Smile Train and Lifebox Distribute Pulse Oximeters to Partner Hospitals, Organizations

Tweet

Under the global Smile Train-Lifebox Safe Surgery and Anesthesia Initiative, 24 treatment centers in the Philippines receive pulse oximeters for safer surgeries

Distribution of Lifebox Pulse Oximeters to the Cranio Facial Foundation of the Philippines

Distribution of Lifebox Pulse Oximeters to the Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, and Lifebox, a global nonprofit that saves lives through safer surgery and anesthesia, are distributing 40 pulse oximeters to 24 healthcare facilities in the Philippines, ultimately contributing to 52,000 safer surgeries in the Philippines over the next year.

“Smile Train has worked with Lifebox for over a decade to equip hospitals with essential monitoring tools that are not only necessary for cleft surgery but can be used for other medical procedures and in treating COVID-19. While Smile Train is working toward expanding our reach in more communities, we are also looking for more ways to support and invest in our local healthcare partners,” says Kimmy Coseteng-Flaviano, Smile Train’s Vice President, South East Asia.

In 2020, Smile Train and Lifebox launched the global Smile Train-Lifebox Safe Surgery and Anesthesia Initiative and together provided 8,800 pulse oximeters to support healthcare providers worldwide in responding to COVID-19. In 2022, the two organizations launched the Lifebox-Smile Train Pulse Oximeter to scale up access to anesthesia monitoring - to make 14 million surgeries safer. Pulse oximeters are needed to measure the blood's oxygen level and are essential for patient monitoring during anesthesia and in intensive care.

A recent report released by Smile Train and Lifebox, “A Critical Gap: Pulse Oximetry in Low- and Middle-Income Countries,” highlighted that 15% of operating beds in low- and lower-middle-income countries lack a pulse oximeter, with 42% of recovery beds unable to provide vital monitoring after surgery.

In the Philippines, Lifebox-Smile Train Pulse Oximeters have been distributed to Marikina St. Vincent General Hospital, San Fernando Hospital in Pampanga, Allegiant Regional Care Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, and Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City. More partner hospitals and organizations are expected to receive the pulse oximeters in the coming months. This work is part of 1,000 pulse oximeters currently being distributed to Smile Train partner hospitals worldwide for safer anesthesia care as part of the global Smile Train-Lifebox Safe Surgery and Anesthesia Initiative.

This 2023, Smile Train Philippines celebrates a landmark of more than 75,000 cleft surgeries performed. This remarkable feat is made possible by its dedicated network of partners including Lifebox, helping improve children’s access to surgery and providing comprehensive care to cleft-affected patients nationwide.

“By partnering with Lifebox to support the medical communities that our local partners operate in, Smile Train is ensuring safer surgery for every child with a cleft across the globe,” said Flaviano. Aside from the Philippines, countries including Kenya, Somalia, and Honduras have also received these pulse oximeters.

Inconsistent Government Policies Drive Frustrated APAC Corporate Leaders to Call for Clean Energy Coalitions

Tweet

BayWa r.e., a global renewable energy developer, independent power producer, service provider and solar distributor, today released its Asia Pacific (APAC) Energy Report, titled “Asia’s Climate Goals at Risk - the Urgent Need for Greater Accord”. While the report highlights much good progress being made with the renewable energy transition, the APAC region has reached a critical point. Headwinds and pressure in the region, such as the implications of the Russia-Ukraine war, lack of support from governments and volatile prices of energy and interest rates pose a serious risk to the pace of change and climate goals. Frustrated by inconsistent government policy, companies are taking the lead and calling for intercompany coalitions to advance sustainability goals.

The study is BayWa r.e.’s first report for the APAC region. It was conducted by Kantar, the world’s leading data, insights and consulting company and surveyed energy decision makers in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, The Philippines, and Vietnam.

Niranpal Singh, Managing Director Malaysia, BayWa r.e. Energy Solutions Sdn. Bhd

“Geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and inflation continue to be opposing forces for the energy transition in the Asia Pacific region. Challenges on the road to the transition will persist, and it will be imperative for corporates and governments to come together to overcome them. The APAC Energy Report has shown that corporate leaders are motivated to gather their peers and competitors and call for more public-private partnerships to fulfill the global net-zero goals. We hope that with this urgent call to action, substantial progress can be seen in green energy adoption within the APAC region.” Niranpal Singh, Managing Director Malaysia, BayWa r.e. Energy Solutions.

