The Data Protection Landscape in APAC: Preparedness and Compliance will be Key to Winning Customer Trust

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the wake of Europe’s GDPR implementation, Asia Pacific governments are likely to become tougher on data protection compliance

The data protection landscape in the Asia-Pacific region is rapidly maturing compared to just a few years ago, with implementation and enforcement of privacy and data security laws becoming more rigorous and stringent.

While the region has in the past been perceived as less litigious than the western countries, this is changing as digital adoption increases and governments become more sensitive to the need to protect personal data and confidential information.

Globally, South East Asia is one of the fastest growing regions for digital innovation, spurred by better internet connectivity and smartphone adoption.

Singapore has a Smart Nation vision; Malaysia the world’s first Digital Free Trade Zone; while Thailand has earmarked a ‘Thailand 4.0’ vision for all sectors of the economy to be digital. By 2025, digital commerce in the top 6 countries in ASEAN is expected to reach US$90 billion, up from US$5 billion in 2015[1].

The collection of personal data by countries in the Asia Pacific is also expected to grow exponentially as the processing and analysis of large amounts of personal data become possible with digital technologies.

As cross-border data transactions grow,cyber security and data protection laws are also converging to reflect the demands of the emerging digital economy.

Many Asia Pacific businesses, however, have yet to move towards compliance with current legislation, and are holding back implementation until they can understand what compliance standards would look like.

However, this is set to change as data protection rules become formalised. Europe’s GDPR implementation in May 2018 has set a precedent that is likely to motivate Asia Pacific governments to further tighten the screws on privacy protection, for instance, by setting punitive financial penalties when companies mishandle customer data, demandingstricter internal risk management controlsand putting into law compulsory requirements for data breach notification.

Data protection compliance regulation coming into force across Asia Pacific

China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines have recently updated their data protection compliance rules or will be introducing new privacy and cyber security laws.

China has introduced some of the most comprehensive data protection regulations. A new Cybersecurity Law was enforced in June 2017, placing the onus on companies that conduct business in China—regardless if they have a physical presence in the country—to review their data protection policies and ensure compliance.

From 2014 to September 2017, a total of 1,529 criminal cases of infringement of personal information were heard in courts across the country.

In the next few months, China will be introducing e-commerce legislation to cover areas such as data anonymisation, big data, overseas data transfers and information security. Companies that fail to comply with the law will face severe financial penalties, possibly including the loss of their rights to conduct business.

In Singapore, changes to the Personal Data Protection Act already include facets similar to Europe’s GDPR, particularly in mandatory breach notification and appointment of a data protection officer.

In the first five months of 2018, a number of financial and insurance organisations, including AIG, Aventis, Aviva and Actxa were fined for failing to provide adequate security arrangements to protect personal data, or for breaching rules on the use of personal data. A cyber security bill is widely expected to be passed later this year in Singapore.

The Philippines Data Privacy Act was updated in 2016, making tougher sanctions enforceable on personal data security, including a compulsory 72-hour personal data breach notification.

Data protection safeguards are similarly being put in place in Australia. A mandatory data breach notification scheme was launched in February this year requiring companies to notify data breaches where serious risk of harm to individuals is caused. Failure to comply can lead to fines up to US$2 million.

Elsewhere, Japan’s Personal Information Protection Act was amended in May 2017, the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act was enacted in 2013 and South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act, updated in 2016, contains some of thestrictest data protection rules relating to IT networks and the use of credit information.

Businesses must move to protect their data, and themselves

The need for compliance is profoundlyimpacting how businesses handle personal data and manage their business process.

Security and the need to protect sensitive and confidential information is becoming a critical part of business operations.

All businesses need to be aware of major regional data privacy legislation and how it will apply to them. They need to assess their environments and ensure that they can meet current or oncoming compliance guidelines.

Non-compliance can be costly and lead to serious damages to their corporate reputation.

