The PR & Events Circuit

Leading telecommunications firm Globe Telecom reaped another major accolade for its Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) initiatives, winning the award 6 times for the past 9 years.  Globe again won the Platinum award given by The Asset Corporate Awards, the longest-running ESG award-giving body in Asia. The company received the prestigious award in recognition of its exceptional work in the Environment, Social and Corporate Governance space.  This year also marks the sixth time that Globe Telecom won the Platinum award, having won last year and previously in 2014, 2013, 2010 and 2009. The award further highlights the company’s consistent performance when it comes to its Environment, Social and Corporate Governance efforts. The award is bestowed annually by leading research firm Asset Benchmark Research (ABR).  “We are grateful for this recognition as we strive to manage our business impact while contributing to positive social change.  Embedding sustaina

Globe is seeking to change the landscape of entertainment by promoting the digital lifestyle and at the same time protecting the industry through its advocacy #PlayItRight. It pursues its mission to bring more original content to Filipinos as it brings Globe first ever co-produced film, “All Of You”. The beautifully crafted romantic comedy is among the movies participating in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). “Producing original content also comes with the responsibility of educating our customers to consume the right and legitimate way through the advocacy #PlayItRight,” says Quark Henares, head of Globe Studios.  The #PlayItRight campaign champions the entertainment industry by producing or releasing quality online or offline content and making more accessible to audiences.  It encourages Globe customers to consume their entertainment in the right way, by avoiding piracy. Piracy undervalues and takes away the creative efforts that each member of a production team puts

By now, everyone is aware that internet speeds vary per country for various reasons.  Arguably, netizens in the Philippines have a love-hate relationship with their ISPs.  While this may be so, one thing is true across nations around the world: people love to be entertained.   With the Philippines tracking a regular speed of 5.5 Mbps on wired and 12.33 Mbps on mobile, Globe Telecom’s data traffic from major video streaming services including YouTube and Netflix accounted for 27% of total data traffic in mobile and broadband LTE at the end of September this year.     The significant contribution of video-streaming services in mobile and broadband LTE traffic reflects the company’s aggressive deployment of infrastructure and technologies to increase network capacities and address customers’ growing bandwidth requirement amid increasing popularity of on-demand video content.  

AirAsia has celebrated its inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Davao, Philippines. The new route will operate with four times weekly flights between Davao and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.   Passengers happily waiting at KLIA 2 A receiving ceremony was held at Francisco Bangoy International Airport to celebrate the maiden flight AK590 at  2.25PM  with a 100% load factor. All guests on board the flight were presented with souvenirs. Celebratory all-in-fares from PHP1599* one-way are available for booking online at  airasia.com  from now until  31 December 2017  with travel period from now until  30 June 2018 . The promotional fares are also available on AirAsia’s mobile app on iPhone and Android devices, as well as mobile site at  mobile.airasia.com . Water Canon salute upon arrival at Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao City, Philippines The new route signifies the fourth direct route from the Philippines to Malaysia after Manila, Cebu and Kalibo. AirAsia

GCash dominated the Philippine retail e-payment landscape in 2017 with over 4,000 QRs deployed nationwide, a testament to the growing number of merchants who believe in the capability of GCash to usher in cashless payments in the country. A mobile wallet service offered by Mynt, a financial technology company owned by Globe Telecom, Ant Financial and Ayala Corp, GCash has been relentless in helping Filipinos get used to a cashless lifestyle and has been bullish in its vision to create an inclusive cashless environment in the Philippines. E-payments provide safety and convenience when shopping for goods and services as people need not carry around loads of cash anymore.   In August this year,  GCash introduced the scan to pay feature in the GCash App  that allowed customers to pay by simply scanning QR (quick response) codes of merchants.  

Having problems with your home Wi-Fi connection? To ensure that you make the most out of your Wi-Fi connection, Globe At Home introduces the Globe Tech Squad, our special tech customer service team that will provide end-to-end support for Wi-Fi connectivity and home-related needs. With a one-time fee of P1,200, Globe At Home customers can avail of the Globe Tech Squad service. The Globe Tech Squad will diagnose the different spaces of your home to identify potential signal interferences, improve the Wi-Fi signal by recommending the best router placement to increase signal strength & coverage, and resolve connectivity issues with the necessary Wi-Fi mesh extenders and configuration. They can also connect all existing devices in the home to the Wi-Fi such as TVs, laptops, security cameras, printers, speakers etc. 

