Epson launches the new next-generation IC Handlers in Southeast Asia

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NS8000II IC Handler

Epson announced the launch of the new generation NS8000II series of IC test handlers in Southeast Asia for chip manufacturers and testers in the manufacturing and semiconductor industry.

As the market leader for IC Handlers, Epson’s expertise is in precision engineering and robotics, and showcased its IC Handlers for the first time at Semicon Southeast Asia 2016 in Penang last 26 to 28 April 2016.

The New Generation NS8000II series of IC handlers are capable of transferring, testing, and sorting up to 13,500 chips per hour. They deliver high consistency and accuracy, with standard contact pressure sufficient for high-speed testing of high-pin-count chips. The machines are able to test chips at temperatures as high as 155°C. 

The IC handlers are used widely in testing of chips for wireless communication such as tablet PCs and smartphones, applications for Internet of Things such as wearables, as well as other applications within the manufacturing and automotive industries. IDC estimates that global spending on IoT devices and services will rise from $656 billion in 2014 to $1.7 trillion in 20201.

That growth is expected to be fueled by growth in devices, connectivity solutions, and IT services.

Epson’s IC Handlers, developed from its advanced robotics technology, are recognized as the industry’s fastest and most accurate handlers for high-speed transferring, testing and sorting of chips for factory automation. Epson will be providing a one-stop IC Handler solution and will sell directly to customers.

“We are committed to growing our IC Handler business within Southeast Asia, and look to see further growth, with the expected increase in volume of chips for connected devices and solutions. As a market leader of IC handlers in Southeast Asia, Epson’s expertise in precision engineering and robotics has enabled us to deliver IC handlers that are highly accurate and reliable to meet the stringent needs of our customers and to help them reduce testing costs,” said Mr Ng Ngee Khiang, Regional General Manager, Epson Robotics Division.

1IDC Report, Worldwide Internet of Things Forecast, 2015-2020 http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS25658015

Globe Telecom, first to offer Southeast Asia’s Disney Mobile smartphone

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Globe myStarter Plan launches with Disney Mobile smartphones 

The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and the Philippines’ number one mobile brand Globe Telecom  launched the Southeast Asia’s first Disney Mobile smartphone. Globe Telecom will be the first telco in Southeast Asia to offer Disney Mobile smartphones through its new myStarter postpaid plans for as low as P750 per month. 

Created especially for the trendsetting Disney fan and themed around popular Disney franchises, these smartphones carry the signature aesthetic of the Disney brand from its lively colors to matching themed accessories. The first Disney Mobile range for the Philippines comes in 3 themes – Mickey Mouse, Frozen and Disney Princess.

Apart from its adorable hardware design, each device is packed with custom content that is sure to bring the fun and magic of Disney right in the palm of one’s hand. The smartphones’ interfaces show tailored app icons, Disney-themed live and static wallpapers, widgets and exclusive re-recordings of famous Disney songs as ringtones, such as It’s A Small World, Do You Want to Build a Snowman, Part of Your World, and the like. Premium Disney apps are also included in each device and in line with the smartphone theme. These range from Princess Story Theater, Frozen Storybook Deluxe, to Castle of Illusion, among others. 

Disney Mobile is an LTE device that gives users access to a whole range of other Disney content such as games, apps, books and the Disney Philippines website.

“The arrival of Disney Mobile in the Philippines is one of the milestones of our multi-year comprehensive partnership with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia. We are thrilled to offer these phones exclusively through our budget-friendly myStarter postpaid plans. Not only do our customers have access to Disney’s interactive content, movie premieres and retail promotions, but also to a device designed after one of the most iconic brands in the world,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan. 

“Disney continues to actively pursue innovative digital media opportunities and provide fans with the best entertainment experience on whatever platform they want. Smartphones have immensely changed the way Filipinos consume entertainment and Disney Mobile allows us to bring our content closer to more fans in a fun and personal way,” said James Gray, General Manager for Disney Interactive, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.

