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Business

Maya Showcases AI-driven banking model at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025

by Contributor
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HONG KONG – Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just changing how financial institutions operate — it’s reshaping who they can serve. 

At this year’s Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival, Alfred Lo, group chief technology officer of Maya, joined global fintech and banking leaders in discussing how AI is building a more inclusive, intelligent financial ecosystem. 

“AI is becoming the new infrastructure of finance,” said Lo. “At Maya, we use AI to understand people better, make credit more inclusive, and strengthen trust in every transaction.” 

Maya—powered by Maya Bank, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, and Maya Philippines, the country’s leading payments processor—has embedded AI across its platforms, spanning payments, savings, credit, and fraud prevention. With over 8.2 million bank customers and ₱152 billion in cumulative loan disbursements as of end-June 2025, Maya’s 

AI models analyze thousands of behavioral and transactional signals to deliver instant credit decisions and proactive fraud protection. The system now processes tens of thousands of loan applications daily and has significantly lowered default rates since the bank’s launch in 2022. 

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Financial Inclusion Survey 2021, only 4% of adults with loans borrowed from banks, while 57% relied on informal sources—underscoring the credit gap Maya aims to address through AI-powered lending. 

AI helps us design credit for inclusion, not exclusion,” Lo added. “It allows us to extend opportunities responsibly — making financial health part of everyday life, not a privilege for a few.” 

Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, held in collaboration with InvestHK and StartmeupHK, gathered over 30,000 attendees and global speakers from organizations including HSBC, Ant Group, Mastercard, and Maya. This year’s theme, “Fintech Redefined,” explored how artificial intelligence, digital assets, and cross-border innovation are transforming the global financial landscape. 

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Business

UnionBank showcases next-gen AI-driven banking at DigiCon 2025

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MANILA, Philippines — UnionBank of the Philippines once again took center stage at DigiCon 2025, the country’s premier digital and technology conference organized by the Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines (DMAP). 

The annual event brought together leaders in business, marketing, and innovation to explore how emerging technologies—like artificial intelligence (AI)—are transforming industries and shaping the digital future.

 This year, UnionBank showcased a deeper, more human approach to AI—one that brings personalization and empathy to the heart of every digital interaction.  Aligning with DigiCon 2025’s theme, “The Age of I: The Power of Personalization,” UnionBank showcased how AI can create meaningful, human-centered experiences for customers and employees—reflecting its brand promise to help Filipinos “Live a Life Unlocked,” where technology empowers individuals to pursue their goals with greater freedom, confidence, and ease.

 From clicks to connections: How AI elevates every experience

During the conference’s Immersive Track, Rene Aguirre, UnionBank’s Digital Experience and Development Head, shared the story of Nina, a digital customer whose banking journey—from opening her account to applying for a credit card and managing everyday financial transactions—is aided by AI.

 “Digital transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people,” Aguirre said. “Every AI model we design aims to understand individual behavior and deliver experiences that feel intuitive, personal, and genuinely helpful.”

 UnionBank’s AI-driven initiatives continue to transform customer journeys and deliver tangible results. These reflect UnionBank’s commitment to uplifting lives through innovation—using technology to simplify, personalize, and enhance how customers engage with their bank.

 The New Work Order: Empowering employees through AI

 Over at the Integrated Track, Michelle Rubio, UnionBank’s chief human resource officer and CSR head, joined the panel “The New Work Order: Of Culture, Tech, and Agile Workplaces,” highlighting the Bank’s human-centered approach to employee transformation.

“At UnionBank, we’re building a team of experts. You may start in one domain — say HR — but because we have democratized learning, UnionBankers can build expertise in other domains like blockchain, AI, data science, or digital innovation. Rubio shared. “That’s how we’re preparing UnionBankers to thrive in a world where being future-ready means being multi-skilled, adaptive, and always learning.”

UnionBank’s people-first philosophy extends to how it integrates AI at work. As Aguirre explained, “Our AI tools—like RIA, our AI-powered customer service assistant, and the Wealth RM Assistant—are designed to support, and not replace, human capability. They empower our teams to serve customers with greater empathy and intelligence.”