If businesses have yet to consider the tougher data regulations, now is a good time to start with an information audit and to begin developing awareness.

Crucially, they need to ask if they have the infrastructure, data management processes, and IT and cybersecurity technologies in place to protect their business environment. Do they have a robust data protection framework that can detect and mitigate data breaches quickly and effectively? Do they have visibility deep into their infrastructure, and know where their data is, as well as who and what are accessing it?

Cybersecurity is central to compliance with data protection regulations. Organizations must ensure they have the capability to prevent network intrusion and minimize the risk of serious breach, by reducing the time taken to detect new threats. They must also have effective and tested post-intrusion responses.

Opportunity to win customer trust and loyalty

With the data protection compliance burden growing in the Asia-Pacific region, it’s likely that the effort of achieving compliance, and the risks associated with the failure to comply, will increase dramatically. 

For many businesses, customer confidence is already being influenced by their perceived risk of conducting transactions online, or whether their personal data is at risk of being compromised or stolen. Meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements will go a long way towards assuaging those concerns.

New data compliance rules also offer an opportunity for businesses to re-evaluate their processes and improve data management and customer loyalty. Rather than seeing these new regulations as challenges or barriers, they would be better off viewing them as an opportunity to achieve competitive differentiation, and as a way to drive greater customer confidence and trust in their brands.

By Peerapong Jongvibool, regional director for Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, Fortinet

Wrangler’s 2018 True Wanderer Takes on the Marawi Warzone

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It’s been a long journey with many twists and turns, but Wrangler’s yearly search for the ultimate adventurer has finally reached the end of the road as Rhyan Joe Sianquita was chosen as the 2018 True Wanderer.

Of the thousands of participants who shared their best #Live2Wander moments online, 10 finalists were sent on a three-day journey to different places in the Philippines. As a professional travel organizer, Sianquita has explored many beautiful destinations across the country, but chose a unique location for his True Wanderer trip: the warzone of Marawi City.

“I travel every week because of my job,” he said. “But what made this trip so different is the destination. All the blogs called Marawi the ‘city of no return.’ But at the airport, I met so many wonderful people who made me realize that it wasn’t true. They were even inviting me into their homes!”

In this year’s search, Sianquita was one of over 9,500 True Wanderer hopefuls - the highest number of participants in the four-year history of Wrangler’s annual travel program. At one point, he was discouraged as he browsed the other participants’ posts.

“I was up against many professional photographers, and their captions were also so good,” he said. “As the day of the announcement came closer I became more worried, but decided to just tell myself that I already won through the experience.”

And it was quite an experience indeed. The finalists also had to undergo three different challenges during their three-day trip and shared photos and the stories behind them using the hashtags #TrueFoodie, #TrueCulture, and #TrueAdventure. Sianquinta’s entry stood out, with his #TrueAdventure caption reading:

"Every time I travel, it’s important to have a picture-perfect adventure. As I walked through the warzone in Marawi, the angst of being there was real; it’s not a perfect picture. Along with the 1st Scout Ranger Company, I crossed through the memorable sites of ground zero carrying the memories and stories before and during the war. We felt the anguish and pain of losing a fellow comrade. But something sparked in me what only eyes of the heart and soul can see. Beyond the chaos and hostility is a promise of HOPE. Rubbles turned into building dreams of a better Marawi, where faith and camaraderie from each and every Filipino will make this land rise out from the ashes. Let the world know how strong is Lahing Kayumanggi! Bangon Marawi!”

Sianquinta won P500,000 worth of prizes, including a 3-days/2-nights all-expense-paid trip for four to any Philippine destination, as well as travel gear, one drone camera, one tablet, and Wrangler gift certificates. He is particularly excited about the drone camera because he wants to take even more spectacular shots while on his travels.

“I’m a hiker, so I want to be able to hike in mountains abroad like the Everest base camp and Kinabalu. But for my upcoming True Wanderer trip, I’m thinking of going to Bohol,” he shared. “My mother has never been on a plane so I want to bring her with me, along with my graduating sister and my wife.”

