Tag: news

Alibaba Cloud’s ISV program in full swing!

Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, is launching a series of new initiatives to further empower its ecosystem partners.

These initiatives include the launch of an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Acceleration Program, a training empowerment program for partners, and new incentives to reward partner excellence.

The ISV Acceleration Program aims to help ISVs accelerate their business growth by providing them with technical support, marketing resources, and access to Alibaba Cloud’s global customer base. The training empowerment program will provide partners with training and certification programs to help them develop their skills and knowledge.

Additionally, Alibaba Cloud will offer new incentives to reward partner excellence, such as discounts on cloud services and priority access to technical support.

These initiatives are part of Alibaba Cloud’s strategic roadmap for international business, which includes a commitment to invest USD1 billion to boost ecosystem capabilities and support the growth of technology startups in Asia Pacific.

“We are committed to growing together with our global partners and providing them with even stronger support to expand their businesses into Southeast Asia and beyond,” said Edward Cai, Chief Commercial Officer, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence at the company’s Partner Summit 2023 in Singapore.

“All new initiatives underscore how much value we place on our partners. Together with our partners’ industry know-how, technology capabilities and market insights, we can deliver significant benefits to our customers.”

Alibaba Cloud’s ISV Acceleration Program was launched to provide global ISVs with new financial incentives and more robust technical support to expand their business opportunities in Southeast Asia.

As part of the program, the cloud leader will help its ISV partners to optimize the marketplace listing fee on Alibaba Cloud’s marketplace platform, and expand the product sales through Alibaba Cloud’s sales team and its vast network of channel partners.

Alibaba Cloud also pledges to enhance technical support for global ISV partners, offering comprehensive technical enablement resources to help them build, publish and operate their solutions on the cloud platform.

In addition, the company will invest to co-develop customized products and solutions with its ISV partners, in order to meet the diverse digital transformation demands from customers across Southeast Asia.

ISV partners including Neo4J (graph database provider), 6Estates (AI fintech platform), One2Cloud Pte Ltd (multi-cloud solution and blockchain services provider) and SCash Global Pte Ltd (technology innovation SaaS company) have already joined the acceleration program to get the most benefits from their partnership with Alibaba Cloud.

At the same summit, the APAC cloud leader also announced the launch of a new training empowerment portal for global partners.

The Alibaba Cloud Partner Empowerment Portal provides product and service trainings and certifications, educational content on topical technology developments, as well as resources and tools to increase partners’ service capabilities.

The portal aims to empower 500 global partners including channel partners, Managed Service Partners (MSPs) and ISVs in the current financial year, with training topics covering cloud, AI, Web3 and more.

To bring more tangible benefits to Alibaba Cloud’s partners outside China, the company also announced a series of new financial incentives including discounts and rebates for rewarding resellers and distributors as well as some joint go-to-market initiatives.

This is part of the USD1 billion investment that Alibaba Cloud announced in 2022 in order to support its global partners’ technology innovation and their market expansion.

“Our new initiatives showcase our unwavering commitment to helping our global partners thrive and innovate on Alibaba Cloud,” said Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

“Partners play an essential role in enhancing and delivering Alibaba Cloud’s services and offering to our global customers. Together with partners, we can bring world-class technologies, products and solutions to our customers for their greater business success.”

During the summit, Alibaba Cloud also unveiled deeper collaboration with its ecosystem partners. The cloud leader has announced its new collaboration with IBM to provide a best-in-class security solution for businesses across APAC.

The security solution integrates features of IBM’s security products – QRadar SIEM and QRadar SOAR – as well as Alibaba Cloud’s wide range of security capabilities.

It provides services including real-time reporting and centralized visibility into the cloud environment to detect threats such as ransomware, insider threats and cloud attacks.

The co-developed solution aims to mitigate mounting cybersecurity risks while creating a secure, stable and protected cloud environment for clients during their digital transformation journey.

Another collaboration unveiled is with Avalanche, a leading blockchain platform, providing a launchpad for businesses to rapidly deploy metaverses on the Avalanche public blockchain.

Cloudverse is a one-stop solution for businesses to seamlessly customize, launch and maintain their own metaverse space, creating new dimensions for engaging with customers.

Alibaba Cloud also announced collaboration with training partners to bolster talent development in Southeast Asia. With the target to train 100,000 general public talents in the region by the current financial year, the SEA Talent Empowerment Program aims to attract training partners to contribute to the talent development drive.

The initial training partners include Rahi Systems (information technology services and solutions provider), Solutions for Asia (security service solution provider), Lightning Cloud (multi-cloud operation solution platform) and Edu360 Cloud (digital certification service platform).

The leading cloud service provider recognized a wide range of partners for their collaboration and innovation in contributing to customers’ success over the past year.

