A Culture of Doing Good: SM invests in quality education through Asia Pacific College

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Asia Pacific College (APC), a part of the SM group, continues to invest back in its students and the school through degree programs certified by international and local standards institutions. With a grand vision of university status on the horizon and strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions such as the University of Adelaide to bolster the quality of education it provides, APC is proving that it is in the business of social good.

A group of freshman students pose for the camera during their student orientation at the APC Auditorium as the school year 2024-2025 starts.

The SM group’s advocacy in championing education was realized when SM founder Henry Sy, Sr. through SM Foundation, Inc. partnered with IBM Philippines to establish APC in 1991 as a non-stock, non-profit institution.

“APC envisions becoming a leading institution in the region,” said APC President Dr. Ma. Teresita ‘Tata’ Medado. “Aiming to become a university is our mission in the next 4 to 5 years. APC has proven excellence in innovative teaching and learning. It is our goal to expand programs and reach out to more students especially those from underserved communities.”

At the start of the year, APC received certification from the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) for the following programs: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Multimedia Arts. APC holds the distinction of being a Center of Excellence in IT Education since 2007 and a Center of Development in Computer Engineering since 2009.

APC’s computer engineering, computer science, information technology and multimedia arts programs are now certified by the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Standard.

The AUN-QA certification indicates that the programs recognized have met the high standards of quality in terms of teaching, research, and overall academic delivery.

“This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to providing top-tier academic programs,” added Dr. Medado.

APC’s international accolade is further complemented by its consistent delivery of quality education retaining its Autonomous Status from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for seven consecutive years. The status was granted by CHED citing APC’s steady high performance in areas such as curriculum development, faculty qualifications, research output, and community service.

Meaningful partnerships

The institution first established a landmark partnership with Carnegie Mellon University- Australia (CMU-A) in 2022 and continues to expand its collaboration with the University of Adelaide (UofA) in 2024. This led to the delivery of capacity-building programs for faculty, staff, and government professionals, with the support and funding from Australia Awards Scholarships, a program offering candidates from a wide range of countries to undertake postgraduate studies in Australia.

Student welfare is also a part of APC’s initiatives with the recently launched Digital Defender Program in the last quarter of 2024 together with Gogolook, a key player in the TrustTech industry. The Taiwan-based developer introduced the Whoscall application, a global anti-scam software that provides users with top tools and free features to help them avoid online scams.

APC students join the launch of GogoLook’s Digital Defender program, a new partnership of the college to equip the community with cybersecurity measures for an empowered and safer digital space.

“We seek to empower students with greater awareness of online safety and cybersecurity through this app,” said Dr. Medado.

“The value of GogoLook extends to professional ethics and character formation. We are preparing our students to become responsible global citizens,” she added.

As part of APC’s vision to become a university, Dr. Medado said the school aims to be more responsive to industry needs in order to bring access to quality education for all.

For the coming year, APC aims to uphold the standards of quality education that it has set in its QS 5-star ratings across four categories namely: inclusivity through a wide array of scholarships; online learning via Hyflex (Hybrid-Flexible), which emphasizes empathy, equity, and engagement; flexible teaching methods; and, employability with 92.8% of graduates securing key positions in the industry.

APC is now focusing on improving the category of internationalization emphasizing transnational collaborations, exchange programs, international students, and other related initiatives.

This is aligned with its mission of giving educational opportunities through differentiated and enhanced pathways to help develop productive citizens of the global economy.

HONOR Leads the Fight Against Deepfake, To Intro AI That Detects Face-Swaps in MWC 2025

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Discover more about this AI Tech at HONOR MWC 2025

As AI-generated deepfakes become a growing concern for businesses and individuals, HONOR unveils its pioneering AI Deepfake Detection feature in 2024. This advanced technology offers unmatched precision in identifying fabricated content by analyzing eye contact, lighting, image clarity, and video playback.

Deepfakes pose significant threats and risks, with nearly half of companies worldwide reporting incidents in 2024, according to industry reports. HONOR’s innovative solution immediately alerts users to potential deepfake content, protecting their privacy and increasing their digital security.

“With mobile devices storing vast amounts of personal data, AI Deepfake Detection is a powerful tool to combat fraud and privacy risks, enabling individuals and industries to thrive in a secure digital environment.” said Marco Kamiya, UNIDO Representative.

