Martes, Abril 28, 2026

Filipino Founders Pivot from Survival to Systems at The Nth Power Business Summit

 

For years, the entrepreneurial narrative in the Philippines focused on the hurdles of starting up. However, a new challenge has emerged for 2026: the "growth ceiling". To address this, The Nth Power Business Summit will convene on April 25, 2026, at the Philippine Trade Training Center, specifically designed to help founders transition from survival to sustainable scaling.

The event is co-presented by Digital Workforce PHMommy Negosyo, and Business Pinoy, bringing together ecosystems that support Filipino founders in building future-ready businesses. This strategic shift toward structured growth is supported and amplified by it's official PR partner Immensity Group Marketing Agency (IGMA), ensuring the message of system-led scaling reaches the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem.

"Businesses today are no longer struggling to start; they are struggling to grow sustainably," says MK Bertulfo, Summit Curator. "Scaling is no longer about working harder. It’s about building a business that can grow beyond the founder".

Strategic Roadmap for Expansion

Unlike traditional seminars, the summit is curated for established operators who need direction to reach the next level. The headlining keynote sessions feature:

• Francis Kong: Discussing leadership and character as the foundations for sustainable success.

• Real Talk Darbs (Darbie Kim Estrebilla): Focusing on building authority through content that translates into measurable business outcomes.

• Mommy Negosyo (Myrna Tam Natividad): Addressing the transition from operator to architect through systems and leadership.

• Faith Natividad: Exploring digital workforce strategies for scaling in a global, remote-first environment.

Complementing the keynotes are resource speakers tackling specific operational bottlenecks: Bonifacio De Jesus on cash flow realities , Jozelle Tech on Personal branding , Ann Kristine Peñaredondo on Paid media strategy , and Jenny Galang on Accounting systems.

About Immensity Group Business Development Services Corporation

Immensity Group Marketing Agency is the Flagship Brand and a 360 Marketing Agency fully owned by Immensity Group Business Development Services Corporation

Lunes, Abril 27, 2026

SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 – Asia’s Largest Global Innovation Conference to Be Held in Tokyo

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host “SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026,” one of Asia’s largest global innovation conferences.

Under the concept of “Sustainable Cities through High Technology,” the event will bring together diverse innovation players—including startups, investors, corporations, universities, and governments—from around the world to create new actions and solutions for global challenges.

 Event Details

Business Days: April 27–28, 2026
Public Day: April 29, 2026
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (West Halls 1–4), Tokyo, Japan

■ Venue & Exhibition Overview

The venue will feature dynamic exhibition zones, networking spaces, and business meeting areas designed to foster interaction and collaboration among participants.

■ Largest Scale Ever

SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 will be held at its largest scale to date:
- Approximately 770 startups exhibiting
- Around 10,000 business meetings
- Approximately 60,000 participants
158 sessions

■ Key Highlights

1. Global Startup Participation
Startups from over 60 countries and regions will showcase cutting-edge technologies and business ideas through exhibitions and pitch competitions.

2. Open Innovation Platform
Dedicated areas will connect corporations and startups, accelerating co-creation and new business development.

3. Advanced Business Matching
AI-powered systems and official apps will enable efficient matchmaking, meeting scheduling, and networking opportunities.

■ Focus Areas

The event will focus on four key domains shaping the future of cities:
AI – Transitioning into real-world implementation
Robotics – Enhancing human collaboration and productivity
Resilience – Addressing climate and disaster challenges
Entertainment – Creating new cultural and digital experiences

■ Future Experience Content

Visitors will experience cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, VR/XR, drones, and 3D printing, offering an immersive look into the future of urban living.

■ Purpose
“SusHi Tech Tokyo” is more than an exhibition—it is a global innovation platform designed to:
- Generate international business opportunities
- Address urban and societal challenges
- Strengthen the global startup ecosystem

■ Future Vision
Looking ahead to 2032, the event aims to evolve into a city-wide innovation platform, transforming Tokyo into a global hub where innovation extends beyond the venue and into the entire city.

■ Summary
SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 serves as a unique platform where technology, business, and society converge—bringing together global leaders to co-create the future of sustainable cities.

 

PetroSync Provides API 510 Training to Strengthen Pressure Vessel Inspection

 




Strengthen pressure vessel inspection skills with PetroSync API 510 Training. Build practical knowledge, improve decision-making, and advance your engineering career.

Many engineers in the oil and gas industry reach a point where experience alone is no longer enough. You’ve handled daily operations, solved real problems, but when it comes to inspection decisions, uncertainty still shows up.

