SOCIAL MEDIA

Phuket to Host 3rd ASEAN Battery Conference, Launch Regional Safety Network for Greener Energy Future

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

 

ASEAN’s top minds in energy storage are coming together in Phuket this August to push forward innovation, safety, and sustainability in battery technology.

The 3rd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC) is set to take place from August 27–29, 2025 at SAii Laguna Phuket, Thailand, uniting leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the region. Organized by the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA) in partnership with five other major battery and EV organizations, the event will address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the energy storage industry.

And this year, it’s not just about innovation—it’s about safety, too. The event will mark the official launch of the ASEAN Battery Safety Network (ABSN), a groundbreaking regional platform supported by the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI).

Powering ASEAN’s Clean Energy Ambitions

ABTC 2025 is more than a technical gathering—it’s a strategic move toward building an integrated, safe, and sustainable battery ecosystem in the ASEAN region.

Key objectives of the conference include:
  • Advancing battery technology for clean mobility and renewable energy storage
  • Encouraging cross-border collaboration between ASEAN nations
  • Strengthening the global competitiveness of ASEAN in the battery value chain
  • Setting higher safety standards through the ABSN initiative

The ASEAN Battery Safety Network: A Regional First

ABSN aims to become the go-to hub for science and technology knowledge-sharing on battery safety in Southeast Asia. By aligning policies and standards, ABSN will:
  • Support safe deployment of battery systems across all ASEAN nations
  • Share research and technical expertise
  • Build a strategic roadmap for future battery safety protocols

As Dr. Sing Yang Chiam, Technical Director at the Singapore Battery Consortium, put it, this is a “critical first step” toward tackling safety challenges and positioning ASEAN as a key player in the global market.

World-Class Experts in Attendance

The conference will feature big names in battery research, including:

Prof. M. Stanley Whittingham, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2019)
Prof. Yet-Ming Chiang, renowned materials scientist
Prof. Shirley Meng, leader in sustainable energy storage

Attendees can expect seven dynamic panel discussions on:

  • Battery policy and regulations
  • Circular economy approaches
  • Grid-scale energy storage
  • Battery swapping solutions
  • Financing and investment trends

A Showcase of ASEAN Collaboration

Speakers will represent top organizations across the region:

Indonesia: National Center for Sustainable Transportation Technology, National Battery Research Institute

Malaysia: NanoMalaysia Berhad

Philippines: Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines

Singapore: Singapore Battery Consortium

Thailand: Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association

Looking Ahead to 2026

NanoMalaysia Berhad CEO Dr. Rezal Khairi Bin Ahmad confirmed that ABTC 2026 will be held in Penang, Malaysia, building on this year’s momentum to unite stakeholders across the battery and EV value chain.
Why This Matters for the Philippines

For the Philippines—where clean mobility is still in early stages—events like ABTC 2025 open doors for technology transfer, policy alignment, and regional cooperation that can fast-track our local EV and renewable energy ambitions.

The ABTC is not just another conference—it’s a regional movement toward a future where ASEAN leads in clean, safe, and innovative battery solutions. For businesses, this is the moment to connect, collaborate, and take part in shaping the next phase of Southeast Asia’s energy future.

Visit the ABTC official website for the full program and registration details.
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Bamboo Cement Homes: How BASE Is Building Typhoon-Ready Communities in the Philippines


Safe Shelter in a Land of Typhoons

In a country where an average of 20 typhoons barrel through every year, a “home” is more than just four walls and a roof. For many Filipinos, it’s a lifeline—a place that must withstand nature’s strongest blows. In Iloilo City, that lifeline has been made stronger with the help of Base Bahay Foundation’s Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT)—a building innovation that combines affordability, sustainability, and unmatched resilience.

Since 2015, the Balay Kawayan Housing Community in San Isidro, Jaro has stood as living proof of this technology’s power. Built in partnership with the Homeless People’s Federation Philippines, Hilti Foundation, and the Iloilo City Government, these bamboo-and-cement homes have kept 47 families safe through countless storms.

Building Stronger Futures, One Home at a Time


Across the country, BASE has already built over 2,000 CBFT homes, giving more than 10,000 Filipinos not just shelter—but peace of mind.

For community worker Helen Villarin, her CBFT home has been a source of comfort during the most uncertain times.

“We’ve lived here since 2019 and I feel safe, especially during storms,” Helen shares. “Our house doesn’t shake no matter how strong the winds are.”

Another resident, Richard Gerafusco, who lost his home to a fire, found both security and beauty in his new bamboo home:

“It’s beautiful and very safe—a true home.”

