by | May 16, 2025 | Business
As Filipino freelancers and SMBs expand globally, they face challenges in managing international payments due to outdated systems and hidden fees. Payoneer addresses these issues by offering transparent, flexible, and user-friendly payment solutions tailored to global business needs. With features like multi-currency receiving accounts and simple compliance tools, Payoneer supports the growth of digital-first Filipino businesses. It empowers them to scale internationally with ease and efficiency.
As the demand for Filipino talent, goods, and services rises
globally, the country’s growing community of freelancers and small businesses
(SMBs) need secure and efficient payment solutions. However, managing
international payments can often be costly and confusing without the right
tools.
According to Payoneer’s SMB
Ambitions Barometer, half of Filipino SMBs see reaching new customers as
the top benefit of going global. Other key benefits include improved innovation
(62%), better supply chains (57%), and better financial performance (54%). Yet,
as they expand internationally, Filipino businesses face challenges in managing
cross-border payments.
Challenges and Opportunities for Global Expansion
As of February 2025, 28.2% of the Filipino
workforce is self-employed, and this number is growing based on Payoneer’s report.
Despite this optimism, many Filipino SMBs face challenges like outdated
financial systems that are prone to delays and unexpected fees. Another
significant hurdle is accessing capital, as many small businesses struggle to
secure funding due to limited credit history or inconsistent business
performance.
With international expansion, businesses need reliable,
cost-effective payment systems that won’t eat into precious revenue. Payoneer
offers a solution that is transparent, flexible, and straightforward, ideal for
SMBs and freelancers in the Philippines aiming to grow their business globally.
What Makes a Good Global Payment Platform?
Filipino freelancers and SMBs need a payment solution that
offers:
– Transparent fees with no hidden charges
– Receiving accounts in multiple currencies
– Simple setup and user-friendly tools
– Features that simplify compliance
– Support for multiple clients, platforms, and regions
Payoneer’s platform ticks all these boxes, offering seamless
international payment management that supports the growth of Filipino
businesses in global markets.
Why Filipino Freelancers and SMBs Use Payoneer
Payoneer’s tools are designed to help businesses scale
globally with ease and transparency. Here’s why Filipino freelancers and SMBs
choose Payoneer:
- Currency Receiving Accounts
Payoneer users can receive payments in major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP,
making it easier to get paid by overseas clients without maintaining multiple
financial accounts abroad.
- Clear, Predictable Fees
Payoneer’s transparent pricing model ensures that there are no surprise
charges, a significant advantage for businesses dealing with frequent
transactions or smaller payments.
- Built for Individuals and Small Teams
Whether you’re a freelancer or a growing SMB, Payoneer’s platform is tailored
for businesses of all sizes, allowing for quick and easy access to
international payments.
- Global Reach, Local Understanding
With many Filipino businesses working with clients in the US, China, and
Canada, Payoneer’s international capabilities are a key asset. Payoneer’s tools
also support a diverse vendor network, helping businesses stay resilient across
global markets.
- Supporting Digital-First Businesses
As Filipino SMBs continue their digital transformation, 84% say new
technologies help them innovate, and 46% say digitization has been critical for
entering global markets. Payoneer supports this digital-first mindset with
tools that integrate with major e-commerce and freelance platforms.
A Guide to Global E-Commerce Payments
For Filipino businesses in e-commerce, smooth payment
handling is essential. Payoneer supports:
– Receiving accounts for marketplace payouts
– Options to manage multiple currencies in one dashboard
– Support for paying international vendors or contractors
– Easier reconciliation of overseas transactions
These features save businesses time, allowing them to focus
on products and customers rather than administrative tasks.
Getting Started with Payoneer
Setting up Payoneer is quick and simple:
1. Sign Up: Visit the Payoneer website
and click ‘Open your account’.
2. Provide Information: Enter personal and business details.
3. Verification: Submit necessary identification documents for verification.
4. Link Bank Account: Once verified, link your Philippine bank account to
facilitate withdrawals in PHP.