Globe Telecom swiftly set up seven (7) Libreng Tawag stations in Tacloban, Eastern Samar and Aklan provinces to assist the victims of flooding caused by Tropical Depression Urduja. In Tacloban City, Libreng WiFi services are also being provided by the telecommunications operator.  Following heavy rains and gusty winds, power has just been restored leaving residents with limited means to charge their mobile phones and make calls.  Libreng WiFI services are currently being provided in Alma Teves, Upper Nula-Tula; Cyvon Store, Barangay Calanipawan (in front of public market) and in Manah Store, Sagkahan Bliss, Barangay 64, all located in Tacloban City. Libreng Tawag services are also being provided in these locations.  Other Libreng Tawag stations, which are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., are located in these areas: Globe Store, City Mall, Boracay Island; Boracay Action Center, Balabag Plaza, both in Aklan. Similarly, such services are available in Docil Building, Barangay Ala

Globe Telecom’s TM Basketball Para Sa Bayan wrapped up another successful year of extending a helping hand to local communities by supporting sports development, particularly among underprivileged kids and youth throughout the country Just recently, TM Basketball Para Sa Bayan reached out to kids from Talavera, Nueva Ecija and Porac, Pampanga on December 10 with free basketball clinics and 3-on-3 tournaments. The first three stops were in Tondo, Dumaguete and Tuguegarao.  Provincial winners of Globe Telecom’s TM Basketball Para sa Bayan travelled to Manila for the championship games spearheaded by PBA top player LA Tenorio. No less than LA Tenorio, one of the country’s top athletes, and his Method Basketball Academy led the way as they taught aspiring basketball players the fundamentals of the sport, like dribbling and shooting. The 33-year-old Tenorio, who is known for his big heart on the court, also inspired the kids to pursue their goals no matter how hard it

Globe Telecom through its grassroots sports program TM Basketball Para sa Bayan has teamed up once again with one of the country’s top athletes, L.A. Tenorio, in reaching out through basketball to underprivileged Filipino youth in Tuguegarao City; Porac, Pampanga and Talavera, Nueva Ecija. PBA three-time Most Valuable Player LA Tenorio staged TM Basketball Para sa  Bayan sports clinic for the benefit of underprivileged youth in Tuguegarao City.   Globe and Tenorio, who runs Method Basketball Academy, held recently a free basketball clinic and tournament at People’s Gym in Tuguegarao City; Babo Sacan covered court in Porac, Pampanga and at the Talavera Municipal Gymnasium in Nueva Ecija.  Previous stagings of the free basketball clinic and tournament were held in Tondo and Dumaguete.  

AirAsia Indonesia will suspend its service connecting Bali with Darwin as part of a network restructuring aimed at improving operational efficiency. The final date of service for Bali-Darwin route is 28 January 2018. Australia remains an important market for the AirAsia Group as the airline will continue to serve more than 80 weekly flights via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Bali, Indonesia – Kuala Lumpur-Sydney, Kuala Lumpur-Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur-Gold Coast, Kuala Lumpur-Perth and Bali-Perth.

Imagine seamless digital connection while shopping and dining in SM Supermalls. Through the partnership and collaboration of Globe Telecom and SM Supermalls, mall goers will now be able to experience quality connectivity with GoWiFi Auto. This premium GoWiFi service allows customers to surf all day in 34 selected SM malls nationwide.  Ernest Cu, president and chief executive officer of Globe Telecom, Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime and Willy Ocier, president of Philippine Global Communications, Inc., recently signed a memorandum of agreement last November 23, 2017, Thursday at China Blue, Conrad Hotel to roll out GoWiFi Auto.  “The new GoWiFi access in SM Supermalls is in line with our company’s mission to create wonderful experiences for customers that include premium connectivity even while they are out with their family and friends,” Cu elaborates in a statement. 

