Asia groups rally against IMF, World Bank, G7; calls for reparations, stop to fossil fuel financing

by Ferry Bayu | Oct 8, 2023 | Business

Asia groups rally against IMF, World Bank, G7; calls for reparations, stop to fossil fuel financing

Climate groups from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Philippines held simultaneous mass actions across Asia to urge the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to cancel debts of Global South countries and stop financing fossil fuel projects. The rallies were timed with the 2023 annual meeting of the two financing institutions happening now in Marrakech, Morocco.

Members of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) took to the streets last October 12, scoring the World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and G7 governments for worsening economic conditions in Global South countries and for further exacerbating the climate crisis. In the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal, they rallied around a common call: “cancel the debt and pay reparations for historical climate and economic injustices.”

Timed with the 2023 annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank, the rallyists joined hundreds of other organizations worldwide marking the Global Week of Action for Debt, Climate and Economic Justice. A statement endorsed by close to 500 organizations and individuals from 74 countries across all global regions denounced the IMF-WB, that “together with other private and public lenders, perpetuate a flawed international financial architecture that exacerbates debt, climate, and economic crises, violating the basic needs and rights of millions of people and nature who have the least contribution, responsibility or control over these catastrophes.” 

In the Philippines, hundreds of demonstrators marched to Mendiola, gateway to the presidential palace, with the call “Cancel the debt and pay reparations for historical and continuing injustices!” Ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. remains known for his repressive rule as well as for crony capitalism, massive ill-gotten wealth hidden in tax havens and billions of dollars in public debt that served no benefit for the Filipino people. Current President Marcos Jr. shows no sign of moving to repeal the dictator’s Automatic Appropriations decree, which remains in place and continues to ensure that debt repayments are made over any other public need. 

Protesters also slammed the Philippine government’s continued expansion and support for debt-funded fossil fuel projects that they decried as ‘illegitimate’ for contributing to the climate crisis, dislocating communities and violating human rights. 

“Global South governments should stop paying these illegitimate debts!” said Lidy Nacpil, APMDD Coordinator. “At the same time, lenders such as the IMF, the World Bank and G7 governments should stop pushing more loans as climate finance, and swiftly start the process of debt cancellation, adoption of wealth taxes for spending on urgent economic and climate action, and the rechanneling of public funds away from fossil fuel subsidies towards renewable energy systems.”

Rovik Obanil, Freedom from Debt Coalition Secretary General, recalled how the IMF and World Bank offered solutions in the form of “structural adjustment loans”, that came with such conditions as privatizing basic services and opening the Philippine economy to foreign investors. “These conditionalities were put in place decades ago but the consequences continue to violate our basic rights. Privatization reduces people’s access to water and electricity by catering only to those with the capacity to pay. Tax incentives rob us of potential revenue for urgent public needs. But loans continue to be pushed, including pushing loans for climate finance upon Global South peoples who least contributed to the climate crisis.”

SANLAKAS President Manjette Lopez noted growing discontent over skyrocketing prices of food staples and other goods and services. “From one administration to the next, the Filipino people are promised higher incomes, decent homes, adequate food, only to have these promises broken by elite and corporate-captured administrations, including the Marcos Jr. presidency. It’s time to cut the ties that bind us to international financial institutions such as the IMF-WB and their debt-creating solutions, but that can only happen with working people and communities at the forefront of bigger and bolder fights for jobs, living wages, a decent life and a sustainable future.”

Ian Rivera, National Coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice said: “The IMF, World Bank and the G7 are again pushing their standard response to crisis in the Global South — more loans. Even climate finance, which is their obligation to deliver for contributing the most to the climate crisis, is in the form of more loans. This is clearly unjust. We demand grants-based climate finance and the cancellation of loans incurred from fossil fuel projects.” 

For Oriang President Flora Santos, the IMF-World Bank’s gender mainstreaming strategy must be exposed for exploiting women’s unpaid care work to make up for the lack of public social services. “These international financial institutions brag about promoting women’s empowerment. The truth is that the IMF’s austerity loan conditions, such as budget cuts in public services, reductions in the public sector wage bill and regressive taxes, lead to reduced access to essential services, loss of livelihoods and increased unpaid work for women.”

APMDD (Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development ) is a regional alliance of people’s movements, community organizations, coalitions, NGOs and networks

Annalyn JusayZ
+639190049558
me********@***il.com

Tobu Railway Introduces Its Newest “Spacia X” Express Train, Boasting a 40% Reduction in CO2 Emissions Compared to the Previous Spacia Fleet.

by Ferry Bayu | Oct 6, 2023 | Business

Tobu Railway Introduces Its Newest “Spacia X” Express Train, Boasting a 40% Reduction in CO2 Emissions Compared to the Previous Spacia Fleet.

