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NineSmart Recognized as a Cyberport Incubatee, Partners with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management to Promote Smart Property Management, Launching Robotics Solution in October

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – PropTech startup NineSmart is pleased to announce a series of major milestones: selection as an incubatee in the Cyberport Smart Living Startup Programme, a close partnership with renowned property management Cushman & Wakefield Property Management Limited (Cushman & Wakefield Property Management), and the upcoming October launch of its NineSmart Robotics Solution.

NineSmart Recognized as a Cyberport Incubatee, Partners with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management to Promote Smart Property Management, Launching Robotics Solution in October
NineSmart Recognized as a Cyberport Incubatee, Partners with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management to Promote Smart Property Management, Launching Robotics Solution in October

Accelerating Growth with Cyberport Resources

As a member of Cyberport Smart Living Incubation Programme, NineSmart has leveraged unparalleled mentorship, technical resources, and access to an ecosystem of over 2,000 tech companies. These facilitated the development of its flagship smart property management platform, NineSmart Go!, and will support the October debut of the AI-powered NineSmart Robotics Solution — integrating smart living into both commercial and residential environments.

Joint Smart Property Projects with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management

The partnership combines NineSmart’s AI-driven property management platform with Cushman & Wakefield Property Management’s leading expertise in property services. Several joint projects have already launched, including a comprehensive IoT smart estate solution for a residential property in Kowloon, and enhanced management quality and resident experience through:

  • QR code access: Providing secure entry for residents and visitors
  • Smart intercom: Integrated with smart intercom system to improve visitor-resident communications
  • Online booking: Integrated with e-payment for streamlined facility reservations and payments
  • News and notifications: Real-time mobile app alerts for residents

A key success factor is overcoming hardware limitations — deploying smart solution with minimal retrofitting to reduce installation costs:

  • No major rewiring: Utilizing IoT wireless modules and existing building wiring, cutting installation costs by 70%
  • Retain existing systems: QR/ NFC scanners link directly to traditional electric locks or intercoms, avoiding large-scale hardware replacement
  • No server rooms required: IoT controllers fit discreetly into existing electrical cabinets in old buildings

The solution supports QR code, NFC, Octopus and resident cards, ensuring elderly can continue familiar entry methods. Facility management features automated workflows for fast bookings and maintenance requests, raising resident satisfaction rates to 95%. Moreover, the modular solution is expandable to meet the needs of growing user groups or complex estate layouts for future upgrades.

Robotics for Long-Term Operational Efficiency

NineSmart Robotics Solution, launching in October, will be integrated with NineSmart Go! platform. Featuring capabilities such as autonomous facility monitoring, real-time data analytics, and support for both residents and tenants, the solution harnesses AI to streamline routine operations—significantly reducing manpower, management time and costs. This innovation empowers property industry to embrace the digital era with greater efficiency and intelligence.
Hashtag: #NineSmart

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About NineSmart

NineSmart is a leader in property technology, specialising in IoT and AI-driven solutions that transform property management. As a Cyberport incubatee, NineSmart is dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and user-centric smart living experiences. Visit to learn more.

TVB teamed up with two top-tier banks to win 11 awards at the Spark Awards 2025 Honoured as “Media of the Year”, underscoring its impact in marketing

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank, in collaboration with TVB, secured 11 awards — comprising four golds, five silvers, and two bronzes at the Spark Awards 2025 for their innovative campaigns, showcasing the magic of TVB storytelling and strategic partnerships. Organised by Hong Kong’s leading marketing magazine MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Spark Awards honour media and advertising campaigns with outstanding performance over the past year. TVB was crowned “Media of the Year” for the first time, making it the highlight of the event.

TVB was awarded Media of the Year. Mr. Siu Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations) of TVB (Fifth left), and the TVB marketing and sales team joined client representatives from HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank to celebrate collaborative success.
TVB was awarded Media of the Year. Mr. Siu Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations) of TVB (Fifth left), and the TVB marketing and sales team joined client representatives from HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank to celebrate collaborative success.

HSBC’s 160th Anniversary campaign, leveraging TVB’s news archives, blended heritage with authentic storytelling, resonating deeply with audiences. The PayMe CNY campaign, on the other hand transformed the tradition of “giving lai see” into a city-wide event via TVB’s live broadcasts, achieving large-scale digital engagement at home during the festive season.