Why Bamboo-Cement Homes Make Sense for the Philippines

The Philippines ranked #1 in the World Risk Index 2022—a reminder of how vulnerable our country is to climate change and natural disasters. With 60% of homes informally built, low-income families often have to rebuild after every disaster.

BASE’s CBFT offers a game-changing solution:

  • Made from bamboo, a renewable local resource
  • Built to code, meeting maximum windspeed and earthquake magnitude standards under the National Structural Code of the Philippines
  • Fast to construct—homes can be completed in as little as six weeks
  • Affordable and sustainable for both public and private housing projects

As BASE General Manager Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez explains, “With CBFT, we are redefining resiliency. It’s about building smarter and for the future.”

More Than Homes: Strengthening Livelihoods

Beyond construction, BASE is investing in livelihood programs for farmers, builders, and craftsmen. With nine bamboo supply and treatment facilities and the Bamboo Academy Program, they’re training the next generation of architects, engineers, and skilled workers.

On a larger scale, BASE is working with the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) to integrate bamboo into the country’s official building code—a move that could change how sustainable housing is built nationwide.

A Global Impact with Filipino Roots

Founded in 2014 by the Hilti Foundation, BASE has already helped save 35,000 tons of CO₂. The organization’s efforts also extend beyond the Philippines, helping other countries develop their own bamboo construction guidelines.

As BASE celebrates its 11th year, the mission is clear: resilience isn’t just surviving the storm—it’s building a future where communities stand stronger, together.

If more communities embrace technologies like CBFT, we can create homes that are safe, sustainable, and proudly Filipino—turning every typhoon season into a test we’re prepared to pass.
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FedEx to Guide Filipino SMEs Through New U.S. Tariff Rules in Free Webinar

FedEx courier in uniform carrying a package while walking outdoors in the Philippines.

Why This Matters to Filipino Exporters

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, the United States remains one of the most lucrative markets for exports — from handicrafts and fashion pieces to tech accessories and specialty food products. But recent U.S. trade policy changes have altered the way small shipments enter the country, potentially impacting pricing, operations, and profitability.

To help local businesses navigate these changes with confidence, FedEx, a global leader in express transportation, is hosting a timely and information-packed webinar designed especially for Philippine SMEs.

Webinar Details You Need to Know

Title: Understanding the Latest U.S. Tariff Changes and Their Impact on Shipping
Date: August 20, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Format: Online (Free Registration)

This one-hour session will focus on the removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption — a rule that previously allowed goods worth USD 800 or less to enter the U.S. duty-free. With this exemption now gone, exporters will need to adjust how they handle shipments, manage costs, and stay compliant with U.S. import regulations.

What You’ll Learn in the Session:

  • How to adapt your shipping strategy to the new tariff rules.
  • Compliance requirements to keep your goods moving smoothly.
  • Ways to minimize costs without compromising operations.
  • Tips for sustaining and expanding your U.S. market presence.

FedEx’s Ongoing Support for Filipino SMEs

Before diving into the technicalities, FedEx reaffirms its mission to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to compete internationally. As the company explains:

“By providing timely knowledge, expert advice, and access to innovative tools, FedEx continues to empower local entrepreneurs to scale globally, stay ahead of regulatory changes, and unlock new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving economic environment.”

This is part of FedEx’s broader commitment to enabling small and medium-sized enterprises in the Philippines to thrive amid shifting trade landscapes.

How to Register

Filipino business owners — especially those selling directly to U.S. customers via e-commerce platforms or export partners — are strongly encouraged to attend.

Mark your calendar: August 20, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM


It’s free, it’s practical, and it could be the knowledge edge that keeps your business competitive in the U.S. market.

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Paperception 2025: How Paper Became a Symbol of Sustainability and Innovation

Monday, August 11, 2025


What if something as ordinary as paper could spark extraordinary change? At Paperception 2025, leaders from the creative, academic, printing, and packaging industries proved that it can. Held recently at the AIM Conference Center and hosted by Prestige Paper Products, the event reimagined paper not just as a daily necessity, but as a powerful metaphor for fresh ideas, creativity, and sustainable living.

Paper as a Catalyst for Change

Opening the event, key industry voices—Albert See of the Printing Association of the Philippines, Vicky Tan of Global Compact Network Philippines and Ayala Corporation, and Cristy Oreta of the Philippine Marketing Association—delivered a unifying message: sustainability begins with all of us, and it can start with something as simple as paper.