5. Receive Payments: Start receiving international payments through your
Payoneer account.
Empowering Filipino Businesses to Go Global
As the freelance economy in the Philippines expands, so do
the global ambitions of Filipino freelancers and SMBs. Payoneer offers a
solution that traditional financial systems can’t match, providing a flexible
and cost-effective way to manage international payments.
With Payoneer, Filipino businesses have the tools they need
to thrive on a global stage. Sign up today
and discover how easy global payments can be.
by | May 16, 2025 | Business
Aiming to Build ASEAN’s Leading Decarbonization Model through GHG Visualization, GX Human Capital Development, and the Creation of Green SEZs
Zeroboard Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Michitaka Tokeiji), which supports company sustainability management, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to collaborate on decarbonization efforts for companies located within Philippine special economic zones.
The MOU aims to enhance sustainable industrial development and strengthen the global competitiveness of PEZA-registered export-oriented enterprises by supporting the measurement, visualization, and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Leveraging the cloud-based “Zeroboard” platform, which facilitates end-to-end emissions management aligned with global standards such as CDP, SBT, and ISSB, this collaboration will provide a practical foundation for decarbonization.
Key areas of collaboration under this MOU include:
GHG emissions calculation and visualization for PEZA-registered companiesJoint development and implementation of GX (Green Transformation) human resource training programsCo-development of a “Green SEZ (Special Economic Zone) ” certification schemeSelection of model industrial zones and implementation of pilot projects
Zeroboard is currently used by more than 13,000 companies worldwide. Through this partnership with PEZA, Zeroboard aims to accelerate its market expansion in the Philippines and foster an ecosystem of GX solution partners in the region.
Through this MOU, PEZA and Zeroboard will jointly contribute to achieving the Philippines’ net-zero goals and strengthening green supply chains, while establishing a leading decarbonization model within ASEAN.
by | May 15, 2025 | Business
Alan is a techno-preneur and AI engineer with a proven track record in developing AI-driven solutions. He is the founder and Chief AI Strategist of Predictive Systems, a company committed to ethical and high-performance AI. Allan’s career includes founding Ideyatech, which was later acquired by Monstar Lab, and mentoring startups through Founder Institute Manila. He is also the creator of the Artificially Intelligent YouTube Channel, where he shares insights on AI’s evolving landscape.
Watch on Youtube
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Alan is a techno-preneur and AI engineer with a proven track record in developing AI-driven solutions. He is the founder and Chief AI Strategist of Predictive Systems, a company committed to ethical and high-performance AI. Allan’s career includes founding Ideyatech, which was later acquired by Monstar Lab, and mentoring startups through Founder Institute Manila. He is also the creator of the Artificially Intelligent YouTube Channel, where he shares insights on AI’s evolving landscape.
The AI Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges for Startups
Allan begins by setting the stage with a powerful statement from Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera and a leading AI expert:
“AI is like electricity. It will be everywhere, in every aspect of life, just as electricity is today.”
This statement underscores the vast potential of AI and its transformative impact on industries. Alan emphasizes that for startups, the key is to identify areas where AI can drive significant change — from productivity and creativity to healthcare and education.
The Abundance Agenda: A Roadmap for AI Integration
Allan references Andreesen Horowitz’s Abundance Agenda, which outlines three key areas where AI can make a substantial impact:
Creativity and Productivity:
AI can empower people to create music, art, and content, even without traditional skills. Tools like vibe coding enable developers to write functional code using natural language, democratizing software development.
Companionship and Social Interaction:
AI is being positioned as a digital companion, from empathetic tutors to potential romantic partners. While this raises ethical concerns, it also opens doors for AI-powered mental health support and educational platforms.
Wellness and Personal Growth:
AI can democratize healthcare and education, bringing top-tier resources to remote and underserved areas. Imagine an AI-powered health assistant providing accurate medical insights based on global datasets.