The HSBC Queen of Finance campaign, featuring TVB actress Charmaine Sheh, turned complex financial topics into relatable narratives through a four-part video series on TVB’s Scoop. It garnered 5.6 million views in the Greater Bay Area, drove a five-year high in customer acquisition, and generated HK$4.2 million in earned media value, positioning HSBC as a trusted life partner.

Group photo of the HSBC client team and TVB team.
Group photo of the HSBC client team and TVB team.

Standard Chartered Bank’s award-winning “Le Grand Tour de Osaka” campaign, which ran from December 2023 to November 2024, positioned the bank as the ultimate travel companion for affluent and high-net-worth customers. Backed by its Hong Kong Affluent Travel Study 2024, which revealed this segment’s appetite for premium experiences and frequent travel, the bank partnered with Cathay Pacific to offer over 400 clients exclusive chartered flights to Taipei and Osaka. In collaboration with TVB, the campaign produced “Le Grand Tour de Taipei/ Osaka”—a 120‑minute celebrity‑fronted travel documentary featuring Priscilla Wong and Samantha Ko—which extended its reach across the Greater Bay Area, driving growth in new-to-bank customers and Asia Miles Time Deposit accounts while redefining the concept of travel banking.

Group photo of the Standard Chartered Bank client team and TVB team
Group photo of the Standard Chartered Bank client team and TVB team

These campaigns are a testament to TVB’s unmatched storytelling prowess and unrivalled reach—proving that when powerful narratives meet mass influence, television can create deep brand connections and deliver measurable business impact.

Award list:
TVB

1. Media of the Year

HSBC

2. Best Audience Acquisition & Retention Strategy – (Gold)

Campaign: PayMe CNY

3. Best Media Campaign-Creative – (Gold)

Campaign: Queen of Finance

4. Best Media Campaign-Targeted Audience – (Silver)

Campaign: Queen of Finance

5. Best Promotion Strategy – (Silver)

Campaign: Queen of Finance

6. Best Storytelling Campaign – (Silver)

Campaign: HSBC 160th Anniversary

7. Best Partnership Strategy – (Silver)

Campaign: HSBC 160th Anniversary

8. Best Use of Branded Content- (Silver)

Campaign: HSBC 160th Anniversary

Standard Chartered Bank

9. Best Media Campaign-Targeted Audience – (Gold)

Campaign: Le Grand Tour de Osaka

10. Best Engagement Strategy – (Gold)

Campaign: Le Grand Tour de Osaka

11. Best Sponsorship Campaign – (Bronze)

Campaign: Le Grand Tour de Osaka

12. Best Use of Branded Content – (Bronze)

Campaign: Le Grand Tour de Osaka

Hashtag: #TVB #TelevisionBroadcastsLimited #電視廣播有限公司

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Singapore Celebrity and Caltex Brand Ambassador Ayden Sng Marks Third Year of Partnership with ‘Ayden’s Pit Stop’ Pop-Up at Caltex Holland

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 September 2025 – Chevron Singapore, which operates the Caltex retail brand, today announced the renewal of its partnership with Mediacorp artiste Ayden Sng as Caltex Brand Ambassador, marking their third consecutive year of collaboration.

‘Ayden’s Pit Stop’ Pop-Up at Caltex Holland
‘Ayden’s Pit Stop’ Pop-Up at Caltex Holland

To celebrate this milestone, Ayden will host a pop-up ‘Ayden’s Pit Stop’ at Caltex Holland, 297 Holland Road on Saturday, 20 September from 11am to 1pm. Ayden will personally create and serve up his own special drink and give away signed Caltex branded merchandise for the first 100 customers who spend a minimum of $20 at Caltex’s Star Mart or on Caltex with Techron® Fuel. All proceeds from ‘Ayden’s Pit Stop’ will be donated to the Community Chest’s SG60 fund.

“We are thrilled to continue our journey with Ayden, a multi-talented individual who truly embodies the passionate spirit of Caltex,” said Leong Jee Wong, General Manager, Fuel Sales, Malaysia and Singapore. “Over the past two years, Ayden has been an inspiring advocate for our brand, connecting us with a new generation of motorists while embracing his own journey, in Singapore and beyond. This renewed partnership reflects our commitment to helping our customers navigate their own journeys with confidence and convenience, through a long-term collaboration that resonates with their values.”

