TECHNOLOGY
Data, digitalization keys to stewarding sustainability in PH
December 11, 2022 9:32 p.m.
Nowadays, businesses and governments have been racing to achieve a sustainable, green, and digital economy and are driven to showcase their sustainability goals transparently.
In the Philippines, for instance, the government further enhanced its efforts to build climate resilience among communities nationwide and address climate change to protect the environment, lives, and property. Last year, the country submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) Secretariat the first nationally determined contribution (NDC), covering its planned reduction and avoidance of greenhouse gasses (GHG) of 75 percent, of which 2.72 percent is unconditional. This commitment covers the period 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy.
At the UN’s 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) in November 2022, the Philippine government also vowed to support host country Egypt in its efforts to revitalize international consensus on the climate crisis. It also reiterated its call for climate justice and financial and technical support of developed countries for climate initiatives, particularly for developing nations.
Becoming stewards of sustainability
Meanwhile, in recent years, a growing number of organizations have been stepping up to help achieve a sustainable future by integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their strategic frameworks. In this year’s COP27, for instance, SAP (NYSE: SAP) pledged to support more policy transformation globally and help innovate sustainable businesses by reenergizing emerging economies to achieve a trillion-dollar greener impact and job generation.
A recent report by SAP and Oxford Economics also revealed that 66 percent of businesses in Asia do not think it is difficult to be sustainable and profitable at the same time. However, only eight percent say they receive significant value from their sustainability strategies today.
This reality may have happened due to the disconnect between sustainability plans and actions for many organizations. While 60 percent of businesses have a communicated sustainability plan, only 20 percent have incentivized leaders based on their success. In addition, less than half (44 percent) say their employees are active participants in their sustainability efforts, with the highest in India at 52 percent, followed by Singapore at 51 percent and the lowest in Malaysia at 33 percent.
“Businesses across Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, believe that they can boost their earnings while protecting the environment. This reality is a positive indicator to continue pushing towards sustainability. However, organizations must refocus their strategies to realize the significant value and reap better and actual outcomes,” said Rudy Abrahams, Managing Director of SAP Philippines.
Regulatory compliance: A key sustainability driver and a challenge
In a recent media event held by SAP at its headquarters at the NAC Tower, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Abrahams was joined by Apple Evangelista, Head, Sustainability and Social Responsibility (SSR) of the Globe Group, and Henrik Batallones, Marketing and Communications Director of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP), to discuss how organizations have been refocusing their strategies to ensure sustainability.
“In the Philippines, organizations used to consider sustainability as a cost tied to regulatory compliance. But that perspective is changing. Sustainability is now seen as a strategic imperative to ensure that organizations not only provide better service to their customers but also help ensure a sustainable future,” said Batallones.
SCMAP is the premier supply chain industry organization in the country. Composed of the country’s major manufacturers, logistics providers, and retailers, SCMAP moves the industry’s global competitiveness by engaging with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, advancing supply chain education on all levels and organizing events that provide a venue for supply chain professionals to connect.
Abrahams, meanwhile, noted that too much focus on compliance can sometimes hinder achievement of sustainability goals. Citing data from the SAP and Oxford Economics report, he said that organizations in the region consider compliance as the second biggest sustainability challenge (26 percent), only behind reinventing business strategy. This means that organizations in the country may need to refocus their strategies to achieve greater value and benefit from sustainability.
Investing in data, improving sustainability outcomes
Key to improving sustainability outcomes will be the effective use of organizational data to make more informed decisions. For businesses in the Philippines, this remains a challenge as it takes time, especially for organizations like Globe, the Philippines’ top telco and digital solutions platform, which has various entities with different processes and reporting formats.
To address this challenge, Globe has been utilizing SAP solutions with 70 percent of the company’s internal systems now run by SAP. With SAP solutions already in place across its business units globally, the company migrated to SAP S/4HANA to improve fragmented processes, manual workloads, inefficiencies, lack of insights, and delayed decision-making.
Meanwhile, SAP Fiori apps helped enhance the user experience and access to insights. Enhanced visibility enables well-informed decision-making throughout the organization, and automation and fewer reconciliations in finance allow faster financial transaction processing, book closing, and error-free reporting.
Finance functions became integrated and efficient, providing real-time business insights, while IT security was strengthened with improved authorization controls and compliance. By facilitating these improvements, SAP S/4HANA proved to be a catalyst for change for Globe, helping it adapt to changes easily in its business environment.
“For us at Globe, sustainability is putting our purpose in action. By understanding what is material to us as a business and what matters to our stakeholders and our industry, we recognize how data-driven strategies play an integral role in guiding our sustainability practice,” Evangelista said.
