by | Mar 19, 2025 | Business
THE first edition of the National Education & Technology Conference (EdTek Con) 2025, titled “Unfolding the future of education,” will be held at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in Lahug on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; mainly organized by EdFolio, an EdTech start-up from Iligan City, in cooperation with Serial Disruptors, Cerebro and the ICT Industry Council of the Philippines.
Founded by EdFolio and SkoolTek CEO Ursel
Murllio-Laureno, EdTek Con 2025 is a leading and premier event, dedicated for school heads, principals, deans, school officials and owners, and champions in the
education-technology space and intended for sharing insights on the future of
education and innovations, involving artificial intelligence and blockchain in
education, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
Invited speakers from the public sector for the
national educational and technology conference include Department of Science
and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging
Technology Research and Development Chief Senior Science Research Specialist Russell Pili.
Other invited speakers from the private sector include
Ursel Murillo-Laureno, EdFolio and SkoolTek CEO; Delfin Jacob, University of
Santo Tomas Industrial Engineering assistant professor and ISO consultant;
Franch Maverick Lorilla, University of Science and Technology of Southern
Philippines director for Innovation Centers and CDO b.i.t.e.s. TBI manager;
Karl Dominic Fajardo, Serial Disruptors co-founder and CEO; Joyce Zerda, Apple distinguished
educator; Joseph Kelvin Regla, Basecamp by Power Mac Center training manager; Giulliano
Suarez, Basecamp by Power Mac Center technical trainer; Brian To, MDK senior
practice professor of Leadership and Strategy; Alan Reyes, former country manager of Fortinet, a US-based network
cybersecurity company, and former county manager of Cyberint, an Israeli threat
intelligence company; Olivier Bariou, Doconchain CEO; Marvin Galang, JuanTax
co-founder and CEO; and Geoffrey Ogang, Sprout Solutions vice president for
Finance.;
Organizations also involved with the conference are Platinum sponsors
Unisol, DOHE Philippines Inc.,
SkoolTek, Hydro Flask, GRND, and Res│Toe│Run; Co-presenter Basecamp by Power Mac Center; major sponsors Symph, Lesson Planner PH, Rapoo, and Philteq Enterprise Inc.; Minor sponsors Pag-IBIG Fund, School of Tomorrow Philippines, the American Institute
for English Proficiency, the Australia New Zealand Institute, and NutriPlus; Special partners Six Sigma and éslite; Continuing
professional development provider Cerebro; Community partners Juan, Quest Ventures, Doconchain, Regional
Association for Private Elementary and Secondary Schools R10 or RAPS 10, Iligan City Association for Private Elementary and Secondary Schools, and Yam Agency; Media partners The Manila Times, BusinessMirror,
La French Tech Manila, Vritimes, Gadgets Magazine, and TNC; TBI partner
iDeya,
Pic-A-Talk, and CodeChum; and
other Philippine start-ups will be there.
In the morning session, the keynote talk will be about “Future-proofing education:
Embracing the age of AI”. In breakout room
one, track A will be about “ISO 21001 education management system,” track B will be about “Transforming challenges into opportunities:
AI for educational innovation,” track C will be about
“Strategic self-positioning for school leaders,” and track D will be about “EdTech trends and innovations: What to watch”.
In breakout room two, track A will be on “Navigating the future of AI in
accounting education,” track B will be on “Financial strategies for digital transformation in education,” track C will be on “Cybersecurity and data privacy in
educational institutions,” and track D will be on “Securing academic
credentials with blockchain technology”.
In the afternoon session, the keynote talk will also be about “Fostering school innovations
through government-backed initiatives”. From 7
p.m. to 10 p.m., the EdTek Excellence Awards, an annual celebration
of innovation in education and technology, will be held along with a VIP dinner
and networking session at the same venue.
