Lunes, Agosto 31, 2026

Test Automation Innovation Summit | Manila, Philippines

## Test Automation Innovation Summit 2026 | Manila

**Test Automation Innovation Summit 2026**, organised by **Leadsspire**, is a focused leadership conference exploring the future of software testing, test automation, and quality engineering. Taking place in **Manila**, a rapidly growing technology hub in Southeast Asia, the summit will bring the QA and testing community together to share insights, strategies, and innovations.

About the Summit

Date: 22 October 2026

Venue: Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Center

The event will bring together **200+ industry leaders and experts**, including:

* QA & Test Leaders

* Automation Engineers & SDETs

* DevOps & Engineering Heads

* AI & Testing Solution Providers

* Technology Consultants & Product Teams

Key Topics

* Test automation strategies & frameworks

* AI/ML in software testing

* Continuous testing in DevOps

* Performance, security & API testing

* Scaling automation & improving test efficiency

Event Highlights

* Expert keynote sessions

* Industry-led panel discussions

* Networking with QA leaders and decision-makers

* Brand visibility before, during & after the event

Why Partner With Us?

* Reach a highly targeted QA & testing audience

* Connect with **200+ technology professionals**

* Position your brand as a leader in testing innovation

* Gain exposure through event promotions and media coverage

Confirmed Speakers

Allen Borromeo – QA & Engineering Manager, Strategic Staffing Solutions Maria Victoria Basinang – Head, Digital Transformation Consulting, Pointwest Technologies Corporation

Jimson Sumaway – Test Specialist for Automation & SDET, IBM Philippines Inc.

**Rocky Batara** – Scrum Master, Crawford & Company

**Benjie Brian Zamora** – Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Sophie's Information Technology Inc.

**Website:** https://www.testautomationinnovationsummit.com/manila

For partnership opportunities, branding options, or collaboration details, please connect with the team at info@leadsspire.com.

Event: Test Automation Innovation Summit 2026 

Location: Manila, Philippines

Date: 22 October 2026

Venue: Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas Center

About Leadsspire

LeadsSpire has been delivering reliable and result-oriented business solutions that help organizations grow faster, operate efficiently, and stay competitive in today's dynamic market.

2026 High-Performing Local Government Appreciation Batch II Regional Java–Bali: Indonesia Ministry of Home Affairs Grants Performance Incentives and Promotes Inter-Regional Solidarity

The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Agency for Home Affairs Policy Strategy (BSKDN) in collaboration with Tempo Media Group, successfully organized the award ceremony for the 2026 High-Performing Local Government Appreciation Batch II Regional Java and Bali. The peak awarding event took place on Friday evening, August 28, 2026, at the Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Badung Regency, Bali Province, honoring local governments for their performance achievements in governance and public services that directly impact the community.

The organization of this award event was supervised directly by the leadership of BSKDN Ministry of Home Affairs, under the oversight and supervision of the Head of the Center for Regional Policy Strategy, Population, and Public Services of BSKDN, Dr. T.R. Fahsul Falah, S.Sos., M.Si., and fully supported by the BSKDN team and Ministry of Home Affairs protocol personnel.

Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian explained that this event was designed as a tangible form of appreciation and a motivational driver for local government officials to continuously improve performance. The event proved that many regional leaders possess high intelligence, innovation, and commitment to realizing national priority programs in their respective regions.

Four Main Categories and Forms of Appreciation

The awards for Batch II Regional Java-Bali focused on four basic public service sectors:

- Implementation of the 3 Million Houses Program Category: In collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, this category evaluates local government commitment to providing decent housing, accelerating housing development, managing sustainable settlements, and driving regional innovation. Winners received incentives in the form of additional quotas for the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) or home renovation program valued at IDR 20 million per unit, with allocations of 300 units for Best I, 250 units for Best II, and 200 units for Best III.

- Access to and Quality of Health Services Category: The evaluation measured compliance with Minimum Service Standards (SPM), improvement of community health center (puskesmas) and hospital facilities, as well as support for free health screening programs. This initiative aims to detect community health issues early so that appropriate intervention strategies can be implemented.

