by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 9, 2023 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
The Manila Hotel unveils its exquisite Christmas Hamper selection that embodies the essence of thoughtfulness and indulgence. Specially crafted to spread holiday cheer, each hamper is brimming with a variety of signature treats and goodies that will surely delight your loved ones.
For those eager to secure these festive treasures early, The Manila Hotel is offering an early bird offer starting from October 25 to November 30, 2023. Choose from three distinct selections, each one tailored to suit different tastes and preferences.

Standard Hamper – Php 2,000 net early bird offer
- ‘Harana’ Pralines in Sinamay Box (9 pieces)
- ‘Wangis’ (The Manila Hotel façade chocolate bar)
- Santa Claus Chocolate (small)
- Christmas Cookies
- Fruit Cake (small)
- Gingerbread Man (big)

Deluxe Hamper – Php 3,200 net early bird offer
- Santa Ana Cabernet Sauvignon or Santa Ana Chardonnay (375 ml)
- ‘Wangis’ (The Manila Hotel façade chocolate bar)
- Christmas Cookies
- Gingerbread Man (big)
- Matte Gold Pralines(10 pieces)
- Assorted Nut Cluster
- Santa Claus Chocolate(big)
- Fruit Cake (big)
- Food for the Gods

Premium Hamper – Php 4,000 net early bird offer
- The Manila Hotel Regular Prestige Card
- The Manila Hotel Willy the Bear
- Pico Andino Cabernet (750ml)
- Pralines (6 pieces)
- Santa Claus Chocolate (medium)
- The Manila Hotel Coffee Drip
- The Manila Hotel Chocolate Bar with Almonds
- Banana Thins
These Christmas Hampers will be available at the regular rate of Php 2,500 net, Php 4,000 net, and Php 5,000 net, respectively, from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024.
For orders and inquiries, please call (+632) 8527-0011 or (+632) 5301-5500 or email re************@************el.com.
Terms and conditions apply.
DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-178795 Series of 2023
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three (3) ballrooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and the Manila Hotel Health Club.
The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery that offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through the objective point of view of different artists.
It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang, which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessens that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 8, 2023 | Business
Say Hello to Eternal Youth with Hydrogen Power
falseIn the last 100 years, people are living longer in many places around the world. This is thanks to better medical knowledge, improved healthcare, and easier access to things we need to stay healthy. But even with these advancements, we can’t stop ourselves from getting older. What we can try to do is find ways to make the aging process slower and enjoy a youthful life for as long as we can!
Explore the reasons behind the aging phenomenon
1. Cellular damage and telomere shortening:
As our cells divide over time, a part called telomeres gets shorter, which can lead to cell problems and slower tissue repair.
2. Oxidative stress:
When our bodies use oxygen, it creates free radicals that harm our cells and DNA. This adds up over time and makes us age faster.
3. Genetic factors:
Our genes can affect how well we repair cell damage and handle stress from the environment, making some people age faster than others.
4. Hormonal changes:
As we get older, hormones like growth hormones and sex hormones decrease, which can affect our muscles, bones, and overall energy.
5. Lifestyle choices:
Bad habits like smoking, a poor diet, not exercising, and too much sun can speed up cell damage and make us age faster.
6. Environmental influences:
Being exposed to harmful stuff in the environment can also damage our cells and speed up aging.
7. Chronic inflammation:
When we have long-lasting inflammation in our bodies, it can harm our tissues and organs, leading to age-related health problems and less energy.
Actually, free radicals are the real reason of aging!

Free radicals are like troublemakers in our bodies because they have unpaired electrons, which makes them super reactive. They create oxidative stress, which is basically trouble for our cells, DNA, proteins, and fats. This causes problems like cell dysfunction, DNA changes, messed-up proteins, and inflammation, all of which make us age faster and show signs of getting older.
Achieving Timeless Beauty: Embrace Your Best Self at Any Age
Our real aim isn’t just to look younger; it’s to shine with beauty and confidence, no matter our age. Instead of spending loads on fancy anti-aging creams with mysterious stuff in them, there’s a better way to fight aging: hydrogen water.
Hydrogen water’s superpowers are no longer a secret. Research has been doing lots of tests to see how this special hydrogen molecule (H2) can help us stay youthful.
