by Ferry Bayu | Dec 11, 2023 | Business
Manila, 11/Dec/2023 – VRITIMES Philippines, a pioneering media technology startup established in Tokyo, has officially become accessible on Google News. Users can now search for and follow VRITIMES Philippines’s dedicated page on the Google News App and news.google.com.
VRITIMES Philippines, launched in August 2022, proudly announces its availability on Google News, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance the flow of valuable information worldwide. This development is a part of VRITIMES’s commitment to expanding its reach and providing high-quality information to a broader audience.
“We are thrilled to be featured on Google News, as it represents a major step forward in our mission to facilitate a more valuable flow of information globally,” said Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder / CEO of VRITIMES. “This platform will enable us to reach a wider audience and provide them with easy access to our timely and reliable news content.”
VRITIMES operates both as a media platform and a distributor for its media partners. Users can create and distribute press releases through VRITIMES, and then leverage the platform’s analytics feature to evaluate their impact.
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 9, 2023 | Business
Entering the political year in Indonesia in 2024, the Ministry of Investment/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) organized an Investment Forum, Friday (8/12), in Singapore, focusing on the theme “Indonesia’s Investment Trends 2024 and Green Economic Opportunities.” The forum featured the Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia and the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo, as key speakers.
SINGAPORE —
Entering the political year in Indonesia in 2024, the Ministry of
Investment/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) organized an Investment Forum,
Friday (8/12), in Singapore, focusing on the theme “Indonesia’s Investment
Trends 2024 and Green Economic Opportunities.” The forum featured the
Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia and the Indonesian
Ambassador to Singapore, Suryo Pratomo, as key speakers.
In front of
more than 200 forum participants, Minister Bahlil stated that the investment
climate in Indonesia is continually growing, and the country remains open to
collaborating with investors from Singapore to invest in Indonesia. He
emphasized Indonesia’s openness to investors from all countries, not offering
special privileges to specific nations.
“Despite
facing political events, I am confident that politics wouldn’t hinder
investments and the government will keep facilitating business permits through
the Online Single Submission (OSS) Indonesia application,” said Bahlil.
Indonesian
Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo added that Indonesia, rich in natural
resources, holds great potential. However, he stressed the importance of
focusing on environmentally sustainable industries and ensuring well-being for
future generations.
“The
government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting
renewable energy sources, and preserving internationally recognized natural
resources. We have embarked on ambitious steps to become one of the global
leaders in the environmentally friendly economy,” emphasized Suryo.
The panel
discussion session featured Deputy for Investment Promotion of the Ministry of
Investment/BKPM Nurul Ichwan, Deputy for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of
National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency
(PPN/Bappenas) Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, Economic Advisor to the
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Reza Yamora Siregar, Maritime and
Investment Advisor to the Coordinating Minister Edo Mahendra, and Chief
Economist of Bank Mandiri Andry Asmoro.
Singapore
has been the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) source for Indonesia in
the last three years, with significant investments totalling USD 12.1 billion
from January to September 2023.
Dominant
sectors include basic metal industries (USD 11.3 billion), transportation and
warehousing, and telecommunications (USD 7.9 billion), as well as real estate,
industrial zones, and housing (USD 7.8 billion). The primary investment
destinations are DKI Jakarta (USD 12.4 billion), Central Sulawesi (USD 6.5
billion), and West Java (USD 6 billion).
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 8, 2023 | Business
Dubai, UAE, 8/12/2023 – Neutura, a new carbon removal company based in Southeast Asia, announces angel funding for two new biochar projects. This initiative is a significant leap forward in combating climate change by converting agricultural waste into valuable resources.
Neutura is embarking on a groundbreaking mission to redefine the narrative around carbon removal projects, often seen as capital-intensive endeavors. The company is set to launch two pioneering projects in 2024, targeting Southeast Asia and Southern Europe. These projects are not just about reducing emissions but are a holistic approach towards responsible waste management, promising a new era in sustainable agriculture.
The core of these projects lies in utilizing vegetation and biomass from the agricultural industry to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, optimizing the use of the plants in factories, and transforming unused waste into biochar and wood vinegar. “We see agricultural waste not as a problem but as a potent solution,” explains Laksamana Sakti (Alif), Co-Founder of Neutura. “By converting this waste into biochar, we are tackling multiple challenges–reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil health, and creating sustainable farming practices.”
