TECHNOLOGY
Huawei’s Sabrina Meng: Embracing 5G transformation
June 28, 20237:30 p.m.
SHANGHAI — At the opening day of MWC Shanghai 2023 today, Sabrina Meng, Huawei’s Rotating Chairwoman and CFO, gave a keynote titled “Embracing 5G transformation”.
“5G has been in commercial use around the world for four years now. It’s driving new value creation, and 5.5G is the next step forward,” said Meng. “Science and technology are moving towards large, complex systems. This requires matching technology to specific scenarios and performing systems engineering, in order to pave the way for 5G’s ongoing success.”
5G is creating value along three different fronts
Science fiction can only sketch the future. But science and technology can turn imagination into reality.
5G has been in commercial use for four years now. Across all industries and countless households around the world, it’s changing the way we work and live, creating tremendous economic, industrial, and social value.
For consumers, 5G, cloud, and AI have set off a chain reaction, creating an environment where all buyers can also be sellers.
For industries, 5G has become a new driver of productivity. There’s greater alignment than ever between technology suppliers, their partners, and customers on where 5G can provide the most value. Strategic patience, in-depth understanding of industrial scenarios, and ongoing improvements to ROI have given 5G a foothold in industrial applications.
Moving ahead, 5G will give rise to new devices and applications that deliver a more immersive experience, like 5G New Calling and naked-eye 3D. 5G is also ushering in a new era of super-connectivity between things, bringing new strength to IoT networks and driving new forms of productivity.
5.5G is the next step forward for 5G. 5.5G will feature 10-gigabit downlink speeds, gigabit uplink speeds, the ability to support 100 billion connections, and native AI. It will not only connect people better – it will also create incredible new business opportunities with more targeted support for industrial needs in domains like IoT, sensing, and advanced manufacturing.
Taking 5G to the next level and paving the way for ongoing success
The ladder to success isn’t built on ongoing progress with a single technology. It’s built on matching technology to specific scenarios and real-world needs. And systems engineering is key to taking the next step up.
The commercial deployment of 5G has created a growing appetite for more groundbreaking, leapfrog innovation. So what will take 5G to the next level, and how will it provide greater value in different vertical markets?
This will require finding the right technology for different scenarios and performing more comprehensive systems engineering. This will also require diving deeper into industrial scenarios, truly understanding customers’ pain points, and adopting a more holistic systems engineering mindset.
The industry needs to work more closely together both up and down the value chain – with peers and partners, customers and developers – on solution modeling and optimization, as well as tools and methodologies. The industry also needs to pave the way for ongoing success throughout the entire product lifecycle, from R&D and procurement, to supply and marketing.
Building up integrated capabilities and exploring the future of communications
The digital infrastructure of the future intelligent world will be deeply integrated into every aspect of people’s lives, industry, and society. It won’t be based on advancements in individual technologies, but rather on incredibly massive, complex systems – the convergence of multiple elements. It’s going to require systems-level thinking and design.
When watching a chess game, you can see the big picture. But when you’re playing chess, you focus on the details. Likewise, systematic capabilities to integrate technology and transform management are critical for the future success of 5G.
Meng spoke about two specific types of integrated capabilities. “The first is integrating different technologies. We can achieve greater synergy across cloud, networks, edge, and devices through systematic design and cross-domain innovation. When coupled with optimization across software, hardware, chips, and algorithms, we can address the challenges associated with developing complex solutions for vastly different industrial scenarios.”
“The second,” she continued, “is the ability to integrate different approaches to management. Digital and intelligent transformation is not just about technology itself. It’s more about transforming your approach to management. Going digital requires redefining the relationships between people, events, things, and theory, and adopting a more open, forward-looking management approach to address future challenges.”
Meng concluded: “Information technologies like 5G, 5.5G, AI, and cloud will help us rise with the tide and take us forward to an intelligent world. The best scenery is always ahead. Let’s create a bright future together.”
In the Philippines, the three major telecommunications service providers have rolled out 5G networks nationwide to offer better network services and optimize the potential of innovative technology.
TECHNOLOGY
From raffle to reality: Infinix GGWP winners get their gold
1:05 p.m. January 31, 2026
Infinix officially wrapped up its highly anticipated gaming-themed promo, Infinix GGWP: Get Gold With Phones, with a special awarding program held on January 23, 2026 at the Infinix Concept Store, SM North EDSA, where winners received their prizes alongside Infinix representatives.
The campaign’s grand finale was first marked by a live raffle draw on January 12, 2026, streamed on the brand’s official TikTok page, @infinixphilippines, announcing 50 lucky customers as the campaign’s champions.
The multi-week promotion rewarded Infinix customers with a rare and premium collectible: the Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coin, created in collaboration with the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), one of the most influential esports leagues in the country. Each gold coin symbolizes achievement and victory, and is carefully packaged in a premium box with an official certificate of authenticity to ensure its collectible value.
Eligible participants included customers who purchased any Infinix NOTE 50 Series or GT 30 Series smartphone from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with each purchase automatically granting one raffle entry for a chance to win. Valued at approximately PHP 40,000, the gold coin serves as both a trophy and a testament to Infinix’s dedication to gaming culture and its growing community of mobile gamers.