Here’s how hydrogen water can help us stay agelessly beautiful.
Hydrogen water reduces wrinkles and blotches
In a scientific journal published in 2022 by Dr. Yoshiharu Tanaka and Prof. Dr. Nobuhiko Miwa, they found that regularly bathing and using hydrogen-rich water on the skin can make your skin look better. It helps reduce wrinkles, and blotches and keeps your skin moist and not too oily.
In the experiment, five people took daily baths in warm water with hydrogen bubbles for 11-98 days. They wiped their skin with a fresh hydrogen water-soaked towel every 3 minutes during each 10-minute bath. The results showed some positive changes in their skin.


These results have shown that hydrogen helps to reduce wrinkle.
Another group of five people took daily baths in warm water with hydrogen bubbles and used hydrogen-rich face treatments for 11-98 days. This made the blotchy areas on their skin look much better – they either got smaller, lighter, or even disappeared. Here are the results:

Hydrogen water helps minimize UVA damage
In a 2018 scientific journal, Ping Zhou and their team studied how hydrogen-rich water could help heal skin damage caused by radiation in rats.
The outcome was positive: the rats treated with hydrogen water had better skin healing and fewer signs of radiation damage compared to the rats without hydrogen water treatment.
Ready to try Soyoshi hydrogen products? Check out Soyoshi Hydrogen Water Generator and Soyoshi Hydrogen Inhalation Machine below:


Soyoshi Hydrogen Water Generator
With the Soyoshi Hydrogen Water Generator, you can effortlessly maximize your daily hydrogen intake with a simple touch. It efficiently generates >1,200ppb hydrogen concentration in your water within just 3 minutes. It’s convenient and easily portable, allowing you to take it with you anywhere, anytime!


Soyoshi Hydrogen Inhalation Machine
With just a simple touch, you can effortlessly maximize your daily hydrogen intake as it efficiently produces 300cc/min of hydrogen. This convenient and easily portable machine is your perfect choice for home wellness. Inhale hydrogen anytime, anywhere!

References
Zhou P, Lin B, Wang P, Pan T, Wang S, Chen W, Cheng S, Liu S. The healing effect of hydrogen-rich water on acute radiation-induced skin injury in rats. J Radiat Res. 2019 Jan 1;60(1):17-22. doi: 10.1093/jrr/rry074. PMID: 30260398; PMCID: PMC6373674.
Tanaka, Y.; Miwa, N. Repetitive Bathing and Skin Poultice with Hydrogen-Rich Water Improve Wrinkles and Blotches Together with Modulation of Skin Oiliness and Moisture. Hydrogen 2022, 3, 161-178. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen3020011
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 8, 2023 | Business
Fourier Intelligence’s Revolutionary Rehabilitation Platform – MetaMotus™ Galileo Clinches Two Design Awards
falseFourier Intelligence, a leading player in the
rehabilitation technology industry, has recently clinched two prestigious
awards. Adding to its accolades, Fourier Intelligence was awarded the Good
Design Award 2023 and the Shanghai International Design 100+ Award for the MetaMotus™ Galileo.
Combining the disciplines of biomechanics, rehabilitation, and sports science,
the revolutionary platform enables an immersive and safe environment for
patients and medical professionals. In line with Zen Koh, Co-Founder and Global
CEO of Fourier Intelligence’s concept of Rehab 4.0, the new platform will
revolutionise and drive the rehabilitation technology industry forward by
enabling a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem that paves the way for further
protocol development and creating endless possibilities and breakthroughs. 
Picture
1: Fourier Intelligence awarded the Good Design
Award 2023 and Shanghai International Design 100+ Award for the MetaMotus™
Galileo
With a career in robotics and rehabilitation spanning over two
decades, Zen Koh’s leadership played a vital role in developing the MetaMotus™
Galileo. Combining his knowledge and experience, he led the research and
development team in ensuring that every aspect encompasses the concept of Rehab
4.0, allowing it to function as an open platform that propels growth and
collaboration. While Fourier Intelligence champions the development of the
MetaMotus™ Galileo, it promotes collaboration where its versatility allows
different devices to be used cohesively with it.