We are proud to be working with Disney and Globe Telecom to bring Disney Mobile to the Philippines. With this new exciting partnership, we aim to provide Globe Telecom’s millions of customers with devices that bring them the magic of Disney, every day, through their phones,”  Cellprime CEO Eric Yu also shared.

Alongside Globe and Disney, Cellprime is the manufacturer of Disney Mobile handsets in the Philippines. 

The Disney Mobile device is available exclusively with Globe myStarter postpaid Plan 500 with a P250 monthly cash out that can be charged to the monthly bill. Customers can go to any Globe store or online to get the plans.

Globe myStarter plans are the new all-in-one budget-friendly plans. Plan 500 is already bundled with a smartphone and comes with unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM, 300 texts to other networks and 200 MB of data and a smartphone. It is also available on Plan 300 with a smartphone and 300 texts to all networks, 300 minutes to Globe and TM, and 200 MB worth of data. 

With the myStarter plans, customers will no longer worry about going over the limit as it guarantees a fixed bill every month and can easily be topped-up when needed. It is also the first postpaid plan that is capable of number portability where customers can opt to retain their prepaid numbers. 

The plan also provides free access to Facebook, Viber, and a separate 1 GB data wallet for Spotify Basic. 

Disney Mobile smartphones are top quality dual SIM android devices compatible with 4G LTE that runs on a Lollipop operating system. It has a 5” HD IPS Screen; 13 megapixel (MP) rear camera; 5MP front camera; and 1.2 Quad Core.

In 2015, Globe and Disney entered a comprehensive collaboration to gain access to brand properties of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and global leader in short-form video, Maker Studios.

Globe is the undisputed leader in mobile Postpaid, closing 2015 with revenues at P85.1 billion underpinned by growth in customer base now at 2.4 million, and 55% increase in mobile data revenues year-on-year.

About The Walt Disney Company in Southeast Asia

The Walt Disney Company has been active in Southeast Asia since 1995 when Disney Channel first launched in Malaysia and has grown to five offices in the region (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines) with the headquarters in Singapore, employing close to 280 permanent staff. Disney is one of the most active and largest global entertainment companies in the region with diversified businesses in film, consumer products, publishing, mobile content, television and family entertainment overseeing content from six key brands: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, ESPN, ABC and Lucasfilm.

Television is a key driver in growing the Disney brand in the region. Disney Channels Southeast Asia is responsible for the management, creative development and commercial operations of the three Disney-branded channels available across the region: Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. The company also distributes Disney owned programs and channels to television, mobile, broadband and on-demand platforms to over 20 Southeast Asian providers including terrestrial broadcasters, pay-TV and channels as well as digital platforms.

Studio Entertainment reached new box office heights in 2013 with Marvel’s Iron Man 3 recording the biggest release in history in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The Avengers released in 2012 is still the biggest movie of all time in Singapore and Philippines.

As one of the world’s largest creators of high-quality digital experiences, Disney Interactive produces interactive entertainment for the whole family including multi-platform video games, online short form video, mobile and social games and digital destinations across all current and emerging media platforms. Entertaining guests of all ages, Disney Interactive’s key products include the video game platform Disney Infinity, top virtual world for kids Club Penguin, popular mobile franchises like Frozen Free Fall and Disney Tsum Tsum, top online destinations for kids, parents and fans including Disney.com, Oh My Disney, and Babble.com and the Disney social network reaching more than 1 billion guests on Facebook. 

From apparel and toys to food and stationery, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the world’s leading licensor and works with over 400 licensees across all product categories in Southeast Asia for all ages and lifestyles. Disney Publishing is active in 6 countries in 6 different languages in Southeast Asia, publishing a diverse range of products in the region including story, activity and e-books, magazines and comics that reach a wide demographic from pre-schoolers to pre-teens and adults.

For more information, please visit www.Disney.ph. 

