Connect with us

Technology

Top Businesses and Leaders in the Philippines Honored at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024

Published

on

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024 Philippines Chapter celebrated the achievements of remarkable Filipino business leaders and enterprises on December 11 at Hilton Manila. Organized by regional NGO Enterprise Asia, the APEA is Asia’s largest and most prestigious award networking platform, spanning 16 markets annually.

This year, the APEA focused on “Celebrating Inclusive Entrepreneurship”, recognizing visionary business leaders and organizations whose initiatives and strategies have actively contributed to the realization of an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Philippines.

A distinguished panel of judges meticulously evaluated over 150 nominees, assessing each entrepreneur and organization based on their coherence. This rigorous process determined the winners across four categories: Master Entrepreneur, Inspirational Brand, Fast Enterprise, and Corporate Excellence.

Since 2007, the Awards has been organized all over the region with past recipients comprising Taiwan’s Douglas Tong Hsu, Hong Kong’s Francis Lui and Lawrence Ho, TTC Vietnam’s Dang Van Thanh, Thailand’s Supaluck Ampuj, Cuckoo Malaysia’s Hoe Kian Choon, Indonesia’s Hary Tanoesoedibjo and Mochtar Riady, India’s Adi Godrej, and the Philippines’ Dennis Anthony Uy.

“As we recognize the outstanding achievements of our awardees, we celebrate their unwavering determination, resilience, and ingenuity. Their stories inspire us to envision a future where success is shared and opportunities are universal,” the Chairman of Enterprise Asia, Dr. Fong Chan Onn, announced in an uplifting welcome speech.

Manuel B. Villar, Jr., Chairman of Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., received the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for his contribution in shaping a better livelihood for the Filipinos. Regarded as the ‘Father of the Philippine Real Estate Industry’, Villar’s companies have built more than 500,000 houses for middle-class Filipino families. Today, he continues to dedicate his life towards ensuring the life path he took from poverty to success may be experienced by all Filipinos.

Award winners under the Master Entrepreneur category include Gil G. Chua, Group Chairman & CEO of DDB Group Philippines and Enrico Dee, President & CEO of Foodee Global Food Concepts, who were honored for their outstanding leadership.

Century Pacific Food, Inc., Hilti Philippines Inc., and Watsons Personal Care Stores (Phils.), Inc. were among the recipients of the Inspirational Brand award. Businesses recognized under the Fast Enterprise category include DigiPlus Interactive Corp. and I-Fern Corporation. Lastly, among the top companies taking home the Corporate Excellence award were GOAC Group Of Companies and Nimbyx.

PR Newswire was the Official News Release Distribution Partner for the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2024 Philippines Chapter. Media partners included BusinessWorld, Dailywire.asia and SME Magazine.

AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ENTERPRISE AWARDS (APEA) 2024

 PHILIPPINES CHAPTER

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY

NAME

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

MANUEL B. VILLAR, JR.

 

CHAIRMAN

VISTA LAND & LIFESCAPES, INC.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

 

MASTER ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY

NAME

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

DR. VICTORIA G. BELO

 

FOUNDER, CEO, AND
MEDICAL DIRECTOR

     BELO MEDICAL GROUP         

BEAUTY & PERSONAL
CARE

ALEX A. MABAQUIAO, JR.

 

CEO

BLUERISE HOLDING ENT.
CORP.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

GIL G. CHUA

 

GROUP CHAIRMAN &
CEO

DDB GROUP PHILIPPINES

PROFESSIONAL &
BUSINESS SERVICES

ENRICO DEE

 

PRESIDENT & CEO

FOODEE GLOBAL FOOD
CONCEPTS

FOOD & BEVERAGE

DR STEVE MARK GAN

 

CHAIRMAN & CEO

GAOC GROUP OF
COMPANIES

HEALTHCARE,
PHARMACEUTICAL &
BIOTECHNOLOGY

TOMMANNY TAN

 

PRESIDENT & CEO

I-FERN CORPORATION

DIRECT SELLING

PAOLO KALAW

 

FOUNDER & CEO

NIMBYX

HEALTHCARE,
PHARMACEUTICAL &
BIOTECHNOLOGY

ELMER M. LAPEÑA

 

EXECUTIVE MANAGING
DIRECTOR

SAGA PH

PROFESSIONAL &
BUSINESS SERVICES

SHELMAR KITCH LA
VICTORIA

 

