by Ferry Bayu | Aug 11, 2023 | Business
MiiTel can now recognize voice emotions with AI
Jakarta, August 11, 2023 — RevComm is pleased to announce the latest breakthrough in the world of business communication. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) with voice emotion recognition capabilities, RevComm introduces an innovative feature that enables users to identify human emotions in phone conversations and online meetings using MiiTel.
Speech emotion recognition is a technology that allows users to recognize and visualize the level of positive and negative emotions in verbal conversations online. Through this feature, users can more easily monitor and evaluate the quality of their conversations.
The sophistication of the voice emotion recognition feature can be experienced in phone conversations using MiiTel, RevComm’s innovative AI-based smart telephone system that can automatically record, transcribe, and analyze voice. Most recently, MiiTel also supports the automatic generation of conversation summaries with ChatGPT. This technology can support the improvement of sales, call center, and business performance.
Furthermore, voice emotion recognition is also available for MiiTel Meetings, an AI-based online meeting analytics tool that can support business communication in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet platforms.
This feature utilizes colors to depict the levels of emotions in conversations. Darkening shades of green indicate higher levels of happiness, whereas deepening shades of orange indicate higher levels of negativity. Grey represents a neutral emotional state, while white signifies the absence of conversation.
Furthermore, the emotional identification within the speech emotion recognition feature can be observed from two distinct perspectives: that of MiiTel users and that of customers. The user’s facet enabling the monitoring of the quality of conducted conversations. Conversely, from the customer’s standpoint, this can serve as a evaluative guide and provide insights into the types of conversations that elicit positive or negative reactions from clients.
This breakthrough signifies RevComm’s commitment to provide cutting-edge technological solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers. MiiTel is currently accessible in Japan, the United States, and Indonesia. Visit miitel.id to get a free demo.
MiiTel is an innovation from RevComm, one of Japan’s fastest-growing technology companies. Within five years, RevComm became a unicorn and won numerous awards: Forbes Japan’s Startup of the Year, Google for Startups, AWS Summit, Mizuho Innovation Award, Japan Venture Awards, BOXIL SaaS Award, Deloitte Technology Fast 50, and Forbes AI 50.
Nadira
na****@********co.jp
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 11, 2023 | Business
Mastering the New Media Landscape: TAPRO’s Freda Liu Shares Insights on Elevating Brand Presence at MGCC Event
TAPRO’s media trainer, Freda Liu grazed MGCC’s Tuesday Club with her sharing on how and what businesses can do to stay relevant in the digital age.
KUALA LUMPUR — In a rapidly evolving digital age, the role of media in shaping businesses’ brand presence has undergone a transformative shift. Recognizing the significance of adapting to these changes, the Malaysia German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) hosted an insightful event on August 8 featuring esteemed speaker and TAPRO media trainer, Freda Liu. With a focus on illuminating the path towards brand elevation, the event shed light on the crucial relationship between modern media and business success.
As the media landscape continues to undergo unprecedented changes, businesses are confronted with the imperative to embrace these shifts to remain competitive. The recent event held at MGCC, headlined by renowned speaker Freda Liu, provided an in-depth exploration of the ways in which media can significantly impact a business’s visibility, reach, credibility, and trust. In an era where digital platforms dominate communication channels, understanding how to leverage media effectively is no longer a choice but a necessity for sustained growth.
Freda Liu, a distinguished voice in the realm of business and media, delved into the intricate facets of brand strategy during her engaging session. Attendees were presented with actionable insights aimed at refining their brand strategy across various dimensions. Liu underscored the pivotal role that strategic marketing, compelling content, an engaging website, and a robust social media presence play in shaping a brand’s identity. By aligning these elements cohesively, businesses can create a powerful and resonating brand narrative that captures the essence of their offerings.
One of the event’s standout highlights was Liu’s exploration of emerging trends in media and their profound implications for brand development. The digital revolution has fundamentally altered the way content is consumed and shared across diverse platforms. Liu emphasized that achieving brand differentiation now hinges not only on reach but also on cultivating an engaged and attentive audience. The dynamics of digital transformation necessitate businesses to meticulously evaluate their content dissemination strategies across platforms and consider the nuanced impact on their brand perception.