As a motorist himself, Ayden has personally experienced the benefits of Caltex’s offerings, including the cleaning power of Techron® and the seamless convenience of the CaltexGO app. His advocacy for these products stems from his own desire for efficiency and reliability in his daily life.

“I am incredibly grateful and excited to continue being a part of the Caltex family for a third year,” said Ayden Sng. “My family has been fuelling up at Caltex for years, so I can speak to the tangible benefits of Techron®, which keeps my car running smoothly. The CaltexGO app has also been a game-changer, saving me time and making every trip to the station so much easier. This partnership goes beyond a simple endorsement – it aligns with my personal values of seeking out quality, efficiency, and making a positive impact on the community.”

Over the past year, Ayden has been at the forefront of several key Caltex initiatives, including:

  • Launch of the refreshed CaltexGO app: Ayden was a key figure in the launch of the refreshed CaltexGO app, showcasing its new, user-friendly features. He also starred in a Korean drama-inspired TV commercial that highlighted how the app makes every visit to a Caltex station more convenient and rewarding for motorists.
  • Ayden and Friends campaign: A successful charity event, which saw Ayden join forces with Caltex to launch the “Ayden and Friends” campaign which contributed to Chevron Singapore being conferred as a Company of Good – 1 Heart by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). This recognition is a testament to the brand’s and Ayden’s dedication to corporate social responsibility. For the entire month of December 2024, every dollar spent on fuel via the CaltexGO app by registered users was matched by Chevron and donated over $12,000 to AWWA, helping them fuel their vehicles.
  • SG60 Picnic Box and Chair campaign: Ayden helped bring this community initiative to life, celebrating the nation’s 60th anniversary. Chevron donated $2 for every picnic box or chair sold. The initiative raised $15,612 for the Community Chest’s SG60 Fund.

Caltex customers can look forward to more exciting initiatives featuring Ayden and Caltex in the coming year. For the latest announcements, stay tuned to Caltex’s official website and social media platforms.

Hashtag: #ChevronSingapore

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Caltex Singapore

Chevron Singapore Pte. Ltd. markets the 89-year-young Caltex brand, which is Chevron’s customer-facing brand in Asia Pacific and parts of the Middle East and Africa. The Caltex retail network in Singapore consists of 26 Caltex service stations and Star Mart branded convenience stores.

All Caltex service stations accept the CaltexGO mobile payment for fuel purchases. Products such as the Caltex with Techron® with Clean & Glide Technology™ petrol, Caltex Diesel with Techron® D and Havoline® motor oil are also available at all Caltex service stations. In partnership with NTUC Link, the Link Rewards Programme also enables motorists to earn 2 Linkpoints for every litre of fuel purchased at Caltex.

Chevron

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to enabling human progress. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry.

We aim to grow our oil and gas business, lower the carbon intensity of our operations and grow new businesses in renewable fuels, carbon capture and offsets, hydrogen, power generation for data centers, and emerging technologies. More information about Chevron is available at .

Hong Leong Finance Launches HLF Digital App to Strong Business Results

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  • Over S$1 billion has been digitally transacted on HLF Digital, comprising more than S$600 million in fixed deposits placed via the app
  • More than 14,000 app sign-ups since its soft launch in August 2024

SINGAPORE, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Leong Finance (HLF) has officially launched HLF Digital, a mobile app that empowers customers to manage their finances with ease, convenience and security. Since its pilot introduction in August 2024, HLF Digital has to date recorded more than 14,000 sign-ups and over S$1 billion has been digitally transacted through the platform, comprising more than S$600 million in fixed deposits placed via the app, underscoring strong interest and engagement among users.

HLF Digital App launch led by Hong Leong Finance Non-Executive and Independent Director Ms. Jeann Low (left) and President Mr. Ang Tang Chor (right), with CFO Ms. Joan Yeo, SVP Corporate and Consumer Business Mr. Jeffrey Toh, and Digi-Ops Head Mr. Clement Lim. The app puts finance at customers’ fingertips, empowering them with access to a broad range of services anytime, anywhere.
HLF Digital App launch led by Hong Leong Finance Non-Executive and Independent Director Ms. Jeann Low (left) and President Mr. Ang Tang Chor (right), with CFO Ms. Joan Yeo, SVP Corporate and Consumer Business Mr. Jeffrey Toh, and Digi-Ops Head Mr. Clement Lim. The app puts finance at customers’ fingertips, empowering them with access to a broad range of services anytime, anywhere.