Evangelista also emphasized the importance of responsible sustainability reporting, using it as a springboard for goals and target milestones in the coming years.
Abrahams could not agree more. He noted that businesses that are achieving value from sustainability are defined by traits such as setting clear expectations at the strategic level, applying the transformative power of technology and data management, and engaging with important audiences such as employees, supply chain partners and policymakers.
Helping organizations in their sustainability journey
SAP, for instance, has been helping organizations in their sustainability journey enabled by data, from driving transparency for disclosure purposes,incorporating or optimizing their data to make more sustainable business processes and decisions, to scaling sustainable practices across industry business networks and value chains.
In line with its purpose to help the world run better and improve people’s lives, SAP also enables organizations to achieve zero waste, zero emissions, and zero inequality through a broad range of solutions. Since organizations now demand fast, reliable, and compliant standard regulatory reporting, and want to leverage insights for their internal sustainable business transformation, SAP ESG solutions portfolio provides a scalable and integrated reporting platform.
Among its offerings are its most recently updated SAP Sustainability Control Tower (SCT) solution, which can help improve ESG transparency and sustainable business performance. SCT enables companies to record ESG factors with out-of-the-box integration with SAP systems for faster time to value and granular data visibility based on actual data, not averages.
The solution also enables companies to report regulatory compliant ESG metrics covering common frameworks based on an open and extensible solution with the largest ESG ecosystem. And lastly, it allows business leaders to act and plan with actionable insights, forecasts and setting targets, track initiatives, and optimize business processes to make an impact.
Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @SAPNews.
TECHNOLOGY
Converge kicks off data privacy advocacy program for students
3:30 p.m. December 12, 2024
AMID the increasing social media activity of young Filipinos, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has launched an advocacy campaign that advances digital literacy and privacy awareness among school children.
Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge introduced its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies), which intends to educate learners on the importance of protecting their personal information online.
To kickstart the initiative, Converge tied up with its neighboring primary school Francisco Legaspi Memorial School (FLMS) in Pasig to engage its pupils in Grades 2 to 6 in a child-friendly discussion on digital literacy and responsible online behavior.
“The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the potential risks in the internet since children nowadays are already given access to gadgets and social media. We believe it is essential to start educating kids to be more vigilant from an early age, both at home and in school, to help them avoid falling victim to these threats,” said Converge SVP and Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason.
During the launch, Converge hosted a storytelling session for the pupils, along with their parents and teachers. Integrating a child-friendly spin on the topic, the story follows the adventures of the ‘Astro Kids’ in the ‘Internet Universe,’ where they encounter deceptive monsters, feigning friendliness, tricking them to share their personal information like their full name, birthday, address, and contact information.
With the help of Captain Conrad, the Astro Kids successfully defeated the monsters in the story, guiding the participants to be cautious and not to easily trust individuals who seem overly friendly in cyberspace. Additionally, the students were encouraged to inform their parents or teachers about such incidents of potential identity theft, fraudulent schemes, and misinformation.
“The technology is constantly evolving, and our call is for all of us to be aware and vigilant as we navigate all these. We hope that the lesson we impart through this program is a step to a safer online and digital experience for all of us,” added Esteban-Tuason.
Next year, Converge plans to explore other approaches to engage students at other academic levels and visit more schools throughout the country to spread the campaign.
Converge has been actively striving to help foster safe and secure online spaces for Filipinos. In 2022, Converge collaborated with UK-based child abuse watchdog Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat the distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
Additionally, Converge partnered with the Stairway Foundation last year to raise awareness about ways to safeguard kids against online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Moreover, ensuring that its network won’t be used for criminal activities, the company also blocked almost 12 billion entry attempts to illicit and harmful web addresses as of end-2023.
TECHNOLOGY
Keep track of your health in style: 4 new must-have Xiaomi wearables
6:30 a.m. November 30, 2024
Xiaomi’s latest lineup of fitness wearables make health and wellness tracking super stylish and functional
Whether you’re living an active life or not, you shouldn’t underestimate the benefits of tracking your health and exercise. Keeping tabs on your fitness and wellness is easier than ever through the smart devices we own — and now that fitness wearables are more accessible than they were before, there’s nothing stopping you from your best and healthiest life.
But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to think about which fitness wearable you’re going to go for. Fortunately, Xiaomi’s latest lineup of smart wearables narrow down the best choices for you, no matter your fitness level and budget.
- For the starter: Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active
Looking to get your first wearable but want to dip your toes before going all out? Try the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, the entry-level option in the Smart Band 9 series.
