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Kaspersky: Almost 1 in 3 “seniors” in Southeast Asia gets anxious making online payments
May 2, 2022 6:51 p.m.
Digital payment has emerged to be the leading choice for many consumers in Southeast Asia (SEA) when it comes to conducting their online financial transactions. A recent Kaspersky research showed that digital considerations about cybersecurity and payments factor heavily into a consumer’s purchasing behavior in the region.
Titled “Mapping a secure path for the future of digital payments in APAC”, the study discovered that one in five (21%) of digital payment service users in SEA still experience anxiety when performing online transactions. Among other ages, worry is highest with the oldest group, the Silent Generation (30%). Interestingly, the “seniors” are followed by the youngest generation at 27%.
Almost one in five (17%) users in SEA admitted that they would rather pay with cash, wherein the oldest generation again logged the highest percent (20%) among all the age groups.
Adapting to these new technologies can also present a challenge to the Silent Generation with 20% of them noting difficulties on doing financial transactions online.
On the brighter side, nearly a quarter (24%) of all respondents from Southeast Asia indicated that they fully trust digital payments.
“The older adults are not from the internet age. Their worries are understandable and should be seen as a precautionary measure towards making a costly mistakes in a technology they are still learning to use. It is, however, noteworthy that most of them (26%) do trust digital payment platforms. As they are welcome to adopting to changes, we encourage the younger generation to step forward and assist our older loved ones. Community and government awareness and education efforts are also essential,” says Sandra Lee, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.
Given their preference to being careful online, it is not surprising that the oldest generation favors the efficiency of antivirus software the most. More than three in five (61%) of adults aged 55 and above showed the highest level of trust towards security solutions compared with the younger age groups.
While on the average, half of all generations in SEA (50%) understood the need for antivirus software to protect their money and online data, Gen Z showed the least trust at 46%, Millennials at 49%, and Gen X at 52%.
Almost a quarter (20%) of all respondents felt that the use of antivirus software was sufficient, followed by 17% where respondents were uncertain or unaware about how antivirus could help them mitigate the risk of financial loss.
Alarmingly, there is still some 14% who said that antivirus software was not an essential tool in the fight against cyber threats seeking to compromise financial data and property.
“The true significance of security solutions should be best understood at present time when we hear about scams and financial frauds, one after another. Cybercriminals understand our habits and emotional states, as they are humans, too. We have seen how they are becoming more and more creative in targeting us with their social engineering attacks so we urge all generations to look into safeguarding their devices with the right tools to secure not only their data but most importantly their hard-earned money,” adds Lee.
To help the older adults embrace technologies securely while they are online, Kaspersky experts suggest the following:
- Installing, launching, updating and effectively using devices and apps is an issue for some older users. Parental controls are not just for restricting children’s activities – they can also be used to simplify things for older adults. Controlled user accounts can help manage their computers, devices, and apps by restricting the number of options they have access to so they avoid confusion and inadvertently launching programs. It can also allow remote logins to help manage activities.
- Make sure their apps and programs are set to update automatically so they always have the latest and most secure versions.
- Security solutions and practical steps can minimize the risk of falling victim to threats and keeping financial information safe. Utilize reliable security solutions for comprehensive protection from a wide range of threats, such as Kaspersky Internet Security, Kaspersky Fraud Prevention and the use of Kaspersky Safe Money to help check the authenticity of websites of banks, payment systems and online stores you visit, as well as establish a secure connection.
- Regularly explain to them the essentials of safe internet and cyber hygiene practices. Teach them how to keep their password private, only share information with people they know in real life, only connect to home networks when making online transactions, and never click on doubtful links, etc.
- Encourage them to contact you if they have any questions or require assistance in the digital world.
Users can also opt for the latest offers from the global cybersecurity company here: https://www.kasperskyph.com/
To read the full report, please visit https://kas.pr/b6w8.
Survey Methodology
The Kaspersky “Mapping a digitally secure path for the future of payments in APAC” report studies our interactions with online payments. It also examines our attitudes towards them, which hold the key to understanding the factors that will further drive or stem the adoption of this technology. The study was conducted by research agency YouGov in key territories in APAC, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam (10 countries). Survey responses were gathered in July 2021 with a total of 1,618 respondents surveyed across the stated countries.
The respondents ranged from 18-65 years of age, all of which are working professionals who are digital payment users.
Through this study, when the behavior of the population of a market is generalized, it is in reference to the group of respondents sampled above.
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DigiPlus levels up user engagement with ArenaPlus’ P1B Prediction Giveaway
5:10 p.m. April 7, 2026
DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the country’s pioneer and leader in digital entertainment, through its flagship sportsbook platform ArenaPlus, formally launched its P1 Billion Prediction Giveaway last Saturday, March 21, heralding a major step-up in its customer acquisition and retention strategy.