- Population Access to Education Services Category: This category assesses the presence of the state in providing access to quality education as a fundamental requirement determining human resource quality and the future of the nation.

- Waste Management and Green Environment Category: This category evaluates local government strategies in addressing waste management in an integrated manner, from upstream/household waste reduction to downstream processing (including incinerator utilization for electricity generation) to generate economic value and preserve the environment.

Winners in the Health Services, Education Services, and Waste Management categories were entitled to receive fiscal incentives of IDR 2 billion for Best I, IDR 1.5 billion for Best II, and IDR 1 billion for Best III. The adjustment of fiscal incentive values in this batch was aligned with efficiency schemes from the Ministry of Finance.

Beyond encouraging performance achievements, Minister Tito Karnavian underscored the vital role of local governments in fostering social care and inter-regional solidarity. When facing natural disaster situations that can occur at any time across various parts of Indonesia, local governments are expected not only to pursue performance assessment scores but also to prioritize the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) to assist neighboring regions affected by disasters.

The Minister appreciated the togetherness of regions that collaborated to channel budget and logistical support during disasters, such as emergency response efforts in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which involved support from other regions including Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Central Java, West Java, Jakarta, and East Kalimantan. Cross-regional assistance is vital given that not all local governments possess adequate fiscal capacity when facing sudden surges in emergency response needs.

Amid various regional challenges such as post-disaster recovery, forest and land fires, traditional village fires, and clean water crises, local governments are required to be present and decisive. The good practices and governance successes achieved by local governments across Java and Bali through this award event are expected to gain wider recognition and serve as an inspiring reference for other regions nationwide.

List of Award Recipients for High-Performing Local Governments 2026 Batch II Regional Java–Bali:

Implementation of the 3 Million Houses Program:

Provinces:

1. West Java,
2. Banten

Cities:

1. Bogor,
2. Surabaya,
3. Cilegon

Regencies:

1. Banyuwangi,
2. Kuningan,
3. Madiun

Access to and Quality of Health Services:

Provinces:

1. Bali,
2. D.K.I. Jakarta

Cities:

1. Mojokerto,
2. Tegal,
3. Surabaya

Regencies:

1. Rembang,
2. Bantul,
3. Klungkung

Population Access to Education Services:

Provinces:

1. D.I. Yogyakarta,
2. Bali

Cities:

1. Salatiga,
2. Blitar,
3. Madiun

Regencies:

1. Ponorogo,
2. Kulon Progo,
3. Magetan

Waste Management and Green Environment:

Provinces:

1. East Java,
2. Central Java

Cities:

1. Malang,
2. Blitar,
3. Surabaya

Regencies:

1. Wonosobo,
2. Sidoarjo,
3. Ciamis

Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange Empowers Filipinos to Make Better Financial Decisions

  

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Financial planning is no longer simply about saving, budgeting, and investing. As Filipinos increasingly earn, send, receive, and spend money across borders, understanding foreign exchange is becoming an important part of making smarter financial decisions. For Filipinos navigating these cross-border financial needs, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange provides access to foreign currencies and competitive exchange rates.

This is particularly relevant to millions of Filipino families whose finances are connected to overseas work. The Department of Migrant Workers recorded 1.58 million overseas Filipino workers and seafarers deployed as of June 2025, underscoring the scale of Filipinos whose livelihoods extend beyond the country.

For these families, managing money does not end when an OFW earns abroad. The value of that income can also depend on how it is converted into pesos and how much reaches the household. Changes in exchange rates can affect the amount received, making foreign exchange a practical consideration alongside saving, budgeting, and remittances.

Being financially prepared means understanding not only how much money is coming in and going out, but also how its value can change between currencies. For OFWs and their families, knowing how exchange rates work and making informed decisions about when and where to convert currency can help them get more value from money they have worked hard to earn.

“Financial empowerment means giving Filipinos the knowledge and the right financial solutions to make better decisions at every stage of their financial journey. As more Filipinos earn and transact across borders, foreign exchange should become part of the conversation around managing money because it directly affects the value of their money,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Making those decisions is not always straightforward. Exchange rates move, currency needs differ, and the right choice can depend on whether money is being sent home, set aside for a trip, or used for an international transaction. This is where a trusted foreign exchange provider can make a difference.

