NEWS
Sinag Solutions turns 13: Guiding businesses to embrace Artificial Intelligence
2:42 p.m. June 26, 2025
Sinag Solutions chose to mark its 13th anniversary with a challenge of conventional thinking regarding both numerology and technology.
The homegrown digital transformation leader hosted an exclusive gathering of digital transformation professionals to explore practical approaches to artificial intelligence adoption in the business landscape.
Francis Uy, Chief Executive Officer of Sinag Solutions, framed the discussion by drawing parallels between society’s unfounded fears about the number 13 and common misconceptions surrounding AI.
He shared his early experiences with AI at the University of the Philippines, where he worked with Prolog programming to create chess algorithms, demonstrating that the technology has been evolving for decades. Uy emphasized that today’s AI revolution, driven by large language models, presents both unprecedented opportunities and new challenges that require thoughtful navigation.
The discussion highlighted the urgent need for businesses to understand emerging regulations, particularly the EU AI Act, which imposes penalties of up to €35 million for non-compliance.
These regulations classify AI systems by risk level and establish corresponding requirements, making governance a critical first step for any organization beginning its AI journey. Uy stressed that companies serving European customers must prioritize compliance to avoid costly consequences.
Real-world applications of AI took center stage during the panel discussions. In healthcare, the speaker shared a personal experience where AI assisted in analyzing medical test results, although he cautioned against blind reliance on the technology.
Financial sector panelists warned about the risks of algorithmic bias, noting that systems trained primarily on Western data might not adequately serve Asian customers.
Retail examples demonstrated AI’s potential to drive engagement, with one panelist citing Spotify’s AI DJ feature as an example of successful personalization.
Uy emphasized that successful AI implementation requires balancing innovation with responsibility.
“Many companies rush into enterprise-wide transformations,” he noted, “when they should be starting with focused pilots that allow for learning and adjustment.” This measured approach helps organizations maintain control while exploring AI’s potential.
Insights From Industry Pioneers
The event featured compelling perspectives from leaders at the forefront of AI adoption:
Omar Dapul, CEO of Deepfaic, highlighted emerging security threats: “Deepfakes aren’t just videos—audio scams are exploding. Imagine a voice clone stealing your identity over a call. Our tools give enterprises a fighting chance.”
His warning underscored the growing sophistication of AI-powered fraud.
David Rosario of Katapult Digital shared a success story about practical AI implementation: “Adding plain-text explanations to dashboards boosted an airline’s ad returns by 13%. Sometimes, the simplest AI fix unlocks millions.”
This example demonstrated how small, thoughtful AI applications can yield significant returns.
Arup Maity, President of Xamun, addressed implementation challenges: “Enterprises don’t need more code—they need clarity. Our AI co-pilot ensures every requirement translates to working software, one step at a time.” His approach emphasized reducing complexity in AI adoption.
Dr. Ezekiel Bernardo, a Human-AI Interaction Researcher from DLSU, focused on user experience: “People adopt AI when it feels transparent, not just accurate. A well-designed explanation can increase trust by 70%—emotions drive adoption.”
His research highlighted the human element often overlooked in technical implementations.
Charting the Path Forward
As the event concluded, several key themes emerged that define successful AI adoption. First, regulatory compliance must form the foundation of any AI strategy.
Second, high-quality, locally relevant data is essential for effective AI systems. Third, focused pilot projects provide valuable learning opportunities before scaling. Fourth, human oversight remains critical even as automation increases. Finally, partnering with experienced enterprise architects can accelerate safe adoption.
Through its 13-year history of challenging technological norms, Sinag Solutions continues to position itself as a thought leader in practical, responsible AI adoption.
As a winner of the Open Group Awards for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sinag leads the digital transformation space where AI represents one of the new frontiers.
The closing remarks highlighted how the company measures impact “not just in technology deployments, but in how we’re helping build our nation’s digital future” through projects across energy, education, and healthcare sectors.
As Francis Uy noted, in an era of rapid technological change, fortune favors those who prepare rather than those who hesitate.
NEWS
SmarTrade Talks Financial Literacy with Future Business Leaders at National Teachers College
7:28 p.m. July 11, 2025
SmarTrade, a leader in empowering Filipinos with comprehensive financial education, trading insights, and market strategies, continues its university outreach initiatives to help young individuals make informed financial decisions and develop essential skills for their futures.
The company was at the National Teachers College (NTC) in Mendiola for the school’s “The Professional’s Playbook in Action” Leadership Series where Ed Saguibo, SmarTrade’s Head of Learning and Development, was invited as guest speaker for the special segment “LEFT BRAIN FOCUS: Financial Precision”.