The alarming growth of deepfake attacks, with a 244% increase in incidents reported between 2023 and 2024, emphasizes the urgency of such advancements. Many companies still lack protocols to address these risks, leaving individuals and businesses open to fraud and privacy breaches. HONOR's technology provides a timely response, empowering users to navigate the digital world with greater confidence.

For more information and announcements during HONOR MWC 2025, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Experts highlight optimistic outlook for cryptocurrency in 2025 at GCrypto learning session

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As the cryptocurrency market gears up for 2025, leading finance super app GCash recently unveiled key insights into Bitcoin's cyclical journey, the rise of innovative trends like AI-driven trading and meme coins, and the best practices for navigating this dynamic landscape.

(L-R) Chainalysis regional sales director Diederik van Wersch, Blockchain analyst and developer Tracy Li, Chainalysis head of policy in Asia Pacific region Chengyi Ong and Securities and Exchange Commission assistant director Patrick Patricio

In a recent BitBulaga educational program, crypto experts sat down for a fireside chat to share their 2025 forecasts and best practices for those who plan to invest in the crypto industry. The panel included GCash head of GCrypto Luis Buenaventura, along with crypto key opinion leaders Gilbert “Titovlogs” Lazaro, Gerome “Kuyang Gerome” Lazaro, and Aldrin “Crypto4chun” Rabino.

The panelists agreed that Bitcoin is experiencing rising adoption from traditional institutions, including banks, governments, and world organizations. While new crypto players may lead 2025, the pioneering currencies (referred to as OG by crypto experts) will continue to follow the Bitcoin cycle.

The Bitcoin Cycle and Where We Are Today

Unlike traditional financial instruments, Bitcoin and the rest of the cryptocurrency industry move in four-year cycles. These cycles are typically bookended by the so-called Bitcoin Halving, a once-in-four-year event that reduces the issuance of Bitcoin and increases its scarcity. The Halving was envisioned as a market catalyst– which would trigger more trading activity and attention as the available supply of the asset was diminished.

The most recent Bitcoin Halving occurred in April 2024, and Bitcoin’s price, along with the prices of many other cryptocurrencies has been on a steady rise since. As the industry enters into its second-year post-halving, the expectation is that there will be a substantial increase in prices across the board.

However, the landscape has evolved significantly over the last year, as new players vie for attention. Experts highlight meme coins and AI agents as the next major trends.

Gilbert Lazaro, aka Titovlogs, said that the biggest players of 2025 will be the alternative currencies. In particular, the panel further dived deep into innovative platforms such as Trump Politifi Tokens, DeFAI, the Hyperliquid Ecosystem, and DeSci (Decentralized Science). Trump Politifi Tokens are politically inspired but give investors a sense of community. DeFAI is a convergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) and artificial intelligence, The Hyperliquid Ecosystem addresses inefficiencies in the crypto market by enhancing liquidity across exchanges and scaling blockchain performance. Decentralized Science (DeSci) is reshaping research through blockchain technology, democratizing funding, enabling open-access data, and incentivizing collaboration via tokenized rewards.

"These emerging cryptocurrencies began as real-world assets. These Alt(ernative) coins will be the biggest players of 2025," said Lazaro.

Best practices for navigating cryptocurrency

Buenaventura and Rabino advised diversifying buying behavior not just in terms of portfolio diversification but also the timing of purchases over the next few years. While the cycle is set, the exact timing of the rise and fall in prices remains uncertain. To mitigate risks, investors are encouraged to make purchases at different intervals throughout the Parabolic Stage in addition to diversifying their portfolios.

"If you want to be conservative, what I do is I buy many times throughout the cycle with small incremental profits but less risk," said Buenaventura.

GCash gathers top stakeholders for ethical crypto industry

Aside from learning the know-how of cryptocurrency, GCash together with Chainalysis and BitPinas also hosted an event entitled “CryptoPH Compliance Conversations”, where top stakeholders exchanged insights on the importance of crypto compliance amidst the evolving industry landscape and regulatory shifts driven by the new US administration.