“I’m overwhelmed and I’m happy I didn’t let down those who supported me and believed that I could win,” he added. “It’s really not about your destination but it’s about the memories you make along the way.”

Enjoy Different Flavors of Ice Cream

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Ice cream is also known as iced cream or cream ice. Ice cream is a sweetened frozen dessert which most people eat after dinner. Ice cream is a sweet and frozen dessert, which people preferred to eat in summer. Ice cream is enjoyed by everyone either its kids, youngster or adults. All enjoy Ice Cream very much.

Ice Cream comes in different forms like Kulfi, Chuski and Ice Cream. Ice Cream is made from dairy products like milk and cream by using some ingredients like fruit, dry fruits, vinegar and edible color. For Sweetened sugar or sugar substitutes must be added. For stabilizing the flavor and color, some stabilizer is added.

Ice Cream is offered as dishes in many festivals. People enjoy Ice Cream in a different way like Kulfi. Ice Cream is also added in different dishes like smoothie and sakes. The phrase Ice Cream means "frozen custard", "frozen yogurt", "sorbet", "gelato” and many more and it also varies from one country to another country. In Delhi, there is so many ice Cream Parlor which offers best quality Ice Cream best ice cream in Delhi.

Ice cream served in different ways like in dishes, in cones, kulfi. Ice Cream is a frozen dessert, which is enjoyed by everyone. Ice Cream is also added to different desserts like Apple Pie, sakes and many more.

In Ice cream, people add so many ingredient ts for enhancing the taste and flavor.

As we Know North India is the hot area, so people enjoy Ice Cream and Ice Cream with other desserts in summer.

Ice Cream is made by different popular brands like Amul, Mother diary, Kwality Walls, Cream Bells.

Ice Cream comes in different flavor like Chocolate, mango, Kulfi, Orange and many more.

In Delhi and Mumbai have so many Ice cream Parlor which offers the different flavor of Ice Cream in a different way.

People love to enjoy Ice Cream any time. In summer women are prepared Ice Cream for their children and relatives. Women do experiment with Ice Cream with different flavor using multiple Ingredients. And children love homemade Ice Cream.

Ice cream prepared by women in the home is healthy and cost-effective. Women are also working as an entrepreneur. In summer most of the companies are provided offers on Ice cream to increase sale. Companies are also provided offers on Breaks.

Enjoy Ice Cream in best places of best ice cream in Delhi. People enjoy Ice cream in different weather mainly in summer and winter. They provided different variety of Ice Cream in different ways. all these restaurants and parlor provides different kind of offers to their customer.

As we all know Mumbai is hot climate city. So people love and enjoy Ice Cream. So In Mumbai, there is so many Ice Cream Parlor, which offers best ice cream in Mumbai.

Filipino Visitors in Taiwan Increase at a Double Rate in 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Taiwan is looking to boost its economy through tourism sales and the last year has seen the nation attract a good number of them – with Filipino visitors making the largest chunk of it.

Taiwan is located near China and is known for its beautiful modern cities as well as great night markets, hot springs and Chinese temples. It often features on a traveler’s itinerary when they visit China, but the small nation, with a population of less than 24 million didn’t fare as great to its Chinese counterparts when it came to tourist inflow. Now, Taiwan aims to change just that with more partnerships with other nations.

Now, there might be a good many reasons for you to visit Taiwan. While you may not be able to try out low stakes gambling, you would love the Taiwanese culture, as many tourists would testify.

A Look at Taiwan Tourism

All that might change soon though as Taiwan aims to divert more tourists to this part of Mainland China. Taiwan is expected to have an immense increase in the Filipino tourists in the year 2018 which might go up to 300,000. The reason behind this huge increment of tourism in Taiwan is due the free visa policy which was introduced last year between Taiwan and Philippines. This policy was introduced in order to cover up the loss to the Taiwan tourism industry because of the decline in Chinese tourists.