From the private sector, Ruth Toreno of Fedrigoni Specialty Papers shared how their operations embrace carbon reduction, circular design, and eco-certifications. On the government side, Mary Joy Paico from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) presented research on sustainable packaging, including innovations that use pineapple fibers and other biodegradable materials—a practice with clear benefits for local farmers and eco-conscious brands.

Sustainability in Design: Creativity with Purpose

In the first panel discussion, Jos Ortega of Havas Ortega stressed that sustainability isn’t a limit—it’s a creative accelerator.

“Sustainable design is about reducing harm while innovating. It’s about telling stories of stewardship and hope,” Ortega shared.

Panelists Ara Bella Castillo (PMG), Joy Paico (DOST), and illustrator Liza Flores (Studio Dialogo) agreed that the design world holds immense influence in shaping consumer habits. Topics ranged from reducing packaging waste to integrating authentic sustainability messaging, balancing innovation with cost, and using technology like AI responsibly.

Education Meets Industry: Training the Next Green Leaders

The second panel highlighted a growing challenge: according to a 2023 LinkedIn report, demand for sustainability skills is outpacing the supply of qualified professionals.

Educators Aazin Carl Sumalinog (National University), Romeo Catap Jr. (College of St. Benilde), Greg Borja (San Beda University), and Dulzzi Gutierrez (Mint College) discussed how schools are embedding sustainability in their curricula. This includes teaching students to assess product life cycles, reduce carbon footprints, and create user-centered designs.

Catap called on industry leaders to actively collaborate with academia:

“Include the learners. The sleeping giants are in our classrooms.”

Panelists emphasized that partnerships between schools and companies are essential to prepare graduates for real-world sustainability roles.

A Collective Mission

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Paperception 2025 was more than a conference—it was a bridge between creativity, business, and education. It closed with a resounding takeaway: sustainability is not a solo act, but a shared responsibility.

If Filipino businesses, schools, and communities work together, the humble sheet of paper could become the blueprint for a greener, more innovative future.
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Manulife Philippines and Erwan Heussaff Promote Healthy Eating Habits for Filipino Families


Manulife Philippines, the local arm of the leading international financial services provider, has teamed up once again with food content creator Erwan Heussaff and his daughter Dahlia. Together, they launched their third collaborative video highlighting the importance of healthy eating habits and practical healthy lifestyle tips.

The video, now live on Heussaff’s social media pages, captures a cozy father-daughter moment as they cook a warm bowl of tomato soup on a rainy day. The simple yet nourishing recipe shows that healthy cooking at home doesn’t need to be complicated—small, everyday choices can lead to better health.

Teaching Kids Healthy Eating Early

“Teaching kids to eat right at an early age is just as critical as instilling values like honesty or kindness. It sets the foundation for their lifelong health, discipline, and relationship with food,” Heussaff shared.

He also pointed out that obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases—once common only among adults—are now affecting children. By teaching kids healthy eating from an early age, families can help prevent these long-term health problems.

The State of Healthy Living in the Philippines

A recent Manulife Philippines study revealed that:

  • 33% of Filipinos consider their lifestyle unhealthy.
  • 24% are unsure what qualifies as a healthy diet.

Additionally, the Manulife Asia Care Survey found that while Filipinos value physical health as the most important factor in living their desired lifespan, only 5 out of 17 preventive actions are practiced by more than half of respondents.

These insights underline the need for accessible healthy lifestyle tips and practical solutions to help Filipinos take charge of their health and wellness.

Manulife’s Advocacy for Health and Wellness

“Insights from our studies reveal that while Filipinos are aware of the importance of physical health, there are still gaps in their actions to achieve it,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines.

“At Manulife, we remain committed to empowering Filipinos to take control of their health, wellness, and financial security. Collaborations with trusted public figures like the Heussaffs allow us to spread the message effectively—making decisions easier and lives better for more Filipino families,” she added.

Healthy Lifestyle Campaigns with the Heussaffs

Since joining wife Anne Curtis as a Manulife brand ambassador, Erwan Heussaff has been actively involved in promoting healthy living in the Philippines through:

  • A video series featuring healthy recipes for kids and adults.
  • Supporting Manulife’s Impact Agenda in partnership with Haribon Foundation in Quezon Province.
  • Starring in the “M Knows Better” campaign to encourage informed lifestyle choices.

Through these initiatives, Manulife Philippines and the Heussaff family continue to inspire Filipinos to adopt family health tips, cook healthy recipes for kids, and make better lifestyle decisions—one small habit at a time.
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Beko Philippines achieves 100% plastic waste recovery and diversion in 2024 with PCX Markets

Friday, August 8, 2025

Convenience often comes at an environmental cost, with plastic waste posing as a pressing global issue. Every choice we make, from the products we buy to the packaging they come in, affects our planet's overall health.