Aside from talks, breakout sessions, and panel discussions, EdTek Con
2025 will also have opening and closing performances, interactive workshops, booths, stamp
prizes and raffle prizes, exciting announcements, and photo opportunities.
While early bird patrons were able to get a P500 discount from the basic
access and VIP access rates
until Feb. 28, 2025, the regular rate for basic access tickets is P3,000, and
the regular rate
for VIP access tickets is P4,000.
To register and pay, patrons simply log on the official forum website
via https://edtekcon2025.edfolio.co.
Interested patrons at this conference can also contact Heather Yap, conference secretariat,
via mobile number (0991)3090991 or email ed**********@*****io.co.
by | Mar 18, 2025 | Business
Stay updated on the latest XRP news! Speculation grows over the SEC’s potential appeal withdrawal against Ripple. Could this legal shift fuel an XRP price surge? Plus, insights on ETF filings, market trends, and Ripple’s expansion into crypto custody. Read more now!
The ongoing legal battle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs continues to dominate the cryptocurrency landscape.
As the deadline for Ripple’s appeal-related reply brief nears, speculation is mounting over the possibility of the SEC withdrawing its appeal—a move that could significantly impact the regulatory landscape for XRP and the broader crypto market.
Growing Speculation on SEC Appeal Withdrawal
On Monday, March 17, crypto commentator Andrew ‘AP_Abacus’ Parish sparked renewed discussions by suggesting that the SEC might withdraw its appeal against Ripple.
Amicus Curiae attorney John E. Deaton amplified this speculation by sharing Parish’s post, adding weight to the claim within the crypto community.
Former Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett had previously cited two SEC sources on March 12, stating that the delay in reaching a resolution stemmed from Ripple’s legal team negotiating more favorable terms regarding the August 2023 district court ruling.
The ruling had imposed a $125 million fine on Ripple Labs and included a permanent injunction preventing the company from selling XRP to institutional investors.
If the SEC decides to withdraw its appeal before Ripple’s filing deadline of April 16, it could mark a major shift in the case’s trajectory.
A withdrawal would not only remove significant legal uncertainty but also potentially improve XRP’s regulatory standing, fueling renewed investor confidence.
XRP Price Outlook: Legal Developments, ETF Prospects, and Market Trends
The legal uncertainty surrounding Ripple has heavily influenced XRP’s market performance. On March 18, XRP price slid down 4.15% and traded at $2.2433.
However, the ongoing SEC appeal has kept XRP well below its January peak of $3.3999 and its all-time high of $3.5505.
Factors Influencing XRP’s Future Price Movements:
1. SEC Appeal Strategy: If the SEC withdraws its appeal, XRP could surge past $3.55, while prolonged legal uncertainty could push prices below $1.50.
2. XRP-Spot ETF Prospects: Approval of an XRP-spot ETF could drive institutional investment, potentially pushing XRP toward the $5 mark. However, legal and regulatory hurdles may delay approval.
3. Macro Risks: Rising trade tensions and a hawkish Federal Reserve stance could push XRP toward its February low of $1.7938, whereas easing tensions and a dovish Fed policy could support a recovery toward $2.50.
Ripple’s Expansion into Crypto Custody
Amidst its ongoing legal battle, Ripple is taking steps to diversify its business operations. The company recently filed a trademark application for “Ripple Custody,” signaling an expansion into the crypto custody market.
This move could provide Ripple with a new revenue stream beyond its traditional payment solutions.
Key Details of the Trademark Filing:
- Ripple’s trademark application, submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 25, 2025, includes plans for several digital asset management services:
- Downloadable software for cryptocurrency, fiat, virtual, and digital currency custody and transmission.
- Custodial services for secure storage and management of digital and fiat assets.
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Peer-to-peer (P2P) network services to facilitate secure electronic financial data transmission.
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Software as a Service (SaaS) for cryptocurrency custody and storage solutions.