This decline in Chinese visitors is a result of unstable political relationship between the two countries. After the Presidential election in May 2016, the newly elected President Tsai Ing-wen had refused to accept Taiwan as a part of ‘One China’. Other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand have also got the benefits of ease in visa restrictions.

What’s Happening since 2017?

The policy in question was introduced in November 2017. The tourists in the last quarter of 2017 almost doubled as compared to the last quarter of 2016, it went up from 52,000 to 90,000 According to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) it has went up from 172,475 in 2016 to 290,784 in 2017 which is an increase of 68.59%. The average quarterly tourism is expected to be 90,000.

A Look at How Philippines is Driving the Tourism Growth

In 2018, the expected tourists from Philippines is expected to be around 300,000. The free visa policy is about to end on July 31, as it was introduced in a trial period for nine-months. Filipino tourists can visit Taiwan and stay there for 14 days as a result of this policy. Apart from free visa policy, new air routes have also been introduced between the two countries.

Talks are being held between TECO and Manila Economic and Cultural Office regarding the extension of this policy as this a great opportunity for both countries to know each other well. Have you visited China or Taiwan yet? Do you think your China trip will also include a visit to Taiwan? Let us know in the comments below!

Synergize: CMLI Launches First-ever Summit

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With the intention of renewing its commitment to serve God and the nation for the past 60 years, the Children’s Museum and Library, Inc. (CMLI), introduces its first-ever SYNERGIZE: CMLI Youth Leadership Summit to be held at Colegio San Agustin – Biñan on July 13 – 15, 2018.

In line with this, the CMLI Junior Council – National Executive Board (JC-NEB) 2018 Batch Salinlahi are calling on Junior and Senior High School students from both public and private schools to take part in this three-day summit composed of talks, workshops, team building activities, and the organization’s trademark commission discussions.

The CMLI Youth Leadership Summit will revolve around the theme of “Embrace Diversity and SHINE: Sustaining a Harmonious Impact towards Nation-building and Excellence.” Through this endeavor, the JC-NEB 2018 aims to help the student delegates enhance their leadership qualities and ignite their desire to serve the nation through developing their professionalism, critical thinking, and open-mindedness.

Moreover, the summit would also serve as an avenue for the participants to engage in creative cooperation and forge potential collaboration with their fellow students through participating in relevant discourse about current issues that the country is facing.

The event will have a registration fee of ₱2000 that is inclusive of the SYNERGIZE souvenir kit, and lunch and afternoon snacks for the entire duration of the summit. Students may view the invitation package at tinyurl.com/SYNERGIZE2018 and pre-register at tinyurl.com/CMLISynergize.

For any inquiries or concerns, you may contact Carmella Gabriel, Vice President (0956 052 8578) or Angel Lucas, Assistant Secretary (0947 518 6020).  You may also contact the CMLI Secretariat through 924-2304 or cmlijcneb2018@gmail.com. For more information and updates about the upcoming summit, you may visit CMLI’s Facebook page or follow CMLI’s Twitter account.

New York Asian Film Festival 2018 Features Fresh Breed of Filipino Films

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This year, an incredible lineup of six Filipino films will be screened competing in the 2018 edition of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) beginning on June 29, 2018. This is double the number of competing Filipino features last year. 

For years, NYAFF has brought pieces of Philippine cinema to the West, opening the minds and captivating the senses of the Western audience with our own cinematic vision.

The following six (6) Filipino films be represented in NFYAFF - BuyBust directed by Erik Matti, Neomanila directed by Mikhail Red, On the Job directed by Erik Matti, Respeto directed by Treb Monteras II, Sid & Aya (Not a Love Story) directed by Irene Villamor, and We Will Not Die Tonight by Richard Somes.