In her closing remarks, Freda Liu emphasized the escalating significance of thought leadership in the evolving media landscape. With an astute eye on the future, Liu urged attendees to proactively anticipate the needs of both current and prospective clients. She urged businesses to embrace a visionary approach that positions them as industry authorities, guiding the conversation and shaping perceptions. Liu’s insights echoed the profound truth that in a world brimming with information, brands that offer valuable insights and steer conversations are poised to thrive.
Attendees left the event equipped with a renewed understanding of media’s transformative potential and armed with actionable strategies to propel their brands to new heights.
Based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, TAPRO is a specialised talent acquisition and training firm with a focus in the education, healthcare, banking & finance and IT industries for Malaysia and the region. Its services include talent acquisition, learning and development, business and marketing consulting and event management.
Name: Tania Perera
Email: tr******@*******om.my
Website: tapro.com.my
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 11, 2023 | Business
Diokno rejects proposed luxury tax hike
MANILA — Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Thursday nixed the idea of imposing higher tax on luxury items.
Luxury goods are currently subject to a 20 percent tax.
Responding to questions from Nueva Ecija Rep. Rosanna Ria Vergara during the opening of the 2024 budget deliberations at the House of Representatives, Diokno explained that it is hard to implement and easy to avoid.
“I was wondering, do you have anything on your table that propose like a proportional tax, a luxury tax, a wealth tax? Is that something you would consider?” Vergara asked.
Diokno said the agency had no such proposals.
“When you propose a tax, one nice property of a tax is it should give you a high yield and the administrative cost should be very minimal… For example, if you wanna tax diamond, you’re practically not going to collect anything because that’s easy to hide,” Diokno said.
“Sometimes when you also try to tax a luxury good, people will just go abroad and buy it there… Luxury tax is not part of our proposal at the moment,” he added.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda earlier raised the possibility of raising tax on jewelry, perfumes, and yachts to 25 percent or 30 percent to increase government revenue.
Marcos earlier said the proposal was “reasonable.”
When asked if the government is considering non-regressive taxes, Diokno revealed they are reviewing the VAT because the government is only collecting less than half of what it is supposed to make from the VAT.
“[VAT here] is one of the highest in this part of the world yet its yield is very low, only 40 percent. We only collect 40 percent of what we’re supposed to collect so we are doing a study on the value added tax which is a nice tax to make it more effective and more high yielding,” Diokno said.
Diokno also defended the VAT in terms of being pro-poor.
“I think our value added tax is one of the best in terms of being pro-poor because we do not tax food in its original state, in other countries it’s also being taxed,” Diokno said.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 10, 2023 | Business
Singtel begins construction of Singapore’s highest power density, hyper-connected green data centre
Singapore, 8 August 2023 – Singtel has commenced the construction of DC Tuas, Singapore’s highest power density, hyper-connected green data centre, following a groundbreaking ceremony today with Guest-of-Honour Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Chief Executive Mr Lew Chuen Hong.
Mr Lew said “Congratulations to Singtel on the groundbreaking of DC Tuas. It is encouraging to see companies such as Singtel invest in our digital infrastructure. IMDA will continue to work with the industry to architect a sustainable digital ecosystem that is internationally connected, to serve the long-term demands of Singapore’s digital future.”
When operational in 2025, DC Tuas will offer 58MW of IT load capacity to support the strong demand for high-quality, sustainable digital infrastructure while optimising land, power and water use. The 120,000sqft, eight-storey facility is Singapore’s only data centre to be integrated with a cable landing station, providing its customers unparalleled international and domestic connectivity and enhanced network performance including lower latency and improved reliability.
DC Tuas is Singtel’s largest data centre in Singapore to date and will support the Group’s decarbonisation goals with its low power utilisation effectiveness (PUE). DC Tuas will incorporate next-generation cooling capabilities that are able to support customers’ rack density of up to 80kW per rack with more efficient liquid cooling, thus lowering its PUE to below 1.3.
