Equinix, one of the world’s largest digital infrastructure companies, has opened its first AI-ready data center in Chennai to accelerate India’s artificial intelligence and digital transformation push.
The new International Business Exchange facility, named CN1, was built on a six-acre site in Siruseri, Tamil Nadu, and marks the company’s second major foothold in India after Mumbai. The $69-million investment will initially house 800 data cabinets, with plans to expand capacity to 4,250.
Engineered for near-perfect uptime at 99.999%, CN1 is designed for the next wave of compute-heavy workloads, featuring liquid cooling systems critical for large-scale AI and machine learning applications.
Equinix said the Chennai site is strategically located near key submarine cable landing points, providing low-latency connectivity for global cloud and enterprise customers. The facility is also interconnected with Equinix’s Mumbai campus, allowing businesses in southern India to tap into its growing hybrid multicloud ecosystem.
The company emphasized sustainability, noting that CN1 supports renewable energy and energy-efficient designs as part of Equinix’s goal to achieve 100% renewable coverage.
With CN1, Chennai is poised to become one of India’s core AI and digital innovation hubs, reinforcing the country’s ambition to lead in emerging technologies.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been named the Best Bank in the Philippines at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, securing its position as the country’s top financial powerhouse.
BPI swept three major awards: Best Bank in the Philippines, Best Bank for SMEs, and Best Investment Bank for ECM, recognizing its aggressive push in financial inclusion, digital banking, and capital market leadership.
President and CEO TG Limcaoco said the recognition reflects the trust of BPI’s clients and the bank’s mission to build solutions that strengthen the economy and uplift communities.
In 2024, BPI recorded a record ₱62 billion net income, up 20 percent year-on-year, while onboarding 5 million new clients, many through its digital channels and third-party partnerships. It also became the first Philippine bank to power all its high-rise offices with renewable energy.
The bank’s Ka-Negosyo program helped small and medium enterprises access quick loans, while BPI Capital led landmark equity deals for top property firms.
Now in its 30th year, Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence recognize the world’s most outstanding banks for innovation, leadership, and performance in the global financial industry.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
A new Lenovo report reveals that 65% of IT leaders believe their current cybersecurity defenses are no match for AI-driven attacks, signaling a widening gap between enterprise protection and the rise of intelligent cyber threats.
The study, part of Lenovo’s Work Reborn: Reinforcing the Modern Workplace report, found that only 31% of organizations feel confident defending against AI-enabled threats that mutate, mimic users, and evade traditional detection systems.
Lenovo’s Digital Workplace Solutions executive Rakshit Ghura said that AI has “changed the balance of power in cybersecurity,” emphasizing the need to “fight AI with AI” through adaptive and intelligent defenses.
The report warns that generative AI has accelerated cybercrime, from deepfake impersonations to polymorphic malware and insider misuse of AI tools. Around 70% of IT leaders now view employee misuse of AI as a top concern.
To counter the threat, Lenovo is embedding AI protection across its devices and cloud systems through its ThinkShield platform and Cyber Resiliency as a Service (CRaaS).
The company says early users of CRaaS have achieved 99.5% threat detection and faster response times, proving that AI-powered security can turn cyber risk into cyber resilience.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
Andi Avalon turns on the charm in her eye-popping debut for CherryPimps with family roleplay scene Like Clockwork, co-starring Axel Haze and now streaming at CherryPimps.com.
The scene puts Avalon in the role of the ever-alluring stepmom, slipping upstairs at just the right moment to surprise her stepson. Waiting in bed with barely a stitch of clothing, Axel makes her seduction effortless as the two ignite into a playful, passion-filled encounter that proves some fantasies never go out of style.
Avalon said of her debut: “Filming with CherryPimps was such an amazing experience – everything about the set felt welcoming and fun. Axel was fantastic to work with, and the energy we had together really shows in the final cut. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the CherryPimps family, and I’m so excited for fans to finally see it!”