Tobu Railway’s new “Spacia X” express trains, launched on July 5, 2023, on the Tobu Nikko Line, are not only stylish and comfortable with various seating options but also highly eco-friendly. They reduce CO2 emissions by 40% compared to the previous Spacia fleet, primarily using renewable energy sources for their traction current.

The Spacia X is a train with a strong emphasis on design, incorporating windows that draw inspiration from the intricate geometric patterns found in Edo period fretwork carvings. Its color scheme is derived from the elegant “noble white,” reminiscent of the whitewash used on Nikko’s renowned Toshogu Shrine.

Beyond standard seating, passengers have options like compartments, sofas, and lounge-style seats. The most luxurious choice among them is the ‘cockpit suite,’ a roomy and opulent ‘mobile suite’ with an expansive front window vista, evoking the ambiance of a private jet.

The “GOEN” café in Car 1 offers a selection of Nikko beer, Nikko blend coffee, locally brewed saké, desserts crafted from Nikko saké kasu or lees, and snacks sourced from the Nikko region. Furthermore, the café supports the local community by donating a portion of its craft coffee sales to the training of Nikko tour guides from the area.

“The Nikko All Area Pass from Tobu Railway, available for 1 to 4 days, covers round-trip travel between Tokyo’s Tobu Asakusa Station and Nikko, along with transportation within Nikko and access to various attractions and experiences in the Nikko area. However, when using the SPACIA X in conjunction with the Nikko Pass, travelers will need to buy an extra express ticket in addition to the standard pass. This requirement applies to all Tobu Limited Express trains. Details regarding Spacia X fares can be found here:
https://www.tobu.co.jp/spaciax/en/ticket/index.html#sale_ticket

Represents Tobu Railway in Malaysia to promote the tourism area that Tobu Railway covers and to share news information with travel-related partners.

Tobu Railway’s massive network extends through Tokyo as well as
four surrounding prefectures: Chiba, Saitama, Tochigi, and Gunma. With 463.3 kilometers of operating track, Tobu is Kanto’s largest private railway and is used by commuters, students, business travelers, and tourists.

Desmond Haw
+6010-236 2611
de*****@*********on.com

e27 CEO, Serial Tech Entrepreneur, Ex-Kantar PH CEO, EU Business Builder, And Innovation Council Member Join Embiggen’s Advisory Board

by Ferry Bayu | Oct 6, 2023 | Business

e27 CEO, Serial Tech Entrepreneur, Ex-Kantar PH CEO, EU Business Builder, And Innovation Council Member Join Embiggen’s Advisory Board

Multi-awarded corporate venturing and innovation firm Embiggen Group formed its first advisory board, which counts global business executives and innovation leaders among its members, as part of its ongoing international expansion in Southeast Asia and Europe.

The five advisory board members are former Kantar Philippines CEO Gary de Ocampo, current e27 CEO Mohan Belani, serial tech entrepreneur and behavioral strategist Cliff Eala, Philippines National Innovation Council member Monchito Ibrahim, and global corporate business-building expert Frank Mattes.

“We, here at Embiggen, are honored to have been joined by Gary, Mohan, Cliff, Monchito, and Frank as part of our advisory board. They will play a crucial role in working with our leadership and management team to help us grow in the Philippines, Asia, and the EU,” said Embiggen Founding CEO Rolan Marco Garcia.

As Embiggen continues to expand its operations in the Southeast Asian region, the five members of the newly formed advisory board will strengthen Embiggen’s presence and reputation in the region’s business community.

Embiggen’s advisory board will also play a crucial role in guiding the firm’s leadership team in making strategic decisions to ensure client satisfaction and the overall success of the business’s initiatives.

“Their decades of combined experience in innovation, leadership, and business building will definitely prove to be an invaluable addition to our team as we continue to work with the region’s most innovative and successful businesses in the coming months and years,” added Garcia.

The advisory board will also have hands-on roles in the Embiggen Group’s client engagements and venture building activities – uniquely giving our clients the opportunity to connect with and work directly with internationally-renowned senior corporate innovation experts.

Gary de Ocampo: Former Kantar PH CEO And Market Insights Expert

Gary de Ocampo is a market research expert and consumer insight consultant who was the immediate past president and CEO of Kantar Philippines, the biggest market research firm in the country. He was also the president of Taylor Nelson Sofres Philippines, another premier market research firm that later became part of the Kantar Group.

These two positions represent over 15 years of experience in market research, consumer insights, and business leadership.