This initiative is anchored by a high-stakes prediction challenge designed to invite new users onto ArenaPlus, while also deepening player participation and reinforcing brand leadership in the Philippine online sportsbook space. Central to this campaign is the introduction of a localized tournament bracket game—a staple in American sports culture that ArenaPlus is pioneering for the local market.
“We want to bring some excitement for the Filipino basketball fans, especially since we know that the NBA is the most popular sport here. The bracket game is actually very common in the US. It’s been running there constantly for years, but the Philippines has never had that experience. We want to bring that here,” said ArenaPlus Head Erick Su.
By offering the ₱1 Billion Prediction Giveaway as a free-to-play initiative, DigiPlus enables fans to engage in the tournament without any monetary commitment. Su emphasized that the campaign is designed to provide a safe, entertainment-led experience, with the bracket format sustaining interest from the opening round of the Playoffs through the Finals, where one team ultimately prevails.
“I think the excitement will be from beginning to the end. Because the bracket game covers the whole stage of the Playoffs, fans can expand their predictions and go along with the whole process and expect that they can win,” Su said. “So that’s going to bring a lot of excitement. And this is completely free and very safe as we want to entertain Filipinos.”
Amplifying the campaign that launched at Mall of Asia Sky Deck Amphitheater in Pasay City was premier host and actor Luis “Lucky” Manzano, who was also introduced as ArenaPlus’ latest brand ambassador. Joining Manzano were fellow endorsers Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Justin Brownlee, multi-time champion assistant coach Bong Ravena, and his son, international pro Thirdy, who are effectively raising ArenaPlus’ visibility while also broadening the brand’s demographic reach.
“At ArenaPlus, we are relentless with our commitment to elevate our players’ experience, making sports more fulfilling, more immersive, and more rewarding for every Filipino,” said ArenaPlus Marketing Head Hannah Bagui as ArenaPlus continues to differentiate itself by pioneering accessible digital sports entertainment.
While the campaign is designed to drive wide participation, ArenaPlus emphasized that it intends to maintain strict platform integrity through its rigorous eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) process. Such a guardrail bolsters an already rich suite of responsible gaming tools built into ArenaPlus, such as options to set daily gaming durations, customize specific gaming schedules, and establish daily loss limits. This ensures that while the campaign achieves great reach, it does so within a secure, transparent, and compliant environment that builds trust.
Through these strategic customer activations and continuous platform innovation, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. continues to solidify its legacy as the definitive pioneer of the Philippine digital entertainment industry, driving growth while also redefining user engagement
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What happened in Calvary 2000 years ago
11:39 a.m. April 5, 2026
BY NAZARENE A. LEYCO
In the heavy silence of Good Friday, April 3, the ordinary, familiar rhythms of Marikina fell silent before a higher calling. The ordinary gave way to the transcendent, as the city gathered for lenten Friday tradition, the two-thousand-year distance between Calvary and the present dissolved, transfiguring the stadium into a consecrated ground where the sacred drama was not merely remembered, but relived.
The evening was illuminated by “JESUS: A Grand Senakulo Musical Play,” a masterful rendition of the life, sacrifice, and triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ. This artistic endeavor transcended mere performance, becoming a living tapestry that wove together the dramatic narratives of faith, suffering, and redemption. As the story unfolded on stage, the audience was transported back 2,000 years, witnessing anew the pivotal moments that forever altered the course of human history.
Following this poignant portrayal, Global Evangelist Jonathan S. Ferriol stepped forward to deliver a sermon titled “What Happened at Calvary.” With profound eloquence and spiritual conviction, he unpacked the timeless truths encapsulated in that singular event. His words resonated deeply within the vast congregation, reminding all present of the immutable promise held within the Cross, a message that has echoed through millennia, steadfast and unchanging, offering.
“We are all dying in our sins before Christ came into our lives and delivered us from eternal damnation. No good works can save us all, otherwise, Jesus would not have come down from heaven to rescue us all,” the apostle enthused.
He also underscored that the message of the Cross remains unchanged from two millennia ago to this very day, a message of hope that pierces the darkest valleys, of forgiveness that wipes the slate clean, of freedom that breaks the weight of sin, of love revealed in a sacrifice beyond measure, and of triumph that conquers death and ushers in eternal life.
In a stirring response to this unwavering message, thousands rose from their seats, their hearts open and ready to embrace Christ as their Lord and Savior. In a magnificent display of faith and commitment, they immediately proceeded to receive water baptism, symbolizing their new beginning and profound connection to the divine.
This sacred assembly at the Marikina Sports Center was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful reaffirmation of the Cross’s timeless relevance in an ever-changing world. It underscored that while modalities evolve, the core tenets of freedom, hope, forgiveness, love, and triumph remain the eternal anchors of humanity’s spiritual quest. Each soul touched that evening became a living testament to a message that, two millennia later, continues to transform lives and inspire multitudes, proving that the essence of Calvary’s sacrifice is as potent and transformative today as it was in the beginning.