About Maker Studios

Maker Studios is the global leader in online short-form video and the largest content network on YouTube. Maker specializes in reaching millennial audiences across multiple programming genres. Maker’s network includes 55,000 independent creators from more than 100 countries, attracting over 10 billion views per month, with a growing scale driven by its robust technology platform, direct-to-consumer distribution and data analytics. Maker is home to many of the world’s leading online talent and award-winning original programs such as “Epic Rap Battles of History.” Maker Studios is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with operations in New York, London and Singapore. For more information visit www.makerstudios.com.

About Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines, serving the needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connections, internet and managed services. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel who are acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. 

For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph. Follow Globe Telecom on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobePH and Tattoo at www.facebook.com/GlobeTattoo as well as on Twitter @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo and Instagram at @enjoyglobe and @choosetattoo.

MasterCard introduces Bali to the global Priceless Cities program

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Experience Bali like never before, reimagined with Priceless Bali

A host of complimentary benefits await MasterCard cardholders at any one of the 700 luxurious villas available through ministry of villas.

MasterCard today announced the inclusion of Bali into the global Priceless Cities program, on the heels of the Priceless Japan launch just a month ago in July. Bali is the second city in Southeast Asia to be part of Priceless Cities, three years after the launch of Priceless Singapore in 2012.

Under the Priceless Bali program, both visitors and residents alike can look forward to specially-designed activities that are packaged to give privileged access and unique experiences to cardholders. By curating one-of-a-kind experiences for cardholders, MasterCard seeks to continuously connect consumers to their passions in new and exciting ways. 

Based on MasterCard's research, consumers around the world are broadly passionate in the areas of: Stay, Eat, Play, and Shop.

Priceless Bali opens up access to novel experiences for cardholders, such as the opportunity to take to the skies on a private helicopter ride for an aerial view of the famed Uluwatu Temple that sits atop a 70-metre tall limestone cliff facing the open ocean. Or to do a guided culinary adventure on the Bali Food Safari to mystery restaurants that surprise with exquisite cuisines. 

Those with an eye for design could choose to spend an afternoon with internationally acclaimed French artist Pascal Morabito and even stay at his luxurious 12-bedroom villa, used as a private gallery for his works. Food lovers are invited to indulge in a private Balinese feast prepared exclusively for them in their villa, while being entertained by a traditional Balinese dance performance. Alternatively there is a whole host of complimentary benefits including yoga classes, private massages, surf lessons, horse riding and more, when booking at any one of the 700 luxurious villas available through Ministry of Villas. 

The introduction of Priceless Bali marks an extension and evolution of MasterCard’s existing “Destination Bali” program that has been running for the last five years, during which cardholders have enjoyed access to a wide range of over 200 benefits and privileges available locally. 

“The Priceless Cities platform has seen strong traction throughout the world – in just five years, it has been launched in over 35 markets and counting. We find consumers are always keen to try new things or re-experience the familiar in a novel way. So bringing Bali into the Priceless Cities program was a natural step, given the strong travel demand we’re seeing for this beautiful island, particularly for the Australia, China, Malaysia and Singapore travel corridors,” said Deborah Goldingham, Head of Marketing, South East Asia, MasterCard.

MasterCard research shows that Bali ranks as one of the top travel destinations in Southeast Asia. 

“According to MasterCard’s Asia Pacific Destinations Index, this year Bali is expected to welcome over 7 million visitors who will spend US$11 billion and Priceless Bali will definitely strengthen the island’s appeal as a coveted getaway destination as we uncover hidden gems and allow visitors to re-experience Bali in surprising and unexpected ways,” Ms. Goldingham added. 

Tweet: #MasterCard launches #PricelessBali, the second #Priceless city in #SoutheastAsia http://news.mstr.cd/1Pyr95G

Get a 10% discount on Bali Hai Cruise packages with your MasterCard. 

Get exclusive privileges such as discounts, style consultants and door-to-door transport when you avail Travelshopa’s personalized shopping tour using your MasterCard. 