He is currently also a member of multiple advisory boards including the advisory boards of online donation startup Giving Hero and the prestigious Our Lady of Fatima University.

Mohan Belani: e27 Co-Founder And CEO, And Early-Stage Venture Investor

Mohan Belani is the co-founder and CEO of e27, a Singapore-based startup and tech ecosystem platform that supports Southeast Asian entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. He is also the co-founder of e27 Ventures, the venture capital arm of e27.

Belani is also an investor in over 30 early-stage funds across Southeast Asia, India, USA, and New Zealand, and a Partner at the Orvel Early Stage Fund.

Alongside his investor and startup ecosystem enabler roles, Belani is also a mentor for the National University of Singapore Engineering Alumni Mentorship Programme and the Founder Institute.

Monchito Ibrahim: National Innovation Council Executive Member

Monchito Ibrahim is an expert in digital transformation and innovation. Ibrahim served as the Undersecretary for Industry and Countryside Development at the Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology.

Ibrahim is currently a member of the Philippines National Innovation Council together with Embiggen Founding Partner & Board Member Earl Valencia. Ibrahim and Valencia are the two members who represent the business community in the council that reports directly to the President of the Philippines.

Alongside Ibrahim’s membership in the National Innovation Council and Embiggen’s advisory board, he is also the Lead Convenor of the digital economy advocacy group Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation, Vice President for External Affairs for the UP System Information Technology Foundation, and the Vice President and member of the Board of Trustees of the Analytics Association of the Philippines.

Cliff Eala: Behavioral Strategist And Serial Tech Entrepreneur

Cliff Eala is a seasoned behavioral strategist and serial tech entrepreneur with deep experience in numerous industries and markets. 

Eala founded BS Works, a firm that helps organizations grow through behavioral science, data, and technology. He also founded Synerbyte Limited, an energy efficiency tech firm that offers solutions including intelligent lighting and smart voltage control systems to commercial and industrial customers across Asia. Eala also founded Sequel Solutions, Inc., a software company that was acquired by a VC fund in 2007.

Currently, he is the board director of CIS Bayad Center, the largest multi-channel payment platform in the Philippines, and PETNET, an urgent cash transaction center owned by the Philippine Stock Exchange-listed Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

Frank Mattes: Global Corporate Venture Building Expert

Frank Mattes is one of the forefront corporate business-building experts worldwide.

Mattes is the Founder and CEO of Lean Scaleup, a Germany-based corporate business-building firm that has helped corporate intrapreneurs assess, accelerate, and scale their corporate startups. Lean Scaleup has built new businesses together with over 35 corporations worldwide including Airbus, Bosch, Philips, Volvo, and Unilever.

Mattes is also an Associate Partner at Dual Innovation, another corporate business-building firm that helps corporations optimize their current core business while simultaneously building new businesses. Dual Innovation has worked with the world’s largest corporations including Samsung, TUV Rhineland, and Deutsche Telekom.

Embiggen is a multi-awarded corporate venture building and innovation group that builds, scales, and invests in new digital ventures with forward-thinking and entrepreneurial organizations. By leveraging corporates’ expertise, insights, and resources, it provides end-to-end solutions that take your teams from learning to executing innovation at startup speed.

It has innovated with dozens of organizations in the Southeast Asian region, including Telstra, Embassy of Finland in Manila, Business Finland, Ginebra San Miguel, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philipines, Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Energy Development Corporation, Quorum Group of Companies, FAST Group, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Science and Technology.

The group’s innovation learning arm Embiggen Innovation Institute has trained over 1,000 innovators and 100 startup founders to date through its various innovation capability building and certification programs including through its partnerships with the prestigious Asian Institute of Management and the Global Innovation Management Institute – the worldwide standard certification body for innovation management.

In 2023, Embiggen received seven awards from numerous prestigious award bodies. Embiggen and its Founding CEO & Managing Partner Rolan Marco Garcia received 4 Circle of Excellence awards from the Asia CEO Awards. In the same year, the Embiggen Group won a Silver Stevie Award under the Most Innovative Startup of the Year – Business Service Industries category at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. Garcia also won Best Corporate Venturing CEO (Philippines) at the APAC-Insider CEO of the Year Awards and Best Philippine Corporate Venture Builder at the APAC-Insider Southeast Asia Business Awards.

Jacob Reyes
+639176369887
he***@***********up.com

District Race: Where technology meets fitness and sustainability in 100 global cities

by Ferry Bayu | Oct 5, 2023 | Business

District Race: Where technology meets fitness and sustainability in 100 global cities

District Race, the world’s premier urban exploration experience, is set to revolutionize how people engage with their cities while promoting physical activity and supporting global reforestation efforts. This innovative event series combines cutting-edge technology with the thrill of exploration, all while making a tangible impact on the planet.