“DC Tuas is based on Singtel’s fourth generation design with the highest power density, and hyper-connected with a number of international submarine cables connected directly to it. ”
Bill Chang,CEO, Digital InfraCo,Singtel
Mr Bill Chang, CEO of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo said, “DC Tuas is based on Singtel’s fourth generation design with the highest power density, and hyper-connected with a number of international submarine cables connected directly to it. This will be an important addition that will strengthen Singapore’s digital infrastructure and position the country as a key business and connectivity hub. It is also a key milestone for our new standalone digital infrastructure business to capture the significant demand for cloud services and the rapid rise of AI adoption in the region. With DC Tuas, we have leveraged our expertise and experience in designing, building and operating data centres to offer a differentiated value proposition to customers – a carrier-neutral advanced facility with access to exceptional connectivity and security. Singapore is integral to our regional data centre strategy and we look forward to continue supporting the country’s ambition to be a sustainable, global digital hub.”
Singtel currently provides 60MW of DC capacity in Singapore. The total capacity will grow to 118MW when DC Tuas is operational in 2025. Ahead of its construction, DC Tuas has already received interest from customers including hyperscalers, multinational and regional corporates, and Singapore enterprises.
In addition to its data centres in Singapore, Singtel has partnered Telkom and Medco Power in Indonesia, and GULF and AIS in Thailand, to build data centres in Batam and Bangkok respectively.
Singtel is Asia’s leading communications technology group, operating in one of the world’s fastest growing and most dynamic regions. We provide an extensive range of digital and telecommunication services to consumers and businesses.
ne******@*****el.com
Singtel Group Strategic Communications and Brand, 31 Exeter Road, Comcentre #19-00, Singapore 239732
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 10, 2023 | Business
AECA Solutions Sets Up Singapore Base
Malaysian Geospatial Intelligence Technology Company, AECA Solutions Establishes AECA Technologies Pte. Ltd. In Singapore
AECA Solutions is now
a part of Singapore’s Geospatial ecosystem with the establishment of AECA
Technologies Pte. Ltd. in Singapore.
One of the reasons
AECA has chosen Singapore as another site to base out of is that the country is
at the epicenter of international business activity in the Asia Pacific region.
Location is pivotal.
Malaysia and Singapore are at the center of an emerging market.
Economic forecasts
predict that Southeast Asia is likely to remain one of the fastest-growing
regions for years to come.
CEO of AECA Solutions,
Tengku Erina Tengku Nasrudin spoke about the strategy behind AECA setting up
office in Singapore, “Singapore is leading Geospatial initiatives in this
region. We chose to build our presence here in Singapore as part of a larger
strategic growth plan, and to make full use of the support by local agencies such
as GeoWorks by Singapore Land Authority and Singapore Business Federation in
line with their Smart Nation initiatives.”
In addition, Singapore
is attracting global technology, talent and investment because of its safe and
stable environment as well as a regulatory framework that is favourable to
technology companies and entrepreneurs.
Based on the country
ranking of the Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) Readiness Index 2022
by Geospatial World and the United Nations Statistics Division, Singapore is
ranked number 8.
With AECA’s presence
and participation in Singapore’s more advanced Geospatial arena, AECA aspires
to contribute in boosting Malaysia’s ranks in terms of GKI readiness by taking
advantage of the benefits of being a part of Asia’s most geospatial-ready
country.
AECA Solutions Sdn. Bhd. is a Geospatial Intelligence Technology Company featuring superior equipment and solutions.
Steadily expanding and crossing borders to provide need-based UAV solutions, this Malaysian
company is redesigning its local drone industry by making drone technology accessible and
affordable to all industries nationwide. Prioritising quality and integrity, AECA’s team has been a
key driver of UAV services in Precision Agriculture and Survey-Grade Aerial Mapping.
Dina Nawawi
(Public Relations Officer, AECA Solutions)
di**@************ns.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 10, 2023 | Business
US-ASEAN Business Council Commits More Investments In PH
The United States (US) – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Business Council, the largest American business contingent, pledged to pursue more investments in the Philippines.
The commitment was made when the members of the US-ASEAN Business Council paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the President’s Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila on Wednesday.