These services suggest that Ripple may soon introduce a proprietary crypto wallet or custody solution, potentially positioning itself as a key player in the growing digital asset custody market, which is projected to reach $100 billion within the next decade.
XRP ETF Filings: Hype vs. Reality
Discussions around potential XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have gained momentum in recent weeks.
Reports suggest that several firms, including Bitwise, WisdomTree, 21Shares, ProShares, and Franklin Templeton, have filed XRP-related ETF applications with the SEC.
On March 17, Hashdex amended its Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF to include XRP, Litecoin, Solana, and Cardano. This led some to speculate that a tenth XRP ETF filing had been made.
However, since Hashdex’s amendment includes XRP within a broader fund rather than as a standalone ETF, the exact number of XRP-specific ETF filings remains uncertain.
While the SEC has yet to confirm the total number of XRP ETF applications, growing institutional interest suggests that an approved XRP-spot ETF could significantly impact the token’s liquidity and price performance.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Ripple and XRP
The coming weeks could prove pivotal for Ripple and XRP’s future. The potential withdrawal of the SEC’s appeal, ongoing negotiations over settlement terms, and developments in the crypto custody and ETF markets all play crucial roles in shaping investor sentiment.
Should Ripple secure a favorable resolution with the SEC, XRP could experience a major price breakout. However, until official confirmations emerge, the crypto community remains on edge, carefully monitoring the evolving regulatory landscape.
by | Mar 18, 2025 | Business
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for the public’s help in its investigation into the suspected mass poisoning of hundreds of native Corella birds across multiple Newcastle suburbs, including Hamilton, Carrington, Waratah, Broadmeadow, Lambton, and near Newcastle University.
The EPA received initial reports on Monday 17 March 2025 of 14 sick and dead birds in Hamilton but by midday reports had escalated to hundreds of affected birds in Carrington and surrounding areas.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon, said the EPA is investigating pesticide misuse as the possible cause based on EPA observations and advice from local veterinarians.
“This is a serious incident, and any assistance from the public could be critical to our investigation,” Mr Gordon said.
“This is a very distressing situation for everybody involved, particularly the wildlife carers and residents who are finding and collecting the birds as well as the vets who are treating them.
“The birds are exhibiting symptoms such as bleeding, staggering, paralysis, and an inability to fly and so far, we understand that veterinary clinics across Newcastle have reported over 200 bird deaths.
“We have collected samples for testing, and our officers will be visiting all sites where sick or dead birds have been found over the coming days. Anyone who thinks they may have information on how the birds have died or on potential pesticides misuse is strongly encouraged to call the EPA on 131 555.
“The misuse of pesticides, whether deliberate or unintentional, is completely unacceptable and carries heavy penalties. If you use pesticides, it is essential to follow label directions and be mindful of the surrounding environment and wildlife.”
Wildlife volunteers from Hunter Wildlife Rescue and WIRES, along with members of the public, have been assisting in the response and transporting sick birds to veterinary clinics. Members of the public should avoid handling affected wildlife.
The negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal, or plant can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation.
by | Mar 18, 2025 | Business
Asuene, a leading provider of carbon accounting and decarbonization solutions, and Artemeter LLC, a premier carbon investment manager, today announced a strategic partnership to enhance corporate sustainability efforts in the Asia Pacific region. This collaboration brings together Asueneʼs expertise in carbon accounting and emissions reduction planning with Artemeterʼs cost-effective carbon portfolio management and investment strategies, offering businesses a holistic approach to achieving their sustainability goals.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
・Integrated Decarbonization Solutions: Asueneʼs carbon accounting platform, which supports companies in measuring, reducing, and reporting Scope 1-3 emissions, will integrate with Artemeterʼs carbon portfolio management services, enabling businesses to seamlessly transition to sustainable practices.
・Cost-Effective Transition Solutions: Artemeterʼs strategies will help corporate clients manage the financial challenges of decarbonization, making sustainable transitions more affordable and accessible.