This is why the Bank’s approach to AI is guided by two core principles: Automated Intelligence delivers seamless, digital-first banking experiences for customers, while Assisted Intelligence for employees enhances service quality, productivity, and decision-making.

 A future built on personalization and purpose

 With over 80 live AI models driving innovation across its operations, UnionBank continues to set the standard for next-generation, “phygital” banking—seamlessly blending physical and digital experiences to meet customers wherever they are.

 “AI’s true value lies in how we use it to make banking more human,” Aguirre concluded. “In the Age of I, it’s not just about innovation—it’s about intention. And at UnionBank, that intention is clear: to use technology that uplifts lives and creates a better, more connected future for all.”

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Business

ADA and Opptra partner to bring Hasbro and other powerhouse global  consumer brands to Asia’s e-commerce market 

by Contributor
written by Contributor

SINGAPORE – ADA, the leading independent Data and AI company and Asia’s largest integrated digital commerce player, has partnered with Opptra, a global commerce company enabling the expansion of leading consumer brands into Asia. The strategic collaboration has already brought  Hasbro, one of the world’s most iconic toy and entertainment brands, into Southeast Asia’s fast-growing e-commerce market, with many more global powerhouse brands soon to follow, accelerating their digital-first growth across the region. 

The collaboration unites ADA’s digital, data, and AI capabilities with Opptra’s portfolio of global brands and category expertise. As Southeast Asia’s digital economy continues its rapid rise, this partnership creates a powerful bridge for international brands to tap into the region’s massive e-commerce opportunity. 

Through the partnership, ADA will manage and operate flagship marketplace stores for Opptra’s global brand portfolio, providing a full suite of ecommerce growth services, including digital store operations,  AI-powered prediction for scale and efficiency, marketing, creative, and analytics solutions. The collaboration aims to go beyond growing brands’ presence across marketplaces, but also to lay the groundwork for direct-to-consumer and omnichannel expansion. Together, ADA and Opptra will onboard and grow leading global brands across key categories, including toys, electronics, baby care,  and general merchandise. 

“Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most exciting digital commerce frontiers,” said Srinivas  Gattamneni, CEO of ADA. “Our partnership with Opptra will bring global brands into the region’s digital marketplaces today, and in the long run, transform how they connect, sell, and grow through data, AI,  and technology. Together, we’re building a foundation for sustained digital growth that extends beyond the marketplace into direct-to-consumer, conversational AI, and next-generation customer experiences.” 

“At Opptra, we’ve always believed that global brands can win in Asia if they get two things right:  understanding each market deeply and executing locally with precision,” said Ranjit Babu, CEO at Opptra, Electronics and General Merchandise. “Partnering with ADA helps us do both, and at scale.  Together, we can help brands reach millions of young, digital-first consumers across Southeast Asia quickly, efficiently, and with real impact.” 

The partnership’s first milestone, bringing Hasbro into Southeast Asia, marks the beginning of a broader journey. With a strong pipeline of global brands across multiple categories, ADA and Opptra are set to expand their collaboration, deepening their role in shaping the region’s digital commerce and transformation landscape.

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Science & Technology

AI-assisted coding gains momentum, but oversight remains critical

by Contributor
written by Contributor

MANILA — Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform, today released new insights from 300 technology decision makers across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, revealing that while AI-assisted coding is gaining significant momentum, technology leaders are equally aligned on the importance of pairing AI with human oversight — ensuring code is rigorously reviewed and quality-controlled before reaching production.

The top global findings include:

  • AI adoption is nearly universal. Ninety-two percent report using AI-assisted coding tools, with 78% of developers relying on them every day. Adoption is set to accelerate further, as two-thirds (66%) expect their organization’s use of AI coding to increase significantly over the next 12 months, with productivity gains cited by 64% as the primary driver.

  • Thoughtful use required. AI is emerging as a powerful catalyst in enterprise software engineering. Rapid prototyping, exploration of new ideas, and generating first drafts of code are proving especially valuable, helping teams move faster, innovate more freely, and reduce the cost of iteration. At the same time, tech leaders emphasize the need for thoughtful use: 95% flagged potential risks when deploying AI-generated code without sufficient review, pointing to the need for guardrails around maintainability, security, and quality.