During the meeting, US-ASEAN Business Council president and chief executive officer Ted Osius said the members of the non-profit organization are looking forward to deepening their engagements with the Marcos administration and creating more partnerships with the Philippine businesses.
“We’re very much focused and you highlight these themes on sustainable development, transformative digitalization, innovative healthcare solutions, supply chain resilience, and ease of doing business,” Osius told Marcos.
“We are determined that we come here not just to talk but also to bring a lot of action to create real partnerships and to show our commitment in the form of investments,” he added.
Osius, a retired US ambassador, was joined by representatives of 30 companies, the largest delegation to visit the Philippines in the 40-year history of US-ASEAN Business Council.
He said the number of the delegation visiting the Philippines signifies the organization members’ interest in the country’s strong growth and stable macroeconomic fundamentals; the young and competent Filipino workforce; and the Marcos administration’s receptiveness to foreign investments and sustainable approach to sustain economic development.
Citing Marcos’ commitment to put a premium on industries such as infrastructure, agriculture, clean energy, green metals and semiconductors, Osius said American companies have expressed readiness to back the Philippine development efforts.
Marcos acknowledged the council’s crucial role in the Philippine development and hoped that alliances, partnerships, and arrangements with its members would be sustained.
He said the meeting with the US-ASEAN Business Council is significant in discussing concrete steps in upholding socioeconomic cooperation, including the sectors of agriculture, clean energy, infrastructure, climate change, digital connectivity and post pandemic recovery.
“I recognize the critical role that the United States and American businesses have played in advancing a robust and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines, not only in this period but for a very long time now,” Marcos said.
Marcos also assured the council of concrete steps that he and US President Joe Biden have identified to make the two countries’ alliance and partnership “relevant and responsive to the current emerging challenges in the defense, security and economic spheres.”
“I invite the members of the esteemed Council to continue being valuable partners of the Philippines. Let us push for greater economic engagement between our two countries, for our mutual benefit, for the prosperity, especially of the region,” he said.
Osius also stressed the importance of the country’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, as well as in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
“The view in Washington is that the Philippines has been an incredible partner in this process, especially the supply chain. [The] Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the US is looking for continued Philippine leadership on Pillar 3 which is focused on clean energy, decarbonization, and infrastructure, and Pillar 4, tax and any corruption,” Osius said, adding US companies welcome a transparent predictable business environment in the context of Pillar 4.
The US-ASEAN Business Council is a non-profit organization established in 1984 that conducts research and analysis in the ASEAN member states in terms of economic, financial, political, social and environmental conditions.
Worldwide, the council’s membership of over 175 companies generates almost USD7 trillion in revenue and employs more than 14.5 million people.
The council is the only American organization formally recognized in the ASEAN Charter and meets annually with the Finance, Trade, and Energy Ministers at their annual meetings.
To date, its members include the largest US companies conducting business in ASEAN and range from newcomers to the region to firms that have been working in Southeast Asia for more than 100 years. (PNA)
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 10, 2023 | Business
For its 6th annual Impact Day themed “Building a Better Future”, Universal McCann (UM) employees in Malaysia come together to support the Super Sarapan project (Super Breakfast), an ongoing project done in partnership with Yayasan Generasi Gemilang and aimed at feeding children from low-income households whose family’s combined monthly income is less than RM2,500. The carnival that ran in the office was a funfair environment with food and games, and it raised RM22,500 in total to keep children fed and in school.
MALAYSIA, 10 AUGUST 2023 — Universal McCann (UM), the global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, announced its sixth annual day of service to the community, UM Impact Day, on 20th July. Launched under UM’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Better World, Impact Day exemplifies the agency’s commitment to community and care and its employees’ commitment to driving a better workplace, work product, and world for the communities in which they live and serve.
Themed “Building a Better Future”, UM Impact Day this year saw 80 UM employees in Malaysia come together to support the Super Sarapan project (Super Breakfast), an ongoing project done in partnership
with Yayasan Generasi Gemilang and aimed at feeding children from low-income households whose family’s combined monthly income is less than RM2,500.