・Access to High-Quality Carbon Projects: The partnership will provide access to Artemeterʼs portfolio of high-quality carbon projects, ensuring businesses can secure affordable carbon credits from Africa and South East Asia to offset emissions effectively while supporting impactful environmental initiatives.
What the partnership offers Asia Pacific businesses
・CO2-Marketing Activities: Asuene and Artemeter will collaborate on joint marketing campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of decarbonization and the benefits of their combined solutions. This includes webinars, industry events, and thought leadership content to engage corporate clients across the Asia Pacific region.
・Collaboration for Seamless Client Solutions: The partnership will focus on developing tailored solutions for corporate clients, integrating Asueneʼs carbon accounting platform with Artemeterʼs carbon credit investment strategies. This will enable businesses to not only measure and reduce their emissions but also invest in high-quality carbon projects to offset their remaining carbon footprint.
・Access to Artemeterʼs High-Integrity Carbon Credit Projects on CarbonEX: Artemeterʼs portfolio of high-integrity carbon projects will be listed on CarbonEX, Asueneʼs carbon credit and emissions trading platform. This provides Southeast Asia and Africa carbon project developers with unique access to Japanese corporate clients who have an emerging interest in the voluntary carbon market outside the JCM, fostering greater collaboration and investment in high-impact carbon projects in the region.
Quotes from Key Executives
Masaaki Hamada, Managing Director of Asuene APAC
Our partnership with Artemeter is a significant step forward in helping South East Asia businesses navigate the complexities of decarbonization. By combining our carbon accounting expertise with Artemeterʼs cost-management strategies, we can empower companies to achieve their sustainability goals in a financially viable way.
Olivia Albrecht, CEO and Founder of Artemeter
We are excited to collaborate with Asuene, a true leader in carbon accounting and emissions reduction. Together, we can provide businesses with the tools and strategies they need to make a sustainable transition without compromising their financial health.
About Artemeter
Artemeter is a carbon investment manager that connects capital to high-quality carbon projects globally. Backed by DRW, Artemeter leverages financial markets to drive measurable environmental and financial impact, helping businesses achieve their sustainability targets while capitalizing on the growth potential of carbon credits.
Company Name: Artemeter
Representative: CEO and Founder Olivia Albrecht
Website: https://www.drw.com/artemeter
by | Mar 17, 2025 | Business
Stay updated on the latest XRP news! The SEC vs. Ripple case enters a critical phase, with speculation on whether the SEC will withdraw its appeal. Discover how regulatory changes, XRP’s price outlook, ETF prospects, and Ethereum’s declining market share could shape the crypto landscape.
The legal battle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple is approaching a decisive phase. As of Monday, March 17, the one-month countdown begins for Ripple to file its appeal-related reply brief, countering the SEC’s arguments.
Ripple’s deadline is set for April 16, while the SEC’s opening brief was filed on January 15, challenging Judge Torres’ ruling on the Programmatic Sales of XRP.
SEC Shake-Up Raises Uncertainty Over Appeal
Since the SEC’s opening brief, a wave of leadership changes has reshaped the agency’s stance on crypto regulation:
- Gary Gensler stepped down as SEC Chair.
- Former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins, known for his crypto-friendly stance, was nominated as the new Chair by President Trump.
- Mark Uyeda was appointed as Acting SEC Chair.
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Commissioner Hester Peirce was appointed to head the newly established Crypto Task Force.
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The SEC reassigned its lead crypto litigator, Jorge Tenreiro, to the IT department, signaling a shift in crypto enforcement strategies.
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The Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit was disbanded, giving rise to the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), focused on fraud cases.
If Paul Atkins is confirmed, this restructuring could signify the SEC’s withdrawal from non-fraud-related crypto cases, leading to speculation that the agency may abandon its appeal against Ripple.
Will the SEC Withdraw Its Appeal?