CEO & CO-FOUNDER

SMART HOME PHILIPPINES

CONSTRUCTION

FRANCO M. PEDREGOSA

 

PRESIDENT & CEO

THE FIGTREE PROPERTIES
OPC

REAL ESTATE

DIANE ISABEL CHUA

 

MANAGING DIRECTOR

TRIBAL WORLDWIDE
PHILIPPINES

PROFESSIONAL &
BUSINESS SERVICES

RONNIE L. SIASOYCO

 

CHAIRMAN & CEO

TRION GROUP

ELECTRICAL &
ELECTRONICS

TENGKU JADEEYAH
ABANG

 

FOUNDER & CEO

TWIN RAMS MEDIA GROUP
OPC

PROFESSIONAL &
BUSINESS SERVICES

MATHIEU GUILLAUME

 

PRESIDENT & CEO

VIENOVO PHILIPPINES, INC.

AGRICULTURE

 

                                              FAST ENTERPRISE CATEGORY                                                    

COMPANY

                       INDUSTRY                    

BENT AND BUZZ

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS SERVICES

BLUERISE HOLDING ENT. CORP.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

DIGIPLUS INTERACTIVE CORP.

ENTERTAINMENT

I-FERN CORPORATION

DIRECT SELLING

NOVODENTAL

HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL &
BIOTECHNOLOGY

S5 FRANCHISE SYSTEM INC.

INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

SMART HOME PHILIPPINES

CONSTRUCTION

TRION TRADE, INC.

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

VIENOVO PHILIPPINES, INC.

AGRICULTURE

 

                                              INSPIRATIONAL BRAND CATEGORY                                            

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

BELO MEDICAL GROUP

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

BLUERISE HOLDING ENT. CORP.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

CENTURY PACIFIC FOOD, INC.

CONSUMER GOODS

HILTI PHILIPPINES INC.

CONSTRUCTION

NIMBYX

HEALTHCARE,
PHARMACEUTICAL &
BIOTECHNOLOGY

RENT.PH

REAL ESTATE

RIPPLE8

PROFESSIONAL &
BUSINESS SERVICES

WATSONS PERSONAL CARE STORES (PHILS.), INC.

RETAIL

 

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE CATEGORY

COMPANY

INDUSTRY

DDB PHILIPPINES

PROFESSIONAL &
BUSINESS SERVICES

DIGIPLUS INTERACTIVE CORP.

ENTERTAINMENT

EXIST SOFTWARE LABS, INC.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ICT

GAOC GROUP OF COMPANIES

HEALTHCARE,
PHARMACEUTICAL &
BIOTECHNOLOGY

NIMBYX

HEALTHCARE,
PHARMACEUTICAL &
BIOTECHNOLOGY

SOUTHVILLE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND COLLEGES

EDUCATION & TRAINING

VISTA LAND & LIFESCAPES, INC.

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

VIVENTIS SEARCH ASIA, INC.

PROFESSIONAL & BUSINESS
SERVICES

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine towards sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are an investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs, and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, uplift the economic status of people across Asia, and ensure a legacy of hope, innovation, and courage for future generations. Please visit www.enterpriseasia.org for more information.

About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards

Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups together leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/top-businesses-and-leaders-in-the-philippines-honored-at-the-asia-pacific-enterprise-awards-apea-2024-302331794.html

SOURCE Enterprise Asia

Continue Reading

Technology

TI celebrates 70 years of innovation in Europe alongside leading customers to engineer next-generation systems

Published

on

By

 Companies including ABB Robotics, Porsche, Schneider Electric and Husqvarna Group are working with TI to enable advancements in how the world moves, lives and works

News highlights:

TI is celebrating 70 years of operations in Europe, underscoring its commitment to helping customers across the continent and around the world solve their most complex engineering challenges.From early automotive electronics to today’s AI-driven infrastructure, TI has supported seven decades of technological advancement across Europe’s key industries.Through partnerships with key European companies, TI is shaping the future of mobility, automation and sustainable energy management.

MUNICH, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Texas Instruments (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN) is celebrating 70 years of operations in Europe, demonstrating its long history of semiconductor innovation, research and development, manufacturing and customer partnership in the region. This milestone is a key part of TI’s near 100-year legacy of driving the technological advancements that power the modern world. The anniversary coincides with TI’s participation at electronica 2026, November 10-13, in Munich, Germany.