Audrey Chong, Chief Executive Officer of UM commented, “Our aim this year, was to raise funds for this exceptional programme that looks to close the education gap for underserved children by improving literacy and nutrition. Super Sarapan helps address the issue of hunger and motivates children to stay in schools by giving them a daily meal for each day they go to school. In this way, it encourages them to continue their education, thus opening the door for them to create a better future and elevate their livelihood.”
This Impact Day saw UM Malaysia inviting clients, partners, friends and family for a carnival in the office, where UM staff contributed time, energy and resources to create a fun-fair like day of food & beverages, games and activities. UM clients including Tyson Foods, F&N Malaysia, Munchy’s and Mattel also supported the carnival by way of prizes and items to be sold on the day. The carnival sales proceeds totaled RM22,500, donated to Yayasan Generasi Gemilang for the Super Sarapan project.
Melissa Ngiam, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Generasi Gemilang said, “At Yayasan Generasi Gemilang, we get to see first-hand how providing a meal every single school day makes a huge difference in improving food insecurity for underserved students in Malaysia. Super Sarapan exists to address the very real issue of student hunger. It is so meaningful to see the team at Universal McCann showing their genuine support for this programme. Thank you so much! The funds raised will allow us to collaborate with more schools to ensure more students are fed.”
Audrey adds, “This year’s cause was extremely meaningful to us as we looked towards helping drive change in our community and contributing towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), in particular, SDG 1 – no poverty; SDG 2 – zero hunger and SDG 4 –quality education. We are thankful for the collaboration of our numerous clients and partners who have been extremely generous with their support. And not to forget, a big thanks to our UM team, who drove this year’s impact day with heart and boundless energy to make the day a success.”
Learn more about Yayasan Generasi Gemilang here.
For more news on UM Malaysia, follow the Friends of UM page.
UM is a global media agency committed to Futureproofing our clients’ businesses for the now and the next. We leverage the transformational power of rich business analytics and real-time intelligence to maximize growth and activate the full consumer journey across content and connections. Our consultative approach and agile model, rooted in diversity, equity and belonging, drive better business outcomes for brands. As the leading global media network in IPG Mediabrands, UM operates in over 100 countries, with more than 3,000 people innovating on a roster of global clients including Accenture, American Express, GoPro, Johnson & Johnson, Levi Strauss & Co, Mattel, Sony and Spotify. For more information, please visit https://www.umww.com.
Gavina Rajendran
Director of Marketing & Communications, Mediabrands Malaysia
Ga**************@**ww.com
+603 7966 6118
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 10, 2023 | Business
Wealth Of The Philippines’ 50 Richest On Forbes List Rises 11% To US$80 Billion
SINGAPORE (August 10, 2023) – The combined wealth of tycoons on the 2023 Forbes list of Philippines’ 50 Richest rose 11% to US$80 billion from $72 billion last year. The complete list can be found here and in the August issue of Forbes Asia.
The Philippine economy logged 6.4% growth in the first quarter of 2023, marking two years of continuous expansion since its recovery from the pandemic. Although the economy must now deal with inflation and higher interest rates, the country’s benchmark stock index rose 6% from a year ago when fortunes were last measured.
More than half of those on the list are wealthier this year, led by the top three. The Sy siblings, heirs to the group built by the late Henry Sy Sr., retain the top spot, adding $1.8 billion to their net worth, which now stands at $14.4 billion. Shares of their flagship SM Investments, a conglomerate with interests in banking, property and retail, jumped 19% from a year ago amid a rebound in consumer spending.
Property tycoon Manuel Villar continues to hold second place with a fortune of $9.7 billion, up $1.9 billion, on the back of a resilient housing market. Villar also listed his power business, Premiere Island Power REIT, in December 2022. Rounding out the top 3 is this year’s biggest dollar gainer, ports tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., who saw his fortune rise $2.5 billion to $8.1 billion. Shares in his company International Container Terminal Services jumped 24% from a year ago, thanks to sustained improvement in supply chains.
