by | Jul 2, 2025 | Business
Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia was proud to join the vibrant Japanese cultural celebration at UCSI Lantern Matsuri 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor. From fireworks to festive vibes, here’s a look back at the unforgettable evening filled with culture, community, and karaoke joy!
Karaoke
Manekineko Malaysia proudly took
part as a Platinum Sponsor in the Lantern Matsuri 2025,
held on 28 June at UCSI Campsite. Organized by the UCSI
Japanese Cultural Society (JCS) with support from UCSI University and
Student Affairs & Alumni, the event was a vibrant celebration of
Japanese tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
From 4:00
PM to 10:00 PM, the festival welcomed visitors with exciting cultural
performances, yukata-clad guests, colourful booths, and a festive fireworks
finale. As a brand
deeply rooted in Japanese entertainment, Karaoke
Manekineko was honored to be
part of such a meaningful cultural gathering.
During the
event, we connected with many passionate fans of Japanese culture and karaoke.
Our team enjoyed interacting with attendees, including families and young
children, who brought a lively energy to the venue. It was truly heartwarming
to witness the shared joy and laughter that filled the evening.
Our
participation at Lantern Matsuri reflected our ongoing commitment to one of our
core mottos: “To revitalize local community and the world.” We
believe in using entertainment to bring people together—and this event was a
perfect reminder of the power of shared culture and celebration.
We extend our
sincere appreciation to the UCSI JCS committee for the smooth organization and
warm hospitality. Karaoke
Manekineko looks forward to more
opportunities to collaborate and bring joy to the community through future
cultural and student-led initiatives.
by | Jul 1, 2025 | Business
Independent label led by Seoul-based entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt aims to develop the next generation of Filipino pop stars
Popolo Music Group (PMG), a rising independent music label founded by Seoul-based American entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt, has officially launched the first full-scale P-Pop trainee program in the Philippines, a move set to revolutionize how Filipino artists are trained and developed for the global stage.
Drawing inspiration from the proven Korean K-Pop training model, PMG’s program blends intense performance development with personal growth and professionalism. The six-month training system will cover vocals, dance, language, stage presence, image development, and media training, designed to mold raw talent into world-class performers.
“This isn’t just about launching new artists—it’s about building a platform for long-term global success,” said Paul Lunt, PMG Founder and CEO. “We believe the Philippines is ready to take center stage in the Asian pop music wave, and we’re committed to discovering and developing the artists who will lead it.”
Popolo Music Group is now actively auditioning the next generation of P-Pop stars. Filipino singers and dancers aged 14 to 25 are encouraged to apply. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a 2-minute performance video—vocals, dance, or both—along with their full name, age, location, and contact information via email to De***@*********ic.asia.
Only the most promising applicants will be selected for a second-round live audition and an in-depth interview process, after which a final group will be chosen to enter the trainee program.
Founded with a mission to elevate Filipino talent to international recognition, PMG already manages a roster of over 50 artists across recording, management, booking, and promotion. With operations connected to Seoul, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Manila, and a team of global producers and trainers from the U.S., U.K., South Korea, France, and the Netherlands, PMG is fast emerging as a leader in Asian music innovation.
As part of its broader vision, PMG aims to position the Philippines as Asia’s next pop music powerhouse by combining cutting-edge promotional strategies with authentic artistry and rigorous training.
For more details, visit www.popolomusic.asia or email in**@*********ic.asia.
by | Jun 30, 2025 | Business
Sprout’s 3,819-Employee Study Reveals Human Connection Trumps Technology in Post-Pandemic Retention Crisis.
[Manila, June 2025] – In a striking contradiction to Silicon Valley’s tech-first workplace revolution, new research reveals that as AI adoption soars to 62% across Filipino workplaces, employee retention depends more on workplace friendships than cutting-edge features.
The finding emerges from the 2025 State of HR Report prepared by Sprout Solutions and BS Works—the country’s most comprehensive workforce study involving 3,819 employees—unveiled at the State of HR Summit 2025. The research exposes what analysts call “The Great AI Retention Paradox”: while companies pour resources into AI-powered productivity tools, workers stay or leave based on fundamentally human factors.
The numbers tell a compelling story: Employees with three or more workplace friendships are 40% more likely to remain beyond five years, while those citing “sadness at leaving colleagues” as a retention factor outnumber those motivated by salary increases 3:1.
The Connection-Retention Formula
The research reveals “The 3 C’s of AI-Era Retention”: Connection, Contribution, and Community. Organizations scoring highest across these human-centered metrics show 35% lower turnover rates, even when offering below-market compensation.