“The MetaMotus™ Galileo takes the rehab industry further, allowing
for even more collaboration between industry players and experts. The concept
of Rehab 4.0 encompasses the utilisation of revolutionising technology that
changes the way of conventional rehabilitation methods. As we progress, we can
see many changes to the world around us through technology, which has become an
essential tool instead of a luxury compared to two decades ago. A great example
is our smartphone, a palm-size device that embodies multiple tools in one.
Rehabilitation technology is no different, and we should embrace changes
through advancements for the betterment of humanity by focusing on patient
outcomes. The MetaMotus™ Galileo is designed to be an open platform for all,
regardless of whether a patient uses a wheelchair or a prosthetic leg; we aim
to create tailored solutions for them. The awards received are a welcomed
motivation for our team as we strive to develop and deliver even more advanced
solutions for better patient recovery and allow them to live fulfilling lives
with their loved ones,” said Zen Koh, Co-Founder & Global CEO of Fourier
Intelligence.

Picture 2:
The MetaMotus™ Galileo enables cross-device integration between Fourier
Intelligence range of devices, such as the AmrMotus™ EMU and wheelchair
and prosthetic training.
Featuring biomechanical analysis capabilities by combining virtual
reality and robotics, the MetaMotus™ Galileo establishes a revolutionary
platform that enables users with different needs to train in an immersive
environment. Functioning as an open platform that accommodates customised
protocols, it provides a dynamic range of rehabilitation methods. These
encompass robotics-assisted training for upper and lower limbs, wheelchair
training, dynamic balance training, prosthetic adaption, and gait retraining.
Its advanced Galileo X processor also allows for exposure therapy for PTSD and
real-time multimodal data analysis. This fosters a comprehensive rehabilitation
ecosystem that readily empowers therapists to develop new protocols and
treatments for patient applications.

Picture 3: The
MetaMotus™ Galileo can create a controlled virtual environment for rehab or
research, for example, walking up and downhill, commuting, and canoeing.
With its patient assessment capabilities, the
MetaMotus™ Galileo can train patients for real-life scenarios. Helping them
regain complete independence upon leaving the healthcare facility and achieve
functional independence, allowing them to reintegrate into society after
suffering an injury.
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 7, 2023 | Business
Driving success from anywhere for businesses in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 12/10/2023 – Axxis Consulting is now partnering with Salesforce, the global leader in CRM, to bring companies and their customers closer together.
As an official Salesforce Reseller, Axxis Consulting will be the one-stop-shop for customers who are investing in the digital transformation of their business with Salesforce. As the number one CRM platform, Salesforce provides the 360 view on the customer that is essential to drive success from anywhere in an all digital world.
“We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with Salesforce. Together, we are committed to empowering our existing and new customers with innovative solutions that will revolutionize the way they thrive in today’s digital landscape. Axxis Consulting’s local market knowledge combined with Salesforce’s product portfolio will provide customers of all sizes with a scalable platform to build long-term relationships and drive growth.”– Harald Weinbrecht, CEO, Axxis Consulting
“We are excited to expand our presence in Malaysia with Axxis Consulting by our side. We believe that Axxis Consulting as our authorised Salesforce Cloud Reseller in Malaysia has the depth of industry experience in the local market and is a partner who understands the complex challenges that Malaysia companies face. We are looking forward to bringing success from anywhere to Malaysia – together!”– Stephanie Goveas, RVP, ASEAN Resell, Salesforce
About Salesforce
Salesforce, the global CRM leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to digitally transform and create a 360° view of their customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 7, 2023 | Business
VRITIMES Unveils Direct Content Delivery in Email for Streamlined Press Release Access
Kuala Lumpur, 07-Nov-2023 – VRITIMES, a trailblazing media technology company, has launched a new feature that allows journalists to read the full body of press releases directly within their email, bypassing the need to click through to the website.
VRITIMES has once again positioned itself at the forefront of media technology innovation with the introduction of its latest feature that promises to enhance the way press releases are consumed by journalists. Understanding the fast-paced nature of newsrooms, VRITIMES has developed a function that embeds the entire content of a press release within the initial email, eliminating the extra step of visiting a separate link.