The Asia Partner of the Year honors eight partners including IBM, AI Rudder (from Singapore), LGMS Berhad (from Malaysia), PT Sigma Cipta Caraka (from Indonesia), and Digital One (from Hong Kong).

Alibaba Cloud currently works with about 12,000 partners worldwide, including Salesforce, VMware, Fortinet, IBM and Neo4j.

16th May 2023
Huawei’s P60 Pro now available for pre-order in PH

The HUAWEI P60 Pro is a smartphone that is expected to appeal to Filipino users who love photography and appreciate art. It integrates smart imaging and technological aesthetics, reinterprets the classic HUAWEI P Series design language, and makes industry-leading advancements in mobile imaging innovation.

The latest flagship has a fully upgraded optical system and is the first in the industry to come equipped with an Ultra Lighting Telephoto Camera with Multiple Lens Groups, which can boost light intake with hardware that does not affect the device’s thin and lightweight build.

The P60 Pro’s display is a real feast for the eyes, capable of displaying the full 1.07 billion color gamut, and the LTPO OLED screen is as sumptuous as it sounds.

The smartphone is a work of art and a leader in camera innovation, with 4815 mAh high-capacity batteries that support 66W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge and 88W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge, 50W wireless fast charging, and 7.5W reverse wireless charging.

The HUAWEI P60 Pro’s camera module design is themed as “The Eye of Light” as it places the most commonly-used main camera at the centre of the lens module.

The super telephoto and super wide-angle lenses are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the main camera, presenting a Classic Camera Array.

With a suspended transparent layer built atop of the device, it creates an illusion of a slimmer device while allowing the Ultra Lighting Main Camera to shine as the visual highlight.

The Ultra Lighting Main Camera, boasting an F1.4–F4.0 auto-adjustable physical aperture, helps produce marvellous images day and night with its unprecedented full-path light capturing capabilities. XMAGE styles reproduce colours with distinctive styles that look simply outstanding.

The Ultra Lighting Telephoto Camera lets you take pics that look pristine from whatever the distance, whatever the time.

With the Ultra Lighting main camera, the HUAWEI P60 Pro has further achieved yet another breakthrough in Night Vision Telephoto photography by developing Ultra Lighting Telephoto Camera with F2.1 aperture – the largest in the industry for a mobile camera periscope telephoto.

The telephoto camera has also innovatively added an Ultra Lighting Lens Group to capture more light, and combined with the RYYB Supersensing sensor, the amount of light entering the telephoto camera has now been greatly increased.

Huawei’s Super Moon mode is also another feature that Filipino users will get excited about. Thanks to the Ultra Lighting capabilities and focusing capabilities of the telephoto module, this industry frontrunner feature introduces an upgraded Super Moon Scene.

It perfectly presents the distant moon while managing to preserve the details of objects in the middle ground. This gives users the ability to experiment with astrophotography.

In addition, the HUAWEI P60 Pro introduces the Long Travel Slide Zoom Lens Group, which can flexibly control the focusing distance and achieve clear imaging from long-distance photography to macro close-ups.

It can capture willow branches silhouetting the moon or the bright moon by the bedside window at a distance. It also achieves accurate macro photography without disturbing the subject at close range. This feature can be used to capture photos of pets in their daily life, acting as a pet diary device.

Taking inspiration from nature, the HUAWEI P60 Pro reinterprets modern aesthetics as the Rococo Pearl version uses the industry’s first Pearl Texture Design, which incorporates natural mineral pearl powder into the smartphone’s device to create an illuminative and lustrous effect, achieving a unique natural texture like the Mother of Pearl.

Each device remains truly one of a kind as each Rococo pearl design is uniquely different from each other.

The HUAWEI P60 Pro also comes in the deep and classic feather-sand Black, using innovative Anti-Fingerprint Feather-Sand Glass that enhances security features of the phone even further. It makes the device feel soft and delicate as a feather yet shines like diamonds.

The HUAWEI P60 Pro adopts the New Quad-Curve Display with Huawei-exclusive durable Kunlun Glass panel. The four sides are slightly curved while the four edges of the screen are more rounded, making the field of vision boundless and achieving a more immersive display.

With the Kunlun Glass panel protection, it greatly improves the toughness of the glass and increases the drop resistance of the glass to 10 times, due to the enhanced techniques to grow billions of nanocrystals that form the ultra-durable material.

The HUAWEI P60 Pro has 4815 mAh high-capacity batteries that are placed in a compact body of only 8.3 mm in thickness respectively, supporting 66W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge and 88W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge.

