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METAEDU 21: Accelerating growth of Education Technology for Classroom of Tomorrow
Organized by Taiwan’s Industrial Development Bureau, METAEDU 21 discussed Education Technologies with themes focused on Innovative Diffusion, Talent Cultivation, and Ecosystem Integration. The event will also continue to be part of Smart City Online to connect Taiwan industry players to the world.
December 2, 2021 4:55 p.m.
TAIPEI — Taiwan’s Industrial Development Bureau, the administrative agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan, in collaboration with the Institute for Information Industry (III) and Digital Education Institute (DEI), organized the METAEDU 21, a series of hybrid events spanning from 1 November to 5 November. Accelerated the growth of education technology (EdTech), webinars and seminars delivered by experienced practitioners formed the lineup of the event.
COVID-19 EdTech Boom: Changing the face of EdTech
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically altered the way we live, work, learn, and play. While it has undeniably presented unique challenges that we had to – or have yet to – overcome, the pandemic has also catalyzed an unprecedented EdTech boom.
According to the 2021 Taiwan EdTech Industry Survey Report, the total output value of EdTech in Taiwan amounted to 16.4 billion U.S. dollars. Compared to 2020, the overall output value saw annual growth of 220.9%. Specifically, the pandemic has fuelled the growth in demand for teaching hardware, which in itself accounted for more than 80% of the total output value. teaching software, communication products, cloud video, and learning platforms, and teaching assistive devices, among other deployment requirements.
This stark growth not only points to the pandemic-driven EdTech boom but also cements Taiwan’s key position in the global information and communications supply chain amidst the pandemic.
Riding the wave to accelerate the growth of EdTech
METAEDU 21’s slogan – “Tomorrow We Together” – embodies the need for continued collaborations between industry players and stakeholders to accelerate the growth of EdTech.
The event saw active participation from government agencies of various countries, international research institutions, educators, global venture capital companies, and learning technology professionals from all around the world.
Taiwan stands on a new international stage and event visitors walked away with valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
Shaped around 3 major themes – Innovative Diffusion, Talent Cultivation, and Ecosystem Integration – the inaugural annual event focuses on accelerating the EdTech ecosystem in Southeast Asia by providing an open and collaborative platform.
The five-day-event was held and receiving much attention especially the first day HolonIQ online forum talked about 2021 Taiwan EdTech 50, the 2021 market research report and featured the sharing of award-winning companies on their business ideas and future development plans. HolonIQ is the world’s leading impact intelligence platform. They helped several EdTech event in Middle East, Africa, Asia, and this is the first time helping Taiwan to have the Taiwan 50 EdTech and giving the award acknowledgement. On the 2nd day the physical event ceremony giving the Taiwan EdTech 50 awards and the Eduathon – EdTech hackathon live competition. The new EdTech Proof of Concept experience zone that is jointly opened by Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam was also unveiled.
The other 3 days event was the online webinar which is the 2021 International Reading Education Online Forum; the SDG4 Development in SEA Region, experts from the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) and representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Communications (Pusdatin) were invited to share and explore the use of technology to accelerate the goal of digital equality; and the final day of METAEDU 21 was international investment experts and overseas startup teams and research institutions giving the EdTech Talk to deliver the investment cooperation, the necessary conditions, and the future of the industry, also the trends, transformation, and acceleration of international development cooperation. The webinars have recorded video available on Youtube channel – METAEDU.
Please visit the EdTech virtual pavilion here https://smartcityonline.org.tw/pavilion.php?vip=METAEDU&fbclid=IwAR3VXwfJQ6ax8xdPwIZ8cz61ftn1jy6AD84Wbu4tjy_9HuhqV39MmZvFnj4
METAEDU 21: Event Highlights
To learn more about the Taiwan EdTech market, check out these event highlights from METAEDU 21 here https://youtu.be/_9osLRCJQ_I
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NephroPlus Philippines strengthens nationwide presence with 50 clinics
7:09 p.m. June 27, 2026
NephroPlus Philippines announced the expansion of its nationwide network to 50 dialysis clinics, a major milestone in its mission to make quality dialysis care more accessible to Filipinos.