Connection: Employees embedded in 1-3 workplace social groups demonstrate significantly longer tenure, with each additional meaningful relationship correlating with 8 months of extended employment.
Contribution: Workers reporting clear purpose and meaningful contribution stay 2.3 times longer than those focused primarily on career advancement or salary growth.
Community: Organizations fostering informal support networks see retention rates climb despite offering fewer remote work options than competitors.
“Companies implementing AI to boost efficiency while neglecting human connection are optimizing for the wrong variables,” explained Patrick Gentry, CEO of Sprout Solutions.
Generational Divide Reveals Leadership Evolution
The study uncovers striking generational differences challenging traditional management. While Baby Boomers prefer independent, low-context leadership environments, Millennials and Gen Z gravitate toward collaborative, high-context workplace cultures—coinciding with AI-augmented work environments.
“Gen Z workers don’t want AI to replace human interaction—they want it to enable deeper collaboration,” noted Maria Lourdes Ann “L.A.” Cruz, VP of People at Lufthansa Technik Philippines. “The most successful organizations use AI to create more time for meaningful human connection, not less.”
The AI Readiness Gap
Despite widespread adoption, research reveals a critical implementation divide. Organizations perceived as “AI-ready” show 3x higher tool adoption rates and significantly better retention outcomes. However, readiness depends less on technology infrastructure and more on change management and cultural preparation.
This aligns with recent MIT research showing successful AI implementation correlates more strongly with organizational culture than technical capability—positioning the Philippines data as a leading indicator for global workforce trends.
Global Implications for the $720B Talent Crisis
The findings arrive as global organizations grapple with what McKinsey estimates as a $720 billion annual cost from employee turnover. While most retention strategies focus on compensation and benefits, the Philippine data suggests a fundamentally different approach.
“If these patterns hold globally, we’re looking at a complete rethinking of retention strategy,” said Kislay Chandra, Chief Operations Officer of Sprout Solutions. “The solution isn’t more sophisticated AI tools—it’s more sophisticated human connection.”
Actionable Framework for Leaders
Based on the research, Sprout and BS Works developed the “HUMAN Protocol” for AI-era retention:
Host regular cross-functional social interactions; Understand individual purpose and contribution motivations; Measure and foster workplace friendship networks; Align AI implementation with human connection goals; Nurture interest-based communities and support groups
Early adopters report 25% improvement in retention metrics within six months.
Building on Success
The State of HR Summit 2025, co-presented with BS Works, brought together 500+ HR and business leaders at Manila’s Crowne Plaza Galleria. The event featured panels on “Lead to Last: Retaining Talent Through Empowered Leadership” with executives from Tala, Canva, and Lufthansa Technik Philippines, exploring practical applications of the research findings.
The summit builds on the momentum of 5 consecutive annual State of HR events hosted by Sprout Solutions, while introducing new data-driven insights for organizations navigating the intersection of AI adoption and human-centered workplace culture.
Sprout Sidekick Central
The event also saw the unveiling of Sidekick Central, a multi-functional AI platform offering specialized AI-Sidekicks for HR, payroll, management, and employee support that will help teams achieve up to 40% productivity gains and reduce repetitive admin across operations.
Report Access: The full State of HR Report 2025 is available here: https://bit.ly/SOHRReportMedia
by | Jun 30, 2025 | Business
Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai successfully passed its green hotel assessment and was awarded the Five-Leaf certification, the highest level for a China Green Hotel in May 2025. Behind this achievement lies not only Artyzen Hotel’s outstanding practice in sustainable development but also a prime example of the deep integration of technology and green concepts. To this end, we interviewed Amber Zhao, Director of Operations at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai, to share how technology has become a core driving force for green hotel development. The involvement of the Neuron platform was not just a booster in the Green Hotel assessment for Artyzen, but more practically it also brought tangible benefits to the hotel’s daily operations.
About the Interviewee
Amber Zhao is the current Director of Operations at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai and has extensive experience in hotel management. She studied Hotel Management and previously worked for international hotel groups such as IHG and Marriott, focusing on human resources and operations management. After joining Artyzen in 2022 when Artyzen hotel was in the construction phase, she oversaw the growth of the hotel from breaking ground to move-in, her role has also shifted from director of HR to Operations. As the Director of Operations, Amber has driven the hotel’s innovative practices in green and sustainable development, successfully helping Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai achieve the Five-Leaf China Green Hotel certification this year.