This is where things start to slow down. Not because of lack of effort, but because the right structure and confidence in decision-making are still missing.
When Pressure Vessel Inspection Decisions Carry Real Operational Risk

In real operations, pressure vessel inspection is not just a routine task. One wrong decision can impact safety, reliability, and even production targets.

The challenge is not always visible at the start. But once issues escalate, the consequences become difficult to control.
1. Small Inspection Mistakes Can Trigger Downtime and Safety Incidents

Even small inspection mistakes can lead to unplanned downtime lasting 24–48 hours. In some cases, overlooked issues may escalate into safety incidents that affect both operations and team performance.
2. Engineers Hesitate When Evaluating Pressure Vessel Conditions in the Field

Many engineers spend 20–30% more time validating inspection results due to uncertainty. Without a clear approach, decisions become slower and less confident during critical field evaluations.
3. Different Inspection Approaches Lead to Conflicting Decisions Across Teams

Different teams may produce 2–3 conflicting conclusions for the same inspection case. This lack of alignment delays action and creates confusion when quick and accurate decisions are required.
4. Difficulty Interpreting Standards Creates Uncertainty in Critical Decisions

Engineers often spend hours reviewing standards but still feel unsure when applying them. Without practical understanding, interpreting inspection requirements becomes difficult during real operational situations.

At this stage, many engineers start to feel stuck. The more they try to understand, the more complex it seems, especially when real decisions need to be made quickly.

But the issue is not the standards themselves. It is the lack of a clear and practical way to apply them in real inspection scenarios.




How Engineers Can Make More Accurate and Confident Inspection Decisions


To improve inspection outcomes, engineers need more than experience. They need a structured way to understand conditions, interpret standards, and make decisions with confidence.

With the right approach, inspection becomes clearer, faster, and more consistent across different situations.
1. Understand Real Pressure Vessel Scenarios Beyond Theoretical Knowledge

Engineers who focus on real scenarios can improve decision accuracy by up to 30–40%. This helps them connect theory with actual field conditions and respond more effectively.
2. Build Practical Inspection Skills through API 510 Training

Through API 510 Training, engineers can follow structured learning over 40–60 hours. This approach improves their ability to apply concepts directly in real inspection situations.
3. Make Clear Decisions Between Safe Operation and Required Repair Actions

With a structured framework, engineers can reduce decision time by up to 30%. This helps eliminate hesitation and ensures actions are based on clear evaluation, not uncertainty.
4. Apply Consistent Inspection Standards Based on API 510

Using standards like API 510 helps improve consistency across teams. Engineers can align decisions more effectively, reducing conflicting outcomes and improving reliability in inspection results.

When engineers begin to apply structured thinking and consistent standards, inspection becomes more than just a task. It becomes a confident and controlled decision-making process.

This is where the right training environment plays a critical role in accelerating that transformation.
Why PetroSync Helps Engineers Improve Inspection Accuracy and Confidence

At some point, engineers realize that improving inspection skills is not optional. It is essential for both performance and career growth.

PetroSync provides a training approach that focuses on real application, not just theory, helping engineers become more confident in their daily work.
1. Training Built Around Real Pressure Vessel Cases from Field Experience

The training uses real pressure vessel cases commonly faced in the field. This helps engineers understand actual challenges and prepares them to handle similar situations in their daily responsibilities.
2. Structured Learning That Improves Daily Inspection Decision-Making

Each session is designed to improve how engineers think and decide. The structured approach makes it easier to apply knowledge directly in inspection and maintenance activities.
3. Delivered by PetroSync to Support Certification and Long-Term Career Growth

PetroSync supports engineers in preparing for certification with a clear learning path. This not only improves technical capability but also opens opportunities for long-term career advancement.

In the end, inspection is not just about checking equipment, but about making the right decision at the right time. That confidence is what separates a good engineer from a trusted one.

In an industry where risks are real and expectations keep rising, engineers who grow are those who take control of their development. If decisions still feel uncertain, progress will always be limited. Now is the time to strengthen your skills and move forward with PetroSync.

Carziqo turns smart fleet technology into new mobility value


 As cities continue to look for smarter, safer, and more efficient transportation systems, autonomous mobility companies are increasingly being judged not only by the vehicles they deploy, but by the value their technology can create across the entire transport chain.


Carziqo, an autonomous ride-hailing and smart mobility platform, said it is building its business model around the idea that technology can convert vehicles from traditional transport tools into intelligent operating assets.


According to the company, its platform combines autonomous driving systems, AI-based dispatching, cloud fleet management, real-time monitoring, and data-driven operations to improve how vehicles are scheduled, maintained, and monetized.