It also supports 50W wireless fast charging and 7.5W reverse wireless charging, bringing safe and convenient charging anytime and anywhere. Using Turbo mode, HUAWEI P60 Pro can be charged to half in just 10 minutes, achieving a perfect balance between standby battery life and fast charging speed while maintaining a lightweight build.

To bring a more refined and convenient experience to HUAWEI P60 Pro users, EMUI 13.1 introduces 3D Weather AOD (Always on Display), which illustrates the rain, snow, cloudy or sunny weather with 3D effects and dynamically sends notifications of weather changes – an intuitive, creative and vivid display experience.

The camera interface introduces a Camera Zoom Ring , which not only makes photo taking a more intuitive experience, but also makes the zoom more precise and functional. The Camera Quick Menu also displays icons of the commonly used shooting modes, making it easy to operate the camera with just one hand.

You can now purchase the HUAWEI P60 Pro through offline and online HUAWEI Stores, authorized retail outlets, and leading e-commerce sites Shopee and Lazada, price starts at 58,999 — and get the HUAWEI WATCH GT3 for free worth 12,999 if you pre order from May 12 to May 25, 2023.

You can get the 8+256GB version for only 58,999, while the 12+512GB for 69,999. Installment payments in Offline Huawei Stores are also available via Home Credit for up to 18 months and participating credit cards for 24 months with 0% interest.

If you pre-order now, you’ll get 1-year Extended Warranty valued at 3,999. Trade-in is also available for both Huawei and non-Huawei smartphones. Apart from enjoying a discount from the trade-in, you can also get Php8,000 add-on voucher when you trade-in Huawei smartphone, while for non-Huawei smartphone, you can get up to Php7,000 add-on voucher. Available in selected stores nationwide.

15th May 2023
PH contestant claims international talent search crown

Tracey Dela Cruz, a Filipino model from Paranaque City, has been crowned as the ‘Bigo Fan Favourite’ at the Slay Model Search Asia 2023, an international transgender modeling contest. She edged out 24 finalists from different parts of Southeast Asia in the talent search competition.

Tracey was also hailed as the crowd favorite, having emerged as the winner of the ‘Top Vote Box’ for garnering the greatest number of votes during the competition from the Bigo Live app.

She was awarded a gift check of 100,000 Bigo Beans and a trophy for her achievement. Tracey expressed her gratitude for representing the Philippines in the historic event and for sharing her experiences with different girls from Asia.

“I am grateful to represent the Philippines in this historic event and was lucky to share these memories and experiences with different girls from Asia. I was surprised to find out that I was the Bigo fan favourite, garnering the most votes from supporters across the region. I had an amazing and fun time and am thankful for being given a platform to inspire others and elevate trans beauty on a global stage.”

Slay Model Search Asia 2023, helmed by international model management agency, Slay Model Management, was launched in partnership with global livestreaming platform Bigo Live Philippines and renowned global cosmetics brand MAC Cosmetics.

The finale event on 27 April, saw 24 model contestants strutting the runway, showcasing their beauty, confidence, grace and creativity in different challenges and rounds of the competition.

The brand new talent search competition made history as it featured trans women from all over Asia, and was aired on ABS-CBN and Bigo Live attracting thousands of viewers and supporters in the Philippines and worldwide.

Out of 24 participants from the region, 13 contestants were from the Philippines and drew in participants from across Southeast Asia including Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

In the Semi-Finals, only the top 12 contestants were shortlisted, with six of them from Philippines, namely, Tracey Dela Cruz, KC Cusi, Louell Celis, Durian Bautista, Abby Ecalnir and Lauren Sanz (in the order they were called).

The second runner-up was Sauce Chulalakkul from Thailand and the first runner-up was Abby Ecalnir from the Philippines. Nana Jantarat from Thailand was crowned as the Slay Model Search Asia 2023 Winner.

As the winning model, Nana brought home a million’s worth of prizes including a modeling contract and a gift cheque of 1 million beans from Bigo Live.

The event also featured an esteemed panel of judges including notable celebrities and personalities such as Vice Ganda and Karylle, the hosts of ‘It’s Showtime’, Carole Cuasay Tagle, magazine editor and stylist, and Josh Yugen, multi-awarded writer, magazine owner, and National Director for three franchises of the Miss Universe Organisation.

“We would like to congratulate all the talented and beautiful finalists and winners of the Slay Model Search Asia 2023. Bigo Live is proud to be a major sponsor of the inaugural modeling competition, celebrating and elevating trans women in Asia. At Bigo Live, we remain committed to creating a safe and respectful space for our trans and LGBTQ+ community to connect, listen and support each other,” said Chancy Chen, Country Manager of Bigo Live Philippines.

15th May 2023
Be more confident off-road with the XL750 Transalp!