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) spend their time thousands of miles away from their families, working hard to provide for their loved ones back home. With the distance between them, the internet is one of the best ways to stay connected. Globe at Home is bridging the gap between OFWs and their families as the Prepaid Home WiFi becomes finally available on SarisariPH. SarisariPH, an online gifting service made possible by Globe International Business, allows Filipinos from all over the world to send electronic gift certificates or eGifts to their family and friends in the Philippines.  Sending a Globe Prepaid Home WiFi along with other gift items through SarisariPH is easy: customers simply choose the items from over 170 brands for dining, shopping, health, leisure, and other services on the website. Then, they must fill out an order form, pay by credit card or pay cash via PayRemit outlets in key OFW cities abroad. The recipient will receive the eGift via SMS or email withi

Globe Telecom and Abojeb, a leading maritime solutions services and manpower provider, have initiated a stronger collaboration as part of their shared common advocacy to support more than 400,000 Filipino Seafarers working globally and their families at home. Carl Martin Faannessen, Managing Director, Abojeb Company (2 nd from left) and Mike Frausing, Senior Advisor, Globe International Business Group (2 nd from right) together with Tom Wagan, AVP, Branding and Communications, Abojeb Company (left) and Jurist Gamban, VP, Strategic Marketing, Globe International Business Group (right) In celebration of Abojeb’s 35 th anniversary, Globe took part in Abojeb’s Job and Family Fair at the SMX Convention Center recently and will also join the nationwide Christmas party for Abojeb seafarers that will be held in Davao, Iloilo and Cebu.  The Christmas Party — with the theme “Stronger Together Since 1982: The Bayanihan Spirit Lives On”—is expected to attract over 2,000 guests from

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) expands footprint in Mindanao by signing a joint venture agreement with four Davao-based companies to develop Davao Matina Business Park in a 17.1-hectare lot in Matina, Davao City. CLI chairman and chief executive officer Jose Soberano III led the signing of the agreement on December 11 in Davao City with Plaza De Luisa Development represented by Jason P. Huang, Yuson Newtown Corporation and Yuson Strategic Holdings Inc. represented by Frederick H. Yuson, and Davao Primeland Properties Corporation represented by Frederick H. Yuson. “The property has been utilized as a golf course since 1960s and this is the best time to transform it into a business park to be able to contribute to the economic and social development of the city,” Fred Yuson highlighted.

AirAsia has been named the World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fifth year in a row at the 2017 World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final. AirAsia emerged top in the category having received the highest votes from travel professionals and industry players from around the world, beating Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Ryanair, easyJet, Jetstar Airways, Norwegian Air, West Air, flydubai, Air Arabia, flynas, kulula, Mango and fastjet.  Asia’s largest low-cost carrier by passengers also won the inaugural World's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew award, ahead of the same 13 budget airlines. The win builds on AirAsia's success earlier this year when it secured WTA’s first ever Asia's Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew award and in 2015, when it became the first ever low-cost carrier to win Asia's Leading Cabin Crew, ahead of full-service carriers like Singapore Airlines, Korean Air and Cathay Pacific. 

SM Supermalls and Banco De Oro (BDO) held the "biggest OFW Christmas Party" last December 9, 2017 at 10 SM malls across the country. Now on its 6th year, the Pamaskong Handog para sa Global Pinoy  is a  grand homecoming celebration is set to treat overseas Filipino workers and their families. The SM Global Pinoy program is an initiative that provides accessible and convenient services specially designed for OFWs and their families. Apart from exclusive services, perks and privileges inside SM Global Pinoy Centers, the sites also offer remittance pick-up and foreign exchange, free internet access, hot and cold beverages, and mobile phone charging in 39 SM malls nationwide.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) recently signed its third Serviced Residence Management Agreement with The Ascott Limited (Ascott), with the latest for “lyf Cebu City”, a 153-room serviced residence targeted towards the booming local and foreign millennial market in Cebu City. The agreement will bring CLI’s hotel portfolio to around 600 rooms in 4 years.   “lyf” is Ascott’s latest brand designed for the growing wave of millennial and millennial-minded travellers. Going beyond traditional hospitality concepts, lyf signifies a new way of living and collaborating as a community, connecting guests with fellow travellers and change-makers.  “lyf Cebu City” will be a fun, quirky and unique accommodation designed to promote collaboration and connection in a community. It will have ‘Connect’ communal spaces, co-working areas that can be easily transformed into zones for workshops or social gatherings. The ‘Bond’ social kitchen is where guests can prepare home-cooked meals, take cook

Globe Telecom’s International Business Group, together with Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) held a special Christmas surprise for arriving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and tourists as a way to spread cheer and make them feel the spirit of the holiday season. Passengers of PR 659 from Dubai to Manila who landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 were welcomed by representatives from MIAA, Globe and Philippine Airlines with heart-warming messages as soon as they disembarked the plane.   The best surprise were waiting for them at the baggage carousel. Instead of their luggage, the carousel were filled with surprise treats for everyone. In the background, a lively Filipino Christmas tune was playing to create a festive atmosphere at the arrival hall. Santa Claus, on the other hand, had his huge sack filled with toys for the kids.

