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Thursday, December 5, 2024

CS Researchers Receive UPD 2024 REPS Chair and REPS Awards

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Researchers from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) are recipients of the University’s first-ever recognition for its Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS).



Researchers from UPD-CS will be recognized at UP Diliman’s first-ever recognition focused on its Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS). (Photo credit: Craig SoroƱo).

The UP Diliman REPS Chair and REPS Awards aims to recognize the achievements of the REPS in the fields of research and creative work, extension services, and professional public service. These awards also aim to encourage REPS to advance knowledge and learning in their respective fields, establish scientific and thought laboratories, and develop collaborative programs that support UP’s mandate as the nation’s leading research university.

Three researchers from the UPD-CS Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI) earned the REPS Chair Awards. Meanwhile, one researcher each from NSRI, UPD-CS Marine Science Institute (MSI) and the UPD-CS National Institute of Physics (NIP), along with two from the UPD-CS Institute of Biology (IB), received the REPS Awards.


REPS Chair Awards Recipients

Dr. Charita S. Kwan is the head of NSRI’s Research and Analytical Services Laboratory. She has over 20 years of experience in projects related to environmental and analytical chemistry, with a focus on the distribution, fate, and transport of organic micropollutants.

Dr. Pierangeli G. Vital is the head of NSRI’s Biological Research and Services Laboratory. She has over a decade of experience in research and teaching within the field of environmental microbiology and food safety, publishing multiple articles in international peer-reviewed journals and papers.

Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria is the head of NSRI’s DNA Analysis Laboratory. Her research focuses on human genetic diversity and leveraging DNA as a tool for human identification in criminal investigations, prosecuting sexual offenders and preventing wrongful convictions.



REPS Awards Recipients

Mary Ann Cielo R. San Diego is a registered microbiologist of NSRI’s Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory. Her research centers on wastewater microbiology, specifically the community and functional profiling of microorganisms in wastewater treatment plants.

John Michael L. Lastimoso is an Assistant Herbarium Curator of the Gregorio T. Velasquez Phycological Herbarium and a member of the Marine Phycology Laboratory at MSI, where he conducts biodiversity and systematics research on Indo-West Pacific macroalgae.

Dr. Hannah R. Bartolaza assists with the operation and maintenance of equipment in NIP’s Femtosecond Laser Laboratory. Her research focuses on materials science, specifically materials and devices for terahertz science and technology applications.

Melizar V. Duya is a university researcher in IB’s Biodiversity Research Laboratory. She has authored and co-authored publications on Philippine wildlife, including new species descriptions, and contributed to developing and identifying Key Biodiversity Areas in the country.

Mae Ashley G. Nacario is a university researcher in IB’s Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory. Her focus is on Environmental Microbiology, with a specialization in Microbial Source Tracking. She has already published 7 manuscripts in various Scopus-indexed journals.

The REPS Chair and REPS Awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM, at the GT Toyota Auditorium, Asian Center, as part of the REPS Colloquium and General Assembly program. The recipients will be awarded with a plaque of recognition and a cash prize.


Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Driving Filipino Innovations Forward: PROPEL Launched to Accelerate Technology Transfer and Commercialization


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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Philippines is set to launch a transformative program aimed at driving science, technology, and innovation initiatives forward. Dubbed "PROPEL," this comprehensive support platform is designed to empower Filipino innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs by consolidating and enhancing access to funding, mentorship, and global commercialization opportunities.

The program launch, scheduled for December 4, 2024, at the Manila Hotel in Manila City, underscores DOST's commitment to fostering an innovation ecosystem that promotes human well-being, economic growth, and sustainability. PROPEL, which stands for "Accelerating Innovations in the Philippines," aims to bridge Philippine innovations with international markets, fast-tracking local enterprises towards global recognition.

"PROPEL will serve as a gateway for successful technology transfer and commercialization, propelling Filipino innovations forward to both local and global markets," emphasized DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. as he shared the significance of this initiative.

As the Department's dynamic commercialization arm, PROPEL is dedicated to transforming groundbreaking science and technology innovations into thriving global enterprises. The program also emphasizes collaboration between the public and private sectors to address critical gaps in the country's innovation ecosystem.

The event is expected to gather attendees from national government offices, diplomatic corps, academic institutions, business sectors, and the community of scientists and innovators. It will feature cutting-edge technologies and innovations from DOST-supported universities and research and development institutes, underscoring the Department's commitment to empowering Filipino innovators.

"The launch of PROPEL will mark a pivotal moment for the country's science and technology community," said DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr. "By enabling innovators to scale their ideas and enterprises, DOST is driving forward its vision of propelling Filipino innovations to global success."