Fans can catch Like Clockwork exclusively at CherryPimps.com.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant goal but the defining force reshaping global business, leadership, and the very nature of work, according to VST ECS Philippines President and CEO Jimmy Go.
Speaking at the VST ECS CXO Tech Summit 2025 in Shangri-La Boracay, Go said the age of digital transformation has entered a new era where change occurs in weeks instead of years, pushing companies to rethink how they operate and compete.
“This brings us to a critical inflection point,” Go said. “The frontier has shifted in unprecedented ways. The map we once relied on is being redrawn by one powerful, undeniable force: Artificial Intelligence.”
He described this transformation as the dawn of what he called the Augmented Enterprise, where technology amplifies human capability instead of replacing it.
“We are now entering the era of Agentic AI,” Go said. “These are autonomous systems capable of making decisions, executing strategies, and collaborating like digital teammates.”
He said that AI’s emergence has turned digital transformation from a survival strategy into a competitive necessity that defines the future of every organization.
Yet Go cautioned that the success of AI depends on one fundamental factor: data.
“AI is only as powerful as the data it consumes,” he said. “Without high-quality, relevant, and timely data, even the most advanced AI systems are ineffective.”
He urged companies to examine whether they are collecting the right information and using it wisely.
“These are just some of the questions every organization must ask,” he said. “Are we collecting the right data? Are we using it wisely? Do we have the right tools to collect them? Are our data sources diverse enough to reflect the complexity of our business?”
Go said that leaders who act decisively now will define the competitive advantage of the next decade.
“The decisions you make today will shape the state of your business five years from now,” he said. “The competitive advantage will belong to those who act decisively, invest strategically, and lead with clarity.”
He said the potential impact of AI could exceed that of the internet, driving massive shifts in productivity, efficiency, and innovation.
“The AI revolution is going to be bigger than the Internet,” Go said. “We need to ask the question, what does AI mean to our respective businesses in the Philippines?”
He highlighted that AI is expected to contribute nearly two trillion dollars to the global economy by 2030, while generative AI could boost productivity by up to forty percent.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
Go said Southeast Asia is poised to lead this transformation because of its youthful population, robust infrastructure, and strong business adaptability.
“Our region is perfectly positioned to lead it,” he said. “This powerful combination of people, infrastructure, capital, and attitude is why the outlook here is so bright.”
He cited a recent survey showing that eighty-five percent of business leaders in Southeast Asia believe AI will be the single most critical factor for competitiveness.
Go said this optimism reflects a deep regional ambition to turn technology into tangible results.
He emphasized that beyond the promise of automation and analytics, the real challenge lies in upskilling the workforce to coexist with intelligent systems.
“The goal is no longer man versus machine, but man with machine,” he said. “We must upskill our workforce to be AI-literate and cultivate new talent focused on skills AI cannot replicate, like critical thinking, creativity, and strategic leadership.”
Go said the Philippines is well positioned to lead this transformation and that VST ECS aims to guide organizations toward successful adoption.
“At VST ECS, we see ourselves as your compass,” he said. “Our role is to connect you with the world’s most advanced technologies and the expertise to integrate them seamlessly into your strategy.”
He concluded by calling on leaders to embrace the challenge and lead with conviction.
“The next frontier of digital transformation is here,” Go said. “It is powered by AI, and the Philippines is poised to lead the charge.”
Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL), a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management, announced the successful brokerage of Vikings Group’s acquisition of a prime commercial lot in Magallanes, Makati City. The recently completed transaction positions Vikings Group to establish its new office headquarters in one of Metro Manila’s most coveted business locations.
JLL served as broker and consultant throughout the strategic transaction, leveraging its deep market expertise to facilitate this significant corporate real estate acquisition. The Magallanes commercial property represents a key strategic asset for Vikings Group as the company expands its presence in the Philippines’ central business district.
“This transaction exemplifies JLL’s deep understanding of Manila’s commercial real estate market and our ability to match clients with properties that align perfectly with their strategic objectives,” said Miguel Poblador, JLL Representative. “Makati continues to be the premier choice for corporate headquarters, offering unparalleled connectivity, infrastructure, and business ecosystem advantages. This acquisition positions Vikings Group in the heart of the country’s financial center, providing tremendous value for their operations and growth plans.”