As Xchange Xperts, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange offers access to foreign currencies, competitive exchange rates, and a nationwide network, making foreign exchange more accessible to Filipinos looking to make informed decisions about their money.

Adding to this convenience is Click & Collect, which allows customers to reserve their preferred foreign currency online and pick it up at a selected Cebuana Lhuillier branch. The service combines digital convenience with in-branch access, helping customers prepare their currency needs in advance.

The need extends beyond remittances. Filipinos traveling overseas also need to consider how much to convert, when to exchange pesos, and how currency movements can affect spending power. With 29.1 million international passengers passing through Philippine airports in 2025, foreign currency is becoming a familiar part of preparing for expenses abroad.

“Foreign exchange can seem like a simple transaction, but for many Filipinos, it is connected to something much bigger, their livelihood, their family’s financial needs, their business, or their plans abroad. Our role is to make that decision easier to understand and more accessible so Filipinos can approach every currency exchange with greater confidence,” said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier.

The bigger shift is in how Filipinos think about financial preparedness. Saving, budgeting, and investing remain essential. But for people whose financial lives increasingly cross borders, understanding the value of money in different currencies belongs in the same conversation.

Ultimately, smarter money management means seeing the full picture and understanding what can influence money’s value. For Filipinos earning overseas, supporting families through remittances, or preparing for a trip abroad, foreign exchange is another financial consideration to navigate wisely, with the right knowledge and an Xchange Xpert by their side.


Bescost Printing Invests in Year-Long Employee Development Program

 




Now on Day 14, the year-long training reflects Bescost’s commitment to continuous employee development as the company strengthens both its production capabilities and the customer experience behind every project.

Bescost Printing & Signage is investing in its workforce through a year-long VAST training program designed to develop practical skills that employees can apply to customer interactions, sales conversations, and everyday workplace challenges.

The initiative reflects the company’s focus on developing its people alongside its printing and signage capabilities. Rather than treating employee training as a one-time activity, Bescost is undertaking a continuous development program intended to strengthen how its team communicates, approaches problems, and serves customers.

Training completed so far has included lessons on understanding the customer journey and adjusting communication based on a customer’s level of readiness. Employees are taught to guide inquiries toward informed buying decisions while providing value throughout the conversation.

The program has also covered the importance of customer experience beyond the initial purchase. Training materials emphasize that long-term sales success includes providing an experience that can encourage repeat business and referrals. Employees are also encouraged to make customer conversations more natural and personalized rather than relying solely on scripted responses.

Other lessons completed during the program have focused on professional communication, customer response handling, brand consistency, and maintaining a warm but professional approach when communicating with customers. The training also emphasizes aligning the tone, language, and messaging of customer conversations with the company’s brand identity.

On Day 14, the program explored the theme “Welcome the Unexpected,” encouraging employees to approach challenges from different perspectives and recognize creativity as a practical problem-solving skill. The session encouraged the team to explore possibilities, consider unexpected ideas, and think beyond familiar approaches when addressing workplace challenges.For Bescost, the year-long initiative represents an investment not only in individual employee skills but also in the quality and consistency of the customer experience as the company continues to serve businesses requiring printing, signage, and visual branding solutions.

Previous training lessons have reinforced the importance of honesty and integrity in customer conversations, with an emphasis on building long-term trust rather than making promises simply to secure a sale. Employees are also trained to offer alternative solutions when a customer’s original request cannot be accommodated.

Through the ongoing VAST program, Bescost aims to build a team that can combine technical service knowledge with stronger communication, customer handling, and workplace problem-solving skills.

World Council Excellence Awards Ministry Inc. Honors PR1ME Z Leaders with Multiple Distinctions

  

PR1ME Z Entrepreneurs Inc. marks another significant milestone as two of its leaders receive multiple recognitions from the World Council Excellence Awards Ministry Inc.