PROPEL's Comprehensive Support Platform

PROPEL is designed to unify DOST's resources, providing strategic guidance, facilitating access to funding, markets, and scientific expertise to Filipino innovators. The program bridges Philippine innovations with international markets, fast-tracking local enterprises towards global recognition.

Key features of the PROPEL program include:Mobilizing Existing Services and Programs: PROPEL will consolidate and enhance access to the Department's existing services, facilities, and programs, including:

Market-driven R&D
DOST Knowledge Banks from all Regional Institutes
Sectoral Councils
DOST-PAGASA and DOST-PHIVOLCS
Technology Business Incubations
Licensing and Global Funding Network Enabling University-based and Community-based Innovations: 

PROPEL will support both university-based and community-based science and technology enterprises and innovators.

This includes:

Scientists, researchers, and innovators from local and foreign universities or research organizations

Filipino scientists, researchers, and innovators from local universities or research organizations

Non-university members such as community-based scientists, researchers, and innovators 

Showcasing and Exhibiting Innovations: 

PROPEL will provide platforms for innovators to showcase and exhibit their products and solutions, both locally and globally, through various channels, including:

DOST's regional and industry-led innovation hubs (iHUBs)

Technology Business Incubation and Acceleration programs

Global exhibitions and trade shows


Fostering Collaboration and Networking: 

PROPEL will facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities for stakeholders, enabling the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices. This includes:Connecting innovators with potential partners, investors, and customers
Organizing events, workshops, and mentorship programs


Providing access to intellectual property (IP) management services

By consolidating and enhancing DOST's existing resources, PROPEL aims to empower Filipino innovators, accelerate the commercialization of science and technology-driven solutions, and propel the country's innovations to global success.

As the Philippines continues its journey towards technological advancement and economic growth, the launch of the PROPEL program marks a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of fostering a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem. With its comprehensive support platform, PROPEL is poised to unlock the vast potential of Filipino creativity and entrepreneurship, driving the country's transformation into a regional and global hub for cutting-edge innovations.

Vendfun Wins HOTELIERS’ CHOICE AWARD 2024 for Hospitality Kiosk Solution

 

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Johor Bahru, Malaysia – The Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) Johor Chapter is proud to announce that Vendfun has been named the winner of the HOTELIERS’ CHOICE AWARD 2024 for its outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry with its innovative Hospitality Kiosk Solution.


The award was presented on 1st December 2024 during the prestigious event at the AICC Johor Bahru, recognizing corporate partners who deliver exceptional services and products that drive transformation in the hotel industry.

This esteemed event recognizes and celebrates corporate partners who have consistently delivered excellent services and quality products to Johor’s hotel industry, contributing significantly to hospitality transformation.

Among this year’s honorees is Vendfun, whose contributions have been instrumental in helping hoteliers embrace digital transformation. Through its innovative kiosk solutions, Vendfun has empowered hotels across 12 states in Malaysia, enabling automation and streamlining operations to enhance guest experiences.

“Winning or not does not signify a comparison of good or bad, nor does it imply competition. Instead, this recognition serves as an important benchmark for all hotel operators,” said Jarod Chia, MyBHA Johor Chapter Chairman.

Vendfun takes this opportunity to extend its heartfelt gratitude to all its customers for their belief in its automated kiosk solutions. “Your trust and support have been the cornerstone of our success,” said Benny Wee, CEO of Vendfun.

Additionally, special thanks are extended to the dedicated Vendfun team. “Without your relentless support and unwavering commitment to ensuring the satisfaction of our customers, this achievement would not have been possible. This award is a testament to your hard work and dedication,” added Benny Wee.

The HOTELIERS’ CHOICE AWARDS align with MyBHA Johor Chapter's hotel industry transformation roadmap, focusing on four key pillars:

Rebrand – Elevating the image of Johor's budget and business hotels.

Improve – Enhancing operational standards and guest satisfaction.

Strengthen – Building stronger partnerships within the hospitality ecosystem.

Educate – Empowering hoteliers with knowledge and tools for success.

This year’s awards not only highlight Vendfun’s role in reshaping the hospitality landscape but also encourage hoteliers to adopt innovative practices. The ultimate goal is to attract more local and international visitors to Johor, boost their confidence, and inspire them to extend their stay.

About Vendfun Sdn Bhd
Vendfun is a leading provider of hospitality automation solutions, specializing in self-service kiosks that enable hotels to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance guest experiences. With installations across 12 states in Malaysia, Vendfun is committed to driving digital transformation in the hospitality industry.
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