The deal underscores the continued strong demand for quality commercial properties in Makati’s central business district, where multinational corporations and growing enterprises seek strategic locations that offer accessibility, prestige, and long-term value appreciation. JLL’s role in facilitating this transaction demonstrates the firm’s commitment to helping corporate clients make informed real estate decisions that drive business success.
JLL helps firms buy, build, occupy, and invest in various assets, including industrial, commercial, retail, residential, and hotel real estate. The company’s comprehensive market knowledge and advisory capabilities enable clients across industries—from tech startups to global enterprises—to navigate complex real estate transactions with confidence.
“We are committed to serving as trusted advisors for strategic real estate transactions that shape the future of business in the Philippines,” added Poblador. “This successful acquisition reinforces our ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients seeking premium commercial properties in Metro Manila’s most desirable locations.”
The Vikings Group acquisition reflects broader market trends showing sustained investor confidence in Makati’s commercial real estate sector, supported by the area’s robust infrastructure, connectivity, and established business community.
Billease is rewriting how Filipinos pay for daily essentials with its new “Everyday Spend Credit,” letting users scan or tap to pay anywhere—and decide later how to settle the bill.
The consumer finance app, one of the fastest-growing in the Philippines, now supports both QRPh and NFC Tap-and-Pay, unlocking instant credit access at over 600,000 stores nationwide. Customers can pay with Billease and either clear the balance on their next payday at zero interest or convert any purchase into light, flexible installments before the due date.
“Since we rolled out QRPh support in 2024, our customers have been able to use Billease anywhere QRPh is accepted,” said Georg Steiger, CEO and co-founder of Billease. “Now we’re taking it further with Pay Later flexibility.”
Billease’s model eliminates hidden fees, top-up requirements, and card restrictions, offering transparency and control rarely seen in consumer credit. Users only pay interest on what they keep, with the freedom to pay off anytime and save on interest.
As millions embrace cashless payments, Billease is betting that flexibility—not plastic—is the future of everyday credit in the Philippines.
Manulife Philippines today hosted its inaugural “Time to MOVE – Manulife Longevity Symposium” at Grand Hyatt Manila, bringing together over 500 healthcare experts, industry thought leaders, financial advisors, customers, colleagues, and partners to address one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: how to live not just longer, but better.
This milestone reflects Manulife’s deepening commitment to advancing the longevity movement in the country, building on similar initiatives across Asia.
The symposium served as a platform to share insights, foster collaboration, and inspire action toward healthier, more purposeful living. The event also marked the launch of Manulife MOVE, a holistic health program designed to encourage healthier habits through everyday movement and proactive lifestyle choices.
Central to the symposium were key findings from the Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which explored Filipinos’ perspectives, readiness, and concerns about aging and longevity. The survey revealed a shift in mindset: Filipinos are increasingly focused on the quality of life they want to experience as they age, rather than simply extending their lifespan.
As Filipinos embrace a new meaning of living longer and better, Manulife Philippines President and CEO Rahul Hora reaffirms the company’s commitment to empowering them with trusted guidance, expert insights, and financial tools to make confident, informed decisions about their future. 🇵🇭💚 Through its Longevity Symposium, Manulife continues to champion a future where Filipinos can live healthier, more rewarding lives at every stage. 🌿✨ #Manulife#RahulHora#LiveBetterLonger#FinancialWellness#Longevity#EmpowerFilipinos#HealthyLiving#FutureReady#FinancialConfidence
“As Filipinos redefine what it means to live longer and better, we at Manulife are committed to helping them achieve this vision with trusted guidance and financial tools to help them make informed decisions about their future,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
“This Longevity Symposium underscores our dedication to equipping Filipinos with relevant expert insights, comprehensive solutions and financial strategies that empower them to gain confidence and enjoy a healthier, more rewarding life as they grow older.”