The Ultimate Urban Adventure:

In an era where technology often keeps us indoors, District Race is breaking new ground by
seamlessly merging the digital and physical worlds. Using the District App, participants
embark on exhilarating journeys through their cities, racing against time to collect
checkpoints and complete a wide range of physical and mental challenges. It’s a city-wide
scavenger hunt, fitness challenge, and adventure, all rolled into one.

Active Living Through Exploration:

District Race encourages people to get active in a unique and engaging way, transforming
cityscapes into playgrounds. Whether navigating city streets, discovering hidden gems, or
scaling iconic landmarks, participants experience their urban environments in an entirely
fresh light.

A Race for Sustainability:

But District Race isn’t just about personal fitness and exploration; it’s also about global
impact. Launching in 100 cities across the globe, each race contributes to a monumental
mission: planting 100,000 trees worldwide. In partnership with reforestation organization,
One Tree Planted, District Race aims to create a greener, more sustainable planet.

Redefining Fitness and Fun:

“District Race is more than just an event; it’s a movement,” says Chris Cable, CEO of District.
“It showcases how technology can be harnessed for good, promoting active lifestyles, while
also addressing the pressing issue of deforestation. We’re thrilled to be at the intersection of
fitness, technology, and sustainability.”

“Celebrating this impactful collaboration with District Race, One Tree Planted is thrilled to
join hands in their mission to plant 100,000 trees across the globe” Says Louis Lagoutte,
Head of Partnerships at One Tree Planted. “Partnering with District Race is a remarkable
opportunity to not only enhance environmental sustainability but also engage a diverse and

active community passionate about positive change. Together, we are making a lasting
difference in reforestation efforts, one exhilarating race at a time.”

Join the Movement:

District Race invites everyone to be a part of this global movement for a fitter, more
sustainable future. With events in 100 cities and the goal of planting 100,000 trees, District
Race is setting the standard for fitness events that make a difference.

District Technologies is an innovative technology company that enables anyone to get activethrough exploration. Founded in 2017, District Technologies was born from a desire to reignite the spirit of discovery in all of us and enable everyone to lead an active and social lifestyle.

District Technologies’ key offering is District, a first-of-its-kind urban exploration app that combines ground-breaking location-based tracking and augmented reality technology to motivate people to rediscover their cities and level up their fitness by completing in-app challenges built around the urban environment. District Technologies also holds District Race events around the world that are built around the District app. District Technologies is
headquartered in Singapore and has since established a global presence, with key markets in Asia-Pacific and Europe.

exploredistrict.com

About One Tree Planted

One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating
a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at onetreeplanted.org.

For further information and media queries, please contact Chris Cable, chris@district- technologies.com

Global telecom vendors achieved an aggregate revenue growth rate of 5.4 percent in Q2 2023

by Ferry Bayu | Oct 5, 2023 | Business

Global telecom vendors achieved an aggregate revenue growth rate of 5.4 percent in Q2 2023

The Global Telecom Vendors Update Q2 2023 offers a comprehensive evaluation on the financial and geographic performance of the top 5 prominent global telecom vendors – Cisco, Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia and ZTE.

Cisco achieves impressive revenue growth, while ZTE face headwinds due to economic uncertainties

The revenue performance for each vendor is as follows:

Exhibit 1: Revenue trends YoY basis, Q2 2023

Source: Company reports and filings, Twimbit analysis

Cisco leads the chart with excellent performance across all revenue streams, increasing overall revenue growth by 16 percent, totalling USD 15.2 billion. This can be attributed to 3 key factors – product revenue, service revenue and a substantial growth rate of 28.2 percent in its carrier network business. While the enterprise business is a current focus for other telecom vendors, Cisco’s carrier network business has grown significantly due to the success of its Secure, Agile Networks portfolio.

On the other hand, ZTE faced several challenges in Q2 2023 when ensuring peak performance across all revenue streams. This led to an overall decrease in revenue by 1% percent YoY, reaching USD 4.5 billion in the same period. The factors owing to its decline primarily stemmed from its enterprise and consumer business, which reduced by 12.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively.

Innovation sustainability and competitive advantages pressure vendors to think differently

With an increased commitment to accelerate innovation and maintain a competitive edge, R&D investment has recorded an overall increase, with telecom vendors aiming to be more digital-centric.