Beko, from Europe’s No. 1 Large Home Appliance company, goes beyond the products it creates. The drive for sustainability is ever consistent to help the community live a healthier and greener life. In fact, Beko Philippines is well on its way to creating a sustainable future through its partnership with PCX Markets, a global plastic responsibility platform that provides solutions to help companies achieve their sustainability goals.

The partnership, which began in 2023, has already yielded impressive results. In 2024, Beko Philippines achieved 100% recovery and diversion of its plastic footprint, going beyond the requirements of the country's Extended Producer Responsibility law. This landmark achievement involved the diversion of over 39,000 kg of plastic waste from nature—the equivalent of 13 million 3-gram plastic sachets.

Beko Philippines has actively supported a lineup of projects with PCX Markets’ vetted partners that not only address plastic waste but also empower local communities:

Top Lun Project: Giving Plastics a Second Life


Through the Top Lun partnership, 33,000 kg of rigid HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastics, commonly found in plastic bottle caps sourced from junk shops and informal waste pickers, were successfully recycled into flakes and then sold to companies for use in various products.

Holcim-Geocycle Project: Fueling Up Energy


Beko also backed the Holcim-Geocycle initiative, fostering collaborations with local government units and waste aggregators. This project facilitated the sourcing of post-consumer plastic waste, which was then transported to Holcim's cement facilities and served as an alternative fuel source.

The initiative supports Holcim’s efforts to cut dependence on imported fossil fuels and raw materials, while promoting sustainable waste management. The project successfully diverted 4,000 kg of flexible plastics from the environment.

Aling Tindera Project: Building a Sustainable Community


The Aling Tindera waste-to-cash initiative empowers women micro-entrepreneurs to drive grassroots sustainability. These entrepreneurs collect or purchase flexible plastics from their local communities to be purchased by the partners and delivered to a co-processing facility, where it is used as alternative fuel in a licensed waste-to-energy plant.

More than helping the sustainability efforts, this initiative also helped the women provide for their families. This program gave around ₱7,500 in incremental income to these women and their communities. There was an increase of 37% in average monthly income compared to the initial project baseline last year.

"At Beko, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our products are designed to deliver comfort and convenience to every Filipino home, while also caring for the planet,” said Mr. Alper Yildirim, Country Director of Beko Philippines. “We are proud of our recent collaboration with PCX Markets, turning plastic waste into valuable opportunities for the environment and the community. We are committed to magnifying our efforts, and we hope this inspires our customers to take pride in choosing Beko as well as for other organizations to be inspired with their own sustainability initiatives," he added.

With Beko, each thoughtful action and appliance paves the way towards a more sustainable world.

For more updates on Beko's sustainability efforts, follow Beko Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @bekoph and visit www.beko.com/ph-en.
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FedEx Expands International Connect Plus to Enhance E-commerce Shipping in the MEISA Region

A FedEx delivery person hands a package to a man in traditional attire inside a vibrant textile shop filled with stacks of colorful rugs and carpets.

Enhancing Shipping Solutions for Filipino Businesses in Emerging Global Markets

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is expanding FedEx® International Connect Plus (FICP) to the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA) region. This expansion provides Filipino businesses with enhanced access to key international destinations through fast, reliable, and cost-effective day-definite e-commerce shipping services.

In March 2025, the Philippines exported $34.3 million to the United Arab Emirates, reflecting a 2.51% increase year on year.1 Meanwhile, India exported $177 million to the Philippines during the same period, a year-on-year increase of 9.39%2.

"As Filipino businesses explore more trade with more markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, there’s a growing need for shipping solutions that are both affordable and reliable,” shared Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines. “By expanding FedEx International Connect Plus to the MEISA region, we're helping e-tailers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) deliver their products faster and easier, and with the confidence to thrive in the global market."

FICP is designed to support the growing demands of cross-border e-commerce, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution for low-value, single-piece shipments under 10kg*.3 Backed by the reliable FedEx international network, the service includes day-definite delivery, customs clearance, and enhanced visibility features such as tracking, delivery notifications, and flexible options through FedEx Delivery Manager® International.

To boost customer confidence, FedEx International Connect Plus now offers Picture Proof of Delivery, allowing recipients to visually verify that their package has arrived.

To learn more about FedEx solutions, visit the FedEx Philippines website.
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