miss out on state college slots simply because they are nervous, lack test-taking strategies, or aren’t familiar with standard test formats.
Built using proven study methods from AHEAD Education Group, ReviewLab offers live online classes and practice drills that break down entrance exams into easy-to-understand sessions and practical strategy tips.
“Our main brand, AHEAD Tutorial and Review, will always offer intensive and specialized review classes meant for UP, Ateneo, La Salle, and UST entrance tests,” Llenado shared. “ReviewLab lets us reach far more students online who are specifically targeting SUCs. We want to make sure that money or distance never stops a student from earning a college degree.”
A Nationwide Advocacy: “Lab Kita, Support Kita”
To reach students who need help the most, ReviewLab is rolling out its 90,000 free slots Initiative alongside the ReviewLab Scholarship Program. ReviewLab will work closely with public high schools, and youth-centric and socio-civic organizations to distribute free study access directly to students.
Living up to its motto, “Lab Kita, Support Kita”, ReviewLab is designed to be a helpful, encouraging companion for students as they take on one of the biggest milestones of their young lives.
Public high school teachers, student leaders, and high school seniors interested in applying for the 90,000 free review slots can visit reviewlab.ahead.edu.ph or follow ReviewLab’s social media channels for step-by-step instructions.
About AHEAD Tutorial and Review
AHEAD Tutorial and Review is the premier test preparation and academic tutorial center in the Philippines, with a 31-year track record of helping thousands of students gain admission into top universities, including UP, Ateneo, De La Salle, and UST. As the flagship brand of AHEAD Education Group, AHEAD continues to lead the industry in high-caliber test prep and academic intervention.
Expanding this legacy of educational excellence, AHEAD Education Group introduced ReviewLab, a social enterprise dedicated to democratizing college entrance test preparation. Built specifically for students aiming for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) like PUP, UP, and major regional public universities, ReviewLab offers highly accessible, budget-friendly review programs and national scholarship initiatives to ensure every hardworking Filipino learner has a fair shot at higher education.
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