Senator Grace Poe keynotes Globe Telecom’s AttyATBP, an annual event organized by the company’s Corporate and Legal Services Group (CLSG) where various government services from the Land Transportation Office, Philippine Statistics Office, Social Security System, National Bureau of Investigation, as well as free legal consultations, are provided to employees of the leading telecommunications provider. In her keynote address, Poe emphasized the need to fast track infrastructure permitting as a key to sustainable economic development in the country. She is joined in above photo by top company executives and employees that included Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu, Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe Chief Information and Technology Officer Gil Genio and Rep. Geraldine Roman, (1 st District, Bataan), who also spoke at the event.     

Apex Group and PRO-FRIENDS Iloilo employees with the elders and indigent residents of Brgy. Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo. Christmas came early to Barangays Tigum, Ungka and Balabag in the town of Pavia, Iloilo as Property Company of Friends, Inc. (PRO-FRIENDS) Iloilo together with its sales networks held a 4-day Corporate Social Responsibility Caravan.  Diamond Group agents give out water bottles to the kids of Brgy. Ungka, Pavia, Iloilo. The first stop of the PRO-FRIENDS Iloilo’s CSR Caravan was Barangay Tigum on November 7 which benefited a total of 135 kids (60 Day Care pupils and 75 Kindergarten pupils).   Success Unlimited Marketing agents distribute loot bags to the kids of Brgy. Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo. Held at Tigum Elementary School, the kids were entertained by the magic show sponsored by PRO-FRIENDS Iloilo. They also learned basic hygiene such as proper hand-washing and tooth-brushing. Likewise, they enjoyed the food, received hygiene kits, school supplies and lo

GCash mobile wallet service announced today that its scan to pay feature  is now available at all SM Store nationwide and at the information booths of SM malls. This development makes it more convenient for customers to do their shopping, especially this holiday season as shoppers can already easily pay for their purchases without the need to bring cash. Using GCash scan to pay method is like a walk in the park. A customer with a smartphone only needs to either download or update to the latest version of the GCash App, create an account and fund the GCash wallet through cash-in centers located across the country. Once done, the customer just has to tap on Scan QR and point the phone’s camera at the item’s QR code to pay. The SM  Store is the latest addition in a growing list of merchants which have embraced the GCash App scan to pay feature. Among the early adopters are Mercato Centrale in Bonifacio Global City and Ayala Malls, particularly Glorietta.

Pursuing your passion and finding a niche market are key to successfully using digital marketing for your business. This is what experts at the Online Sellers’ Summit advised. The event, hosted by the Globe myBusiness Academy, was recently held at the Hole in the Wall food plaza of Century Mall in Makati. Online sellers at the summit were given tips to boost sales through digital innovations while those still toying with ideas were given clear directions.  Online Sellers Summit .Senior Advisor for Globe myBusiness Derrick Heng opens the summit According to Derrick Heng, Senior Advisor for Globe myBusiness, online sellers should seize opportunities in the new era of doing business where “digital is the new normal.” 

Globe Telecom recently lent support to international non-government organization Rise Against Hunger (RAH) as part of its ongoing efforts to help the displaced families in Marawi and to strengthen its employees volunteering program. Over 300 Globe employee volunteers participated in a hands-on Meal Packaging Program conducted by RAH for more than 1,500 affected families in Marawi who are now staying in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur. Together, they helped pack 100 meal boxes which will be sent to Marawi by the first week of December together with meal packs coming from other partner-companies of RAH. These will then be handed over by RAH to its beneficiaries in Saguiran together with officials of the local government of Marawi. Globe is a staunch believer of holistic personal development and offers activity- or skill-based volunteering opportunities that can support employee advocacies. Employees are also provided two-day volunteer leaves so they can contribute further to social de