Three (3) films have already earned nominations, and received accolades from prominent award-giving bodies in the Philippines, as well as other countries, namely Neomanila, On the Job, and Respeto – all of which illustrate the Philippines in an engrossing manner that sees artistic integrity drawing power from realism and grit. 

Meanwhile, BuyBust, an action-thriller will make its world premiere at NYFF, giving the world a first look at esteemed filmmaker Erik Matti’s hotly anticipated action film alongside Richard Somes’ explosive genre piece, We Will Not Die Tonight, which will also be having its world premiere at the said event. On the other hand, Sid & Aya (Not A Love Story) has received positive reviews from film critics all over the Philippines where it was praised for its non-conformity to conventions, and a captivating allure brought about by Irene Villamor’s filmmaking.

Representatives of the Filipino films will be supported by the FDCP’s International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP), including Gawad Urian Best Actor, Abra of Respeto, producer Dondon Monteverde and directors Richard Somes, Treb Monteras II and Erik Matti. 

“All around the world, Filipino films continue to compete and be recognized by the most prestigious of film festivals and we are proud that NYAFF is doing its part in introducing Filipino Films - genre Filipino films especially - to the North American audience. We hope that this is the first step for more of our films to be recognized and distributed in that side of the world. We wish our delegates the best of luck,” said Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The 17th New York Asian Film Festival in New York City, USA runs from June 29, 2018 to July 15, 2018.

Achieving PH Energy Resiliency is a Shared Responsibility--Cusi

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JOINT EFFORT: Speaking at the first anniversary of the E-Power Mo Campaign, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi urged all stakeholders to join the effort to raise awareness towards an energy resilient Philippines. The E-Power Mo movement is the Department of Energy’s vehicle to help empower consumers with information on proper and prudent use of energy.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today stressed that the effort of achieving energy resiliency for the Philippines is a shared responsibility between the government and the public.

“Lahat po tayo ay mahalagang bahagi ng layuning ito [energy resiliency advocacy],” (Each one of us has an important role to play in this energy resiliency advocacy) Sec. Cusi said in his message to an estimated 500 participants in the 6th E-Power Mo conference of the Department of Energy (DOE). 

The E-Power Mo movement, which marks its first anniversary today, focuses on adopting strategies and providing consumers with knowledge not only on the proper use of energy, but also in helping the country become energy resilient.

“We all know that the Philippines is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters,” Cusi pointed out, citing the World Risk Index that ranked our country in third place, as well as our previous experience on disasters like super-typhoon "Yolanda."

These factors have prompted the DOE to institutionalize the Energy Resiliency Policy (ERP) in the energy sector in January 2018, according to Cusi.

The ERP aims to strengthen the existing energy systems and assist in the quick restoration and provision of alternative energy sources to cushion the adverse impact of natural disasters on consumers.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas cited the DOE’s active role in three significant international events on energy resiliency advocacy. These include hosting the 12th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministers Meeting in 2015, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministers on Energy Meeting and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Energy Working Group Meeting. The DOE also co-chaired the relevant meetings of the APEC Energy Resiliency Task Force with the United States.

According to Posadas, the DOE encouraged the other member states in these international gatherings to share their expertise and best practices in pursuing initiatives and action plans on increasing the resiliency of energy infrastructures.

Among the topics discussed during the plenary session are the DOE’s efforts in the implementation of the ERP, the effects of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake on the country’s energy systems, the Philippine disaster risk reduction and management system, and disaster risk financing and insurance strategies.

Also included in the discussions was the importance of the support of the government’s communications system to disseminate to the grassroots the message of E-Power Mo.

There were also six breakout sessions that covered various topics, including downstream oil and natural gas; upstream coal, oil and gas; renewable energy; power industry; alternative fuels and energy efficiency and the consumer sector.

After the main session, DOE spokesperson and Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, together with Assistant Secretaries Robert B. Uy and Leonido J. Pulido III held a press conference.