“In today’s media landscape, immediacy is key. Journalists are inundated with information, and we want to respect their time while ensuring our clients’ stories are heard,” explains Ferry Bayu, CEO of VRITIMES. “By embedding the full press release in the email, we’re streamlining the process, allowing for immediate access to information and facilitating quicker decision-making.”
This innovative approach not only simplifies the workflow for journalists but also increases the visibility of press releases sent through the VRITIMES platform. The feature is designed to align with the company’s mission to create a more efficient and direct line of communication between newsmakers and the media.
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 7, 2023 | Business
The Edge Singapore has announced the highly anticipated winners of this year’s Billion Dollar Club (BDC) and Centurion Club awards, which recognize top-performing companies listed in Singapore. The BDC honors companies with a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion, while the Centurion Club acknowledges those valued between $100 million and $1 billion. This year, the inclusion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics, evaluated by Morningstar Sustainalytics, highlights the importance of sustainability in these awards.
The Edge Singapore is proud to present this year’s winners of the BDC and Centurion Club. This annual award is known for its rigorous selection process and celebrates Singapore-listed companies that have outperformed their industry peers based on three key metrics: growth in profit after tax, returns to shareholders, and weighted return on equity. Companies that qualify for the BDC have a market cap above $1 billion, while the Centurion Club recognizes companies with a market value between $100 million and $1 billion.
To emphasize the significance of sustainability, ESG metrics from Morningstar Sustainalytics were included in the scoring for the BDC winners. Reflecting the diverse landscape of the Singapore market, the BDC encompasses a total of 11 sectors, while the Centurion Club includes 10 industry sectors.
Although the awards are organized annually, the winners are assessed based on their performance over the preceding three financial years. This approach ensures that consistent performance is recognized rather than focusing solely on year-to-year fluctuations.
The Edge Singapore has been reporting on the Singapore market since 2002. Organizing the annual BDC is another initiative by The Edge Singapore to acknowledge companies that have excelled, states Bernard Tong, CEO of The Edge Singapore and EdgeProp Singapore.
He encourages collaboration among companies, regulators, market professionals, and the media. “It takes two hands to clap, but it will take many more hands to come together to give a well-deserved applause. If the various stakeholders of our market ecosystem can work together more closely, there’s a better chance that the investing public, whom we all ultimately serve, will benefit,” says Tong.
This year’s top BDC winner is The Hour Glass, which deftly captured strong earnings growth amid a surge in demand for luxury timepieces over the past few years. The Centurion Club is topped by AEM Holdings, a homegrown company that has carved out a strong niche in the notoriously competitive and cyclical semiconductor industry.
Leading local property firm City Developments has been recognized with the Best ESG Risk Ratings award for its exceptional efforts in sustainable business strategy.
For a full list of the winners, please visit bdc.theedgesingapore.com.

This year’s BDC would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of the following industry partners: Mercedes-Benz Singapore, the Official Car Sponsor; CIMB Bank Singapore, the Official Bank Sponsor; EY, the Official Knowledge Partner; Morningstar Sustainalytics, the ESG Partner and last but certainly not least, the Singapore Exchange Group as the Supporting Partner.
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 6, 2023 | Business
NowServing by SeriousMD – a Comprehensive Healthcare Super App
SeriousMD, the leading healthcare technology platform in the Philippines, continues to revolutionize the industry with NowServing, a comprehensive healthcare super app. Offering unparalleled access to healthcare services, NowServing aims to redefine the patient experience and streamline healthcare delivery across the nation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SeriousMD continues to revolutionize the healthcare scene with a comprehensive healthcare super app called NowServing. NowServing provides unparalleled access to healthcare services while revolutionizing the patient experience and streamlining healthcare delivery across the nation.
NowServing is an innovative solution designed to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-friendly. Users can effortlessly locate the best doctors in their area, schedule appointments, and receive treatment. With an array of services including online consultations, on-demand teleconsultations, in-person clinic visits, medication delivery, and home-care diagnostic tests, NowServing is revolutionizing healthcare delivery in the Philippines.
Key features of NowServing that set it apart from other healthcare services include:
• Seamless scheduling of online and in-person medical consultations
• Convenient home care or walk-in medical tests at Hi-Precision locations with results delivered directly to the app
• Easy access to medical documents such as your prescriptions and certificates
• Hassle-free medication delivery to your doorstep and much more!