Macau Tower today hosted the seventh annual Crazy Jump Day, powered by the world’s best low-cost airline AirAsia and organised by the world’s top adventure tourism company AJ Hackett. Featuring the theme “AirAsia Destinations”, the costumed bungy jump event saw 23 participants from across Asia Pacific take the plunge from Macau Tower, the world’s highest commercial bungy jump at 233 metres operated by AJ Hackett.  Twenty-three participants from across Asia Pacific battled it out in "AirAsia Destination" theme costumes at Crazy Jump Day 2017 at Macau Tower. The participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and China (which covers Mainland and Macao) were selected to jump by AirAsia and AJ Hackett via a social media contest held a month before Crazy Jump Day. The participants were chosen for their creativity, storytelling skills and the relevance of their costume to the theme, which was inspired by AirAsia’s extensive route network of m

Star Wars fans are in for a treat this Christmas, as Globe At Home gives away invites to the highly anticipated film Star Wars: The Last Jedi. In the latest chapter of the beloved film franchise, Star Wars: The Last Jedi sees Luke Skywalker’s return as he guides Rey develop her newly discovered powers, while the war between The First Order and The Resistance wages on. From November 30, 2017 all new Globe At Home subscribers who also purchase a Globe Streamwatch Roku Powered device through Globe website, hotline, mall activations, and Globe stores in select locations will automatically receive two Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie tickets through GMovies. Passes may be redeemed starting December 13, 2017 . They can also catch up on previous Star Wars titles with their new Globe At Home Plan & Streamwatch device through free access to HOOQ and Disney channel apps. Globe Streamwatch is the telco’s newest streaming device that allows customers to watch a variety of conte

With Christmas fast approaching, holiday shopping and other preparations are in full swing. Now, you can get the best deal this Yuletide season as GCash partners with Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Supermarket, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Warehouse, and G2000 in Robinsons Galleria for your gift and shopping sprees! GCash customers that use the scan-to-pay feature of the App may avail of a 10 percent discount on their purchases at the aforementioned stores starting November 28 until the end of December, 2017. Mynt and Robinsons officials at the partnership launch.  From L-R:  Jody Gadia, GM for Robinsons Supermarket Corp; Johnson Go, GM for Robinsons Department Store; Carmina Quizon, GM for Robinsons Specialty Stores, Inc.; Anthony Thomas, Mynt President and CEO; James Mauricio Aujero, Mynt Head for Merchant Acquiring; and Gina Salgado, VP for Robinsons Business Center. GCash allows smartphone users to go shopping with only the GCash App installed on their mob

GCash, the pioneer in electronic payments using QR codes, partners with Ministop, one of the largest 24-hour convenience store chains in the Philippines, to promote and spread the benefits of cashless payments in the country.  Ministop is a franchise of Ministop Co. Ltd., one of the largest convenience store chains in Japan. It is a subsidiary of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., the second-largest multi-format retailer in the Philippines.  “We are excited over this partnership since Ministop is the first convenience store in the country to embrace e-payment via QR code. This will be good for the larger population because of the ease, convenience, and security that e-payments provide both to the consumers and merchants,” said Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of Mynt which operates GCash.  The convenience store chain has developed products and services that cater to the consumption profile of the Filipino market with its wide assortment of merchandise and an extensive

Kapuso celebrities were among the media personalities who were honored yesterday, November 21 at the Eastwood’s Walk of Fame. This year, the three honorees from GMA Network were Kris Bernal, Atom Araullo and Solenn Heussaff.  GMA Artist Center prime star Kris Bernal, who plays a dual role in the top-rating afternoon program Impostora, was inducted in the TV category. In her Instagram account, she expressed her appreciation to all the people behind the Walk of Fame event. "God heard me and He responded. Another answered prayer. This is the 12th year of the Walk of Fame as propagated by Kuya Germs. Thank you to the Walk of Fame members. I feel important and more inspired to do more great things in showbiz. I am greatly honored to be part of it. Thank you GMA Network and GMA Artist Center for making this dream a reality. I dedicate this to my family, friends, and supporters."