President & CEO Zack Lopez was recognized as Asia Pacific Entrepreneur and received the Dangal ng Bayan Negosyante distinction.

Vice President Mhai Bantados was likewise honored as a Women of the World – Certified Member Business Advocate and received the Dangal ng Bayan Kababaihan Negosyante recognition.

The recognitions highlight the achievements of two Filipino business leaders whose respective journeys reflect the growing participation of Filipino entrepreneurs in leadership and business advocacy.

Lopez’s Asia Pacific Entrepreneur and Dangal ng Bayan Negosyante distinctions add another milestone to his continuing journey in entrepreneurship and organizational leadership, while Bantados’ Women of the World – Certified Member Business Advocate and Dangal ng Bayan Kababaihan Negosyante recognitions underscore her growing role as a woman leader and advocate in the business community.

The recognition of both PR1ME Z leaders represents a proud moment for the organization and its growing community of entrepreneurs.

More than the titles themselves, the occasion serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership, perseverance, and the continued pursuit of excellence.

Two PR1ME Z leaders. Four distinctions. One milestone in Filipino entrepreneurship.

About PR1ME Z Entrepreneurs Inc.

PR1ME Z Entrepreneurs Inc. is a Filipino-owned health and wellness direct-selling company committed to providing quality wellness products while creating meaningful business opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.


Carziqo Launches Phased Operations of ER-MX Driverless Ride-Hailing Fleet in Dallas


 Autonomous mobility technology company Carziqo has begun phased operations of its ER-MX driverless ride-hailing fleet in Dallas, expanding its presence in the United States and bringing its intelligent transportation platform to one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

The initial rollout is being conducted within designated service zones under controlled operating conditions. According to the company, the first phase will focus on evaluating vehicle performance, dispatch efficiency and service consistency across a range of real-world urban environments.

The ER-MX fleet is designed for short- and medium-distance passenger journeys, including connections between residential communities, commercial districts, transport hubs and other high-demand destinations. Carziqo said the deployment would gradually expand as operational data, safety assessments and local transportation requirements are reviewed.

Dallas presents a demanding environment for autonomous mobility systems. Its extensive road network, rapidly developing suburbs, busy highways and varied traffic patterns require autonomous vehicles to respond to complex and frequently changing conditions.

Carziqo said these characteristics made the city an important location for evaluating the ER-MX platform’s ability to operate reliably at scale.

“Dallas offers the type of diverse transportation environment needed to strengthen autonomous mobility technology,” the company said in a statement. “The ER-MX deployment will allow us to gather additional real-world data while improving vehicle coordination, intelligent dispatching and remote operational support.”

A phased and controlled deployment

Rather than opening citywide service immediately, Carziqo is adopting what it describes as a “controlled operations, steady scaling” strategy.

During the early stage, the company will monitor vehicle availability, route completion, passenger demand and system response under different road and traffic conditions. Service boundaries and operating capacity may be adjusted based on performance data and operational assessments.

The company said its fleet-management platform can coordinate vehicle allocation, route planning, charging schedules, maintenance requirements and remote assistance. This centralized system is intended to reduce unnecessary vehicle downtime while matching available cars with passenger demand more efficiently.

Vehicles in the ER-MX series incorporate environmental sensing, real-time navigation and automated driving technologies. The system is designed to continuously analyze surrounding vehicles, road markings, traffic signals and potential hazards before determining an appropriate driving response.

Remote operational teams will also monitor fleet activity and provide assistance when a vehicle encounters an unusual or complex situation, Carziqo said. The company emphasized that the technology would continue to be refined using data gathered during actual operations.

Dallas emerges as an autonomous mobility market

The Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area has experienced sustained population and commercial growth, creating greater demand for flexible transportation services. Long travel distances and limited public transportation coverage in some communities have also encouraged the development of new mobility options.

Autonomous ride-hailing companies see an opportunity to supplement existing transportation networks by providing on-demand services without relying entirely on traditional driver availability.

For passengers, driverless ride-hailing could eventually provide more consistent service during off-peak hours and in areas where conventional ride-hailing coverage is limited. For fleet operators, automation may improve vehicle utilization and enable transportation capacity to be managed more dynamically.