As the leading healthcare technology platform in the Philippines, SeriousMD is committed to connecting thousands of doctors nationwide to millions of Filipinos. Through NowServing, SeriousMD aims to elevate the healthcare system to an unprecedented level, ensuring efficient, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Filipinos.
For more information about NowServing, please visit SeriousMD’s website.
SeriousMD is a health-technology company established in 2015 with the core idea of saving lives by improving healthcare in the Philippines. Today, SeriousMD helps millions of patients connect with their doctors each month.
Dennis Seymour
pr***@*******md.com
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 6, 2023 | Business
Lalamove Bekerjasama Dengan ICMS Untuk Menawarkan Kursus Kemahiran Percuma Kepada Rakan Pemandu
KUALA LUMPUR – Lalamove, sebuah platform penghantaran on-demand, berbangga untuk berkongsi inisiatif terkini untuk meningkatkan kemahiran rakan pemandu mereka dengan menawarkan kursus akademik percuma dengan International College of Sports and Management (ICMS).
Rakan pemandu Lalamove dijemput untuk menyertai kursus jangka pendek yang ditawarkan oleh ICMS. Tenaga pengajar ICMS yang berbakat dan professional bakal menawarkan ilmu yang merangkumi pelbagai skil, termasuk kursus Khidmat Pelanggan, Pemasaran Digital, Teknologi Asas dan banyak lagi. Semua peserta akan menerima sijil profesional di hujung kursus, sebuah bonus yang pasti akan memberi manfaat kepada rakan pemandu Lalamove.
Rakan pemandu Lalamove dijemput untuk menyertai kursus jangka pendek yang ditawarkan oleh ICMS. Tenaga pengajar ICMS yang berbakat dan professional bakal menawarkan ilmu yang merangkumi pelbagai skil, termasuk kursus Khidmat Pelanggan, Pemasaran Digital, Teknologi Asas dan banyak lagi. Semua peserta akan menerima sijil profesional di hujung kursus, sebuah bonus yang pasti akan memberi manfaat kepada rakan pemandu Lalamove.
Kerjasama ini selaras dengan komitmen kerajaan untuk meningkatkan kemahiran kendiri para pekerja ekonomi gig, seperti yang dibentangkan oleh Perdana Menteri Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahimdalam Bajet 2024, yang fokus kepada tema “Ekonomi Madani: Memperkasa Rakyat.” Turut hadir untuk merasmikan inisiatif ini pada 17 Oktober 2023 adalah Pengarah Urusan ICMS Dato’ Swaminathan S. Mahalingam dan Ketua Eksekutif ICMS Dr. Sivakumar Perthebandan serta Pengarah Urusan Lalamove Malaysia Jane Teh dan pasukan Operasi Pemandu Lalamove Malaysia.
Jane Teh, Pengarah Urusan Lalamove Malaysia, menekankan bahawa Lalamove berdedikasi untuk memperkasakan rakan pemandu dengan menawarkan faedah kemahiran, yang selaras dengan misi kerajaan untuk meningkatkan kemahiran pekerja gig. Beliau berkata, “Dalam dunia moden yang berpandukan teknologi, kami percaya bahawa peluang meningkatkan kemahiran yang kami tawarkan kepada rakan pemandu kami boleh menjadi tunjang mobiliti sosial, membuka peluang kepada lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan. Di sinilah kerjasama kami dengan International College of Management and Sports (ICMS) dapat melengkapkan misi kami di Lalamove.”
Setiap kursus terhad kepada 50 rakan pemandu Lalamove berumur antara 18 hingga 40 tahun dengan tahap pendidikan PMR/PT3 atau SPM ke bawah. Kursus pertama yang ditawarkan oleh ICMS akan bertumpu untuk meningkatkan skil Khidmat Pelanggan. Kursus yang akan berlangsung selama lima hari akan diadakan di bangunan International College of Management and Sports (ICMS) di Petaling Jaya. Selain daripada menambah skil kemahiran rakan pemandu, Lalamove juga menawarkan peluang kepada pelajar ICMS untuk menjana pendapatan tambahan sebagai rakan pemandu di bawah sebuah inisiatif yang dinamakan “Ber-Lala Bersama ICMS”.