Bridging health, finance, and purpose: Cross-sector collaboration in action
The symposium featured keynote sessions, interactive showcases, and expert panels exploring how individuals, industries, and communities can work together to extend health span, strengthen financial readiness, and enhance quality of life across all life stages.
Key symposium highlights included:
Preventive Health Innovation: Leading experts Dr. Jeremy Lim (CEO & Co-founder, AMILI), Dr. Natha Kumar (Head of Medical Affairs, Guardant Health), and Dr. Beverly Ho (Chief Health Officer, Ayala Health) showcased cutting-edge health solutions, including methods for prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and management of pressing health challenges.
Future of Retirement: In line with Manulife’s mission of delivering exceptional financial solutions and services, Aira Gaspar (President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines) and Elvin Tharm (Head of Retirement, Manulife Asia) gave a fast-paced presentation focused on busting the most common myths about retirement readiness.
How can we live better—and longer? 🌿💚 Manulife’s Global Head of Sustainability Ariel Kangasniemi joined brand ambassador Erwan Heussaff to explore how sustainability, equity, and health come together to help people live longer, better lives. From forest restoration to carbon sequestration, Manulife’s nature-based investments are driving climate resilience and building healthier communities for generations to come. #Manulife#Sustainability#LiveBetterLonger#ClimateAction#ESG#HealthyCommunities#NatureBasedSolutions#ErwanHeussaff#GreenInvestments
Living Better for Longer: Manulife Global Head of Sustainability and Climate Performance Management and Managing Director, Head of ESG – General Account Ariel Kangasniemi joined Manulife Philippines brand ambassador Erwan Heussaff in exploring how sustainability, equity, and health intersect to support longer, better lives. They highlighted Manulife’s nature-based investments—from forest restoration to carbon sequestration—as key drivers of climate resilience and community longevity.
“Our choices now impact our future. It does not take extreme efforts, sometimes, even the smallest steps such as choosing to eat healthy, getting enough sleep, learning from expert advice, when done consistently, help us to achieve our desired future,” shared Kangasniemi during the panel discussion.
Generational insights meet actionable solutions: From research to real change
A key highlight of the symposium was the launch of ManulifeMOVE, a holistic health program bringing together the right proposition, products, platforms, and partners to improve customer’s well-being at every stage.
Health Empowerment – With relevant insights, ManulifeMOVE aims to empower customers with the knowledge to understand the importance of preventive care and integrate these into my everyday life for improved overall wellness.
Partnership-driven Health Proposition – Linking up with industry partners, ManulifeMOVE will give customers access to discounted and exclusive offerson preventive services, quick diagnosis, effective treatments, and comprehensive support for recovery and ongoing health management.
Digital Health Experience – The MOVE section in the Manulife app will be a consolidated entry point for health solutions and journeys.
Health Solutions – Manulife’s comprehensive suite of health plans offers critical illness and life coverage from early diagnosis to recovery, supplementing Filipinos’ state-provided health insurance.
The launch was marked with interactive breakout sessions designed to translate insights into action. Participants engaged in four themed experiences—Live, Flex, Breathe, and Think— each offering practical guidance on nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and brain health. These sessions highlighted sustainable eating practices, physical exercises that help people stay strong as they age, stress management, and cognitive health tips, providing attendees with actionable advice that they could immediately incorporate into their daily routines.
For Manulife brand ambassador Anne Curtis, the message resonates personally: “While many Filipinos are aware of the importance of good health, there remains a gap between awareness and action. As a mom, I’ve realized how important it is to stay strong and healthy for myself and my family. Manulife’s Time to MOVE is such a meaningful reminder that caring for our bodies and minds is an investment in a longer, better future.”
Shaping better tomorrows: Strategic partnerships for national longevity
The symposium also served as a springboard for broader conversations about the role of private-public partnerships in shaping a healthier future for Filipinos. Discussions emphasized how strategic investments and institutional support can significantly contribute to helping individuals and communities prepare for the realities of longer lifespans.