From Concept to Prototype: Vibe Coding in Action
Allan demonstrates the power of vibe coding, showing how a simple prompt like “booking system” can generate functional JavaScript code in under three minutes. This rapid prototyping capability reduces development time from hours to minutes, enabling startups to validate ideas faster and pivot quickly based on feedback.
The Dark Side of AI: Ethical Considerations and Hallucinations
While AI’s capabilities are impressive, Alan cautions against potential pitfalls:
AI Hallucinations: When AI generates inaccurate or misleading information, it can undermine user trust. Startups must implement mechanisms to verify AI outputs, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
Ethical Implications: AI can simulate human interactions, including romantic ones. Alan shares an example where an AI chatbot flirted with a journalist, highlighting the potential ethical concerns of AI interactions.
Data Privacy: In industries like healthcare, startups must navigate complex regulatory frameworks to protect sensitive data while leveraging AI for diagnostics and treatment recommendations.
Opportunities in AI: Offense vs. Defense Strategies
Allan advises startups to frame their AI strategy around two core approaches:
Offense – Revenue Generation:
AI solutions that drive sales, marketing, and customer acquisition by identifying patterns, personalizing outreach, and optimizing campaigns.
Defense – Cost Reduction:
AI tools that streamline operations, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance productivity across teams.
Identifying AI Opportunities: The Four Key Questions
Allan outlines four critical areas where AI can provide substantial value:
Tasks People Hate: Automate mundane, repetitive tasks that employees dread, such as data entry and reporting.
Impossible Tasks: Use AI to solve complex problems that were previously infeasible, such as genome sequencing or predictive analytics.
Democratization of Services: Make high-quality services accessible to underserved areas, such as AI-driven education and telemedicine.
Personalization: Develop AI systems that tailor experiences based on user behavior, preferences, and past interactions.
The Microeconomics of AI Startups
Allan delves into the economics of AI, emphasizing the shift from oligopolies to perfect competition in foundational AI models. As open-source models like Deep Seek emerge, the cost of AI development decreases, making it more accessible to startups.
However, the real differentiator lies in business process integration:
Successful AI startups focus on seamless integration of AI solutions into existing workflows, minimizing friction and maximizing value.
Allan encourages startups to build systems that can switch between foundational models (e.g., OpenAI, Google Gemini) to mitigate risks and maintain flexibility.
Key Takeaways for Founders
Allan shares three key takeaways for startups looking to harness AI effectively:
Start with Small, Achievable Projects:
Validate AI concepts through low-risk, small-scale applications, building trust with stakeholders before scaling up.
Address AI Hallucinations with Data Verification:
Implement robust verification mechanisms to ensure AI-generated outputs are accurate, especially in critical sectors like healthcare and finance.
Embrace Human-in-the-Loop Systems:
AI should augment human decision-making, not replace it. The human-in-the-loop approach ensures accountability, accuracy, and ethical alignment.
Founder Institute and Hackathons: Where Ideas Take Flight
Alan invites listeners to participate in the Founder Institute Manila, a comprehensive 12-session program that covers the startup lifecycle — from ideation to pitching.
Additionally, he highlights the upcoming Philippine Blockchain Week Hackathons on May 23 and 29, where participants can use vibe coding and AI to rapidly prototype solutions. The top teams will be invited to pitch during the main event on June 10-11, offering a unique opportunity to connect with investors and industry leaders.
What VCs Look for in AI Startups
Mack asks Allan what VCs should prioritize when evaluating AI startups. Alan’s response:
Technical Expertise: Can the team effectively integrate AI into their business model?
Market Fit: Does the AI solution address a critical business problem or fill a gap in the market?
Scalability and Motes: Is the AI solution easily replicable and scalable, or does it provide a unique competitive advantage?
Final Thoughts and Closing
Allan wraps up the session with a call to action:
Embrace AI as a transformative tool, but always prioritize ethical considerations and data accuracy.
Participate in hackathons and incubator programs to refine ideas, gain mentorship, and validate concepts.