Honda has introduced the all-new XL750 Transalp, which fills the mid-sized adventure bike slot in Honda’s lineup, providing more off-road capability than the NC750X and CB500X.

The adventure bike is one of the best choices for all-around riding due to its unique design that puts handling control and riding at the top of the list. The XL750 Transalp promises unrivaled adventure and excitement for Filipino riders looking for a bike that can handle all types of terrain.

The bike has a claimed ground clearance of 210mm, two-piston calipers joined by 310mm wavy discs at the front, and a 256mm wave disc and single-piston caliper at the rear. The wheels sizes for the model are 21/18-inch front/rear, spoked wheels.

Recently unveiled at the 2023 Makina Moto Show, The All-New XL750 Transalp with a very enticing USRP: PHP 598,000 features the familiar upright “adventure-style” riding position as well as a 755cc, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, 8-Valve, SOHC (Single-Overhead Cam) Parallel-Twin cylinder with a 6-Speed Manual Transmission. This engine is capable of 67.5kW of max power @9,500rpm, and 74.6Nm of max. torque @7,250rpm.

The All-New XL750 Transalp also comes with Selectable Riding modes innovatively engineered to give the rider exceptional control.

These riding modes, namely STANDARD, SPORT, RAIN, GRAVEL, and USER let the rider customize the bike’s ride characteristics when riding over different types of riding conditions.

Travelling to your next staycation? Select the STANDARD mode and get to your destination in comfort, luggage and all.

Want to enjoy a cool riding experience whether you are in the city or riding cross country? Go for the SPORT mode with its for higher power and control.

Got stuck riding out in a sudden downpour? Then the RAIN mode lets you ride safely even on those wet, slippery roads.

Enjoy going for a spin on rough, loose country dirt roads? Try engaging the GRAVEL mode and feel like you are riding just like a pro while staying safe at the same time.

Or if you simply want to be in total control of your ride, then you can opt for the USER mode to let you set the ride that you exactly want by customizing everything. And just enjoy the ride from there!

These features when combined with the upright riding position delivers an outstanding balance of handling, performance, and comfort whether you are just enjoying a leisure ride in and around the city or taking a long cross-country adventure trip, and every other trip in between.

And because safety is Honda’s priority, The All-New XL750 Transalp has the front and rear “Wave” disc brakes. Specifically, this system includes a dual-disc front configuration with 2-Channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with switchable rear ABS. This system gives you safe and responsive braking performance under any riding condition.

Meanwhile, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) with wheelie control, and the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). A safety feature to avoid collision. It provides a warning signal to someone behind when sudden hard brake engine.

Further boosting this bike’s versatility is a 5-inch TFT Full Color LCD Multi-Functional display with the Honda Smartphone Voice Control System (HSVCS) that allows riders to control their Bluetooth-enabled smartphone hands-free when using the Honda Road Sync App.

This system permits access to a number of smartphone functions like calls, text messaging, music playback, and navigation.

Finally, The All-New XL750 Transalp is offered in two exciting colors: Ross White and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic.

Truly, The All-New XL750 Transalp is a welcome – and exciting – addition to Honda’s line of big bikes for Filipinos looking to get the most out of their adventures.

To know more about Honda Big Bikes visit your nearest Honda Flagship Shop. More information about HPI is available at http://www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram (@hondaph_mc), or contacting (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.

15th May 2023
Happy Hotels names Fabio Ide as brand ambassador

The Happy Hotels App, the first-ever Filipino-owned travel aggregator mobile application, has recently announced that Fabio Ide, a Brazilian model, actor, and entrepreneur, will be their first brand ambassador.

This announcement coincides with the launch of their discounts and deals of up to 50% off. The brand has chosen Ide as their ambassador because of his energetic and positive personality, which perfectly represents the brand’s commitment to providing happy and satisfying travel experiences for their customers.

As a proud Pinoy travel booking platform, Happy Hotels App aims to provide exclusive discounts on select hotels and to offer a unique travel experience to its customers.

Despite being of Brazilian descent, Ide has lived in the Philippines for 13 years and fully embraced its culture, making him a Filipino at heart.

CEO and founder of Happy Hotels, Jason Lao, expressed his excitement over the partnership, stating, “We’re thrilled to have Fabio Ide on board as our first official brand ambassador and to have him join us in kick-starting our biggest mid-year online sale in the country to date. His fun personality, unparalleled hospitality and happy attitude towards life as well as his undeniable passion to promote Philippine tourism best represents Happy Hotels’ brand positioning as the first-filipino travel booking app made by Filipinos for Filipinos and Filipinos by heart.”

Reflecting on his more than a decade-long stay in the Philippines, Ide, who now considers the country his “home,” feels grateful for being appointed as the celebrity ambassador of Happy Hotels.