NephroPlus recently opened its 50th clinic in Orion, Bataan. The achievement follows the addition of eight newly acquired clinics located in Cauayan, Isabela; Laurel, Batangas; Orani, Bataan; Cagayan de Oro; Aliaga, Nueva Ecija; Kamagong, Quezon City; Bacoor, Cavite; and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay in Mindanao. The expanded footprint strengthens the company’s ability to serve patients in high-chronic kidney disease (CKD)-prevalence areas with limited access to specialized renal healthcare services.
The expansion also aligns with the broader international growth strategy of NephroPlus, Asia’s largest dialysis provider, while contributing to the country’s pursuit of universal health coverage through infrastructure and workforce developments. The company helps create local employment opportunities for healthcare professionals, clinical staff, and admin personnel in the communities it serves.
“Reaching 50 clinics in the Philippines is a defining milestone not just for NephroPlus but for every Filipino living with kidney disease, who deserves access to world-class dialysis care closer to home. The Philippines is now our second-largest country of operations globally, a testament to the trust communities here have placed in us. Our focus remains where it has always been, on our guests, their outcomes, and their right to live normally. At NephroPlus, life can be normal even when kidneys aren’t,” said Rohit Singh, Group CEO of NephroPlus.
Altogether, NephroPlus Philippines brings a total capacity of 686, serving an estimated 2,866 patients every month.
Standardizing Quality Across a Growing Network
As NephroPlus Philippines continues its nationwide expansion, the company ensures to invest in systems and processes that enable every clinic to deliver the same standard of care to its guests everywhere.
“Consistency is crucial for a continuously expanding network like NephroPlus,” said Gowtham Arumugam, Country Head of NephroPlus Philippines. “As much as we want every Filipino to receive the world-class dialysis they deserve, we first ensure that every clinic we open meets our NephroPlus standards – care that is safe, ethical, and compassionate. This demonstrates our commitment to quality dialysis care for our guests.”
This quality is evident across the company’s operational excellence, workforce development, and digital innovation.
The company maintains a robust operational framework that includes active compliance monitoring, standardized clinical protocols, structured onboarding of newly integrated centers, regular quality audits, and continuous patient feedback mechanisms. From operations to senior leadership, direct engagement across all clinics helps strengthen accountability and ensure consistent standards of care.
Every patient at NephroPlus is referred to as a “Guest,” based on the company’s Guest Care Model, which is a commitment to safe, ethical, and patient-centered care. To support this philosophy, the company recently launched the NephroPlus Hemodialysis Training Center in Quezon City, its first-ever training facility in the country. The center develops highly skilled dialysis professionals through programs aligned with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Society of Nephrology, and international standards.
Complementing its investments in infrastructure and workforce development, NephroPlus is leveraging technology to enhance guest support nationwide. Earlier this year, the company launched its Guest App, a first-of-its-kind digital platform designed to support comprehensive renal care management beyond treatment sessions. Apart from appointment scheduling, guests can access a learning hub, lifestyle guidance, and a patient community network that overall support their healthcare journey.
NephroPlus Philippines’ ongoing investments in clinic expansion, professional training, and healthcare innovation are a collective effort to reinforce its global commitment: to provide every guest living with kidney disease the opportunity to live a fuller, healthier, and more meaningful life.
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Kaspersky detected more than 92,000 malware attacks disguised as AI services in 2026
2:10 p.m. June 10, 2026
From January to the beginning of May 2026, Kaspersky solutions detected more than 92,000 attacks of malware and potentially unwanted applications worldwide disguised as popular Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents and AI services.