Enhancing Customer Experience, Security and Sustainable Business Growth

With HLF Digital, customers will benefit from HLF’s integrated omnichannel approach where they can enjoy round-the-clock convenience for financial transactions alongside the face-to-face service of HLF’s branches and relationship managers.

Through an intuitive, user-friendly interface, HLF Digital places finance at customers’ fingertips and empowers them to access a broad range of services anytime, anywhere, from opening a new account and placing fixed deposits to making fund transfers and updating personal particulars, all within a secure and seamless digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, the app is built with robust security features to ensure that customers can manage their finances with confidence. It employs advanced encryption technology to protect sensitive data and multi-factor authentication for secure logins.

Customers have provided positive feedback on HLF Digital including its benefits and ease of use.

Mr Z. Zhuo, an app user who is in his 30s, said: “With my busy work schedule, the HLF Digital app has been a great help. It is easy to use, and I can now manage my finances, place fixed deposits, or transfer funds anytime, anywhere — right from my phone. The app’s security features also give me peace of mind whenever I use it.”

Mr S. Yew, another user who is in his 60s, added: “For someone like me who is not very tech-savvy, I was pleasantly surprised that I could easily learn to use the HLF Digital app. The app has brought so much convenience as I can easily access a range of services from the comfort of my home, and I still have the option of visiting the branch when I want to.”

Mr Ang Tang Chor, President of HLF, said: “The launch of HLF Digital marks a significant milestone in our transformation journey. The app is a strategic enabler that reinforces our long-term vision to be a customer-centric financial institution. It reflects our commitment to making financial services more accessible and efficient, as well as bringing greater value to customers. By combining technology with our personalised service, we are reshaping how customers engage with us while building a foundation for sustainable business growth and innovation.”

More details on HLF Digital app are available at:
HLF Digital

About Hong Leong Finance

A member of Hong Leong Group Singapore, Hong Leong Finance (HLF) is Singapore’s largest finance company with a network of 28 branches and 12 SME Centres island-wide. HLF’s loan books stood at S$11.668 billion, with deposit base at S$12.300 billion and shareholders’ funds at S$2.108 billion as at 31 December 2024.

HLF has retained its title as ASEAN Finance Company of the Year by Asian Banking & Finance for twelve consecutive years and is ranked among The Banker’s Top 1000 World Banks for the eighth year running. It is also named a Top 100 Most Valuable Singaporean Brand by Brand Finance for eight consecutive years and received the “Best Automobile Financing Product in Asia Pacific” in the TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards 2025 by The Asian Banker as well as the SBR Technology Excellence Awards 2025 by Singapore Business Review. For details, visit https://www.hlf.com.sg/.

 

Agoda Unveils Ranking of Asia’s Top Rural Destinations: Highland Tourism on the Rise

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has announced its list of top rural destinations in Asia, offering travelers a chance to explore beyond bustling big-city hotspots. Malaysia’s lush Cameron Highlands took the crown for the most popular rural destination in Asia, followed by Khao Yai (Thailand) and Puncak (Indonesia) in the top three.

Rural destinations, particularly those nestled in mountains and hillsides, are gaining popularity among travelers seeking to immerse themselves in local culture and natural beauty. These charming highland locales offer a slower pace of life, allowing visitors to unwind and connect with the environment, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded urban hubs.

Agoda’s data, which ranks destinations across eight markets in Asia with a population under 50,000 based on accommodation searches made on Agoda between 15 February to 15 August 2025, also revealed that Fujikawaguchiko (Japan), Kenting (Taiwan), Sapa (Vietnam), Munnar (India), and Pyeongchang-gun (South Korea) earned a spot as the top eight rural destinations in Asia.

From the lush landscapes of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia to the serene beauty of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan, these secluded spots provide a distinct flavor and promise a refreshing escape from city life.