“I first came to the Philippines in 2006 with the goal of pursuing a modeling career. However, I returned in 2010 because of the warmth of the people and the richness of the culture. It’s a great honor for me to represent Happy Hotels since their advocacy aligns with mine in promoting local tourism and supporting small property owners affected by the pandemic. Together with Happy Hotels, I believe we can revive local tourism and bring it back to its former glory. I am excited to collaborate with them to showcase the beauty of the Philippines and make a positive impact on the lives of Filipinos,” Ide stated.

In line with the announcement of Ide as the newest brand ambassador for Happy Hotels, the app is currently running a summer promotion that offers discounts of up to 50% on select accommodations.

Users of the app can now avail of a stunning 50% discount on Vue Tagaytay Boutique Residences by using the promo code VUEWEEKDAY50, a 20% discount on Asiatel Hotel Pasay with the promo code asiatelpasay20, or a 25% discount on SKYTEL Palawan with the promo code SKYTEL2023.

Happy Hotels app is revolutionizing the way travelers book their accommodations by offering convenient access to 107 properties nationwide, including popular destinations such as Boracay, Siargao, Tagaytay, Palawan, Cebu and Metro Manila.

With its availability on both iOS and Android devices and a user-friendly interface, the app makes booking stays a hassle-free experience.

To attract more foreign and local tourists, the app features a “Calendar of Events” that details upcoming festivals and celebrations throughout the country enabling travelers to plan their trips accordingly. It also has a “Near Me” section that allows users to discover nearby accommodations and make reservations easily.

Additionally, its charitable arm also sets this app apart since a portion of the booking fees, ranging from 5 to 10 percent, is donated to one of the platform’s partner non-profit organizations at the end of each successful booking process.

Happy Hotels App is dedicated to empowering Filipino travelers by making travel more affordable and accessible for everyone. To achieve this, it has partnered with UnionBank to facilitate payment options.

The team behind the app is continuously striving to enhance the user experience by improving features and providing exceptional customer service. In the future, the company also plans to expand to more areas and targets to partner with 500 hotels, dormitels, and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) each year.

Furthermore, CEO Lao revealed that the app would soon offer additional services, turning it into an all-in-one travel platform.

To download and learn more about Happy Hotels App and its mission, visit https://happyhotelsph.com/.

15th May 2023
Reckitt PH puts spotlight on Filipino moms in recent confab

Mothers wear many hats for the benefit of their families. They play the role of providers, homemakers, advisors, teachers, and more. For all the things mothers do to make the lives of their loved ones better, mothers deserve to be celebrated all year round.

In line with Mother’s Day and in support of modern moms across the country, Reckitt Pinas organized “The Modern Home Project: A Media Briefing on the Progressive Role of Mothers in Maintaining a Healthy Household.”

Held at the Reckitt Pinas office in Makati on May 10, 2023, the event brought together moms, two registered nutritionists and dieticians and one pediatrician, who are experts in health, hygiene and nutrition.

Lady Imelda de Guzman, registered nutritionist dietitian from the Nutrition Section of the Makati Health Office defined health as “the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.”

In her presentation, de Guzman highlighted several tips in creating healthy nutrition at home. “Make meals a shared experience,” said de Guzman. She advised moms “not to go to the grocery when you are hungry,” as this creates additional budget expense for moms.

“My life is in your hands,” highlights the importance of the first 1000 days of a child. This was the first message from the presentation of Prof. Angie Navasero, a faculty from the University of Santo Tomas.

Navasero also described the five components of nurturing care, which includes: good health, adequate nutrition, responsible caregiving, and early learning opportunities.

“To reach a child’s full potential, children need these five interrelated components,” said Navasero.

“Beyond providing children with nutritious meals, practicing good hygiene by frequently washing hands and thoroughly cleaning utensils, cookware and high-touch surfaces can go a long way in ensuring each member of the family stays healthier throughout their lives,” she added.

Especially in today’s world, understanding health goes beyond the physical environment. In her presentation entitled, “The importance of a nurturing environment in the wellness of a child,” Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao, general pediatrician said that nurturing family relationships help gain acceptance and action on health, hygiene and nutritional practices at home.

“One of the most important parenting provisions is to create a safe and supportive environment for children, to be sensitive to the child’s needs and distress and to respond appropriately,” said Dr. Estanislao.

Like Prof. Navasero, Dr. Estanislao touched on the five components of nurturing care. She explained that nurturing care is characterized by a stable environment that promotes health and optimal nutrition and protects children from threats, and gives them opportunities for early learning, through affectionate interactions and relationships.