It gathered key people in the industry like Atty. Paolo Ong of the PhiliFintech Innovation Office (PIO) of the Securities and Exchange Commission along with Atty. Patrick-Duane Patricio of the Cybercrime and Forensics Division of the SEC. Joining the conversations were representatives from US-based blockchain research firm Chainalysis, as well as key personalities from universal banks, digital banks, virtual asset service providers, and other fintech players.

GCash head of wealth management Arjun Varma said, "An ethical crypto industry harmonizes innovation with responsibility. It ensures transparency, embraces sustainable practices, and prioritizes the well-being of communities. By addressing environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and social equity, we can build a blockchain future that is not only prosperous but also principled and inclusive."

For #TeamGalaxy, they found a true AI Companion with the Galaxy S25 Series

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Samsung recently unpacked the future at the recent Galaxy AI Future Lab held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The event highlighted the groundbreaking AI features of the Galaxy S25 series – Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 – with helpful personal insights from the members of #TeamGalaxy.

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Catriona Gray, Erwann Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, AC Bonifacio, Ninong Ry and other #TeamGalaxy members share their thoughts on the new Galaxy S25 series

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#TeamGalaxy were definitely excited about Samsung’s latest flagship phones, which offer unprecedented performance and a perfect camera experience.

Content creation like never before

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray praises the upgrades of the Galaxy S25 series, especially with content creation. She says, “For me, the Galaxy S25 Series has powered up by combining improved specs in their software with incredible cameras. As a content creator and creative, having a device that’s able to capture every moment - may it be a super zoomed in crisp night shot at a concert, a high-res selfie or a macro product shot - and with the new Pro Visual Engine & Virtual aperture is incredible”.

Moreover, the new Audio Eraser feature resolves the biggest struggle of many content creators and even concert-goers. This unique AI feature identifies various sounds such as crowd, traffic, and natural noises and allows you to lower the volume or eliminate the unwanted ones. Dancer and actress AC Bonifacio agreed, “That is always my main problem when I go to concerts. I always want to record but I want to sing my heart out, and I wanna enjoy it with my friends, and Samsung got us that way to be able to do both and still be able to post stories.”

Talking about concerts, this series also boasts enhanced Nightography, which is also perfect for capturing moments even in the dark. Content creator Ry Velasco expressed in excitement, “Usually madilim sa mga concerts and minsan kailangan mo pa i-adjust yung exposure and magkakaroon ng texture [noise]. Then sa concerts, bawal yung big cameras, so feeling ko yun [Galaxy S25 series] yung pinaka-perfect phone for that.” (Usually, it’s dark in concerts and sometimes you still have to adjust the exposure which creates noise. Then in concerts big cameras are prohibited, so I feel like the Galaxy S25 series is the most perfect phone for that.)

The increased zoom range and the new 50MP ultra-wide camera are a huge help for people who are always on-the-go like internet personality and influencer Denisse Sy who shared, “The upgrade that struck me the most is the jump from a 12 megapixel to 50 megapixel. So as a user of the back camera, almost all of my content is always shot on that. So knowing that this is reliable, knowing that my 0.6 is always crisp, it's vibrant, it's clear, I know that I will always have the best footage. So I'm so excited for that one.”

Your true AI Companion for productivity

If you are a busy person and need a boost in productivity, Galaxy AI has your back! Agribusiness entrepreneur, co-founder of Bolzico Beef, Chingolo Restaurant, and Petchola pet food Nico Bolzico shared how the Galaxy S25 Series has helped him with his day-to-day activities via Gemini Live. “It allows you to move from app to app in a seamless way. If you are doing more than one thing, like the family, taking my kids to school, or if I have to go to Chingolo the restaurant, and I have to deal with some stuff in other projects, it’s very easy to have the Galaxy S25 Series because you can easily send commands,” he said.

The latest Now Brief feature assists you in getting your job done in the most efficient and productive way. Erwan Heussaff, James Beard Awardee and founder of The Fat Kid Inside Studios and co-founder Chingolo Restaurant with Nico Bolzico, shared, “Nowadays, the most time consuming aspect of my work is the planning and all the admin stuff. My least favorite thing to do, but probably the most important. So having the Now Brief which provides personalized daily briefings including weather updates, meeting reminders, and traffic conditions, stands out for its utility in daily planning. Just helps start my day”.