Network actively — AI is evolving rapidly, and staying connected can open doors to collaborations and funding opportunities.
For more insights from Alan, connect with him on LinkedIn or check out his YouTube channel, Artificially Intelligent.
If you found value in today’s episode, follow the Founders Arena Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Join the community of founders and investors at exoasia.org/foundersarena.
by | May 15, 2025 | Business
May 15, 2025 — VRITIMES, a leading media technology startup specializing in innovative press release distribution and media analytics, proudly announces the launch of vnbreaking.vn, a new digital news platform tailored specifically for the Vietnamese market. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and flow of news within Vietnam by providing timely, relevant, and verified content directly to Vietnamese audiences.
As part of VRITIMES’ ongoing commitment to democratizing media access and empowering local journalism, vnbreaking.vn is designed to serve as both a media platform and a press release distribution hub focused on Vietnam. The platform enables Vietnamese businesses, organizations, and newsmakers to efficiently publish and disseminate their stories, announcements, and press releases to a broad network of media partners and consumers.
“Vietnam’s dynamic economic growth and digital transformation call for a dedicated news infrastructure that connects local stakeholders with the wider media ecosystem,” said Ferry, CEO of VRITIMES. “vnbreaking.vn embodies our vision to make news distribution seamless, affordable, and impactful in emerging markets like Vietnam.”
Key features of vnbreaking.vn include:
Localized content with a strong focus on Vietnamese business, technology, culture, and social developments.
Integrated press release creation and distribution tools to streamline communication for organizations of all sizes.
Real-time analytics and reporting that help users track media reach and engagement efficiently.
Partnership network with top Vietnamese media outlets to amplify news visibility.
By leveraging VRITIMES’ proprietary technology platform, vnbreaking.vn addresses the critical need for trustworthy, accessible, and well-curated news sources tailored to Vietnam’s fast-growing information landscape.
With the launch of vnbreaking.vn, VRITIMES reinforces its commitment to fostering a more valuable flow of information in Southeast Asia, supporting the development of local media ecosystems, and empowering businesses and communities through effective storytelling.
For more information about vnbreaking.vn and VRITIMES’ services, please visit:
https://vnbreaking.vn | https://www.vritimes.com
by | May 15, 2025 | Business
From 20 May to 1 June 2025, SOL Gallery in Fitzroy will host The Power of Choice, a powerful and deeply human photographic exhibition by award-winning photojournalist Julian Kingma, who has turned his lens toward one of society’s most profound and rarely documented subjects: the lives of terminally ill people who have chosen Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).
The official opening night will take place on Wednesday 21 May, with Kingma in attendance alongside Go Gentle Australia’s founder Andrew Denton to speak about the project and the remarkable individuals who entrusted Kingma and Go Gentle with their stories.
Two years in the making, The Power of Choice is a first-of-its-kind exhibition in Australia, and perhaps globally, offering a compassionate and unflinching look at people facing death on their own terms.
Kingma, known for his emotionally resonant portraiture and decades of work in editorial photography, has created an exhibition that is as thought-provoking as it is humane.
“This is not an exhibition about death—it’s about dignity, autonomy, and love,” says Kingma.
“These are stories of courage, acceptance and clarity. The individuals and families I photographed weren’t asking us to feel sorry for them —they were asking to be seen.”
The exhibition, based on Kingma’s book by the same name, invites public conversation on the still-contentious topic of VAD, presenting the humanity behind a decision that remains taboo for many.
With care, honesty, and artistic vision, Kingma offers a space for reflection and empathy, challenging us to engage with end-of-life choices in a more open way—and to ask, perhaps for the first time, ‘What constitutes a good death?
Exhibition Details
The Power of Choice
Dates: 20 May – 1 June 2025
Opening Night Event: Wednesday 21 May, from 6:00-8:30pm
Venue: SOL Gallery, 420 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
Admission: Free
Website: https://solgallery.com.au/
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