It’s got a 1.47-inch display on a light 9.9-mm body, and keeps track of 50 different sports modes for 18 days on a full charge. It’s water-resistant up to five meters, which means you can also take it on your swim. Personalize it with colorful straps and over 100 customizable digital watch faces, making it uniquely yours.
Get the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop for only P1,199 and at authorized offline stores starting November 30.
2. For the casual: Xiaomi Smart Band 9
If you’re already using a wearable and want some more functionality on a bigger budget, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a great choice to try.
The Smart Band 9 goes up to a stunning 1.62-inch AMOLED display also on a thin 9.9-mm body, and goes up to over 150 sports modes on a battery that goes longer at 21 days on a full charge. It can also monitor more vitals, including your heart rate, SpO2, stress, and your sleep quality, allowing for more insight into your health.
Get the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 on Lazada and at authorized offline stores for only P1,879.
3. For the enthusiast: Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
Want to take your monitoring and tracking to a whole new level? The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is the top-of-the-line in the Smart Band 9 series, offering the most features and functionality for power users.
The Smart Band 9 Pro has a beautiful 1.74-inch narrow-edge quadrilateral display resting on a high-quality metal frame with new straps. Along with the features in the Smart Band 9, the Smart Band 9 Pro also has professional workout analysis that personally guides you in doing your exercises and making the most out of your active life. Staying healthy has never been easier and more stylish.
Get the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro on Lazada and Shopee for only P3,799 and at authorized offline stores starting November 30.
4. For the super-stylish: Xiaomi Watch 2
You might need the tracking and monitoring functionality of a fitness wearable, but maybe you still want the piece on your wrist to look like a traditional watch. That’s where the Xiaomi Watch 2 comes in.
The Xiaomi Watch 2 is the ultimate lifestyle wearable, with a classic-looking 1.43-inch round AMOLED display. The water-resistant (up to five meters) watch has a wide array of sensors, from its 161 sports modes to health trackers to even environmental sensors that can tell you temperature, humidity, and direction. The Xiaomi Watch 2 can last up to 65 hours on a single full charge, and you can make it uniquely your own with over 200 customizable watch faces and colorful strap options.
If you want to go all-out in choosing a wearable, you can’t go wrong with the Xiaomi Watch 2.
Get the Xiaomi Watch 2 with a free three-month Spotify subscription on Lazada for P8,499 and Shopee for P7,599, and at authorized offline stores.
So if you’re looking for your first or your next fitness wearable, your best bet is with Xiaomi’s lineup!
To learn more about Xiaomi’s smart wearables, visit the official website at http://mi.com/ph.
TECHNOLOGY
Take life’s challenges head on with the OPPO A3
10:20 p.m. November 15, 2024
Enduring everyday life requires Filipinos to have a mobile device that can be their reliable companion to take on any challenge that arises.
The OPPO A3, OPPO’s strongest A Series device yet, stands out for its durability and reliability, making it a perfect companion for Filipinos in all conditions.
Embodying the #OPPOLangSakalam reputation, the OPPO A3 has been proven and tested to endure accidental falls.
If you’re always on the go, whether for work or school, it’s possible that your phone might take a tumble here and there. Smartphones can get damaged when such situations occur but with the OPPO A3 by your side, you can continue with your day with its ability to still function perfectly without any problems in case it accidentally slips out of your hands or pockets.
Carrying the durability standards of the OPPO A Series, the OPPO A3 passed the Military-Grade Shock Resistance (MIL-STD 810H), putting users’ minds to ease if ever these circumstances come about.
During several tests to see its durability, including a test from a height of 1.2 meters in different angles, the OPPO A3 showed no functional damage after going through it 26 times. When dropped on a marble tile face down from a height of 0.3 meters for 100 times, the device also didn’t show any function issues.
Apart from passing the Military-Grade testing, the OPPO A3 also acquired the SGS Certification for its strong build, which adds peace of mind to users. After being stepped on for 100 times during another test, the phone showed no signs of functional damage.
Face your battles boldly with the OPPO A3
The OPPO A3’s Military-Grade Shock Resistance and SGS Certification proves its durability and reliability, making it the perfect smartphone for everyone. What’s more, the OPPO A3 also comes in multiple variants and stylish colorways, offering users options that will fit their needs.
- The OPPO A3 6GB RAM and 128GB ROM variant is priced at Php 8,999, available in Starry Purple and Sparkle Black.
- The OPPO A3 8GB ROM and 128GB RAM is priced at PHP 9,999 while the OPPOA3 8GB ROM and 256GB RAM is priced at PHP 11,999 available in Starlight White and Sparkle Black.
Get a hold of the OPPO A3 in all OPPO stores nationwide and online via OPPO’s e-commerce platforms on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
For more information on the OPPO A3, visit OPPO’s official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page.
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