  1. Cameron Highlands (Malaysia)
    Nestled in the heart of Malaysia, Cameron Highlands is renowned for its cool climate and stunning tea plantations. Travelers can explore lush green landscapes, visit vibrant flower gardens, and enjoy fresh produce from local farms. The highlands offer a peaceful retreat with opportunities for hiking and exploring charming villages.
  2. Khao Yai (Thailand)
    Khao Yai is a nature lover’s paradise, home to Thailand’s oldest national park. Visitors can embark on wildlife safaris, explore waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views from scenic viewpoints. The region’s rich biodiversity and outdoor activities make it a must-visit for adventure seekers.
  3. Puncak (Indonesia)
    Located in West Java, Puncak is famous for its breathtaking mountain views and tea plantations. Travelers can enjoy a refreshing escape from the city, with opportunities for hiking, paragliding, and exploring local markets. The cool climate and natural beauty make Puncak a popular weekend getaway.
  4. Fujikawaguchiko (Japan)
    Situated near Mount Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko offers stunning views of Japan’s iconic peak. Visitors can relax in hot springs, explore traditional Japanese gardens, and enjoy seasonal festivals. The town’s proximity to Mount Fuji makes it an ideal base for exploring the region’s natural wonders.
  5. Kenting (Taiwan)
    Kenting is a coastal gem known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Travelers can enjoy water sports, explore coral reefs, and relax on sandy shores. The region’s national park offers hiking trails and scenic viewpoints, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
  6. Sapa (Vietnam)
    Sapa is a mountainous destination famous for its terraced rice fields and local villages. Visitors can trek through stunning landscapes, experience the unique culture, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range. Sapa’s unrivaled charm and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination.
  7. Munnar (India)
    Munnar is a hill station in Kerala known for its tea plantations and misty mountains. Travelers can explore lush green hills, visit tea museums, and enjoy wildlife sanctuaries. The region’s cool climate and natural beauty offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
  8. Pyeongchang-gun (South Korea)
    Pyeongchang-gun is a winter wonderland, famous for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The region’s beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions make it a year-round destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.

Jun Dong, Associate Vice President, said, “Agoda is thrilled to highlight these rural destinations that offer travelers a chance to experience the heart and soul of Asia. Whether you’re seeking an escape from big-city life or a refreshing change of scenery, Agoda’s platform offers seamless bookings across flights, accommodations and activities so you can experience the irresistible charm of these secluded rural gems first-hand.”

Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and start planning the next small-town adventure. Visit Agoda.com for more information.

— ENDS —

 

O.NE PEOPLE Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia’s APJASI to Strengthen ICT Cooperation and Support Market Expansion

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — O.NE PEOPLE Co., Ltd., a leading provider of data privacy and security solutions, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Asosiasi Pengguna Jasa Sekuriti Indonesia (APJASI), the Indonesian Security Services Users Association. The agreement establishes a framework for bilateral cooperation in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and marks an important milestone in O.NE PEOPLE’s strategic expansion into the Indonesian market.

O.NE PEOPLE Director Nam Jeong-hyo (left) and APJASI Director Subkhan (right) sign a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta on September 3 to strengthen ICT cooperation and support market expansion.
O.NE PEOPLE Director Nam Jeong-hyo (left) and APJASI Director Subkhan (right) sign a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta on September 3 to strengthen ICT cooperation and support market expansion.

The signing ceremony took place at the Grand Mercure Kemayoran in Jakarta, with senior representatives from both organizations in attendance, including Mr. Nam Junghyo, Director of O.NE PEOPLE, and Mr. Subkhan, Director of APJASI.

Under the MoU, O.NE PEOPLE and APJASI will work together to exchange insights on ICT industry trends, emerging technologies, and policy developments. The two organizations will also collaborate to expand business opportunities for their member companies, share market intelligence on the evolving ICT sector, and jointly explore additional areas of cooperation to support sustainable growth.

“This MoU represents a significant step in aligning O.NE PEOPLE’s proven technological expertise with the rapidly expanding security services sector in Indonesia,” said Mr. Nam Jeong-hyo, Director of O.NE PEOPLE. “We are committed to working closely with APJASI and its members to address local data protection challenges and to position CatchSecu as a trusted platform for safeguarding personal information.”