With no confirmation hearing scheduled for Atkins, the decision on the appeal may rest with Acting Chair Uyeda and Crypto Task Force Head Peirce.
Uyeda’s previous statements suggest a likelihood of withdrawal: “The Commission’s war on crypto must end, including crypto enforcement actions solely based on a failure to register with no allegation of fraud or harm. President Trump and the American electorate have sent a clear message. Starting in 2025, the SEC’s role is to carry out that mandate.”
Judge Analisa Torres’ Final Judgment in August 2024 fined Ripple $125 million for securities law violations—a fraction of the SEC’s $2 billion demand. The absence of fraud allegations could be a decisive factor in whether the SEC continues its appeal.
XRP Price Outlook: Legal Clarity Could Influence Demand
On Sunday, March 16, XRP ended its five-day winning streak, dropping 4.07% to close at $2.2952. The broader crypto market also declined by 2.39%, with total market capitalization falling to $2.65 trillion. But today, on Monday, March 17, XRP traded at $2.3324
Key factors influencing XRP’s price:
1. SEC Appeal Strategy: A withdrawal could push XRP above its all-time high of $3.55, while prolonged legal uncertainty may drop it below $1.50.
2. XRP-Spot ETF Prospects: Approval could drive prices toward $5, but unresolved legal issues may delay this process.
3. Macro Risks: Trade tensions and Federal Reserve policies could push XRP to $1.7938, while easing tensions may support recovery to $2.50.
Crypto Investment Trends: A Tough Period for ETPs
Crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) faced significant outflows, with $1.7 billion exiting the market last week. This marks the fifth consecutive week of losses, bringing total outflows to $6.4 billion—an all-time high.
- U.S. Investors Led the Exodus: U.S. investors accounted for 93% of last week’s outflows ($1.16 billion).
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Bitcoin-related investment products recorded $978 million in outflows.
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Ethereum and Solana investment products lost $175 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
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Blockchain equity funds faced a $40 million sell-off.
However, XRP bucked the trend, attracting $1.8 million in fresh inflows, bringing its monthly total to $7.4 million. Year-to-date, XRP has amassed $212 million in inflows, trailing only Bitcoin ($612 million) and Ethereum ($412 million).
XRP Defies the Trend and Challenges Ethereum
XRP’s price against Etherium (ETH) reached its highest level in five years, touching 0.00128 ETH on March 15—a 925% rebound from its all-time low in June 2024. Market watchers speculate that XRP could surpass ETH’s market capitalization if the current trend continues.
- Analyst Dom highlights 0.0012 ETH as a key resistance level, historically preceding explosive XRP rallies.
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If XRP repeats past performances, an 80% rally could position it above Ethereum’s market capitalization.
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XRP’s market cap is currently $138 billion, less than $100 billion short of Ethereum’s.
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XRP’s Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) briefly surpassed Ethereum’s earlier this week.
Ethereum’s Declining Market Share
Ethereum has struggled against competitors like Solana, with its market dominance shrinking by over 35.5% since Trump’s reelection. Several factors contribute to Ethereum’s underperformance:
1. Regulatory Sentiment: Trump’s pro-crypto stance has benefited XRP, while Ethereum remains under scrutiny.
2. Competition from Solana: Solana’s faster, cheaper transactions have drawn developers and traders away from Ethereum.
3. Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade: While reducing transaction fees by 95%, the upgrade has weakened Ethereum’s deflationary appeal.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for XRP and Crypto Markets
The SEC vs. Ripple case remains a critical driver for XRP’s price movement and market positioning. With leadership changes at the SEC and shifting regulatory priorities, the likelihood of the SEC withdrawing its appeal has increased.
This could provide long-awaited legal clarity, potentially driving XRP to new highs and strengthening its position in the crypto market. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s declining dominance highlights the growing competition in the layer-1 blockchain space.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining XRP’s trajectory and its ability to challenge Ethereum’s market position.
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