GMA Network congratulates multi-talented Kapuso actress Sunshine Dizon for her win as the Most Outstanding Filipina Actress in Television at the 2017 Gawad Amerika Awards held last November 18 at the Franklin avenue Celebrity Center in Hollywood, California. Sunshine was recognized for her exceptional performance in GMA Network’s highest-rating daytime drama series Ika-6 Na Utos as Emma. She personally flew to California to accept her award. Through an Instagram post, Sunshine thanked not only the award-giving body but also the entire team behind Ika-6 Na Utos. “Thank you very much Gawad Amerika most specially to the Filipino Community for this recognition. I would also like to share this recognition to all our hardworking cast members, production staff, and crew of  Ika-6  Na Utos, as well as to director Laurice Guillen for her guidance. It is ultimately a group effort to give our audience the best.” She also expressed her gratitude to the network and the show’s loyal

 AirAsia is flying to brand new destinations from and to Clark Airport in Pampanga starting next year. The world’s best low cost carrier for nine consecutive years will begin to fly from Clark to Palawan, Iloilo, and Tacloban starting January 26, 2018 with introductory fares now on sale from as low as P990 only. AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “We feel strongly about supporting the growth and development of cities outside Metro Manila by providing more options and added convenience for travellers to fly to their desired destinations without going to the main airport in Manila. AirAsia’s newest flights from Clark bring brighter, bigger, and better opportunities for Northern and Central Luzon.” To celebrate, AirAsia is offering promo fares from as low as P990, all-in, and up for grabs now until December 10, 2017 at www.airasia.com for travel period between January 26, 2018 to January 31, 2019. 

In time for the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and International Migrants Day, the Department of Tourism Region VI (DOT-VI) will launched the “Bring Home a Friend (BHAF)” Program  last November 24 at SM City Iloilo Cinema 6.  According to the 2015 report of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there are 9.1 million OFWs. Meanwhile, Census of Population and Housing in 2010 accounted nearly 200,000 expatriates in the country. Based on DOT 2016 Visitors Sample Survey, word-of-mouth plays a very big role in motivating tourist to visit the Philippines with 51.80% of tourists came to the Philippines upon their friend’s recommendation while 14.10% have friends or relatives in the country. DOT’s BHAF Program primarily aims to encourage Filipinos both residing here and abroad to help promote Philippine tourism by inviting foreign friends to come and visit the Philippines.

The “spirits” of the season are brought to life once again as Globe LIVE and 9Works Theatricals brings Menken & Ahrenn’s A Christmas Carol back on stage for this holiday season. After its successful 2016 run, the whole family can once again create new traditions by reliving the Charles Dickens classic through impeccable production and classic music. A Christmas Carol tells the story of a miserly man who finds happiness in sharing the joys of the season after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The Kids of A Christmas Carol Starting December 7, 2017, A Christmas Carol will premiere with some new cast members and a new production set that shouldn’t be missed! It will be at the Globe Iconic Stage, BGC Amphitheater, Taguig, this time with Franco Laurel as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Reprising his role as the curmudgeon Scrooge is the seasoned Miguel Faustman.

Six of the most promising social impact start-ups across Singapore, Australia and the Philippines emerged as the winners of social innovation programme, Singtel Group Asia Pacific Future Makers 2017. Singtel Group Future Makers 2017  Now in its second year, the Future Makers programme attracted over 250 applications from enterprising organisations and individuals which are making innovative use of technology to address community needs. Out of these, 19 teams were chosen for the local level and had the opportunity to work closely with experts from Singtel, Optus, Globe and the industry over a period of four months. They received intensive capacity building, mentoring and local grants of S$500,000 to help them grow their organisational capabilities and refine their business models. Six teams – Hapticus, iVolunteer, Learner Library, Sameview, Solve Education! and Virtualahan – were then selected for the regional finals.  

AirAsia is now flying to Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most vibrant and biggest cities in Vietnam, further strengthening the airline’s commitment as a truly Asean carrier.  Arrival of Z2 294 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport last 17 Nov 2017. AirAsia, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine years running, flew its maiden flight from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City today with send-off ceremonies held at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 3 led by AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador with His Excellency Ly Quoc Tuan, Ambassador of Viet Nam to the Philippines, as keynote speaker. AirAsia flight Z2 294 with pilot in command Captain Dexter Comendador left Manila on time at  10:25PM  with 180 passengers on board or a 100% load. AirAsia’s iconic red plane arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at  1:05AM.