The company’s approach comes as the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian market continue to explore new mobility models, including electric vehicles, driverless transport systems, and urban planning solutions designed to improve commuter access and reduce transport inefficiencies. In September 2024, the Philippines introduced a self-driving bus service in New Clark City, while local EV taxi operators recently deployed hybrid and fully electric taxi units on Grab’s platform, reflecting growing interest in intelligent and lower-emission transport options.


Carziqo said its technology strategy focuses on three major areas: improving vehicle utilization, strengthening safety oversight, and creating a more scalable fleet operation model.


Unlike traditional vehicle rental or ride-hailing models that depend heavily on individual drivers, Carziqo said its autonomous fleet system is designed to support continuous operations through intelligent scheduling and cloud-based coordination. The company said this allows vehicles to be assigned based on demand patterns, route conditions, service areas, and fleet availability.


“At the center of Carziqo’s model is the belief that technology should create measurable value,” the company said. “A vehicle should not only move people or goods. It should become a smart asset connected to a wider mobility network.”


The company said its Intelligent Operations Cloud Platform plays a key role in this process. Through the platform, Carziqo said fleet operators can monitor vehicle status, operating routes, energy use, maintenance needs, and service performance in real time.


This type of system, according to the company, helps reduce idle time and empty mileage — two common cost challenges in fleet operations. By analyzing demand and vehicle availability, the platform can recommend more efficient dispatching decisions, allowing vehicles to spend more time in revenue-generating service and less time waiting without passengers or delivery tasks.


Industry observers have noted that the future of urban mobility will likely depend on the integration of vehicles, software, energy systems, and city infrastructure. Recent mobility-related developments in the Philippines, including the planned refresh of Bonifacio Global City’s master plan to support mobility and accessibility, show that transportation innovation is increasingly tied to long-term urban development.


Carziqo said its model also places strong emphasis on safety. The company said its vehicles and operating systems are designed to support obstacle detection, route monitoring, remote assistance, and autonomous decision-making under complex road conditions.


While fully autonomous mobility remains an emerging sector in many markets, Carziqo said building trust will require more than advanced vehicles. It will also require transparent operations, responsive support systems, and continuous improvement based on real-world driving data.


The company said every trip and operating cycle can generate useful data, including route efficiency, traffic behavior, passenger demand, vehicle performance, and maintenance signals. These data points, it said, can help improve future dispatching, safety protocols, and fleet planning.


For Carziqo, the long-term commercial value of autonomous mobility lies in scale. As more vehicles are connected to the same intelligent platform, the company said the system can improve its understanding of city-level demand and optimize fleet performance across different operating zones.


This creates what Carziqo describes as a network-based value model: each vehicle contributes data, service capacity, and operating revenue to the wider system, while the platform uses technology to improve efficiency across the fleet.


The company said this structure can benefit multiple groups, including passengers seeking safer and more reliable rides, enterprises needing logistics support, and fleet participants looking for technology-enabled vehicle operations.


“Carziqo is not simply deploying vehicles. It is building a mobility operating system,” the company said. “The value comes from the connection between autonomous driving, cloud operations, AI dispatching, and smart asset management.”


Analysts have said that for autonomous mobility platforms to succeed, they must demonstrate practical value beyond innovation claims. This includes lower operating costs, higher fleet utilization, improved safety management, and stronger service reliability.


Carziqo said it aims to position itself in that direction by turning technology into an operational engine rather than treating it as a standalone feature.


As cities across Asia continue to examine new transport solutions, companies such as Carziqo are seeking to show how autonomous mobility can move from concept to commercial application.


The company said its next stage will focus on expanding the role of its smart fleet platform, improving service efficiency, and supporting more use cases in ride-hailing, delivery, and enterprise mobility.


For Carziqo, the message is clear: the future value of mobility will not be created by vehicles alone, but by the intelligent systems that manage them.

Linggo, Abril 26, 2026

Fuel Pressures Push Dumaguete Toward Digital Transport as Xpress Launches Tricycle-On-Demand

 


Rising fuel prices are forcing change—and Dumaguete is moving first. With the launch of Xpress Super App tricycle-on-demand, drivers shift from guessing to guaranteed rides, cutting fuel waste while increasing income. Tourists heading to Siquijor now pay seamlessly via e-wallet or card, unlocking new demand for local TODA operators. Every trip is insured, transparent, and trackable—turning trust into a system, not a promise. Backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, this is more than a launch—it’s a strategic return to the Visayas. Dumaguete isn’t catching up. It’s setting the pace.

DUMAGUETE CITY — As fuel prices continue to pressure local transport operators, Dumaguete is taking an early step toward digital mobility with the launch of tricycle-on-demand services through the Xpress Super App.

