Singtel Innov8 Launches Global Programme on Startup Collaboration

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Singtel Innov8 has announced a new program which opens doors for startups to collaborate with Singtel to create innovative solutions for business challenges faced by the Singtel Group.

Through Singtel Innov8 Connect which was launched on January 12, selected startups will receive up to S$75,000 to test and validate their solutions with Singtel. Successful solutions may lead to commercialization with the Singtel Group, providing startups access to the Group’s customer base which includes both enterprises and consumers and over 575 million mobile customers across Asia, Australia, and Africa. They will also have the opportunity to seek funding from Singtel Innov8 and tap on its network of co-investors and partners across the globe.

The move is a step forward from the existing initiatives across the Singtel Group, where affiliates run programs that actively support startups and entrepreneurship programs. Globe Telecom in the Philippines, for example, has Kickstart Ventures, a corporate venture capital firm that makes investments in digital startups ranging from seed to Series “C” stage. Other startup-oriented initiatives are run in affiliate operators, namely AIS in Thailand, Telkomsel in Indonesia, and Optus in Australia.

Kickstart in particular runs two funds: Fund 1 is the original US$5Million seed-to-early-stage investment fund focused on startups that originate in the Philippines with an ambition to expand at least regionally; and Fund 2, announced in March 2015, is its US$50Million growth stage fund focused on strategically-aligned startups anywhere in the world. Demonstrating collaboration across the Singtel group, Kickstart and Singtel Innov8 invested last year in Teridion, an Israel-based startup focused on network optimization and content acceleration.

NBA and FrieslandCampina Announce Multi-Year Marketing Partnership Extension

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Royal FrieslandCampina (FrieslandCampina) – one of the world’s largest dairy companies, providing millions of children and families with valuable nutrition every day –announced today a multi-year extension of their marketing partnership.

As the Official Milk Partner of the NBA in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, FrieslandCampina will continue to engage the NBA’s fanbase in Asia through its Drink.Move.BeStrong campaign, which aims to cultivate an active and healthy lifestyle among children through play, sports and proper nutrition. Through this partnership, FrieslandCampina will amplify the importance of exercise and good nutrition through events, television and digital activities, and localizedmarketing content, while also providing fanswith the opportunity to receive NBA-branded products, in-store promotions and unique NBA experiences.

FrieslandCampina willalso continue to serve as the Presenting Partner of the Jr. NBA in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam through its Frisian Flag, Dutch Lady, Alaska and Foremost brands.The Jr. NBA, the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. During the 2015-16 season, the Jr. NBA will reach more than 6.5 million youth in 32 countries. The program, first introduced to Southeast Asia in the Philippines in 2007, has reached more than 1.4 million children, parents and coaches across Southeast Asia.

“We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with the NBA,” said FrieslandCampina Asia Chief Operating Officer Piet Hilarides. “Our collaboration has yielded tremendous results and we look forward to continuing our efforts to bolster the health and well-being of the region’s future generation. Milk is recognised as a source of good nutrition by leading authorities and, as one of the world’s leading dairy companies, FrieslandCampina is committed to advocating better nutrition for children across Southeast Asia and beyond. We are also focused on continuing our efforts to engage strategic stakeholders and partners including the NBA to put the brakes on the rise of non-communicable diseases in the region.”

Schedule of Activities for the 20th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

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It's just a few days to go before the Weekend of Everything that Flies start making Pampanga one of the most sought after and busiest destination in the country. People from all walks of life will surely flock towards the province to witness the highly anticipated annual event that is now on its 20th year.

It's best to be there for the entire four days of celebration so I'm sure hotels and other accommodations will be fully booked once again. Likewise, the restaurants and tourist spots around the area will also benefit from the huge crowd who will all be visiting the event and eventually take side trips and tours around Pampanga.

True enough, the weekend from February 11 to 14 will be another talked about event in history.

My team is also ready to be there as early as February 10 so we could witness the inflation of the hot air balloons in the early hours of February 11.

Below are the official Schedule of Activities for the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Please bear in mind that the schedule may change without prior notice, especially with the flying activities because they are highly dependent on wind conditions.