“A child’s home environment, including and especially how their parents/caregivers nurture and raise them, has long-lasting effects on several outcomes including the child’s physical, mental, developmental, and socioemotional health.”

Throughout a child’s life, parents provide children with a foundation of good nutrition, health, and hygiene practices. This program is a celebration of the relentless pursuit of mothers to instill these best practices in the lives of children.

Sachin Budhraja, president and general manager of Reckitt Philippines explained that this program is a celebration of Mother’s Day.

“A celebration of all the relentless efforts that mothers put into practice every day in building a healthier and cleaner home.”

All panelists agreed on the need to establish these best practices home through a shared experience. Dr. Estanislao said, “parents and caregivers should model the behaviors and healthy habits they want their children to adopt and should couple this with routine and consistency.”

“Asking children what they want by listening to them is a good way to learn what a child wants,” said Mommy Vanna. She said while it is hard to get children to eat fruits and vegetables, she advised mom to have a reward system. “Sometimes, a reward can be a cheat snack.”

Reyes also shared that “children describe your time with them as love.”

“In support of mothers across the country, the Modern Home Project aims to create conversations and provide support that moms need to succeed in keeping their homes and families healthy,” adds Budhraja. “That’s because we’re committed to doing the right thing, not only for our business, but also for the families we serve as well.”

15th May 2023
What you need to know before you visit Qatar

Qatar remains one of the more popular destinations for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with some 250,000 Filipinos working in the “gulf country.”

Filipinos going to Qatar for work, must obtain a work visa (VRN) through their sponsor in Qatar and subsequently complete their biometric enrollment, undergo medical examinations and sign their work contracts by visiting the Qatar Visa Center in Manila, before traveling to Qatar.

Qatar Visa Centers (QVC) are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). These centers only handle administrative and non-judgmental aspects, including biometric enrollment and medical services following the requirements of the Ministry of Interior, state of Qatar.

If you’re looking to work in Qatar or are curious about the visa process, here’s a short list of Frequently Asked Questions you may use as a guide in your application process.

What is the role of Qatar Visa Center?

Qatar Visa Centers are operated under the mandate of the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar, Qatar Visa Centers only handle the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the biometric enrollment and medical services as per the directives and requirements defined by MoI.

What are the services that Qatar Visa Center offers?

Qatar Visa Center services include facial image capture, iris scan, finger roll, thumbprints, palm scan, medical check-ups covering X-rays, blood checks, eye tests, vaccinations, doctor examinations, and consultations.

What is the referral process? Why do applicants need to visit partner hospitals/ labs?

Medical examinations and referrals are part of the visa process and depending on the initial visa medical examination, some applicants (Lounge/VIP included) may need to undergo paid/unpaid medical investigations following protocols set by the Qatar Ministry of Health (MoH). Applicants requiring these advanced medical investigations are referred to as Medical Referrals and such investigations are referred to as Medical Referral Tests.

Some applicants may be asked to repeat tests such as X-Rays or do further tests for several reasons and will need to visit an approved external lab or hospital. These facilities are accredited by the Philippine Department of Health and are able to conduct the required tests.

These re-tests will require applicants to revisit the center and complete the process at no additional cost to the applicant. Usually revisits only take a day, however, in special cases, several revisits may be required as medical approvals depend on a lot of factors including the applicant’s current health status, guidelines, and protocols defined by the Qatar authorities.

What are the types of Medical Referrals?

Additional X-ray images – Applicants may be required to revisit the Qatar Medical Center (QMC) for additional X-ray images based on MoH instructions.
Additional lab tests – If additional lab tests are required, then blood samples are sent to external labs for further testing.
External Specialist tests – Applicants may be referred to specialists at approved hospitals for further tests based on MoH guidelines (may require the collection of referral letter/ document submission)

What are the reasons for an applicant’s medical status to remain pending?

As a visa-processing center, Qatar Visa Center submits the medical test reports directly to Qatar authorities. It usually takes 10-15 business days to determine whether the applicant is FIT or UNFIT to work in Qatar. In certain cases, the respective Qatar Authorities may take longer for additional investigations which may delay the declaration of results. Applicants may track the progress of their visa application conveniently through the Track Application or Status Check section by visiting our website.

If your visa application status shows “under process” for longer than the usual processing time, you can contact QVC customer service for assistance. They will be able to provide you with more information on the status of your application and advise you on what steps to take next. As a reminder, the Qatar Visa Center and the Qatar Medical Center are not involved in the decision-making process when it comes to visa applications.

What should I do if I cannot reach QVC’s call center?

If you cannot reach QVC’s call center, you may contact them via email at info@qatarmedicalcenter.com or info.mnl@qatarvisacenter.com, or use the chat option available on the website http://www.qatarvisacenter.com.