Key Findings

Slow government implementation of renewable energy policies and unpredictable policy environments in local markets are listed within the top three barriers indicated by respondents, at 36% and 33%, respectively. For example, 59% of respondents in Southeast Asia believe that instead of pushing for green energy, governments in this region will increase their support for fossil fuel-based energy in the next two to three years. While for corporations in Oceania and East Asia, 47% believe that government support for fossil fuel-based energy will remain unstable in the next two to three years. To help the transition towards green energy, 42% of APAC corporates believed that government tariffs on brown energy will support their organisation’s push towards renewable energy.

While the outlook for the renewable energy transition is one of challenges and obstacles to be overcome, the urgent need for change is recognized by APAC corporates. Close to half of the corporations surveyed have made energy transition a priority, with 48% of APAC companies aiming to increase the use of renewable energy by more than 40% over this decade. Within this group of companies, 79% are looking to achieve it in the next five years, providing cause for optimism.

Companies surveyed also saw the value in transitioning towards cleaner energy options, with 54% concluding that renewable energy will give companies a better image. Half of all respondents surveyed also agreed that utilising renewable energy would give them some kind of business advantage, and another 42% suggested that green energy would give them an advantage in talent recruitment and retention at a time when large scale commercial roof-top solar has become cheaper than subsidised power in Southeast Asia.

Accelerating the Transition

Corporate leaders surveyed for the report acknowledged the greater need for collaboration with peers and competitors and to accelerate the clean energy transition. Two-thirds (68%) of companies that are leading the change towards renewable energy strongly agree that companies should form coalitions and work together to achieve sustainability goals. The same number of respondents also indicated support for countries in APAC to work together to provide renewable energy.

The report concluded that the next decade would be critical in the region’s push towards its energy transition but will be made further challenging due to a multitude of issues such as geopolitics, international conflicts, rising costs of living and inflation, even as the climate crisis worsens.

The transition from traditional energy is now critical and must happen at a much greater pace. Corporate decision-makers must take the lead in powering the change within APAC and band together, while working with and putting pressure on governments, to accelerate this process and rapidly advance renewable energy adoption.

The report by BayWa r.e. and Kantar was conducted at the end of 2022. 346 energy decision influencers at organisations with 100 or more employees in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, The Philippines, and Vietnam were surveyed for the study. The report is part of a series of energy reports produced by BayWa r.e. The last report focused on U.S. corporate energy buyers and decision-makers in 2021. The APAC Energy Report can be downloaded here.

BayWa r.e. AG (BayWa r.e.):

At BayWa r.e. we r.e.think energy - how it is produced, stored and can be best used to enable the global renewable energy transition that is essential to the future of our planet.

We are a leading global developer, service supplier, solar distributor and solutions provider and have brought over 5 GW of energy online and manage over 10 GW of assets. We are also an Independent Power Producer with an expanding energy trading business.

BayWa r.e. works with businesses worldwide to provide tailored renewable solutions. Operating 100% carbon neutral, we are also committed to our own sustainability journey.

Every day, we are working hard to actively shape the future of energy in a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Our shareholders are BayWa AG, a €27.1 billion global business, and Energy Infrastructure Partners, a leader in energy infrastructure investment.

SM Cares unveils Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit, captivates moments of courage and hope

Tweet

A heartwarming exhibit, showcasing the unforgettable moments from the Pocketful of Sunshine fly-by event, was unveiled at SM City Clark on June 2, 2023. Organized in collaboration with SM Cares, SM City Clark, Angeles City Flying Club (ACFC), and Kythe Foundation, the exhibit aims to celebrate the indomitable spirit of courageous children with disabilities.