Amber is captivated by Artyzen’s commitment to empowering its team to drive initiatives that embody the brand‘s vibrant, sustainability-focused identity. A prime example is the innovative green walls and automated irrigation system at Artyzen Habitat Hengqin Zhuhai. The hotel’s indoor trees and plants thrive under a time-regulated irrigation system, enhancing the guest experience while authentically reflecting Artyzen’s dedication to its sustainability goals. Amber excels at using technology to enhance operational efficiency.
She championed the adoption of the Neuron Smart Energy Management System to optimize energy use and leverage dynamic pricing, driving cost savings and enhancing efficiency. She believes a green hotels’ future hinges on technological innovation and owner support, advocating for practical ESG integration into daily operations to meet the hotel group’s sustainability goals. Additionally Amber is also known for her flexible customer service and crisis management skills, skillfully balancing the hotel’s interests with customer needs while demonstrating outstanding leadership and industry insight.
Technological Innovation Boosts Green Hotel Rating
Amber Zhao emphasized that the Neuron system played a pivotal role in the green hotel evaluation process. The assessment panel highly praised the system’s exceptional and flexible energy and waste management capabilities, recognizing it as a pioneer in energy and carbon emission management within China’s hospitality industry. “It not only enables precise energy management but also served as a significant advantage in our certification,” Amber commented. “To put it in perspective, while our hotel’s entire rainwater irrigation system can only earn 1 point, the Neuron system helped distinguish our hotel during the accessment.”
A Win-Win for Technology and Operations
Artyzen Habitat chose to implement the Neuron system not only to meet its green development goals but also for the operational benefits it can bring. Amber pointed out, “The system can intuitively analyze data like energy consumption and hotel occupancy rate, helping us optimize our business operation and reduce costs. For instance, by monitoring data on swimming pool usage, we can adjust its opening hours to cut down on unnecessary energy and labor.”
Furthermore, the Neuron system enables more precise dynamic pricing management for the hotel. Amber explained, “Previously, we could only roughly allocate energy costs. Now, we can accurately calculate them down to the room level on each floor, which is crucial for our pricing strategy.”
Owner Support and Industry Trends
Amber emphasized that the application of technology in the hotel industry largely relies on the support of the owner. “As a publicly listed company, Shun Tak Holdings Group prioritizes ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as a key development direction and requires the implementation in every project and daily operation work. This top-down support is critical.” She believes that technology will play an increasingly larger role in the hotel industry in the future, but its widespread adoption depends on whether owners are willing to invest. Artyzen’s owner, Shun Tak, is a forward-thinking listed company.
Challenges and Rewards of the Green Hotel Assessment
Speaking of the assessment process, Amber found the self-assessment stage to be the most time-consuming. “We had to self-score against over 150 criteria while compile supporting documentation before the actual audit, but the Neuron system made capturing and analyzing energy data efficient and transparent, providing solid evidence for the panel’s review.”
Outlook: The Deep Integration of Technology and Green Principles
Amber is full of expectations for the future of Neuron platform: “It’s not just a management tool; it helps the hotel prevent issues before they arise. For example, by flagging abnormal energy consumption through data alerts, we can identify problems in advance.” She believes the combination of technology and green concepts will become a core competency for the hotel industry, not just a trend.
More about Five-Leaf China Green Hotel Standard
“Green Hotel” (GB/T 21084—2007) is a recommended national standard jointly issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China and the Standardization Administration of China on September 20, 2007, under the administration of the Ministry of Commerce, and officially implemented on March 1, 2008. This standard was jointly formulated by six ministries including the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission. With environmental protection, health, and safety as its core principles, it requires hotels to promote efficient resource utilization and pollution prevention and control through green management, and establishes a five-leaf rating system (with five-leaf being the highest level). The National Green Hotel Working Committee is responsible for organizing experts to conduct on-site evaluation and certification. As of December 2024, more than one hundred hotels nationwide have obtained five-leaf certification.
To find out more about Neuron’s smart energy management system, contact us today!
by | Jun 29, 2025 | Business
Explore the top meme coins and altcoins dominating 2025, including LILPEPE, SHIB, DOGE, PEPE, and rising stars like SYRUP, HYPE, and FARTCOIN. Discover their unique features, bullish momentum, and how to invest ahead of July’s market shifts. Stay updated with Bitrue Blog.
As we approach July 2025, the cryptocurrency market is buzzing with investor activity, driven by strong price momentum, vibrant communities, and growing institutional interest.
Among the most talked-about tokens this year are four meme coins and several promising altcoins, all vying for dominance in a highly speculative but opportunity-rich sector.