“Filipinos are beginning to view their future through a new lens, with our survey revealing a rising emphasis on living well—prioritizing independence, financial stability, and overall quality of life,” Hora added. “There’s a clear opportunity to bridge the gap between aspiration and action through practical, preventive solutions that empower our kababayans to maintain their well-being and enjoy a more fulfilling future. At Manulife, we’re committed to turning these insights into action by offering solutions that support Filipinos in planning confidently, living meaningfully, and securing the future they envision.”
Manulife’s “Time to MOVE” symposium marks a pivotal moment in the company’s efforts to champion healthier and more confident living in an aging Philippines. By bringing together diverse voices and actionable insights, Manulife Philippines reinforces its commitment to supporting Filipinos at every stage of life and encouraging them to live longer and better, with health, purpose, and financial security at the core.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
When basketball meets artificial intelligence, magic happens. NBA China and Alibaba Cloud have teamed up in a multiyear collaboration that promises to change how millions of fans experience the game.
By harnessing AI and cloud computing, this partnership is about more than just streaming—it’s about creating an immersive, interactive, and intelligent basketball world built for the next generation of fans. Here’s a deep dive into eight groundbreaking innovations that will make watching and engaging with the NBA in China unlike anything before.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
At the heart of this partnership is a proprietary AI model powered by Alibaba’s Qwen foundational model. This specialized system will be fine-tuned using NBA China’s vast library of digital assets—game footage, player stats, and historical data—to create personalized, real-time content. Fans can expect live highlights, instant player insights, and data-driven basketball discussions tailored to their preferences.
Think of it as a digital courtside analyst who knows your favorite team and player inside out.
2. Next-Level Replays: The Real-Time 360 Replay Solution
Replays just got futuristic. Alibaba Cloud is introducing a Real-Time 360 Replay Solution that transforms how fans see the game. Using advanced AI algorithms, the system tracks every player’s movement and generates high-quality 3D visualizations of key plays.
Imagine being able to spin around a dunk, view a block from multiple angles, or relive a buzzer-beater shot in full spherical perspective. It’s not just a replay—it’s a 360-degree experience.
3. Interactive NBA House Powered by AI
The upcoming NBA China Games 2025 will give fans a taste of this tech revolution. At NBA House, Alibaba Cloud’s AI tools will allow visitors to create their own NBA-themed avatars and even record personalized commentary clips—using AI-generated voice clones based on their own speech samples. Fans won’t just watch the game; they’ll star in it. It’s the ultimate fusion of fandom, technology, and creativity.
4. The Cloud Powering Every Digital Experience
Behind the scenes, Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure will serve as the backbone for all of NBA China’s digital destinations. This includes the NBA App, the official league website in China, and even the NBA’s mini-programs across platforms like WeChat and Alipay.
By running these platforms on Alibaba’s robust cloud system, fans will enjoy faster load times, smoother streaming, and smarter personalization—no matter where they are in China.
Subscribe to continue reading
Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.
For 20 years, the A+ Ecosystem has defied the traditional rules of business—and it’s paying off. Built on the radical idea that people come before profit, this Philippine-born network of more than 20 companies has quietly created one of the most human-centered business empires in the country.
From its early roots in social enterprise Rags2Riches to today’s ventures in healthcare, marketing, retail, food, and technology, A+ has built more than just brands—it has built lives. “Each company was designed with purpose,” says Chairman Manny de Luna, explaining that A+ was never a random collection of startups but a deliberately crafted ecosystem built on empathy, collaboration, and heart.
Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at @BingXOfficial, explains that this transition is driven by regulatory clarity, growing institutional participation, and the adoption of blockchain infrastructure by financial institutions.https://t.co/9g5IW9X1VA
When the pandemic hit and companies worldwide were cutting jobs, A+ did the opposite. “We were single-minded in making sure nobody lost their jobs,” recalls Millie de Luna-Daluz, Chief Transformation Officer.
Subscribe to continue reading
Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.