“Our 70-year commitment to Europe is a significant part of our story, but it is also a reflection of TI’s passion – creating a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors,” said Robert Berghoff, president of TI EMEA. “Our focus remains on empowering engineers in Europe and around the world as they navigate the transition toward more autonomous, AI-driven and intelligent systems. Whether through our local engineering or our global manufacturing scale, we are dedicated to providing reliable, high-performance semiconductors that help our customers solve their most complex design challenges.”

Innovating what’s next in intelligent systems
With the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of more than 80,000 analog and embedded processing semiconductors, TI enables efficient power management, precise sensing, seamless connectivity and AI processing at the edge. Globally, TI helps more than 100,000 customers, including leading companies in Europe, accelerate innovation across key markets, from industrial automation systems that increase productivity to safer, more advanced vehicles.

Transforming industrial automation with ABB Robotics
As ABB Robotics advances the next generation of Autonomous Versatile Robotics (AVR™), physical AI is enabling robots to perceive, reason and act in increasingly dynamic industrial environments. Achieving this requires innovation across the technology stack, from sensing and computing to control and power management. TI semiconductor technology helps support the performance, efficiency and real-time control requirements of intelligent robotic systems. Technologies including real-time control microcontrollers, sensing solutions and motor-control components play an important role in enabling increasingly autonomous, adaptive and connected automation solutions.

“The transition toward physical AI and with it autonomous versatile robotics depends on advances across the entire technology ecosystem,” said Johan Ernlund, Global R&D Manager – Platform, ABB Robotics. “TI’s leadership in real-time processing, sensing and motor control provides important building blocks for the next generation of industrial automation. Together, we are helping create robotic systems that can operate safely, intelligently and efficiently in increasingly complex environments.”­­

Architecting next-generation vehicles with Porsche 
As the automotive industry shifts toward vehicles that are more intelligent and immersive, the need for advanced, efficient semiconductor solutions has never been more critical. In partnership with Porsche, TI is enabling a new era of automotive excellence through industry-leading audio and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies.

“Bringing next-generation vehicle experiences to our customers means that we are not just adopting technology, but actively driving it forward,” said Lars Heuken, Strategic Semiconductor Management, Porsche. “By working with TI to integrate GaN technology, we can achieve more efficient and compact designs without compromising on performance. This collaboration also allows us to define the next step in high-end audio performance, ensuring an exceptional experience inside the cabin.”

Powering AI from grid to gate with Schneider Electric
As AI infrastructure and sustainable energy drive unprecedented power demands, TI is partnering with Schneider Electric to solve critical design challenges and enable the next generation of AI data centers. By combining TI’s semiconductor innovations – including advanced power conversion, improved energy efficiency and scalable infrastructure – with Schneider Electric’s power management expertise, the two companies are enabling higher power density in increasingly compact footprints.

“At Schneider Electric, we’re focused on building a more sustainable and resilient future,” said Ard Verboon, Chief Procurement Officer, Schneider Electric. “As an enabler of the energy transition, we’re constantly seeking the high-efficiency power solutions that today’s critical design challenges demand. TI’s technologies provide the building blocks for systems that require resilience and efficiency, from energy management systems to industrial automation.”

Accelerating innovation in intelligent outdoor systems with Husqvarna Group 
As consumers demand greater convenience and reduced maintenance through more autonomous and connected outdoor products, engineers must accelerate the transition from concept to implementation at unprecedented speeds. TI and Husqvarna Group have been collaborating to bring next-generation products to market, from smart watering solutions to robot lawn mowers. By leveraging TI’s advanced development tools, Husqvarna Group engineers can optimize every stage of the development cycle, allowing them to focus on high-value innovation: building the smart, connected solutions that set new standards for precision and ease of use.

TI at electronica 2026
At electronica 2026, TI will showcase how its analog and embedded processing products are helping innovate what’s next in intelligent systems. Demonstrations include the latest advancements in automation, automotive, sustainable energy and more. Visit ti.com/electronica for more information.

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.