Tanpa meninggalkan dunia akademik mereka, para pelajar ICMS berpeluang untuk menjana pendapatan mengikut keupayaan mereka sendiri. Para pelajar jurusan Diploma Pentadbiran Perniagaan boleh mendaftar sebagai rakan pemandu Lalamove dan menerima sebuah Motosikal Modernas Kriss percuma.
Dato’ Swaminathan S. Mahalingam, Pengarah Urusan ICMS, menekankan bahawa kerjasama strategik tempoh panjang dengan Lalamove ini membina ekosistem yang bermanfaat kepada pelajar ICMS. “Kami berharap para pelajar kami akan menimba ilmu dan skil yang diperlukan semasa bekerja sambil meneruskan pelajaran. Ini dapat meningkatkan peluang pekerjaan mereka setelah mereka tamat belajar. Kami ingin memastikan pendidikan dan pekerjaan seiring dalam matlamat pelajar.”
Dengan memberi sokongan penuh kepada komitmen kerajaan untuk meningkatkan kemahiran pekerja gig, Lalamove menjemput individu yang berminat untuk meningkatkan kemahiran sambil menjana pendapatan sampingan bersama Lalamove dan ICMS untuk menyertai inisiatif penuh bermanfaat ini.
Untuk maklumat lanjut tentang inisiatif ini dan faedah lain yang ditawarkan kepada rakan pemandu Lalamove, sila layari laman rasmi Program Ganjaran Rakan Pemandu Lalamove.
Ditubuhkan di Hong Kong pada tahun 2013, Lalamove adalah platform penghantaran on-demand yang lahir dengan tujuan untuk memperkasakan komuniti dengan penghantaran yang pantas, mudah dengan harga berpatutan. Dengan hanya satu klik, individu, perniagaan kecil dan korporat dapat mengakses flit penghantaran pelbagai jenis kenderaan yang dikendalikan oleh rakan penghantar professional. Dikuasai oleh teknologi, kami menghubungkan pelanggan, kenderaan, kargo, dan jalan raya dengan lancar, memfasilitasi penghantaran barang penting dan memberikan manfaat kepada komuniti tempatan di 11 pasaran di seluruh Asia dan Amerika Latin. Lalamove memulakan perkhidmatannya di pasaran Malaysia pada tahun 2018.
Jasmine wong
ja**********@******ve.com
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 6, 2023 | Business
- Oracare Group becomes the only dental group in the region with a footprint in four Southeast Asian countries.
- Gains immediate access to the high-growth and under-served Philippine dental market.
- Manila market leader UDC will benefit from Oracare’s corporate infrastructure, unlocking the potential to accelerate further growth.
SINGAPORE – 6 November 2023 – Private equity-backed Oracare Group (“Oracare” or the “Group”), the Singapore-headquartered dental group, is now Southeast Asia’s (“SEA“) largest dental services group by geographical presence after joining forces with premier dental chain, Uy Dental Clinic Group (“UDC”), in the Philippines. Oracare now leads the regional market with a footprint in four SEA countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
UDC is a multi-specialty oral care services and dental diagnostics group that operates the largest dental network in Metro Manila, consisting of 17 dental clinics served by a team of 54 experienced dental professionals. The alliance underscores Oracare’s approach of supporting dental entrepreneurs in scaling and professionalizing their businesses, providing robust foundations to enable future growth and profitability improvement whilst enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.
With UDC in its network, Oracare’s reach in SEA has increased to 62 dental clinics with approximately 652 staff and clinicians from 45 dental clinics and 533 employees previously.
Through this partnership, Oracare has gained immediate access to the significant growth opportunities that the under-served Philippine dental market offers, where the dentist: patient ratio remains relatively low at 1:4,000 compared to developed economies like Singapore and the United States, with ratios of 1:2,200 and 1:1,700, respectively[1].
[1] Source: World Health Organization
Mr. Leon Luai, co-founder and CEO of Oracare Group, said, “Oracare is now SEA’s largest dental group in terms of the number of countries through our partnership with UDC. UDC is one of the most well-recognized dental brands in the Philippines, and we are excited about what the future holds for our partnership, particularly given the relatively low penetration rate of dental care in the country and the untapped growth opportunities in other cities beyond Metro Manila, such as Davao, Cebu and General Santos, where UDC currently does not operate in.”