In a time marked by unrest, uncertainty, and the quiet exhaustion of a world searching for answers in all the wrong places, the significance of that night becomes even more pronounced.
What unfolded was not a retreat into tradition, but a confrontation with a truth that refuses to age or lose its claim on the human soul. The same fractures that defined humanity centuries ago. sin, despair, brokenness, persist today, only clothed in more modern forms, and no advancement has yet resolved them. This is why the need for Christ is neither outdated nor optional, but enduring and absolute.
The Cross does not merely belong to history; it speaks with urgency into the present, meeting the deepest needs of every generation. And in that gathering, it became unmistakably clear: as long as humanity wrestles with darkness, there will remain an unending, unrelenting need for the light that only Christ can give.
Capping the second leg of the HFGC with a resonant message of hope and love, the PMCC gathered at daybreak to celebrate God’s absolute victory over death, where the silence of the tomb was finally shattered by the joy of the risen Christ.
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Isambard-AI, the UK’s most powerful AI supercomputer, goes live
6:39 p.m. July 18, 2025
(NVIDIA PR) The U.K. has officially joined the premier league of global AI infrastructure — and it’s not starting small.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing (BriCS), leaders today unveiled Isambard-AI, the most powerful AI supercomputer ever built in the U.K.
U.K. Secretary of State Peter Kyle was joined by leaders from across academia, industry and government, including Simon McIntosh-Smith, director of the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing, and Neil MacDonald, executive vice president and general manager for Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s server business.
“And as we press this switch to activate the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, we are embarking on Britain’s super future where AI contributes towards the delivery of better public services, greater public prosperity, deeper scientific discovery and stronger national security,” Kyle said.
The numbers back up Kyle’s statement:
- 21 exaflops of AI performance
- 5,448 NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips
- Set to rank 11th worldwide on the latest TOP500 list of world’s fastest supercomputers
- More than 10x faster than the next-fastest supercomputer in the U.K. More computing power than all other U.K. supercomputers combined
- Ranked fourth globally for energy efficiency
Engineering teams working collaboratively to maneuver and install components within the supercomputer’s data hall, illustrating the complex and coordinated effort behind the build.
Why It Matters
Isambard-AI gives U.K. researchers and businesses a once-in-a-generation leap in computing power. It’s a platform to accelerate breakthroughs in:
- AI-driven drug discovery
- Advanced climate modeling
- Materials science
- Large language models (LLMs) tuned to U.K. languages and laws
Backed by £225 million in government investment and built with NVIDIA, HPE, the University of Bristol and others, Isambard-AI signals a clear ambition: to lead in AI, the U.K. must lead in compute.
Simon McIntosh-Smith, director of the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing, with Simon Appleby, AI business lead at HPE.
A glimpse into the project’s strategic planning, showing a screen outlining the ambitious goal of installing multiple supercomputers, including Isambard-AI’s phases, within 12 months.
A Turning Point for UK Science
Named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel — the 19th-century engineer who reshaped Britain with railways, bridges and ships — Isambard-AI brings that same scale of ambition to AI research.
And like Brunel’s projects during his era, it moves fast. Having gone from conception to deployment in just under two years, including the construction of the modular data center in 48 hours, the supercomputer is already running live projects aligned with national priorities.
Early flagship projects include:
- Nightingale AI: A sovereign, multimodal health foundation model trained on National Health Service (NHS) data to support earlier diagnoses and personalized care.
- BritLLM: A U.K.-developed LLM project supporting British languages like Welsh, alongside English, to promote inclusivity and better public service delivery in healthcare, education and public services.
- UCL Cancer Screening AI: Developing the first scalable AI system for prostate cancer detection via MRI, aiming for faster diagnoses and tailored treatments.
- EIMCRYSTAL (University of Liverpool): Using AI to search 68 million chemical combinations to discover greener, more sustainable industrial materials — reducing reliance on rare or toxic inputs.
- EgoAI (University of Bristol): Using AI to analyze recordings from wearable cameras and other smart devices to help people perform tasks better at home. This holds immense promise for assisting dementia patients in the future.
A technician carefully installs a server blade equipped with direct liquid cooling, demonstrating the hands-on precision involved in assembling Isambard-AI’s advanced computing infrastructure.
Built Fast, Built Smart
How do you build a supercomputer in half the usual time?
“We treated the project like a high-performance processor,” said Simon McIntosh-Smith, director at BriCS. “We executed everything in parallel.”
Key to this speed:
- Parallelized project management
- Early procurement of critical hardware, particularly GPUs
- Prefabricated modular data halls shipped in and assembled in days
- Relentless optimization of delivery timelines
- Ground broke in June 2024. By June 2025, the full 5-megawatt system was live: built, tested and running at a global scale.
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What happened in Calvary 2000 years ago