Another notable gainer is Ramon Ang, president and CEO of listed conglomerate San Miguel Corp., who moves up five spots to No. 4. His wealth was up nearly 40% to $3.4 billion following the acquisition of his majority owned Eagle Cement, one of the archipelago’s largest cement makers, by San Miguel. Taking the fifth spot on the list is Tony Tan Caktiong of Jollibee Foods, who saw his net worth rise $600 million to $3.2 billion.
Featured on the cover of the August issue of Forbes Asia is Sabin Aboitiz, a fourth-generation member of the Aboitiz family (No. 6, $3.15 billion). Aboitiz is spearheading a $7 billion transformation of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Philippines’ second largest electricity producer, into a banking, infrastructure and technology powerhouse.
The three new newcomers to the list are all inheritors. The Gotianun family, at No. 22 with $850 million, inherited stakes in conglomerate Filinvest Development from matriarch Mercedes Gotianun, who died last December. The Yuchengco family, heirs of Alfonso Yuchengco and the biggest shareholder of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., one of the country’s largest lenders, also joins the ranks at No. 33 with $420 million. Federico Lopez debuts on the list at No. 42 with $300 million, shared with his family, after taking over the media, property and power empire from his father, Oscar, who died in April at age 93.
The minimum net worth to make the list was $180 million, slightly down from $185 million last year.
The top 10 richest in the Philippines are:
- Sy siblings; US$14.4 billion
- Manuel Villar; $9.7 billion
- EnriqueRazon Jr.; $8.1 billion
- RamonAng; $3.4 billion
- Tony Tan Caktiong; $3.2 billion
6.Aboitiz Family; $3.15 billion
7.Lance Gokongwei & siblings; $3 billion
8.Isidro Consunji & siblings; $2.9 billion
- Jaime Zobel de Ayala; $2.8 billion
- Lucio Tan; $2.6 billion
The list was compiled using shareholding and financial information obtained from the families and individuals, stock exchanges, analysts and other sources. Unlike the Forbes Billionaires’ rankings, this list includes family fortunes, including those shared among extended families. Net worths are based on stock prices and exchange rates as of the close of markets on July 21, 2023. Private companies were valued based on similar companies that are publicly traded. The list can also include foreign citizens with business, residential or other ties to the country, or citizens who don’t reside in the country but have significant business or other ties to the country.
For more information, visit www.forbes.com/philippines
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 9, 2023 | Events
The first-ever Allianz MoveNow Camp – Esports Edition for teens took place in Singapore during the Olympic Esports Week (OEW). The camp showcased the skills and talents of teens in 11 different games during the first OEW finals. Through the MoveNow camps, Allianz PNB Life seeks to strengthen the role of sports in society by making it more inclusive, accessible, and engaging for teens in the Philippines and other Asian countries.
Allianz PNB Life (AZPNBL) — one of the leading life insurance companies in the Philippines — is a worldwide Olympic and Paralympic insurance partner, and the MoveNow camp is a joint initiative of Allianz and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The OEW was established to highlight the best of Esports and embrace the gaming world into the Olympic ecosystem.
The MoveNow Esports Camp showcased the best of Esports and exhibited the latest technologies and innovations in the field. Hundreds of teens, ages 14 to 17, from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand applied for a spot at the camp. Of the 23 participants selected, 3 were from the Philippines.
Philippine Team Captain Marlon Stöckinger, a former racing driver and the first Filipino to win a formula race in Europe, shared, “I was inspired by the talent, commitment, and dedication the teens showed during the camp. Everyone had a great time, and I’m sure the experience helped develop their skills further while creating once-in-a-lifetime memories for them.”
Tempest Dime, a 17-year-old Filipino participant, said, “It was cool to see these games becoming translated virtually through technology, proving that sports and gaming are not two separate things. The camp was a great display of sportsmanship and the Olympic values as we connected, competed, and learned from one another.”
All the participants received coaching, mentoring, and training sessions from experts and professional players such as professional racing driver Mikaela; YouTube soccer trick-shot artist Emmanuel; and professional Rocket League player, Kassio. These sessions enabled them to learn advanced techniques and strategies to improve their gameplay.
Research has supported the various benefits of Esports, such as improved executive function skills, hand-eye coordination, and visual acuity. And like physical sports, Esports also improves teens’ confidence, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to communicate.