The E-Power Mo movement was launched at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City in July 2017 and has been mirrored in Cebu, Davao and Clark in the same year, and in Baguio just last April.

The campaign is being undertaken in cooperation with the Presidential Communications Operations Office through the Philippine Information Agency and Radio-TV Malacañang, and with the assistance of USAID’s Building Low Emission Alternatives to Develop Economic Resilience and Sustainability (B-LEADERS).

Cusi Turns Over PEMC Chairmanship

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THE TORCH IS PASSED: Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi turns over the Chairmanship of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) to Mr. Noel V. Aboboto, upon the latter's unanimous election during today's PEM Board meeting. This is a vital step towards the full independence of the country's electricity market, where PEMC will stand as its governing body and the DOE will maintain policy oversight.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi turned over the Chairmanship of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) to Mr. Noel V. Aboboto, who was unanimously elected by the new members of the PEM Board today.

The Secretary said, “We welcome the election of Mr. Aboboto as the new PEMC Chair. Great strides have been made this week in finally fulfilling EPIRA’s vision for the institutionalization of a truly independent market operator (IMO). From the very beginning, we were clear that we would pave the way for the market’s self-governance. I am happy to see it come to fruition and I sincerely hope that the IMO and PEMC would serve both the energy industry and the consuming public well in the years to come.”

Upon Mr. Aboboto’s election, Secretary Cusi immediately gave him the floor to preside over the rest of the PEM Board meeting.

In addition to Aboboto’s election as chairman, independent director Atty. Oscar E. Ala was elected as PEMC’s president, while Elenita Go of SMC Global Power was voted as the treasurer.

i-ACT Apprehends Colorum Vehicle, Surprised to Discover Police Uniform and PNP Commemorative Plate

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Even before the start of Inter-Agency Council for Traffic’s (i-ACT) Team Bravo’s operations Tuesday morning, the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) members of I-ACT already turned over a colorum vehicle apprehended earlier that day. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the team discovered a used police uniform, a PNP commemorative plate, and an unlicensed radio communication device. 

Initial reports from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the van is indeed a private vehicle, which means it may not be used for public utility purposes. During apprehension, the HPG confirmed there were paying passengers inside.

Usec. Thomas “Tim” Orbos, undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and over-all chairman of i-ACT, is closely monitoring the investigation of the case. 

“Internal cleansing sa atin mismo sa loob ng gobyerno ang isa sa mga layunin ng i-ACT. Kasama natin ang mga leader ng PNP-HPG at iba pang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan para siguraduhin na tayo mismo sa serbisyo ay hindi sumusuway sa batas,” Orbos said. “Utos ng Presidente na alisin ang mga colorum. Lalo pang hindi makakalusot ito kung mapapatunayan na pulis o nagpapanggap na pulis ang nagmamaneho.” 

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade warned people in government service to obey the law, or be ready to face the consequences.

"Kung mga taong gobyerno mismo ang nasa likod ng mga kolorum, mas matindi dapat ang parusa niyan. Ang tagapagpatupad ng batas ang kauna-unahang dapat sumunod dito," said Secretary Tugade.

Further reports shall be given to the public as the investigation progresses.

Tugade Orders Filing of Criminal Cases vs Erring Officers, Employees

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In line with the government’s relentless efforts to fight and eradicate corruption, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade recently ordered the filing of cases against erring officers and employees. 

In a Memorandum dated 13 June 2018, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra stressed that public accountability should not stop at the termination of the erring employee. 

“The instruction of Secretary Tugade is very clear. Erring officers should also be made criminally liable, when all the elements of a crime appear to be present,” Usec. Yebra said.

“Sec. Tugade ordered to institute the filing of appropriate criminal cases within 15 days from the termination of the erring officer or employee in the Department,” Usec. Yebra added.

The DOTr, under the leadership of Secretary Tugade, has suspended and terminated a number of erring officers and employees due to corruption charges and other illegal activities.