Enjoy a complimentary transportation to and from your villa and a dessert or signature cocktail at the Happy Chappy Chinese Restaurant when booked at Ministry of Villas with your MasterCard. 

The World Bank-GrabTaxi partnership to improve road safety and traffic congestion across Southeast Asia

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The partnership provides local governments with innovative, open-source data technology to transform public transport for 620 million people

GrabTaxi, Southeast Asia’s largest taxi-booking mobile phone app, partners with the World Bank to combat traffic congestion and improve transport safety for over 620 million residents in the region. Traffic congestion and road safety impact both the quality of life and economic opportunities available to taxi drivers and passengers in developing economies. 

The World Bank-GrabTaxi partnership provides an award-winning, open-source data platform, OpenTraffic, at no cost to local governments in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam to improve traffic congestion and road safety.

The World Bank-GrabTaxi partnership is being piloted with local governments in following cities in which GrabTaxi operates: Cebu, Manila, Davao City, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Through the partnership, GrabTaxi aims to empower local transportation agencies to monitor real-time traffic conditions and collect historic travel time data. As a result, governments will eventually be able to make better, evidence-based decisions that previously had been out of reach –including decisions about traffic signal timing plans, public transit provisions, roadway infrastructure needs, emergency traffic management, and travel demand management. 

GrabTaxi Founder and Group CEO Anthony Tan remarks, “We are honored to partner with the World Bank on this exciting initiative to revolutionize public transport in Southeast Asia. We are a social startup and this partnership will drive GrabTaxi closer towards our social mission to significantly improve the lives of our drivers and passengers- and ultimately change the way 620 million people move in Southeast Asia. Together with the World Bank and local governments, we look forward to improving road safety and traffic congestion in the cities we operate.”

The World Bank Transport & ICT Global Practice heads the Open Transport initiative to build safer, cleaner and more affordable transport systems that reduce congestion, facilitate access to jobs and lower transport energy consumption. Technology and data management is helping to better map travel patterns and users’needs, engaging citizens and improving the quality and efficiency of transport solutions.

GrabTaxi works with the existing taxi ecosystem and governments in the 20 cities it operates in across 6 countries–Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore Vietnam, and Indonesia –to help taxi drivers enter the new economy by using the latest mobile technologies to make taxi rides safer and more efficient than before. More than 70,000 taxi drivers have registered with GrabTaxi to meet the growing demand of more than 6.3 bookings per second; and the company estimates that one in two active taxi drivers in the region will be on the GrabTaxi network by the end of 2015.

For more information, please visit: http://www.grabtaxi.com.

About GrabTaxi

GrabTaxi’s mission is to revolutionize the taxi industry in Southeast Asia. Runner-up in the 2011 Harvard Business School Business Plan Contest, its core product is a taxi-dispatch service with GPS-enhancements, allowing passengers to hail the nearest taxi with extreme ease. Since its founding in 2012, over 70,000 taxi drivers use the GrabTaxi smartphone-based technologies to receive bookings in Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. With over 3.6 million downloads of the GrabTaxi mobile app around the region, GrabTaxi has become the market leader in Southeast Asia. Passengers can download the app to book taxis on their smartphones and tablets (iOS: http://bit.ly/grabtaxi-iOS, Android: http://bit.ly/grabtaxi-Android and BlackBerry: http://bit.ly/grabtaxi-Blackberry).

Epson, the number one Point-of-Sale (POS) printer manufacturer for the 5th year running

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The world leader in print solutions, Epson has been named the number one Point-of-Sale (POS) printer manufacturer in Southeast Asia for the 5th year running.

This is according to the latest research results from International Data Corporation (IDC), the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets.

Over the past 5 years, Epson has dominated the market, with results in 2013 showing the print solution leader holding steady at 45% market share in the overall Southeast Asia POS printer market. This means that almost every other POS printer purchased in 2013 was an Epson printer.