  • Human-in-the-loop is critical. To maintain code quality, 93% say AI-generated code is always or often reviewed before merging. This robust peer review culture highlights that while AI can generate code in seconds, human judgment remains the essential gatekeeper to production. Governance structures reinforce this oversight, with more than half (58%) placing responsibility at the CTO and CIO level.

  • The developer skill profile is evolving. Nearly all (94%) believe AI tools are transforming developer skillsets, with 95% comfortable with them being used in technical interviews. Yet this enthusiasm is tempered by caution: one in three (30%) cite over-reliance on AI without developer accountability as their top concern, while one in five (21%) worry that junior engineers may see their development stunted. These concerns highlight the importance of training that ensures developers not only adopt AI tools but also use them with discernment and accountability.

“AI in engineering is a real disruptive change that can’t be ignored,” said Brendan Humphreys, CTO, Canva. “When paired with human judgment and expertise, it unlocks significant benefits — from rapid prototyping to faster development cycles and greater productivity. The engineers who will thrive in this new era are adopting AI to enhance their thinking and output, not replace it. They’re bringing creativity, critical thinking, and a deep sense of ownership. That’s how organizations will move fast, innovate, and build responsibly.”These findings underscore Canva’s position that AI should amplify, not replace, human ability. The greatest value emerges when AI tools are paired with human judgment, imagination, and expertise.  For insight into Canva’s stance on the use of AI-coding tools during technical interviews, read this blog here.

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BusinessScience & Technology

8th Geeks on a Beach: Building a resilient future with technology

by Admin
written by Admin

GEEKS on a Beach (GOAB), the Philippines’ leading international tech and startup conference, returns on Oct. 1-3, 2025, at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu. GOAB  brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policy leaders for a bold conversation on how technology and collaboration can shape a more resilient future.

Since its launch in 2013, GOAB has become a flagship gathering for the Philippine startup ecosystem, drawing participants from across Asia, Silicon Valley, and beyond. The conference is a proven platform that supports tech startups by connecting founders with mentors and investors, while also serving as a hub where professionals find projects, companies find solutions, and teams learn the latest strategies. At GOAB, partnerships are formed, deals get done, and opportunities are created for everyone.

“Over the past eight years, GOAB has grown into a catalyst for collaborations, investments, and game-changing ideas.” said Tina Amper, GOAB’s lead organizer.

“We’re back this October to build boldly on the momentum we’ve achieved for Philippine innovation. Given the global disruptions and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it’s more crucial than ever for our community to come together, tackle these challenges head-on, and strategically refocus, rebuild, and renew. If you want to see where the future of startups and technology is being built, you’ll find it at GOAB.”

Exciting highlights of GOAB 8

Beyond the annual conference, organizers are launching the “GOAB Beach Club,” a collaborative membership platform for corporate partners to partake in GOAB’s unique mix of thought leadership, serendipitous encounters, and collaborative energy all year round. 

“The GOAB magic isn’t just a once-a-year event. It’s now a year-round movement through the GOAB Beach Club, inviting more partners to shape the future of innovation with us,” said Cebu-based GOAB co-founding organizer and Symph CEO Dave Overton.

This year’s GOAB also introduces Startup Demos, complementing the signature lightning pitches that have led to life-changing opportunities for founders. Through the years, several Filipino startups pitched and caught the eye of international tech companies and investors. 

“GOAB has always been a launchpad for founders, and with Startup Demos this year, we’re giving even more entrepreneurs the chance to turn their ideas into partnerships, opportunities, and real growth,” said Overton.

Companies seeking to navigate the fast-changing AI landscape can meanwhile attend exclusive masterclasses designed for teams across functions – from business and marketing to engineering. 

With special group rates for teams of four, participants can dive into practical applications of AI, including: GenAI for Startups and Tech Enthusiasts (Beginner Friendly), AI for Tech Teams, and Advanced AI for Developers, Product, and Business Teams.

At the main conference, Tim Santos will present an overview of AI adoption in the Philippines based on the results of the PhilippineAIReport.com and share strategies for executives and founders to integrate AI while maximizing human talent.