The rollout introduces app-based booking for one of the city’s most widely used forms of transport—replacing the long-standing model of roadside waiting and uncertain passenger flow with direct, demand-driven ride allocation.

From Idle Time to Predictable Earnings

For tricycle drivers, the shift is immediate and measurable.

Instead of circulating the city in search of passengers, drivers using the platform:

Receive real-time ride requests

Move toward guaranteed pickup points

Reduce unnecessary mileage and fuel consumption

You can see the economic shift clearly—once routes become intentional, operating costs naturally decline while trip frequency improves. In an environment of rising fuel prices, this is not incremental—it is structural.

Opening Access to a Broader Market

Dumaguete’s position as a gateway to Siquijor continues to drive a steady flow of foreign and domestic travelers through its ports. With the introduction of digital payments, local TODA drivers are now equipped to serve a wider customer base.

Through Xpress:

Passengers can pay via e-wallets and credit cards

Drivers avoid the friction of cash handling and currency conversion

Transactions become faster, more reliable, and scalable

This is where the shift compounds—once payment barriers are removed, demand expands.

Safety, Transparency and Trust by Design

Each ride booked through the platform integrates core safety features:

Verified driver profiles

Pre-determined, visible fare structures

Trip-sharing functionality for passengers

Insurance coverage for both rider and driver

In a city balancing growth with its reputation for safety and hospitality, these features move trust from assumption to system.

A Strategic Return to the Visayas

The Dumaguete Pilot launch carries broader significance. Backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, the expansion reflects a deliberate move to reinvest in the Visayas—where the company’s roots were established.

This positions the rollout not simply as a product deployment, but as part of a wider effort to connect mobility, financial access, and regional development.

Public-Private Alignment for a Future-Ready City

The initiative has been made possible through coordination with the Dumaguete City government and local tourism stakeholders, aligning with a shared objective: preparing the city for increasing visitor volume while improving everyday transport for residents.

It also represents an early phase in the broader digitization of transport across emerging cities—where infrastructure, policy, and technology begin to converge.

Scaling Beyond Dumaguete

Xpress Super App is currently available across multiple Philippine markets, including Metro Manila, Boracay, Pampanga, and Bataan, with further expansion planned.

Dumaguete now joins this network—positioning itself not only as a destination, but as a city adapting to the next phase of mobility.

Maayong adlaw, Dumaguete.

About Xpress Super App

Xpress Super App is a Philippine mobility platform transforming transport through on-demand, cashless, and insured ride services. Backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, it connects cities, tourism hubs, and emerging markets—delivering smarter, safer, and more efficient movement across Metro Manila, Boracay, Pampanga, Bataan, and beyond.

Sabado, Abril 25, 2026

Tech experts call for urgent developer education and regulatory clarity as stablecoin adoption accelerates globally

 

The Philippines is positioned to lead the global shift toward stablecoin-based remittances provided it prioritizes developer education and formalizes regulatory pathways, according to fintech and blockchain leaders at the recent “Settle In! Manila” panel organized by Morph and Bitget’s Blockchain4Her and Blockchain For Youth initiatives on the global rise of stablecoins and the future of digital payments.

Over one million OFWs send remittances home annually through channels that charge fees as high as six percent and take days to clear. Stablecoin transfers can settle near-instantly at a fraction of the cost, a difference that directly affects household income for millions of Filipino families. OFW remittances rose 3.5% in January 2026 despite seasonal slowdowns, underscoring continued and growing dependence on these flows.

“The Philippines is one of the many countries and regions that stand to benefit the most from stablecoin technology, whether it be through lower costs or settlement fees. The country is ground zero for the shift from a playground for speculation to a mission-critical rail for real-world utility,” said David Hsiao, Chief Marketing Officer of Morph, a blockchain settlement platform, which recently launched a Universal Settlement Layer backed by a $150 million Payment Accelerator to serve the trillion-dollar stablecoin economy.

Global market trends reinforce the call. Bitget Country Manager for Southeast Asia Jose Mendoza noted that stablecoin use for payroll and B2B invoices grew by more than 60% over the past year. Bitget Wallet card spending surged 28-fold, and Visa-issued crypto card spending jumped 525%, signaling a clear shift from speculation to real-world payments.

“Our goal is to make stablecoin payments feel local and familiar,” Mendoza said. “Users shouldn’t need to understand the underlying complexity. By supporting builders who focus on ‘invisible tech,’ we ensure the end-user simply experiences 10x faster payments and significantly lower fees.”