Meme Coins Stealing the Spotlight in 2025
1. Little Pepe (LILPEPE): A Meme Coin with Real Utility
LILPEPE is rapidly rising through the meme coin ranks thanks to its blend of cultural relevance and technical innovation.
Built on a Layer-2 blockchain, it boasts tax-free transactions, anti-sniper bot protection, and ultra-fast payments. The project has already raised over $1 million in presale and is trending across social media platforms.
Key Feature:
Pepe Pump Pad, LILPEPE’s launchpad, enhances project safety by letting meme coin creators lock liquidity and avoid rug pulls—adding a layer of trust to a historically volatile niche.
Price Prediction:
Some bulls predict a 25,000% rally by 2026, driven by increasing adoption and growing community strength.
2. Shiba Inu (SHIB): The Veteran Meme Coin with Shibarium Edge
Despite a saturated meme coin market, Shiba Inu (SHIB) remains a leader. Backed by a loyal community, SHIB’s Layer-2 solution, Shibarium, boosts its scalability and usability.
At $0.00001151 in June 2025, SHIB’s integration with NFTs and DeFi platforms positions it for a potential resurgence in the coming quarters.
3. Dogecoin (DOGE): The OG Meme Coin Still Going Strong
Created in 2013, DOGE continues to thrive on brand recognition and endorsements, particularly from Elon Musk.
Priced around $0.16340, its use for tipping and real-world transactions gives it a stability and legitimacy many meme coins lack.
4. Pepecoin (PEPE): Viral Energy Meets Transactional Efficiency
PEPE, inspired by the Pepe the Frog meme, is one of 2025’s most hyped tokens. Priced at $0.00009, it combines low transaction fees with social virality.
Its cult-like following and presence on platforms like Twitter and Reddit fuel speculation of a massive upside potential, possibly reaching 50,000% growth in the coming year.
Emerging Altcoins to Watch in July 2025
Beyond meme coins, several altcoins are showing strong technical patterns and increased investor interest:
1. Pudgy Penguins (PENGU): Surging Volume and Momentum
PENGU has surged over 16.59% recently, supported by a 245% spike in trading volume, signaling robust bullish interest.
With a market cap of $707 million and optimism from 71% of its holders, this token is proving to be more than just cute branding.
2. F (F): A Speculative Gem with High Volatility
Trading at $0.0004217, F saw a 15.5% price rise in a single day. However, its low market cap and profile score (48%) mark it as a high-risk asset.
Despite this, 76% of users express bullish sentiment, suggesting that risk-tolerant investors are keeping it on their radar.
3. deBridge (DBR): Breakout Performer
With a 58.83% surge in one day, DBR has a market cap of $52.1 million and a strong bullish community (88%). Its TVL ratio of 5.43 indicates high investor confidence, though a post-surge correction remains a possibility.
Cryptos to Watch in July: All-Time Highs & Bullish Indicators
1. Maple Finance (SYRUP): From Breakout to $1?
SYRUP broke its all-time high in June, thanks to bullish pressure reflected in the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF).
If momentum holds, SYRUP could hit $1 in July, but a decline in demand could drag it back to $0.30.
2. SPX6900 (SPX): Triangle Breakout Pending
After a 32% drop from its ATH, SPX trades in a symmetrical triangle with indicators like the Awesome Oscillator and CMF showing bullish bias.
A breakout could push it beyond $2, but buyer fatigue could reverse gains.
3. Hyperliquid (HYPE): Liquidity Driven Growth
HYPE has rallied nearly 900% in 7 months, now trading above $45. A rising Money Flow Index (MFI) suggests continued capital inflow, potentially pushing prices to $60 if the Fed cuts interest rates in July.
4. FARTCOIN: The Unpredictable Meme Contender
While not setting new highs yet, FARTCOIN has rebounded from its recent dip below $1. If bullish RSI trends persist, the token could target $1.65 in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The crypto landscape in mid-2025 reflects a blending of meme culture and financial innovation.
From technically robust meme coins like LILPEPE and SHIB, to breakout altcoins like SYRUP and HYPE, investors are presented with exciting, albeit volatile, opportunities.
With increased institutional participation, evolving blockchain infrastructure, and a possible interest rate cut on the horizon, the second half of 2025 could unlock new heights for both meme coins and altcoins.
Stay Informed, Stay Ahead! To keep up with the latest trends, project updates, and expert insights in the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, follow the Bitrue Blog. Stay informed, make smarter investment choices, and never miss a bullish breakout again.
You must be logged in to post a comment.