Saguibo’s talk, attended by Business Administration students, focused on the timely and relevant topic of “Quantitative Decision Making and Identifying Poor Decisions in Financial Choices,” a critical area of knowledge for future professionals navigating today’s increasingly complex financial landscape. He emphasized how data-backed decisions can positively impact personal and business finances, providing technical insights combined with real-life scenarios and common decision-making pitfalls to offer practical tools that students can immediately apply.
“It’s not just about making smart decisions, it’s about making informed ones. When students learn how to analyze numbers and spot red flags in their financial behavior early on, they are better prepared to lead successful financial lives, whether as entrepreneurs, professionals, or investors,” said Saguibo.
This is SmarTrade’s third campus engagement for the year under its nationwide campaign P.A.R.T.N.E.R. Summit (Profitable Alliances: Reshaping Trading Networks for Endless Rewards), which aims to promote financial literacy and readiness among students and young professionals. The campaign is built around a vision of equipping Filipinos with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and thrive in the trading and investment world. By incorporating school engagements, SmarTrade continues to lay the groundwork for a financially empowered generation.
“We’re proud to bring this advocacy to institutions like the National Teachers College,” said Joyce Mayo, President and CEO of SmarTrade. “Education is at the core of what we do, and through our P.A.R.T.N.E.R. campaign, we aim to go beyond trading to build a community of financially literate Filipinos. These students are the future, and it’s our role to help shape that future through opportunity and learning.”
To inquire on how your college, university, or student organization can be part of the P.A.R.T.N.E.R. Summit campaign, email events@smartrade.com.ph. To learn more about SmarTrade and its services, including free training sessions and personalized coaching, visit www.smartradeph.com or follow their official Facebook and Instagram pages.
NEWS
Political Pump makes waves at PH Blockchain Week
7:30 a.m. July 10, 2025
In a sea of short-lived hype cycles token launches, Political Pump is emerging as a cultural movement for the next generation of crypto enthusiasts. Showcased at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025, the platform brings a new, safer frontier for meme coin lovers, one where you can buy, hold, and sleep soundly.
Political Pump is not just another meme coin, it’s a decentralized collectible platform where political figures meet blockchain in a unique blend of satire, scarcity, and community governance. Each politician-based micro memecoin has a fixed supply and is launched without presales or insider allocations. True to the spirit of decentralization, 100% of liquidity is burned, ensuring fair, transparent, and tamper-proof tokenomics. It’s not just a token. It’s a conversation. A collectible. A piece of digital history.
(Photo from Philippine Blockchain Week: Jose Manuel Torres, Co-Founder of Political Pump)
“This isn’t just another meme coin. It’s a statement,” said Jose Manuel Torres, Co-Founder of Political Pump. “We launched without presales, private allocations, or team-controlled wallets. Every coin is market-driven, with all liquidity burned, ensuring there’s no room for manipulation. No secret deals, no backroom games—just pure, transparent crypto play. We don’t believe in governance tokens or centralized control. We believe the people should speak through the free market.”
From left to right: Chezka Gonzales, Vice President of Blockchain Council of the Philippines and Co Founder of Philippine Blockchain Week, Donnalyn Bartolome, multi-talented Filipina personality, Jose Manuel Torres, Co-Founder of Political Pump Political Pump piqued interest and stood out alongside other noteworthy innovations and meme coin activations at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025, a true celebration of culture, technology, and community-led finance. If you missed out, learn more by visiting www.politicalpump.com.
NEWS
Makati Business Club believes Customs chief Nepomuceno can reform, modernize agency
5:39 p.m. July 26, 2025
In a strong show of confidence from the country’s premier business group, Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Rafael “Apa” Ongpin praised Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno during a recent high-profile interview, calling him a man of “great integrity” and a capable leader poised to reform and modernize the agency.
“We discussed him in Makati Business Club. Quite a few members are familiar with him — apparently, he came from the private sector. He has a good reputation,” Ongpin said, speaking on behalf of the business community’s early impressions of the newly appointed Customs chief.
Ongpin commended Nepomuceno’s intelligence and openness to innovation: “Apparently he’s very bright, he’s very up to date with technology — and he has great integrity. So, we have high hopes for this guy, Mr. Nepomuceno.”
Commissioner Nepomuceno, who previously held key roles in both government and the private sector, has been widely expected to bring a more results-oriented and transparent leadership style to the BOC. The endorsement from the MBC — an influential voice in Philippine economic policy and governance — adds momentum to ongoing reform efforts at Customs, long seen as a critical chokepoint in trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations.
Observers note that such public praise from the business sector underscores the importance of trust and modernization in government institutions.
Commissioner Nepomuceno, meanwhile, has previously vowed to lead the BOC with transparency, digitalization, and accountability as top priorities.
SmarTrade Talks Financial Literacy with Future Business Leaders at National Teachers College
Political Pump makes waves at PH Blockchain Week
Shell empowers Filipino SMEs thru award-winning Fleet App