While figures vary in every market, Epson maintains the lead in all markets where it has a presence. In Singapore, Epson holds 61% of the total market share, while in Indonesia, Epson holds 54% of the market for POS printers. In the Philippines and Malaysia Epson holds a 1-in-3 share with 37% and 33% respectively, and in Thailand, Epson holds 45% of the POS printer market.

“POS systems are the backbone of many businesses from F&B to retail and can have a very big impact on things like productivity, efficiency and overheads, which is why we put so much effort into creating the best, most user-intuitive systems we can, and the results show in this great honor we have received,” says Koichi Endo, Managing Director of Epson Southeast Asia. “Being the number one POS printer for the past five years, however, does not mean we can rest on our laurels. We have a responsibility to our customers to live up to, and exceed their expectations. It is this dedication to innovation that has led to Epson being named Southeast Asia’s number one POS printers, and it continues to be a great honor.”

The strength of Epson’s POS printers – which has led to the past 5 years of being named Southeast Asia’s Number One POS Printer Brand – lies in the reliability of the systems coupled with a wide network of system integrators and top notch customer service and support. While Epson strives to meet and exceed their customers’ expectations it also ensures that its partners hold to the same high standard when dealing with their customers. 

Achieving the number one market share position in Southeast Asia is a mark of Epson’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

LAZADA sees rapid growth in first two years

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Now firmly established as number one e-commerce retailer in Southeast Asia

In just two years, Lazada has rapidly established itself as the number one e-commerce retailer in Southeast Asia. The Company has brought the convenience of internet shopping to customers across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. 

Lazada’s growth has been exponential, driven by its unique offering as an online shopping mall which understands the differing needs of consumers across a diverse region. The company has also tapped into the growing trend for consumers in Southeast Asia to shop online, particularly in rural areas where there are few physical retail stores. 

The company now receives over a million visits to its website every day and has state-of-the-art distribution centres in every market it operates. At the time of launch, the company had only a few employees, the headcount has now grown significantly which is reflected in their strong teams across the 5 regions. Lazada has raised approximately US $430 million dollars over the past two years from leading investors including JP Morgan, Kinnevik and Tesco, which has helped further fuel its growth. 

Lazada’s mobile application for the Android was launched in June 2013, with the applications for the iPhone and iPad launched in January 2014. Mobile phone sales now deliver a significant share of Lazada’s overall sales. 

Key Milestones 

· Mar 2012 : Lazada launches in Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia & Thailand

· Apr 2012 : Lazada serves its 3000th customer 

· Sep 2012 : JP Morgan invests in Lazada

· Nov 2012 : Kinnevik invests in Lazada 

· Dec 2012 : Lazada launches Marketplace; Summit Partners invest in Lazada

& Lazada introduces 12.12.12, SEA’s equivalent of Cyber Monday

· Mar 2013 : Lazada celebrates its 1st Anniversary 

· Jun 2013 : Lazada Mobile Application for Android devices launched

· Jun 2013 : Lazada launches Affiliate Program

· Jul 2013 : Lazada launches its own fleet of riders

· Dec 2013 : Tesco PLC, Access Industries, Investment AB Kinnevik and Verlinvest invest in Lazada & Lazada launches The Online Revolution

· Jan 2014 : Lazada Mobile Applications for iPhones and iPads launched 

· Mar 2014 : Lazada celebrates its 2nd Anniversary

Maximilian Bittner, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada said, “Lazada is a destination website which meets the demands of customers across a complex region. We have successfully broken down the barriers to e-commerce in these markets through solutions such as owning our own fleet of delivery vehicles and offering cash on delivery. The company has seen exponential growth over the past two years and we are now the leading online e-commerce business in Southeast Asia. I am proud to be leading a team of people who strive for perfection every day and work relentlessly to deliver incredible services to our customers”.

About Lazada

Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime. 

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph.

For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

ASEAN Integration: Are We Ready to Run with the Tigers?

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It has been years that the Philippines dubbed as the next tiger economy in the region. With the impending broad-based integration amongst member countries, how ready are we to run along with the more established states?

Are We Ready to Run with the Tigers?