However, deploying autonomous vehicles in a new market involves more than introducing the technology itself. Operators must address passenger confidence, vehicle maintenance, cybersecurity, emergency procedures and coordination with relevant authorities.

Carziqo said the Dallas program would place particular emphasis on operational discipline and service reliability as the company evaluates whether the ER-MX fleet is ready for wider deployment.

Safety and public confidence remain central

Public acceptance remains one of the most important challenges facing the autonomous vehicle industry. While driverless systems have advanced considerably, passengers and other road users continue to expect clear information about how vehicles are monitored and how unusual situations are handled.

Carziqo said safety assessments would remain part of every stage of the Dallas rollout. Operational data will be reviewed to identify areas where driving behavior, route selection, dispatching or remote-support procedures may need improvement.

The company is also expected to use passenger feedback to refine the booking and in-vehicle experience. Clear ride instructions, responsive customer support and accessible emergency assistance will be essential as more first-time passengers encounter driverless vehicles.

“Autonomous mobility must demonstrate reliability through everyday service, not only through technical testing,” the company said. “Our objective is to build a transportation system that passengers can understand, access and trust.”

Building a broader US operating network

The Dallas launch forms part of Carziqo’s broader strategy to develop a connected network of autonomous mobility operations across selected US cities.

Data gathered from different markets can help the company compare road conditions, passenger behavior, fleet utilization and maintenance requirements. These findings may be used to create operating standards that can be adapted to additional cities while accounting for local transportation needs.

Carziqo’s approach reflects a broader shift within the autonomous vehicle industry. Companies are increasingly moving beyond isolated demonstrations toward carefully defined commercial operations, where the principal test is whether autonomous fleets can deliver safe, repeatable and economically sustainable transportation.

The Dallas deployment will therefore serve as both a local mobility initiative and a test of Carziqo’s ability to manage a growing autonomous fleet across multiple operating environments.

The company has not announced a timetable for citywide availability. Further expansion is expected to depend on operational results, regulatory coordination, infrastructure readiness and demand within the initial service areas.

For now, the arrival of the ER-MX fleet represents another sign that Dallas is becoming an increasingly important testing ground for next-generation transportation.

As autonomous ride-hailing technology moves closer to routine public use, the performance of deployments such as Carziqo’s will help determine how quickly driverless mobility becomes part of everyday urban transportation.

FLOQ and ASTER Signed MoU at Indonesia Blockchain Week 2026 to Expand Web3 Access in Indonesia


 FLOQ, an Indonesian crypto asset trading platform with over 1.8 registered million users, and ASTER have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Indonesia Blockchain Week (IDBW) 2026, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding access to Web3 products and services for users in Indonesia.

The MoU establishes a framework for both parties to explore several areas of collaboration, including referral programs, community activations, expanded support for the ASTER network, and potential product integration models suited to Indonesia’s digital asset landscape.

Yudhono Rawis, CEO and Founder of FLOQ, said the MoU reflects a shared intention to build on ASTER’s existing traction within the FLOQ ecosystem and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration. Since being listed on FLOQ in October 2025, ASTER has around 1,500 FLOQ users currently holding ASTER. The asset also ranks among the top 10 most-traded assets on the platform.

FLOQ currently supports ASTER through BNB Chain, while support for ASTER’s native chain is among the areas being evaluated to expand accessibility and liquidity. Aster is a decentralized trading platform led by CEO Leonard, offering both spot and perpetual trading products for on-chain users.

The platform emerged following the merger of Astherus, a yield-focused protocol, and APX Finance, a decentralized perpetual trading platform, bringing together the capabilities of both projects under the Aster brand. Aster is backed by YZi Labs, formerly known as Binance Labs, which includes Aster among its portfolio companies. The platform has been developed to serve both retail and more experienced traders, with multichain trading capabilities, advanced order functionality, privacy-focused infrastructure, and support for decentralized perpetual markets.