Neutura’s Co-Founder: Alif (Right), Glory (left)
Biochar, a high-carbon form of charcoal produced through the process of pyrolysis, is an exceptional material. Its ability to enhance soil fertility is just the beginning. “Biochar holds immense potential,” says Alif. “It improves water retention and soil structure, leading to healthier crop growth and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers. This is a game-changer for sustainable agriculture.”
However, the benefits of Neutura’s biochar extend beyond the fields. The material also finds applications in other industries, such as metallurgy and cement, contributing to enhanced material properties and a reduced environmental footprint. “Our vision is to see biochar integrated into various industries, each benefiting from its unique properties while contributing to a greener planet,” adds Alif.
Sequestering biochar for agriculture use
In parallel, wood vinegar, another byproduct of this process, emerges as a natural pesticide and fertilizer. “Wood vinegar is an organic solution for plant care,” notes Alif. “It’s effective, eco-friendly, and aligns perfectly with our vision of a sustainable future in agriculture.”
The underlying technology, specialized pyrolysis equipment, is designed to be energy-efficient and fully integrated with factories and mills. “We’re investing in technology that not only supports the streamlined operations of our projects but also sets a new benchmark in low-emission processes,” Alif states.
These projects are built on a robust, scalable business model. Neutura aims for long-term profitability by leveraging biochar sales and generating carbon removal credits. “Our business model reflects our commitment to sustainability and profitability,” says Alif. With these projects, Neutura is not only addressing environmental issues but is also paving the way for a more sustainable, profitable future for the climate and agriculture industry.
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 8, 2023 | Business
Manila, Philippines – The 2nd edition of The Business of Football Conference, organized by MMC Sportz and sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation, concluded successfully on 10 November 2023 at Raffles Makati. The one-day conference brought together key stakeholders from the Southeast Asian football community, fostering dialogue on critical topics shaping the future of the sport. The event aimed to address Asian Football Sponsorship and Investment Trends, the Future of Philippines Football and AFC Participation, and the Impact of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Southeast Asian Football, among other vital discussions.
The conference featured a lineup of 20+ regional and international speakers, including experts from governing bodies and rights holders, who shared insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the football industry. The agenda covered a wide range of topics, including the use of blockchain for fan engagement, the role of social media, AI, big data in professional sports, and lessons learned from FIBA World Cup hosting experiences in the Philippines.
Asia Trends in Sponsorship and Investment in Football
According to Asia Sponsorship News, football is unequivocally the most valuable platform in Asia, constituting nearly 31% of all sports sponsorship sales in 2022. The platform’s value was almost 2.5 times that of its closest competitor, the ‘Olympics,’ with a remarkable +21% increase over the four-year football average. Football, topping the charts at $1.6 billion, dwarfed the Olympics at only one-third of that, with $639 million, and Cricket trailing at $529 million. This data underscores the unparalleled dominance of football over other sports sponsorship platforms in the region.
The Role of Sport in Building Bridges in Governmental Relationships
In a poignant exploration of the transformative power of sports as a catalyst for unity and reconciliation, the panel on ‘The Role of Sport in Building Bridges in Governmental Relationships’ brought together distinguished figures to share their perspectives.
“Sports (football), in my view, is something that should unite people; that should unite countries. It should serve as a tool for reconciliation. Global sports should bring people together regardless of the color of their skin, regardless of age, even regardless of sex, so everybody can play football.” – HE Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, German Ambassador to the Philippines
“Sport is a fantastic platform for building connections between not only governments, countries, societies, and communities.” – HE Peter Kell, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines
Their insights capture the essence of this enlightening discussion, reflecting the shared vision of using sports (football) as a dynamic force for building bridges between nations and communities.