Representatives from SM Cares, SM City Clark, Kythe Foundation, Fotoklase, Focus Bulacan, Fujifilm volunteers, and UP Aviation Society during the launch of Pocketful of Sunshine Exhibit at SM City Clark

The Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit features a collection of photographs captured during the extraordinary fly-by event, which took place on March 19, 2023. Around thirty-one (31) children had the remarkable opportunity to embark on a breathtaking adventure in ultralight aircraft. These captivating images was taken by volunteer photography groups such as Fotoklase, Focus Bulacan, Fujifilm Photographers, and UP Aviation Society, that beautifully portray the joy, courage, and wonder experienced by the children during their airborne journey.

(L-R) SM City Clark Assistant Mall Manager John Louie Mutuc, Angeles City Flying Club President Tonet Rivera, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien C. Mateo, Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, Kythe Foundation Executive Director Dr. Angie Sievert-Fernandez, and SM Cares Asst. Vice President Richard A. Caluyo

To mark the launch of this touching exhibit, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held, graced by the presence of Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SVP for SM Supermalls and Director of SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities; Dr. Angie Sievert-Fernandez, Executive Director of Kythe Foundation; Mr. Tonet Rivera, President of Angeles City Flying Club; and Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, symbolizing the opening of a world filled with boundless dreams and possibilities for children facing cancer and chronic illnesses.

"We are honored to showcase the incredible moments captured during the Pocketful of Sunshine fly-by event," expressed Engr. Mateo. "This exhibit serves as a testament to the resilience and bravery of these extraordinary children. It is our collective hope that their stories of courage will inspire others to believe in the power of dreams and create an inclusive environment for all.”

The Pocketful of Sunshine exhibit promises to be an uplifting and heart-touching event, celebrating the strength of these young warriors. Their remarkable journey, immortalized through the lens of compassionate photographers, serves as a reminder of the importance of collective support and fostering accessible experiences for children facing health challenges.

Mall-goers can visit the exhibit from until June 8, 2023 at The Event Centre near Foodcourt of SM City Clark.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

'Connections Wellbeing Philippines' Inspires Growth of Wellness Tourism in the Philippines

Tweet

● Over $10million USD negotiated inbound spend within 12 months following event

● Reasons for visiting include the country’s unspoiled natural beauty and Filipino hospitality

● Spa and health facilities, as well as nutrition, relaxation, and sustainability lead the way in wellness trends.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and Connections Luxury, have successfully launched a bid to establish the Philippines as a luxury wellness destination in addition to its long-standing reputation for beach, dive and leisure travel.

From April 16-19, Connections Luxury, the international private community for trusted decision-makers in luxury travel, welcomed 40 leading agencies from markets including the UK, US, Brazil, South Africa, Australia and Portugal to the inaugural Connections Wellbeing Philippines event. Industry leaders attended with the objective of forging long-lasting business relationships with selected luxury hotels, boutique properties and experience providers from the destination.

Before travelling, 60% of the agencies had identified the Philippines as a new destination for their high-net-worth clients. Following the event, declared reasons to promote the Philippines to luxury clients included its unspoiled natural beauty, the Filipino hospitality, its authenticity compared to other southeast Asian destinations and its wellbeing opportunities. Connections Wellbeing Philippines has since boosted the confidence of agencies to sell the destination, with predicted inbound spend within the next 12 months from attending agencies rising to over $10million USD; a 1,611% increase compared to projected sales prior to the event.

“We are proud to have hosted the inaugural Connections Wellbeing event. The Philippines has so much to offer as our facilities bridge Western and Eastern treatments in their holistic wellness programs,” shared Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board.

Delegates also had the opportunity to discuss wellness tourism trends and the immense growth potential in the Philippines. A poll completed by attendees revealed that clients interested in wellness travel prioritise spa and health facilities, followed by nutrition, relaxation, and sustainability. Discussions that followed brought to light the increasing demand for customised and personalised wellness experiences. Guests seek tailored programmes that address their specific health needs, preferences, and goals.

Nograles added, “Beyond increasing tourism arrivals, we also look at the economic impact of the quality of tourists we bring to the Philippines. The luxury industry promises to yield strong economic results across accommodations, retail, and our food and beverage sectors.”