“The signing of this MoU reflects the traction we have already seen organically within the FLOQ ecosystem and our shared interest in exploring the next stage of the partnership. ASTER has demonstrated strong trading activity among our users, and we see an opportunity to take the collaboration further, from asset accessibility to potential product integration, network expansion, and community activation,” said Yudhono.

“Indonesia is an important market for the next phase of Web3 adoption, and we see strong potential in working with FLOQ to make ASTER’s products and ecosystem more accessible to users in the country. FLOQ brings strong local distribution, community reach, and a deep understanding of the Indonesian market, while ASTER brings its decentralized trading infrastructure and growing product ecosystem. Through this collaboration, we look forward to exploring new ways to connect Indonesian users with global Web3 products and opportunities,” said an ASTER spokesperson.

Bringing Flagship Products to the Table

One area under discussion is the possible introduction of the Aster Perpetual DEX within the FLOQ ecosystem. Both parties are also exploring whether ASTER could become an exclusive perpetual trading integration on the wallet side. However, the specific integration format, technical mechanisms, and launch timeline remain under discussion while also considering bourse and OJK approval.

Beyond product integration, the collaboration will also explore a referral program with revenue-sharing from transactions generated through the partnership, along with community activation efforts to introduce ASTER to Indonesia's crypto community.

ASTER is a decentralized exchange project offering perpetual contract trading products, with decentralized perpetual contracts positioned as one of its core offerings according to its official documentation. In simple terms, a perpetual DEX lets users trade perpetual contracts on chain, without the expiration dates found in traditional futures contracts. ASTER's capabilities in this space are a key strategic reason FLOQ is exploring deeper product integration.

Driving Broader Web3 Adoption

For FLOQ, the collaboration offers access to a user base of more than 1.8 million, with demonstrated ASTER trading activity. The partnership adds to FLOQ's existing collaborations with partners such as Tiket, Telkomsel, Blibli, and others. The combination of distribution channels, community reach, and understanding of Indonesia's market characteristics could help drive growth and broaden user access to ASTER's use cases.

For its part, ASTER brings its perpetual DEX, a decentralized trading platform that lets users trade directly from their wallets, along with liquidity, potential wallet-based product integration, and a referral and revenue-sharing structure that could be developed jointly. The partnership has the potential to bring globally developed Web3 products together with local market distribution and context in Indonesia.

ASTER has also developed Pre-IPO Perpetuals, a product offering exposure to private company valuations ahead of an IPO, such as its $SPCX contract tied to SpaceX. Trading volume for this type of real-world asset (RWA) product has grown significantly across various DEX platforms, signaling strong potential for introduction to the Indonesian market.

"For FLOQ, what matters is how Web3 technology and products developed globally can be made accessible to Indonesian users with an increasingly relevant experience. ASTER brings capability in the perpetual DEX space, while FLOQ brings distribution, community, and an understanding of the local market. This is the combination we want to explore so that the collaboration can create real value for users and help drive the growth of Indonesia's Web3 ecosystem," said Yudhono.

***

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investment carries high risk, including potential losses from market price volatility. All information provided is general in nature and does not constitute an invitation, offer, advice, or investment recommendation. Consumers are encouraged to conduct thorough research and carefully consider investment decisions before transacting in crypto assets, and to trade according to their own risk profile and financial capacity, without using funds beyond their means. 

About FLOQ

FLOQ is a digital asset trading platform committed to delivering a secure, transparent, and accessible investment experience. With a focus on innovation, education, and regulatory compliance, FLOQ aims to support the growth of Indonesia's digital asset ecosystem. FLOQ has an active community of more than 250,000 followers across seven social media platforms, supported by more than 25,000 active community members. FLOQ is also committed to improving digital asset literacy through FLOQ Academy, available free of charge to users and the general public. FLOQ has recorded more than 1.8 million registered users and over 2 million app downloads. The platform supports more than 100 digital assets and continues to focus on ecosystem development and strategic partnerships to deliver real value to users in the digital economy era.

Test Automation Innovation Summit | Manila, Philippines

## Test Automation Innovation Summit 2026 | Manila **Test Automation Innovation Summit 2026**, organised by **Leadsspire**, is a focused lea...