Meanwhile, Ninong Ry relates his insights on the Now Brief in terms of his content-making experience. He said, “Nand’yan din ‘yung sasabihin niya sa’yo kung uulan ba ngayon. Very essential ‘yun ah. Lalo na kung mayroon kaming outside shoot lalo ‘yung mga camping shoots namin. Para kung uulan, hindi nalang kami tutuloy. Mag-sustudio shoot nalang kami. So sobrang essential talaga niyon para sa amin”. (The feature says if it’s going to rain today. That’s very essential for our team particularly during outside or camping shoots since it informs us on the weather report for that day. So in case it rains, we proceed shooting at the studio).

Overall, the features of the Galaxy S25 Series are a big yes for the #TeamGalaxy, just like how it will be for all its users. From making better content with its videography and photography AI features to more saved time and more tasks accomplished with the Gemini Live and Now Brief, the Galaxy S25 Series is the true AI companion.

Buy the Galaxy S25 series now and save up to 8,000 when you trade in your old device. Go to samsung.com/ph or visit any Samsung Experience Store and authorized stores near you!

Learn more about the Galaxy S25 series and buy now by visiting https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s25-ultra/buy/.

Terms and conditions apply. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-210417, 211068 Series of 2025.

Creating a Culture of Care: SLGS Philippines Drives Impactful Change Through CSR and Sustainability Initiatives

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Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines, the Global Capability Centre of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, continues to give back to the community making a positive impact on society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability efforts. By focusing on initiatives that promote care, social well-being and sustainability, we aim to build a better future for communities and the nation.

Expanding Care Across Communities

SLGS Philippines continued to support children in need through volunteer and donation efforts in various impactful events. Recently, an activity was held at the Special Children Education Institute in Pasig, where SLGS employees engaged students in games, a gift-giving ceremony, and donated emergency go-bags.

The ‘Adopt-a-Child for a Day’ program was also conducted at the Marikina Riverbanks Carnival where employees spent a day with the kids of Virlanie Foundation. For the past two years, SLGS Philippines has run the program, which provides care, joy, and encouragement to children facing challenges, thereby, contributing to their well-being and personal development.

Lastly, a donation drive of grocery items and school supplies was also held at Asilo de San Vicente De Paul Orphanage in Paco, Manila.

Building Careers Through Scholarships

SLGS scholarship program, aimed at nurturing talented students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), awards scholarships to 10 students each year based on academic performance and financial needs. This program helps students pursue higher education without financial burdens, and to date, two scholarship recipients have already been hired by the company.

Sustainability at SLGS Philippines

SLGS Philippines is committed to sustainability through green office initiatives and responsible IT practices. Recently, SLGS launched an indoor vegetable-growing project, which produced lettuce and pechay, offered to employees or included in meals during meetings. In addition, the teams are also helping reduce waste through a partnership with Green Space, a food waste composting company that helps divert food waste away from landfills through bokashi composting.

Additionally, SLGS has donated over 500 refurbished business-grade laptops and desktops to eight underprivileged public schools in Metro Manila. This donation supports sustainability by reducing tech waste and promoting the reuse of IT equipment.

These initiatives underscore SLGS’s commitment to creating an inclusive and better environment for all. The company’s culture of care focuses on supporting the well-being of clients, helping them achieve financial security and live healthier lives, while also prioritizing the well-being of employees and communities.

Tarun Sareen, Managing Director of SLGS, shared, “We aim to nurture a Purpose-driven and values-led culture where everyone is inspired to do the best work of their lives and thrive in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We want our employees to feel proud to be part of an organization that genuinely cares for its ecosystem and feel motivated and empowered to further build on their spirit of volunteerism.”

Moving forward, SLGS Philippines is eager to explore new opportunities to extend its culture of care to children and individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities, while continuing to support sustainability.

Nathalie Bernardo, Vice President and Site Head of SLGS Philippines, said, “Our culture of care is at the core of everything we do. It begins with thoughtful planning and a commitment from the organization and extends beyond through the dedication of our employees. We empower and encourage our people to care for our communities, driving meaningful and tangible impact on the communities we serve.”

To learn more about SLGS Philippines, visit https://www.sunlife.com/slgs/en/