Through this collaboration, O.NE PEOPLE aims to strengthen its regional network and accelerate the rollout of its flagship data protection solution, CatchSecu, across Southeast Asian markets.

About O.NE PEOPLE

O.NE PEOPLE Co., Ltd. is a data security company specializing in SaaS-based privacy compliance solutions for enterprises. Its flagship platform, CatchSecu, automates complex compliance processes, enabling organizations to meet evolving regulatory requirements while focusing on core business growth. Building on its successful track record in Korea, O.NE PEOPLE is actively pursuing global expansion with a strategic focus on Southeast Asia.

About APJASI

The Asosiasi Pengguna Jasa Sekuriti Indonesia (APJASI) is the representative body for companies and institutions utilizing security services in Indonesia. The association is dedicated to promoting the interests of its members, advancing industry standards, and supporting the sustainable development of the Indonesian security services sector, with a particular emphasis on ICT innovation and policy cooperation.

TPIsoftware Partners with TaiwanICDF and YEA to Drive Digital Transformation in Saint Lucia

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TAIPEI, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TPIsoftware (TPEx: 7781) has partnered with the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) and the Youth Economy Agency (YEA) of Saint Lucia to launch an e-commerce platform to support youth and women entrepreneurship in Saint Lucia by accelerating the country’s digital transformation. The company looks to deepen global partnerships and solidify its market leadership, with AI agent adoption to ensure security and continued business success.

Launching the e-commerce platform marks a significant milestone for TPIsoftware amid its global expansion in recent years. The official ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia Nicole Su, YEA CEO Bryan Vidal, YEA Chairman Thomas Leonce, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) Daniel Lee, and TPIsoftware Vice President Alvin Wu.

In collaboration with the TaiwanICDF’s Assisting the Economic Empowerment of Youth and Women Project, 525 young and female entrepreneurs in Saint Lucia were supported with training schemes essential for starting a business and 640 businesses were provided with consultancy and guidance. The new e-commerce platform helps increase the online presence of micro-, small- and medium-enterprises in the country, fostering competitiveness in the local marketplace.

“As e-commerce shifts consumer behavior, the new platform paves the way for Saint Lucian women and youths to establish their own start-ups and fulfill their entrepreneurial ambitions,” stated Nicole. “Taiwan is more than happy to share our technical expertise and experience to help entrepreneurs thrive in the local, regional or even global market.”

The e-commerce platform, built with AI and digital solutions by TPIsoftware, enables real-time order tracking and inventory management, integrates data analytics and provides market insights to eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship. This empowers young people and women to nurture their intent to set up a business, encourages their ventures and participation in competition.

TPIsoftware General Manager Yilan Yeh emphasized that the platform is built on the company’s core technologies to achieve process automation and intelligent management. Future upgrades will include guest checkout, vendor backend systems, customer reviews and advanced order tracking features. An online payment system will also be incorporated to build a digital business ecosystem with enhanced security and convenience.

SM named among TIME’s World’s Best Companies for second year

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PASAY CITY, Philippines, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent firm of the SM group, has once again been recognized by TIME and Statista on the prestigious “World’s Best Companies 2025” list. This marks the second consecutive year that SM Investments has earned a place on the roster, underscoring its commitment to responsible growth anchored on strong financial performance, employee engagement, and sustainability practices.

Among the ten Philippine companies included in the global ranking, SM Investments placed third. China Banking Corporation (Chinabank), one of SM’s bank affiliates, was likewise recognized.

“This recognition inspires us to keep strengthening our efforts in creating value for our stakeholders and contributing positively to our communities,” said SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic DyBuncio. “It also reflects our balanced approach to growth, delivering strong results for shareholders while also fostering long-term value and resilience for employees, partners, and communities.

The TIME World’s Best Companies list identifies and honors the most outstanding organizations across industries worldwide. Earlier this year, SM Investments was also included in TIME’s Asia-Pacific Best Companies 2025, building on its recognition in the 2024 World’s Best Companies list.

The evaluation process involved a three-stage screening. Companies first needed to have generated at least USD100 million in revenue in the last fiscal year. They were then assessed on revenue growth over the past three years, followed by extensive employer surveys measuring employee satisfaction. Finally, sustainability performance and transparency were factored into the final score.

About SM Investments Corporation 

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com 

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