Participants emphasised the significance of collaboration amongst government organisations, luxury travel agencies, wellness resorts, and medical professionals to better educate clients on the comprehensive wellness experiences the Philippines can offer.

About Connections Luxury:

Connections is the international private community for trusted decision-makers in luxury travel. The brand brings together the industry’s most respected travel agents and suppliers throughout the year, in destinations across the world. Connections is the next generation of doing business.

Connections has pioneered the Connections Way - a proven series of proprietary methodologies and approaches designed to create long-lasting business relationships between its members. Since its inception in 2014, Connections has hosted over 50 global events, giving decision makers the opportunity to meet through memorable experiences and educational debates.

Connections Luxury is based in London and forms part of Jacobs Media Group, the global voice for the travel and hospitality industries. In 2020, Jacobs Media Group won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise International trade. Jacobs Media Group was recognised in the 2020 awards for outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales, having expanded its global business in the previous three years by over 50%.

66.6% of total malware is delivered through PDF files attached to malicious emails: Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 Research

Tweet

Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, recently released the Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report Vol.2. The report highlights the current trends in malware while providing a detailed analysis of the most common types of malware and their distribution methods.

According to the research, 66.6% of total malware is delivered through portable document format (PDF) files attached to malicious emails. PDF files are commonly used in a business environment, and victims are less likely to be wary of an expected file type, versus unexpected file types like EXEs. They could also simply be unaware that this type of file could be used for nefarious purposes.

Most people are aware of warnings against clicking strange links in emails, so PDF phishing schemes could fly under their radar better than a text-based email with just a plain link. Naming conventions expected in a business context like invoice_AUG_4601582.pdf or Updated Salary Evaluation could lure unsuspecting targets into opening these attachments. The attachments themselves might contain a URL link to click, or a button that sends victims to a website with a malicious purpose.

In countries like the Philippines where phishing is one of the most prevalent scams, this trend emphasizes that Filipinos have to be familiar with social engineering tactics as these play a crucial role in making an attack successful.

"Today's threat actors are like shape-shifting masters, continuously adapting their tactics to slip through the cracks of our interconnected network. With a cunning blend of evasion tools and camouflage methods, the bad actors have weaponized the threats,” says Steven Scheurmann, Regional Vice President, ASEAN at Palo Alto Networks. "They have become adept at exploiting vulnerabilities, and by the time security researchers and software vendors close the door on one vulnerability, cybercriminals have already found the next door to creak open. Organisations must, therefore, simultaneously guard against malware designed to exploit older vulnerabilities while proactively staying ahead of sophisticated new attacks."

Other key findings from the report include:

● Exploitation of vulnerabilities has increased by 55%, compared to 2021.

● Linux malware is on the rise, targeting cloud workload devices; an estimated 90% of public cloud instances run on Linux. The most common types of threats against Linux systems are: botnets (47%), coinminers (21%) and backdoors (11%).

● ChatGPT scams: Unit 42 saw a 910% increase in monthly registrations for domains, both benign and malicious, related to ChatGPT.

● Cryptominer traffic doubled in 2022.

● Newly Registered Domains: Threat actors were found more likely to target people visiting adult websites (20.2%) and financial services (13.9%) sites with newly registered domains (NRDs).

● Malware aimed at industries using OT technology is increasing: The average number of malware attacks experienced per organization in the manufacturing, utilities and energy industry increased by 238% (between 2021 and 2022).

"As millions of people use ChatGPT, it's unsurprising that we see ChatGPT-related scams, which have exploded over the past year, as cybercriminals take advantage of the hype around AI. But, the trusty email PDF is still the most common way cybercriminals deliver malware," says Sean Duca, VP and Regional Chief Security Officer at Palo Alto Networks. 

"Cybercriminals, no doubt, are looking at how they can leverage it for their nefarious activities, but for now, simple social engineering will do just fine at tricking potential victims. Organisations must therefore take a holistic view of their security environment to provide comprehensive oversight of their network and ensure security best practices are followed at every level of the organisation."

The Unit 42 Network Threat Trends Research Report Vol.2. presents a comprehensive analysis of global telemetry data collected from Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), Cortex Data Lake, Advanced URL Filtering, and Advanced Wildfire.