The PMAP Annual Conference Directorate (L-R): Senior Adviser and PMAP Past President Barbie Atienza, DPM; Fellowship Sub-Chair Gwen C. Albarraccin; PR and Publicity Sub-Chair Bernardette M. Cunanan; Sub-Chair for Invitation and Protocol Emma Valeros-Cruz; Sub-Chair for Concurrent Sessions Gilbert T. Camasura, AFPM; Conference Chair and PMAP Vice President Luz Co-Laguitao, FPM; PMAP President Atty. Josephus B. Jiminez, FPM; Programs Deputy Chair and PMAP Past President Bong C. Austrero; Ways and Means Director and Past President Lina A. Aseneta, FPM; Ways and Means Sub-Chair and PMAP Secretary Maria Lourdes L. Fernando, FPM; PR and Publicity Director Jesse Francis N. Rebustillo; and Awards Director and PMAP Treasurer Teresita E. Dela Cruz, AFPM. 

The borderless future is today. With it comes a torrent of opportunities and parallel challenges that usher in a more complex and ambiguous world. Some turn to speed as the best response. Others bet on flexibility, and in this introspection find the enormous potential of a network with people at its center. 

Come 2015, that network of potential will realize itself as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) actualizes its vision of an integrated bloc to navigate the intricacies of a globalized world. ASEAN 2015 – the integration of Southeast Asia into one defense, cultural and economic community – signals our collective response to leverage on shared strengths. 

With the aim of helping in strengthening our country’s competitiveness and sustain our growth momentum, the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premier organization of people managers and HR professionals in the Philippines, has launched its 51st Annual Conference during the 593rd PMAP General Membership Meeting at Hotel Intercon, Makati City last February 26. This year’s theme is “Running with Tigers: Shared Identity, Common Destiny.”

The 2014 Annual Conference, which will be held at Waterfront Hotel – Lahug in Cebu from 17 to 19 September 2014, zeroes in on this journey as we reach out to our neighboring countries and chart the best business and People Management approaches to strengthen our competitiveness and sustain our growth momentum. We take our place in the league of ASEAN’s economic tigers as we run a race that fosters a shared identity and realize a common destiny. And at the heart of this integration is our belief in ASEAN’s caring and sharing community that values its people and aspires for equitable growth.

During the PMAP GMM, distinguished speakers presented timely topics that serve as drum rolls for bigger things to come at the conference in September. Convergys Corporation Managing Director for Asia and EMEA Marife B. Zamora talked about “Philippines Best HR Practices: What Makes Philippines Stand Out amongst the Other ASEAN Countries.” UP School School of Labor and Industrial Relations Dean Dr. Jonathan P. Sale meanwhile shared “Comparative Analysis of Labor Laws Across Ten ASEAN Nations: From Hiring to Retiring.” 

Faced with these regional and global imperatives, PMAP commits a three-day learning event animated by relevance, novelty and balance which will touch on Strategic HR vs. Operational and Functional HR; Trends vs. Core HR Competencies; Best Practices vs. New Ideas and HR Innovation; Issues and Challenges vs. Skills; Global Mindset vs. Local Pre-occupation; and other relevant topic.

As we brace ourselves for ASEAN 2015, we reaffirm our stand as People Managers and recognize that we are indeed "Running with Tigers" toward a Common Identity and a Shared Destiny.

For any inquiries about the 51st PMAP Annual Conference, please contact PMAP at tel. no. 726-1532 or email pmap@pmap.org.ph.

Vibal and HP are perfect partners now enables digital lifestyle with custom printing and technology solutions

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Perfect partners, togetherness beyond printing, Vibal Cloud Services (VCS) custom cloud technologies developed by Vibal in partnership with global brand Hewlett-Packard (HP).