Do applicants need to pay for advanced medical tests?

Yes, applicants may need to pay for advanced medical tests conducted at approved external hospitals or labs and will receive a receipt for the payment. Blood samples may be collected at the center and sent to external labs to ensure security and prevent fraud. Please note that the QVC does not offer expedited processing or guaranteed approval for a fee.

What is the Qatar Visa Center lounge service?

Our Lounges at the Qatar Visa Centers are designed for patrons who wish for more personalized service in an enhanced atmosphere. The Lounge service entitles the applicant to a one-to-one service with a dedicated staff member ensuring a prioritized biometric enrolment and medical test. To access our Lounge service, kindly inform our reception on the day of your appointment.

The Lounge service at the Qatar Visa Centers is optional and does not affect or guarantee a faster visa or medical processing by the Ministry of Interior, the State of Qatar.

Learn more about the Qatar Visa Center and how to process your visa application by visiting http://www.qatarvisacenter.com.

15th May 2023
MediaTek intros new Dimensity chip for premium smartphones

MediaTek has expanded its Dimensity portfolio with its new Dimensity 9200+ chipset for flagship 5G smartphones.

This new offering builds on the success of its predecessor with a performance upgrade while maintaining power efficiency for longer battery life and better gaming experiences.

Supporting higher clock speeds than its predecessor, the Dimensity 9200 chipset, the Dimensity 9200+ combines one ultra-core Arm Cortex-X3 operating at up to 3.35GHz, three Arm Cortex-A715 super-cores running up to 3.0GHz, and four Arm Cortex-A510 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz.

To give the Dimensity 9200+ an additional boost for gaming and other compute-intensive applications, MediaTek boosted the chipset’s Arm Immortalis-G715 GPU by 17%.

“We continue to raise the bar for flagship performance and power efficiency with the Dimensity 9200+, ensuring device makers have access to the most powerful mobile gaming features available today,” said Dr. Yenchi Lee, Deputy General Manager of MediaTek’s Wireless Communications Business Unit.

“With faster raytracing and fluid gameplay at high frame rates, combined with MediaTek’s power saving technologies, you can enjoy incredible visuals, epic effects and extended battery life.”

The Dimensity 9200+ has a 4CC-CA 5G Release-16 modem that fluidly switches between long-reach sub-6GHz and super-fast mmWave connections. The chipset also supports Wi-Fi 7 2×2 + 2×2 with up to 6.5Gbps data rate, along with Bluetooth 5.3.

MediaTek’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi coexistence technology allows Wi-Fi, Bluetooth low energy (LE) audio, and wireless peripherals to connect at the same time with extremely low latency and without inference.

Key features of the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ include:

HyperEngine 6.0: Further improving the gaming experience with adaptive performance technology capable of sustaining high framerates and minimizing latency.

Second generation TSMC 4nm-class process: Ideal for ultra-slim designs in a variety of form factors.

Sixth generation AI Processing Unit (APU 690): Efficiently powers AI-noise reduction and AI-super resolution tasks, and creates truly cinematic video through real-time focus and Bokeh adjustments.

MediaTek Imagiq 890: Powerful flagship image signal processor that supports captivating capture, providing bright, sharp images and videos even in low-light scenarios.

MediaTek MiraVision 890: Display technology with adaptive refresh rate technology and motion blur reduction for a fluid user experience.

MediaTek 5G UltraSave 3.0: Power efficiency technologies to optimize battery life for all 5G connection conditions.

Smartphones powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ are expected to be released in May 2023.

13th May 2023
Dell Technologies lifts veil on new hybrid work tech
Dell Technologies showcased its latest Commercial client and ecosystem portfolio during an exclusive media briefing in Penang, Malaysia. The showcase demonstrated why investing in the right tools and technology are essentials for organisations to enable a productive and happy workforce.

While many today are accustomed to the idea of hybrid work, there are still limitations hindering the work experiences.

Resolving these challenges sits at the core of Dell’s design philosophy and represents the innovations in its commercial portfolio. From the device, to software and solutions, to the ecosystem, all are designed to bring an elevated sense of connection and collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Paul Carter, vice president, Client Solutions Group, Asia Pacific and Japan, Dell Technologies, pointed out that technology has, and will, continue to shape the way people work and how they define it.

“In a hybrid, digital-first world, organisations must not only shift their mindset but also ensure their workforce is equipped with secure and intelligent technologies so they can be at their best.”
Organisations around the world have gone through unprecedented shifts in the workplace and this stride of change will continue to be fast paced. Employers must not only be prepared, but be ready for what’s next – and people will be at the centre of it all.

Rather than focusing on providing standalone hardware to employees, the focus becomes providing a full PC ecosystem experience coupled with secure and reliable technology solutions to allow collaboration and productive work in this hybrid era.