Government and Ecosystem Support

GOAB is organized by the non-profit group geeksPH with its founding government partner the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), This year’s GOAB is sponsored by Austrian Business Agency; Kickstart Ventures, the Philippines’ largest corporate venture capital firm; 917 Ventures, one of the leading venture builders in Southeast Asia; Sinigang Valley Association, Makati’s tech startup powerhouse network which includes Foxmont Capital Partners, Kaya Founders, AHG Labs, and Paymongo; Apollo Technologies Inc., DOHE, the global champion of EdTech startups; Megaworld; Bamboo Ventures; CanTicket; PwCPH; Bullet Day Consulting; Remotify; Shoppable; Unisol; Uy Masuy; and The Sun People. 

GOAB’s community partners are QBO Innovation Hub, Ideaspace Ventures, The Company PH, JEG Tower, DEVCON PH, UXPH, and The Gud Marketing. GOAB 8 is also supported by key government agencies such as the Deparment of Science and Technology (DOST),  DOST-PCIEERD, DOST Region 7, in addition to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 7, in addition to the DICT’s foundational support. A special Region 7 panel will feature representatives from these agencies, showcasing how collaborative programs such as StartupIsland.ph and shared initiatives are driving Central Visayas toward becoming a powerhouse hub for startups, technology, and innovation.

GOAB 8 will once again host a dynamic roster of local and international experts, founders, and investors, including: Jojo Flores, Co-Founder of Plug and Play Tech Center; Franco Varona and Catrina Magsadia, Foxmont Capital Partners; Audra Pakalnyte, First Move Parner; Hester Spiegel-van den Steenhoven, Co-Founder of Epic Angels; Mohan Belani, CEO & Co-Founder of e27 Singapore; Crystal Lee Gonzalez, CEO & Co-Founder of Noneaway Philippines; Josef Werker, Co-Founder & CEO of Humble Sustainability Philippines; and a growing lineup of international investors and Philippine founders.

“At GOAB, we’ve seen how small startups can grow into acquisitions and international expansions. These stories of resilience inspire the next generation of innovators. They remind us why we need more partners to step in and support this momentum,” said Amper.

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Business

Globe joins Asia United Gateway East submarine cable system to strengthen regional AI-driven connectivity

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Globe has joined the Asia United Gateway East (AUG East) submarine cable system consortium to help address East Asia’s growing demand for high‑speed, high‑capacity connectivity required by artificial intelligence (AI) and other data‑intensive technologies.

Representing Philippine opportunities and investments, Globe’s participation in the project demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and AI-driven innovation.

Industry forecasts show that traffic from AI and AI‑enhanced applications will surpass conventional usage by 2031. Asia‑Pacific organizations will also continue to lead global investment in generative AI and digital infrastructure.

Globe joins global tech and telco companies at the Asia United Gateway (AUG) East Submarine Cable Project contract signing.

“This new data superhighway strengthens our nation’s digital backbone. It gives businesses the scale, speed, and reliability they need to compete globally and embrace technologies that can uplift lives and drive inclusive progress for all Filipinos,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO.

“This investment in the AUG East cable system is a cornerstone of our long-term strategy to future-proof the Philippines’ digital infrastructure,” said Raymond Policarpio, Globe Business VP and Head of Strategy Management and Business Investments. “As AI-powered applications become increasingly pervasive, the demand for resilient, high-capacity international connectivity will also experience a surge. By securing our stake in this vital digital thoroughfare, we are proactively enabling our enterprise clients to leverage cutting-edge technologies, drive innovation, and expand their global reach, ensuring the Philippines remains a competitive hub in the digital economy.”

In response, the 8,900-kilometer AUG East cable aims to deliver additional bandwidth and strengthen network diversity and reliability along a key route linking digital hubs Singapore and Japan, with landing points in the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, South Korea, and Taiwan.

To be built as a next-generation system with high optical fiber count, AUG East can deliver massive capacity for data-hungry enterprises, equivalent to streaming millions of ultra-high-definition movies simultaneously. It is set for completion by the third quarter of 2029, providing additional protection during natural disasters.

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