Eli Rabadon, Chief Executive Officer of DVCode, focused on the developer gap. “The technology is ready. What we need now is education and clarity so builders can integrate stablecoins into apps that everyday Filipinos will actually use. There’s huge potential to create real-world utility that touches lives immediately.”

He noted that Filipino developers, alongside the country’s large base of freelancers and remote workers already paid in digital currencies, are a natural engine for stablecoin adoption, but need structured support to build compliant products at scale.

On the regulatory front, Raymond Babst, Chief Executive Officer of DA5, argued the country’s existing virtual asset framework is a competitive advantage that must be activated. “The Philippines already has a regulatory framework for virtual assets that can position us ahead of other Asian markets.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has reviewed stablecoin proposals and conducted pilot tests, but panelists called for accelerated timelines as global adoption outpaces local policy.

Xpress Super App and the New Geography of Mobility in Southeast Asia

 


Xpress Super App is emerging as a key player in Southeast Asia’s shifting mobility landscape, highlighted by its recognition at the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch Forum 2026. Moving beyond traditional ride-hailing, Xpress is building an integrated, electric-first mobility ecosystem across transport hubs and tourism markets. Backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, it combines EV taxis, e-trikes, and cashless payments to deliver predictability in fragmented markets. As mobility evolves into infrastructure, Xpress is positioning early—aligning with regional shifts toward electrification, efficiency, and scalable digital transport systems.

SINGAPORE — Inside the halls of the Mandarin Oriental, where this year’s Forbes Asia 100 to Watch Forum 2026 convened founders, investors, and operators from across the region, one theme stood out: momentum is no longer evenly distributed.

Some markets are accelerating faster. And some companies are quietly building the infrastructure to carry that acceleration forward.

Among them is the Philippines’ Xpress Super App.

Recognized as part of the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2025, Xpress represents a new class of Southeast Asian platforms gaining visibility for how they scale within complex, high-growth environments.

A Different Kind of Mobility Story

For years, Southeast Asia’s mobility narrative was defined by scale—more drivers, more riders, more cities.

But scale is no longer the differentiator.

What defines the next generation of platforms is efficiency—how effectively they move people, capital, and behavior at the same time.

Xpress has leaned into that shift.

Backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, the platform is evolving beyond ride-hailing into a more integrated mobility layer—combining electric vehicles, tourism transport, and cashless infrastructure within a unified ecosystem.

In practice:

Electric taxis positioned at key transport hubs

E-trike networks serving tourism-heavy zones

Cashless payments bridging local and international users

This is no longer just movement—it’s predictability.

And in emerging markets, predictability is where value compounds.

“Seizing The Momentum”

The forum’s theme—“Seizing The Momentum”—reflects how quickly the region is shifting.

Discussions centered on AI, capital deployment, and scalable platforms built for fragmented markets.

Within that context, Xpress’ positioning sharpens.

It is not competing purely on price or availability. It is aligning with a broader transition: the electrification and digitization of everyday transport.

Once mobility becomes an enabling layer—touching tourism, commerce, and urban flow—growth stops being linear.

A Signal Beyond Recognition

At the forum, Mr.Cliff Cabungcal, President of Xpress, received the recognition on behalf of the company.

The moment signals more than achievement.

It reflects:

A Philippine platform gaining regional relevance

Technology replacing legacy transport inefficiencies

A scalable model built for real-world constraints

And in Southeast Asia, constraint is not a weakness—it is the proving ground.

What Comes Next

If the last decade was about expansion, the next will be about refinement.

Cleaner fleets. Smarter systems. More precise deployment.

Xpress is positioning early:

Electric vehicles reduce fuel exposure

Digital payments expand demand

Integrated systems create operational leverage

Individually incremental. Collectively transformative.

As the region accelerates, platforms that anticipate these shifts—rather than react to them—move first.

And increasingly, they define the direction others follow.

About Xpress Super App

Xpress Super App is a Philippine-based mobility platform redefining how people move across cities and tourism destinations through an integrated, electric-first ecosystem. Recognized at the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch Forum 2026 and included in the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2025, Xpress is emerging as a scalable mobility infrastructure layer in Southeast Asia. Backed by Cebuana Lhuillier, the platform combines EV taxis, e-trikes, and cashless payments to deliver predictable, efficient transport in complex, high-growth markets. As regional demand shifts toward electrification and seamless digital experiences, Xpress is positioning at the intersection of mobility, tourism, and urban flow—unlocking more reliable movement, expanding access, and enabling smarter transport systems at scale.


Filipino Founders Pivot from Survival to Systems at The Nth Power Business Summit

  For years, the entrepreneurial narrative in the Philippines focused on the hurdles of starting up. However, a new challenge has emerged fo...