Rakesh Mandal, senior director, Client Solutions Group, South Asia and Asia Emerging Markets, Dell Technologies said, “At Dell Technologies, we believe innovation begins with people. That is why a human-centric approach is core to how we design our intelligent solutions to empower users and IT to work and innovate everywhere. We deliver research-based solutions to help guide our customers to the right ecosystem based on how their people work – what we called persona-based solutions. And, at the same time, we simplify IT by combining the best of hardware, software, services and security into one solution for our customers.”

Dell has updated its commercial portfolio with new designs, new collaboration features and new level of performance.
- A fully redesigned Latitude line-up, including the new Latitude 9440 that combines collaboration and beautiful design, and Latitude 7340/7440 Ultralight for productivity on-the-go
- The Precision portfolio is refreshed with multiple form factors and options for mobility and performance, aimed at those needing a little more horsepower and graphics performance without compromising mobility.
- Dell OptiPlex portfolio – celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, OptiPlex now comes with simplified options that will make it easy for customers to configure and buy systems that match their business needs.
- The new set of advanced displays and peripherals was developed to boost users’ productivity and ease of collaboration for an improved overall PC experience.
- To complete the PC experience in a modern work setup, the latest version of Dell Optimizer extends intelligence from the PC to the rest of the ecosystem – adding intelligent audio, privacy, connectivity and collaboration that learn and respond to the way people work.
Beyond hardware, Dell customers are increasing their focus on sustainability and are turning to Dell to help them reach their sustainability goals. Dell is expanding innovative use of sustainable materials using circular design principles.

“Dell continues to drive circular innovation in our product design, packaging, manufacturing, materials and services. We are expanding the use of low-carbon emissions aluminum to include more recycled content and extending this material to more of our portfolio, including the Latitude 9440, and Precision 5680, and to the Latitude 7000 series later this year,” said Anothai Wettayakorn, vice president, Asia Emerging Markets and South Asia Consumer and Small Business, Dell Technologies.

Dell has increased the percentage of post-consumer recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact further in its most sustainable Latitude laptop series, Precision 3000 Series workstations and the latest commercial monitors. Meanwhile, the “Quiet Mode” within the thermal management settings of Dell Optimizer can help end users save power up to 18%.
13th May 2023
HMA to host annual conference highlighting latest in healthcare tech

Hospital Management Asia (HMA) 2023 Conference, the premier event for hospital owners, C-level executives, directors, and healthcare leaders, returns on September 5 and 6 at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Industry leaders and professionals from around the world, including Philippine-based speakers Stephen Tan, Hospital Administrator at University of Cebu Medical Center and Roxannie Alejo, Centre for Patient Experience Head at The Medical City, will be sharing their expertise and insights at the upcoming healthcare conference.

The conference will feature hospitals that have leveraged the latest digital and smart technologies, seen as pivotal in healthcare’s continued quest to improve quality of patient care and operational efficiencies.

Healthtech companies and startups with innovative healthcare ideas and technologies will be providing valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in the field.

Attendees can expect panel sessions showcasing how leading hospitals in Asia are utilising digital technology to create innovative solutions for critical issues – from the global nursing shortage to medication errors, patient falls and hospital-acquired infections.

Topics that will be covered include automation of nursing tasks; the role of data mining and analytics in quality and patient experience improvement; developing integrated digital systems to enhance care access and patient-centricity; and adoption of cybersecurity measures to ensure resilience of digital systems against cyberthreats.

Dr. Anton Decker, President of International at Mayo Clinic, will deliver a keynote speech on the significance of using data, AI, and connectivity in healthcare.

Other key speakers at the event include Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister of Health of Malaysia, Stephanie Bayer, Senior Director Patient Experience at Cleveland Clinic in the US, Dr. Ben Widaja, President Director of Mandaya Hospital Group in Indonesia, Dr. Asawin Puwatanasan, Deputy Hospital Director at Bangkok International Hospital in Thailand, Benedict Tan, Group Digital Strategy Officer and Chief Data Officer at Singapore Health Services in Singapore, and Monojit Mitra, Facility and Biomedical Director at FV Hospital in Vietnam.

“Our conference is designed to connect healthcare leaders from across Asia and facilitate important discussions,” said Pinky Fadullon, HMA Project Director. “With the theme ‘Embracing Change for More Efficient Healthcare,’ we aim to inspire hospitals to leverage digital technology that will improve patient outcomes.”

Registration for HMA 2023 is now open with early bird rates available until June 8. Attendees can register online through the HMA website. More details of the conference agenda is available for download online.

13th May 2023

TBC News

LEARN MORE

POLICY