UDC was founded by Dr Charlston Uy in 2010 and has grown rapidly from a single clinic in Lacson Street, Manila, into the largest dental network in Metro Manila. UDC is managed by a team of experienced dentists and dental specialists and provides high-quality dental services to a middle-income demographic comprising both local and expatriate patients in the Philippines.
Elaborated Mr. Luai, “We will work closely with UDC to enhance group-wide growth and synergy through the robust and professionalized corporate structure and governance framework that we offer, which allows our network partners to benefit from the scale economies and technology-driven advantages of the Oracare platform whilst reducing the time spent on non-clinical operations. We have proven the efficacy of our business model with MOS Dental in Thailand in 2019 and are confident that we can replicate this with UDC.”
Dr Charlston Uy, Founder and CEO of UDC, said, “We were intrigued and inspired by the success story of MOS Dental in Thailand, where with Oracare’s support, it doubled its number of clinics and profitability whilst still placing patient care at the forefront. We believe this partnership with Oracare will amplify UDC’s capabilities and leverage the expertise and resources of both entities to offer top-notch dental services and innovative solutions as well as a broader range of dental care products.”
Previously, in 2019, Oracare acquired a controlling stake in MOS Dental, the second-largest dental group in Bangkok, and has helped grow MOS Dental’s network of clinics from 14 to 30 today. After joining Oracare, MOS Dental was given the support to implement and upgrade its professional systems and protocols along with a corporate infrastructure that has helped scale its expansion outside of Bangkok and consolidated its position further as one of the market leaders in Thailand.
Dr Charlston remains CEO of UDC and will work closely with Oracare to execute plans to expand UDC’s footprint in the Philippines. Besides geographical expansion, the Group will also look at continuous investment in staff training, technology, and patient care, ensuring that high clinical standards are maintained across all clinics.
Concluded Mr Luai, “This marks the beginning of Oracare’s next phase of growth as we leverage our market leadership to generate more value for our patients and network partners whilst continuing to provide quality dental services. We are also looking to streamline more of our processes to create more value for our customers as we derive more synergies, economies of scale, and cost efficiencies from our operating markets across Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.”
In recognition of this strategic alliance, Oracare and UDC jointly hosted a celebration on 27 October 2023 in Manila, which saw an attendance of nearly 210 people, including the board of directors, management, and staff of the two companies, as well as business associates. The event also saw keynote speeches by UDC’s Dr Charlston and Mr. Nick Watkins, Oracare’s Non-executive Chairman, to mark the Group’s significant milestone as a leading regional player.
Celebration event to welcome UY Dental Clinic (UDC) into Oracare Group on 27 October 2023 in Manila, the Philippines.
From left: Andy Cropp, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer – Oracare Group; Leon Luai, Co-founder and CEO – Oracare Group; Dr Charlston Uy, Founder and CEO – UDC; Nick Watkins, Non-executive Chairman – Oracare Group
Celebration event to welcome UY Dental Clinic (UDC) into Oracare Group on 27 October 2023 in Manila, the Philippines.
From left: Andy Cropp, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer – Oracare Group; Dr Charlston Uy, Founder and CEO – UDC; Leon Luai, Co-founder and CEO – Oracare Group.
One of UDC’s 17 clinics in Metro Manila, the Philippines. This Makati branch clinic is located at Avida Asten Tower, 3 Malunggay Street, Makati City.
Leaders of the dental brands in the Oracare family at the Oracare-UDC celebration event on 27 October 2023 in Manila, the Philippines.
From left: Dr. Matt Thompson, Co-founder and Clinical Director – Expat Dental; Leon Luai, Co-founder and CEO – Oracare Group; Dr. Charlston Uy, Founder and CEO – UDC; Andy Cropp, Co-founder and Chief Financial Officer – Oracare Group; Nick Watkins, Non-Executive Chairman – Oracare Group; Dr. Adisorn Hanworawong, Founder and CEO – MOS Dental; Dr. Paega Jarungidanan, Clinical Director – MOS Dental; Dr. Shaun Thompson, Founder, and Managing Director – Expat Dental.