The R&D performance for each vendor is as follows:

Exhibit 2: R&D performance of vendors, Q2 2023

Source: Company reports and filings, Twimbit analysis

ZTE set the gold standard in R&D investments during Q2 2023, increasing investments by 62.6 YoY, totalling USD 1 billion. This can be attributed to its efforts in increasing the computing power for its infrastructure products and solutions. These include reinforcing the capabilities of their Data Technology, Information Technology, and Communications Technology (DICT).

The result – substantially enhanced competitiveness across all the business sectors of ZTE.

Following closely is Cisco, recording a significant 36.1 YoY increase in R&D spending, totalling USD 2.0 billion in Q2 2023. This expansion was a meticulous decision by the company to increase its investment significantly across its international sectors, specifically India, its 2nd largest R&D centre.

“With significant opportunities to become more digital, such as the rollout of 5G, changing regional dynamics and newfound strategic collaborations, telecom vendors have a plethora of options moving forward in 2023.” – Siddanth Ranjan (Research Analyst, Twimbit)

Twimbit clients can read more in the “Global Telecom Vendors Update Q2 2023”

Twimbit is a research and advisory firm driven by a singular mission: to empower businesses making a difference. We specialize in providing invaluable industry intelligence to executives and teams, acting as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Twimbit’s proprietary research platform seeks to revolutionize the way enterprises consume insights, making it effortlessly enjoyable and accessible to all.

More information on Twimbit is available online at www.twimbit.com. Follow news and updates from Twimbit on Twitter and LinkedIn. Members of the media can find additional information in the Twimbit newsroom.

Vansh Sehgal
va***@*****it.com

ToursOnTheWeb, the easy way to find that great tour while booking at the tour operator

by Ferry Bayu | Oct 5, 2023 | Business

ToursOnTheWeb, the easy way to find that great tour while booking at the tour operator

ToursOnTheWeb.com is the most comprehensive global travel search and comparison platform for organised multi-day tours and cruises, not only in English.

Organised group tours and adventures continue to be a
success and this mainly because it is so easy and convenient to travel from A to B to C, to discover, do and see things, to meet other people and make friends. Finding that great tour, trip, adventure or
package online could still be quite a hassle. There are just too many operators, too
many websites and too many options and not everything is relevant to each and
every traveler.

An Australian is not looking for a tour to the USA that
starts in Paris or Berlin, nor is an Indian interested in a tour through
Italy, Argentina or China that starts in London, Singapore or Sydney. A proper
search should include not only destination, but also departure country,
language, age group and budget.

For people who speak English as a 1st or 2nd
language, it should be possible to choose an international
group, or local tour group with fellow country men and women, or a
private tour group of friends and family. The choice of tour group and tour
language will have an obvious effect on the kind of experience and (new) friends one makes along the way, especially
for singles.

Group tours with local companies that include a flight may
sometimes be cheaper, but international tour operators offer a lot more choice
of travel style, comfort, worldwide destinations, itineraries and departure
dates.

ToursOnTheWeb.com, the largest comparison platform for tours, already
features 15,000 group tours, private tours, self-drive tours, walking &
bicycling tours, safaris, overlanding, (river) cruises and luxury expeditions
to 180+ countries and territories on all continents. Tours can begin at
home (with flight) or at the destination.

Tours, cruises and expeditions exist for all age groups in
budget, comfort and luxury segments with prices per person between US$500 and
US$50,000 and duration from 5 days up to 300 days (10 months) with
departure dates in 2023, 2024 and beyond. Tours and platform are currently
available in English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Chinese and Indonesian
languages.

Most listed operators are bonded with financial protection
for their travellers. Many are socially responsible global citizens who are
taking big steps towards sustainable travel. They are among the best and most
reliable.

ToursOnTheWeb does not accept any bookings, but creates highly qualified and interested referrals. Travelers can
use comprehensive filters and run side-by-side comparisons to
find their next tour. Upon selection the platform will redirect the user to the
specific tour page at the operator’s website for even more and up-to-date
information, current availability, online booking and knowledgeable support.

ONLY the Terms and Conditions of the operator apply after
booking. Especially for multi-day tours, where changes are common but more complicated,
this is an obvious advantage compared to dealing with intermediaries like
travel agents. 

A few global Online Travel Agents exist for organised tours
and cruises, but they are not really ideal for all types of multi-day tours. It is common that a traveler will prefer to book directly at the tour operator, avoiding complex Terms and Conditions of a far-away foreign booking website.

ToursOnTheWeb, based in Singapore, combines convenience
with choice and confidence on one easy to use platform and can include ALL types
of tours without restrictions. It is a one-of-a-kind alternative to large online
travel agents as well as travel fairs.

ToursOnTheWeb Pte Ltd is an independent software company based in Singapore. We are specialised in travel and tourism.

Paul van Schaik
pv********@***********eb.com