The winners were later celebrated in an exclusive awarding program where they received their gold coins in person, alongside Infinix representatives who congratulated them on their victory. Jelly Buan, Infinix Marketing Manager, shared, “We are thrilled to celebrate our customers’ passion for gaming with the Infinix GGWP campaign. This awarding program allows us to personally thank our community and reward their loyalty in a way that is meaningful and memorable.”
Winners also expressed their excitement during the awarding, sharing their personal experiences and heartfelt appreciation for the prize.
For Marivic Alfonso, who purchased the NOTE 50 Series, the news of her win was nothing short of overwhelming. She recalled how her children were the first to deliver the surprise.
“I jumped for joy and cried when I found out from my kids that I was a winner,” she shared, still visibly emotional during the ceremony. Holding her Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coin, she added, “I’d like to thank Infinix for this. This will really help my children in their studies when the time comes.”
Christine Salaza, another NOTE 50 Series buyer, also had a story rooted in family and gratitude. She revealed that the phone she purchased was actually a thoughtful gift from her closest friend.
“I got the NOTE 50 as a gift from my best friend,” she said with a smile. Expressing what the win meant to her, Christine added, “Thank you Infinix, I can use this to help my parents.”
Meanwhile, first-time raffle winner Jennelyn Montecalvo, who bought the GT 30 Series, described how her partner’s love for gaming and Mobile Legends first drew her to the brand.
“Actually, my partner is really a fan of Infinix cause he likes to play MLBB, so he told me when he comes back from overseas he’ll really buy an Infinix phone,” she shared. Winning the gold coin was a moment she never expected. “Thank you so much Infinix, not only do I have a phone, but I also got a gold coin. And it’s my first time winning a raffle so I’m really grateful.”
For Edward Tan, who purchased four phones for himself and his family across the NOTE 50 and GT 30 Series, the GGWP campaign reaffirmed his trust in the brand’s promise of value and performance.
“Infinix Philippines continues to deliver high-quality smartphones at an affordable price,” Edward said. “Compared to the more expensive devices I used to buy, which often didn’t feel worth the cost, Infinix gives me exactly the performance and reliability I need without stretching my budget.”
The awarding ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd, highlighting the excitement and joy of the winners as they received their Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coins. Events like this allow Infinix to connect personally with its community, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the mobile gaming space while blending technology, entertainment, and culture to reward customer loyalty in meaningful and memorable ways.
For the latest updates on Infinix promotions, product launches, and community events, follow @infinixphilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
TECHNOLOGY
HONOR X9d 5G smashes 1st-day sales, up 160% over HONOR X9c 5G
8:59 p.m. January 29, 2026
Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines had a fantastic start to the year with the launch of its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G. The brand kicked things off on January 1 with its viral drop tests, followed by the star-studded HONOR X9d 5G vs. Tesla Cybertruck experiential event, culminating in its grand launch at the Grand Hyatt. On January 24, the HONOR X9d 5G officially hit stores nationwide with a record-breaking first-day sales performance, posting a 160% increase compared to its predecessor, the HONOR X9c 5G.
“On behalf of HONOR Philippines, I thank our loyal HONOR fans, partners, and media friends for the overwhelming support for the HONOR X9d 5G. This success would not have been possible without your trust and belief in us. We are truly grateful, and we promise to continue bringing you tougher, smarter, and more exciting innovations,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
Celebrating HONOR X9d 5G
Positioned as the most durable smartphone in the market, the latest HONOR X9d 5G showcases all-around drop, water, and dust resistance, ensuring it can withstand drops from heights of up to 2.5 meters onto certain surfaces. Reinforced by HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, Non-Newtonian fluid, and new ultra-tough deep-tempered glass, the device is safeguarded against 10 more types of stone-ground impact and even air-gun shooting.
On January 24, a grand fan fest was held at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, bringing together OPM icons Sponge Cola, HORI7ON, Fitterkarma, Shanne Dandan, Figvres, and Pommelo. To the delight of pre-order buyers, HONOR gave away exclusive collaboration shirts with Linya-Linya, along with other exciting prizes throughout the day.
HONOR X9d 5G is now available nationwide!
Coming in three exciting colors, Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, and Sunrise Gold, HONOR X9d 5G if priced at Php 18,999 with FREE HONOR Gift Box and Jisulife Life Fan5. Head to any HONOR Experience or Partner Store, or shop online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9d_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9d_Media), or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9d_Media).
With Home Credit, you can get the HONOR X9d 5G for as low as Php 24 per day with an additional Php 1,000 discount, payable for up to 18 months. The promo runs until February 15, 2026. Apply here: https://bit.ly/HomeCredit_X9d_FB.
For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.
TECHNOLOGY
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
10:10 p.m. October 24, 2025
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award.
The recognition was conferred on Oct. 23, 2025, during the awarding ceremony organized by the institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).
DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.
The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.
“Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. “We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted, publicly-listed companies and remain focused on creating a long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and the communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.”