The management and staff of the extended Oracare family came together to unite cultures and combine strengths at the Oracare-UDC celebration event on 27 October 2023 in Manila, the Philippines.
by Ferry Bayu | Nov 2, 2023 | Business
Catalysing ASEAN Startup Success in the Smart City Ecosystem: The 6th CHINA-ASEAN New Smart City Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition 2023
NeuXP Group is co-organizing the sixth annual CHINA-ASEAN New Smart City Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition, representing Malaysia. This competition, initiated by the Nanning Municipal D&R Commission and co-organized by several organizations, aims to promote innovation and connect startups in the smart city ecosystem. Registration is open from November 1 to November 18, 2023, inviting startups and individuals, including university students from various sectors. The ASEAN preliminary round will be held virtually on November 27-28, with the grand finals scheduled for mid-January 2024 in Nanning, China.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – NeuXP Group, a provider of an integrated cross-border financial and lifestyle platform, is proud to announce its co-organizing role for Malaysia in the sixth annual CHINA-ASEAN New Smart City Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition. This esteemed competition, initiated by the Nanning Municipal D&R Commission and co-organized by Nanning Municipal Big Data Bureau, Nanning Foreign Affairs Office, and CloudBae Big Data Industry Development Co. Ltd. (‘CloudBae’), aims to foster innovation, connect startups, and propel the smart city ecosystem into the future.
With registration commencing from 1st November to 18th 2023, the competition invites startups and individuals, including university students from various sectors, to register and participate. The preliminary round for ASEAN will take place virtually from 27th November to 28th, with the grand finals set to be held in Nanning, China, in mid-January 2024.
This competition, which began in 2018 with a modest number of startup participants from countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia, has grown exponentially. Its fundamental idea is to enhance the synergy between smart cities and the digital economy through innovative technology. Today, the competition boasts nearly 400 startup ideas from 10 countries, spanning over 30 sub-sectors.
Startups or individuals in this event will be motivated by several key objectives, including gaining international pitching experience, securing funding from Chinese Venture Capitalists, and expanding their network within the Chinese market.
The competition offers two distinct categories: Startup (Pre-Seed Stage without an MVP) and Comprehensive (Seed Stage with POC, MVP, and traction), ensuring a level playing field for all innovative participants.
The competition unfolds through multiple stages, starting with the application stage, which is open to startups or individuals from the 12 specified sectors: Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Urban Planning and Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Transport and Mobility, Waste Management, Public Safety and Security, Fintech, E-Governance, Education Technology (EdTech) and Agriculture and Sustainability. Subsequently, 16 teams from each category will be shortlisted, and the top six from each category in the preliminary round will compete in the grand finals. Winners of each category will receive prize money, and CloudBae may approach selected victors for an Acceleration Program in Nanning, China.
Beyond the competition, participants can look forward to various other benefits and opportunities, including CloudBae’s Accelerator Program, free office usage in Nanning Free Trade Zone for 18 months, expert research assistance for the Chinese market, additional fundraising opportunities from a vast network of VCs in China, and curated networking events.
The judging criteria for the competition encompass innovation and creativity, marketing strategy, commercial value, public service, and return on investment analysis.
To join this exciting journey of innovation and entrepreneurship in the smart city ecosystem, interested parties can register for the competition by 18th November 2023 at Ticket2U.
For further inquiries, please email to su*****@***xp.com
About NeuXP:
NeuXP is a provider of an integrated platform that offers comprehensive financial and lifestyle services with a flexible, accessible, and simple user experience. Extending beyond what’s typically made available by other providers in Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond, NeuXP offers a comprehensive financial and lifestyle services ecosystem that eases the journey of its users beyond borders.
Its all-in-one financial and lifestyle platform is also designed for businesses to seamlessly transition into the digital world while gaining access to a wide range of global financial and business services. To find out more, visit www.neuxp.com
About Cloudbae:
Cloudbae Big Data Industry Development Co., Ltd was established in 2017 and serves as a smart city and big data platform operation company with a “Light Asset, Platform-Based, Hybrid Ownership” mode. Cloudbae is based in Nanning, providing government and citizen services for Guangxi and also acting as a bridge for talents and enterprises between China and ASEAN with the vision to dedicate to cultivating a new smart city operation ecosystem and jointly contributing to the development of the Digital Silk Road.
su*****@***xp.com
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