Addressing the Urgency for Adequate Sports Facilities Funding
During an insightful interview, Mr. Richard Bachmann, the esteemed Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, articulated a pressing concern regarding the funding of sports facilities. He emphasized that the deficiency in funding is not exclusive to football but extends across all sports. He also acknowledged that the country is currently lagging in providing the necessary financial support for sports infrastructure. His commitment to rectifying this shortfall was evident as he outlined his proactive approach by expressing his intent to collaborate with National Sports Associations (NSAs) to expedite the process of securing funding. Looking forward, he disclosed his ambitious plans for the upcoming year, having requested a substantial budget allocation. This allocation, Mr. Bachmann asserted, aims to address the critical need for facility improvements across various sports, underlining the commission’s dedication to fostering the development of sports at all levels at every local government unit.
Monetizing the Fan Experience through the Power of Blockchain & Web3
During a riveting presentation titled ‘Monetizing the Fan Experience through the Power of Blockchain & Web3,’ Mr. Samir Ceric, Chief Operating Officer of Blocksport, unveiled an innovative and holistic solution to bridge the gap from Web2 to Web3 in the world of sports. Providing a glimpse into the transformative potential of this cutting-edge technology, he emphasized the importance of a solid foundation and community-building exercise. As he delved into the intricacies of their approach, he shed light on how Web3 technology enables the connection, deepening of fan engagement, and the creation of revenues for sporting properties globally.
Obstacles in Sustainability in Professional Club & League Football
In a thought-provoking panel discussion titled ‘Obstacles in Sustainability in Professional Club & League Football,’ industry leaders provided profound insights into the challenges faced on both the buy and sell sides with brands and clubs. One of the key contributors, Mr. Paul Poole, Founder & Managing Director of Paul Poole (South-East Asia) Co., Ltd., renowned as The Sponsorship Experts, explored the intricate dynamics surrounding the commercial rights of football clubs and the struggles faced by local clubs in presenting and packaging these rights to sponsors. Mr. Poole, drawing from his wealth of experience, illuminated the complexities from both the brand’s perspective, dealing with clutter and multiple agents, and the club/rights holder’s viewpoint, navigating the challenges of articulating the value of their rights. The panel provided valuable insights into the hurdles encountered in sustaining professional football clubs and leagues.
Awards and Recognitions:
The conference also honored individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the football community. Notable awardees include:
- Token of Appreciation: His Excellency Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke for his support and contribution to The Business of Football 2023 Conference.
- Token of Appreciation: LALIGA for its continuous support and contribution to the success of The Business of Football 2024 Conference.
- Token of Appreciation: Mr. Jefferson G Cheng, Team Manager of the Philippines Women’s National Football Team, for his dedication and contributions to the development of Women’s Football in the Philippines & Asia.
- Token of Congratulations: Philippine Football Federation for its inaugural participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
- Token of Congratulations: New Zealand Football & Football Australia for the successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
- Token of Congratulations: Malaysia Football League for the successful implementation of its digital transformation process.
“The Business of Football” conference brought together key stakeholders of the Southeast Asian football community. The Philippines was represented through officials of government entities such as the German, New Zealand, Spanish, and British embassies, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, Games and Amusements Board, and The Philippine Football Federation.
MMC Sportz extends its appreciation to the sponsors – LALIGA, BLOCKSPORT, Capital Block, ASN, and Raffles Makati – for their invaluable support in making the conference a resounding success. The event’s official hashtag, #BOFPH2023, continues to be a platform for sharing insights and engaging discussions on social media.
Stay tuned for updates on future events and initiatives from MMC Sportz.
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 5, 2023 | Business
Singapore, 05/Dec/2023 – VRITIMES Singapore, a pioneering media technology startup established in Tokyo, has officially become accessible on Google News. Users can now search for and follow VRITIMES Singapore’s dedicated page on the Google News App and news.google.com.
VRITIMES Singapore, launched in August 2022, proudly announces its availability on Google News, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance the flow of valuable information worldwide. This development is a part of VRITIMES’s commitment to expanding its reach and providing high-quality information to a broader audience.
“We are thrilled to be featured on Google News, as it represents a major step forward in our mission to facilitate a more valuable flow of information globally,” said Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder / CEO of VRITIMES. “This platform will enable us to reach a wider audience and provide them with easy access to our timely and reliable news content.”
VRITIMES operates both as a media platform and a distributor for its media partners. Users can create and distribute press releases through VRITIMES, and then leverage the platform’s analytics feature to evaluate their impact.
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