Cybercriminals exploited trusted brands to lure victims into downloading malicious files, with fake ChatGPT applications accounting for almost half (49%) of all detected attacks, while Claude and Gemini each represented 18%. Kaspersky presented these insights at its annual flagship European conference, Kaspersky HORIZONS, in Rome on May 19.
Since the beginning of the year, Kaspersky researchers have identified more than 15,000 samples of malware masquerading as agentic AI software, including fake versions of rapidly growing tools such as OpenClaw. Among these samples were banking trojans, spyware, exploits, and malware downloaders capable of deploying additional malicious payloads.
In May 2026, Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) also uncovered a new campaign linked to the Silver Fox advanced persistent threat (APT) group. In this operation, attackers distributed fake Claude AI applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, targeting users seeking access to AI tools. Once launched, the malicious installers silently deployed malware onto victims’ devices, enabling long-term access to compromised systems and sensitive information.
“The introduction of AI agents into enterprise environments changes the nature of trust itself. Every automated action becomes part of a wider chain of systems and data exchanges, which means security is no longer just about protecting endpoints – it is about controlling how intelligence, permissions, and decisions propagate across interconnected AI-driven processes,” explains Dmitry Galov, Head of Russia and CIS units at Kaspersky GReAT. “Users should also keep in mind that attackers are actively leveraging popular AI services as a lure to steal victims’ confidential data and funds. Taking into account the evolution of modern threat landscape, reliable security solutions are becoming an essential part of digital life.”
To protect against evolving threats, Kaspersky recommends organizations:
- Protect corporate infrastructure against a wide range of threats. Use solutions from the Kaspersky Next product line that provide real-time protection, threat visibility, investigation and advanced response capabilities. If a company lacks cybersecurity workers, it can adopt managed security services such as Kaspersky Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and / or Incident Response that covers the entire incident management cycle – from threat identification to continuous protection and remediation.
- Equip your cybersecurity team with in-depth visibility into cyber threats targeting your organization. The latest Kaspersky Threat Intelligence delivers rich, contextual insights throughout the entire incident management cycle, enabling timely identification of cyber risks. AI-powered open-source intelligence search enhances your team’s ability to uncover and respond to emerging threats with greater precision.
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Honda PH expands export business through Click125
5:27 p.m. May 21, 2026
Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI), the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines, continues to expand its export operations as it officially begins exporting Click125 to N.C.X. Co., Ltd Cambodia and Laos, the exclusive manufacturer, distributor, and assembler of Honda motorcycles in the area.
The initiative marks another milestone in HPI’s commitment to bringing Philippine-made motorcycles to the global market while strengthening its presence across Southeast Asia.
The send-off ceremony, attended by HPI Executives, Management Members, and Project Leaders on May 15, 2026, celebrated the dispatch of the first batch of Click125 units bound for Cambodia and Laos. Export containers and actual motorcycle units prepared for shipment were also showcased during the event, highlighting HPI’s growing international business operations and dedication to delivering high-quality mobility products beyond the Philippines.
As one of Honda’s highest-selling motorcycle models in the country, the Click125 has become a trusted choice among riders because of its aggressive yet minimalist design, fuel-efficient engine, and advanced features suited for everyday commuting. Its reliable performance and riding comfort have made it popular among Filipino Customers, making it a strong model for export to neighboring Southeast Asian markets.
“The Click125 export to NCX Cambodia and Laos marks another significant achievement for Honda Philippines as we bring one of the most trusted motorcycle models of Filipino riders to international markets. This milestone reflects our commitment to showcasing the quality of Philippine-made motorcycles and delivering the Joy of Mobility to more customers across the region.,” said Takeshi Kobayashi, President of Honda Philippines, Inc.
For more product information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on HPI’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook at facebook.com/hondaph, Instagram at instagram.com/hondaph_mc/, YouTube at Honda Philippines_Motorcycle, and TikTok at tiktok.com/@hondaphilippines. For inquiries, contact (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.