Gino Riola, AZPNBL Chief Marketing Officer, said, “At Allianz, we believe that anyone and everyone, especially the youth, can engage in sports and reap its benefits. The MoveNow program aims to create a healthy, safe, and supportive environment where young people can engage in sports and skills development.”
Allianz officially began its global partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Movements in 2021, building on a collaboration with the Paralympic Movement since 2006. Since announcing the MoveNow program in June 2022, Allianz has run several initiatives, including the MoveNow Training Series, the MoveNow TikTok Club, and the MoveNow Camps. Through the MoveNow program, Allianz is committed to moving the next generation across the globe through global and local initiatives on the Road to Paris 2024 and beyond.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 9, 2023 | Book Reviews
I discovered The Alpha’s Human Surrogate by Nina GoGo on the Goodnovel app when I was offered some books to read for free within 24 hours. Of all the stories I was offered, I chose this one because the blurb was the one written in the best English … which should tell you something about the rest, lol!
The blurb says this:
“Now, let’s discuss sexual experience,” he says, his tone matter-of-fact. “It’s essential for me to understand your level of comfort and any potential concerns in that aspect.”
I feel my cheeks flush, the topic leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. I take a moment to gather my thoughts before responding honestly, “I… I have not had previous experiences, but I am willing to learn. And… and I can assure you that I am absolutely clean.”
Alexander’s gaze softens, and he almost seems surprised. But he eventually gives a soft laugh as he says, “I understand. Moreover, you still need to go through some tests to ensure that it is a smooth process.”
***********************
Hi, I’m Sophia, an ordinary college student. I have a happy family and two handsome roommates, but because of an accident, I had to secretly become a surrogate mother in order to pay for my father’s enormous medical expenses. What I don’t know is that the intended father, a polite and distinguished 34-year-old man, is the most influential and mysterious figure in the city. And what is beyond my control is when I give birth, I’m shocked to discover that my twin babies have wolf ears!
Note: I formatted it for readability. The original blurb is just one loooooong paragraph.
As the story begins I marvel at how little I would have to edit if I was her copy editor. There were still hiccups, but I anticipated that and could forgive it so long as the author does not make huge, repetitive errors like mixing up genders, tenses, figures of speech. It was going fine until I saw BIG holes in her writing that are usually an indication of inattention …
She does not keep track of her characters!
I’ve mentioned this before, I have a cinematic brain. This means that when I read I see the scene unfold in my head. So you can imagine my confusion when characters seemingly teleport from one location to the next and back. She also seems to take for granted how time works. In addition, she forgets what she said before about her characters.
- It takes several weeks for her to manifest pregnancy symptoms.
- A few weeks into gestation she can feel the baby kick.
- Alexander never enlightened Sophia that he was a werewolf and didn’t prepare her for giving birth 4 months from conception.
- The children are 1 year old and are already bigger than toddlers as they are walking and talking like 5 year olds.
- Alexander starts off a rich man in a luxury sedan who lives in a mansion to being some rich guy living in a corporate estate to again living in a mansion.
- Jake and Tyler are described as platonic guy friends who occasionally bring home their dates (and are at it all night) to suddenly having feelings for Sophia.
Author, make up your mind! And keep track of your story!
As an editor, let me tell you, those holes are difficult to plug as it means a rewrite. But as a reader, if I am in a forgiving mood, I can still enjoy it and just laugh at the author’s faux pas. I just pretend to myself that Alexander is actually Nightcrawler or maybe knows astral projection. 😛
I’ve read around 27 chapters already and I don’t even know if I want to call this book a romance, although it is. The romance aspect is very subtle but is implied. I have yet to encounter any steam but, who knows, maybe there will be some later in the book.
If you think this is a story you could get into or would like to try, The Alpha’s Human Surrogate by Nina GoGo is available on the Goodnovel app.
Jakarta, August 11, 2023 — RevComm is pleased to announce the latest breakthrough in the world of business communication. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) with voice emotion recognition capabilities, RevComm introduces an innovative feature that enables users to identify human emotions in phone conversations and online meetings using MiiTel.
The blurb says this:
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