(L-R) Noel Mendoza (Director of Application Services at HP Asia Pacific), Oran Sokol (General Manager-Digital Press, Asia Pacific/Japan, HP Indigo and Inkjet Web press), Agustin Ybud, President of the Printing Industries Association of the Philippines (PIAP); Kat Abelardo (PLDT SME Nation Vice President), Esther A. Vibal (Vibal Group Chair); Gaspar A. Vibal (President and CEO of Vibal Group), Toots Policarpio (DIWA executive director), Paolo Sibal (Vice President, Central Books Supply, Inc.) and Allan Hao Chin (President of Norde International Distributors).

Vibal-HP Open House and Technology Fair held at Vibal’s headquarters in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City last  presents us the printing innovations as milestone makes Vibal the country’s biggest digital publisher.

"These milestone initiatives validate Vibal’s transition into a business beyond printing. Ending the momentous event," shared by Vibal Group President and CEO Gus A. Vibal.

“Our custom cloud solutions will enable highly digital lifestyles and make everyday computing tasks simple, easy, and inter-connected, either physically, virtually, or both. Vibal offers custom cloud solutions that enable Filipinos to experience tomorrow’s technology today,” Vibal adds.

From accessible health records that verify an applicant’s medical history, store transactions that earn consumers special discounts to their favorite shops, and a national database that leads to fast, reliable disaster response efforts – cloud technology and mobile solutions will allow Filipinos to enjoy a truly 21st century lifestyle enabled by smart, mobile, and efficient solutions to everyday tasks and activities.

This is now possible with Vibal Cloud Services (VCS) custom cloud technologies developed by Vibal in partnership with global brand Hewlett-Packard (HP).

During the Vibal-HP Open House and Technology Fair held at Vibal’s headquarters in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, Vibal Group President and CEO Gus A. Vibal explained that with cloud, government agencies and private firms can take advantage of scalable, on-demand cloud computing to better service digital lifestyle users. The 2-day event gathered government agencies, local printers and publishers, as well as foreign guests to showcase Vibal’s grand forays in digital printing and technology solutions designed for government, education, health and private enterprise.

Another major HP acquisition: the HP T230 digital printer, which is the first installation of its kind in Southeast Asia. This milestone makes Vibal the country’s biggest digital publisher with the addition of the HP T230 to its existing HP Indigo 5500 digital press.

Mr. Vibal shared that data center and IT infrastructure costs can easily surpass PhP40 million – excluding maintenance and administration costs. On the other hand, cloud services subscription (less than PhP300,000 a year) can result to significant savings by paying only for cost-effective hosting and storage services.

Vibal’s venture is made possible through a partnership with HP Enterprise division –the largest global business unit of HP that offers servers, storage, sofware and information technology services that enable enterprise and midmarket business customers to manage their current IT environments and transform them into a business enabler.

Clients can now be offered such printing innovations like high-speed variable printing; world-class, secure, fast and individualized testing systems; as well as other print-on-demand services. The HP T230 offers 400-feet printing speed per minute for mono and full-color jobs; incorporates high-speed data processing based on HP Blade Servers; and supports printing with 100% variable content at full press speed. Print job applications include books-on-demand, personalized notebooks, journals, magazines, variable test booklets, checks and ballots and credit card statements, among others. 

Vibal’s global partnership with HP now extends to both digital printing and data center hardware and cloud services that can be utilized by various government agencies and private enterprises. In partnership with other global technology providers, Vibal’s technology suite of featured solutions now include systems integration, network design and infrastructure; mobile and systems software development, cloud data centers, content digitization and distribution; encryption and digital security servers; and network equipment.

Furthermore, under VCS, the widest spectrum of IT applications will be addressed, such as enterprise applications, high-performance computing (HPC) and analytics; accessible and durable storage; and cost-effective web applications. All sensitive data, applications, and other files will be hosted in a Tier-3.5 data center location – the first in-country data center facility accredited by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), has ISO 9001:2000, ISO 27001:2005, and ISO 14001:2004 certification, and touted as the first green data center in the Philippines. 

For further details, please call 988-5800 local 359;
visit www.vibalgroup.com, and email inquire@vibalgroup.com.