Trademarks
All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ti-celebrates-70-years-of-innovation-in-europe-alongside-leading-customers-to-engineer-next-generation-systems-302927196.html

SOURCE Texas Instruments

Continue Reading

Technology

New Businessolver Research Finds CEOs and CHROs Expect Empathy to Cost Them Authority

Published

on

By

Data shows 59% of CEOs and 51% of CHROs expect their decisions to be challenged when they lead with empathy

DENVER, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The two executives most responsible for shaping workplace culture expect to pay a price for leading with empathy. In new Businessolver research, 59% of CEOs and 51% of CHROs (or Chief People Officers) say their decisions will be challenged if they lead with empathy. Yet 99% of CEOs and 88% of CHROs believe empathy contributes to business results.

The findings come from Part 2 of Businessolver’s 2026 State of Workplace Empathy C-Suite Special Report, “Inside America’s C-suite: What happens when executives don’t feel safe?” The study of 1,000 employees and 300 C-suite executives, including CEOs, CFOs, CIOs/CTOs, and CHROs/CPOs, is part of the company’s 11th annual study on empathy at work.

Executives name the CEO as the leader with the most influence over a culture of empathy. But 43% of CEOs fear they will lose respect if they demonstrate empathy at work, and 61% say empathy is hard to demonstrate consistently in their day-to-day work.

“Executives have overwhelmingly accepted the business case for empathy, but data shows many still don’t feel safe acting on it,” said Marcy Klipfel, chief engagement officer at Businessolver. “It’s a shocking trend that so many chief people leaders feel constrained in their ability to lead with the empathy employees need. When the CEO and CHRO brace for pushback every time they lead with empathy, that tension impacts how decisions are made. And ultimately, employees feel it long before it shows up in turnover or declining productivity.”

The report also surfaced patterns that complicate how boards and HR leaders think about culture at the top:

Empathy feels riskiest where it’s needed most. 78% of executives in toxic cultures fear losing respect for showing empathy, compared with 14% in non-toxic cultures, a 64-point gap.Executives and employees disagree about who sets the tone for empathy. Just 2% of executives say non-manager employees have the most impact on workplace empathy, compared with 32% of employees.Millennial executives report the most friction putting empathy into practice. 34% say empathy gets in the way of their personal business goals, more than twice the rate of Gen X executives (16%).Employees are 1.7X more likely than executives to report a mental health issue in the past year (55% vs. 33%). Among those affected, 54% of employees report depression, compared with 12% of executives.

The report details how each C-suite role experiences coworker intimidation and mental health strain differently. Taken together, Businessolver’s C-suite reports suggest business performance can look strong even as trust and psychological safety erode below the surface.

Download the full report at https://businessolver.com/resources/2026-state-of-workplace-empathy-c-suite-special-report-p2/

About Businessolver
Since 1998, Businessolver has delivered market-changing benefits technology that empowers empathetic service supported by an intrinsic responsiveness to client needs. The company creates client programs that maximize benefits program investment, minimize risk exposure, and engage employees with easy-to-use solutions and communication tools to assist them in making wise and cost-efficient benefits selections. Founded by HR professionals, Businessolver’s unwavering service-oriented culture and secure SaaS platform provide measurable success in its mission to provide complete client delight.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-businessolver-research-finds-ceos-and-chros-expect-empathy-to-cost-them-authority-302927145.html

SOURCE Businessolver

Continue Reading

Technology

Buchanan & Edwards Wins Seven-Year Prime Contract to Support Critical National Security Missions

Published

on

By

New Award Expands BE’s Systems Integration and Technical Advisory Support for Critical National Security Missions

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Buchanan & Edwards (BE) announced today that it has been awarded a seven-year, Cost Plus Fixed Fee Level of Effort prime contract to provide systems integration, engineering, technical, and operational expertise in support of critical national security missions.

This award demonstrates the value BE brings at the intersection of technology, mission, and people.

Under the award, BE will provide highly skilled Systems Integrators (SI) and Systems Engineering Technical Advisor (SETA) professionals supporting complex mission requirements in the Chantilly, Virginia area. The work will span systems integration and interoperability, requirements development, technical analysis, program planning, risk identification and mitigation, technology assessment, and coordination across mission stakeholders.

“This is an important win for BE and a reflection of the trust our team has built through a deep understanding of our customers and their missions,” said Tara Davey, Mission Sector President at BE. “The work requires experienced professionals who can bring together technical expertise, sound analysis, and strong collaboration to help our customer navigate complex challenges and move critical mission priorities forward.”

Skilled personnel will work alongside government stakeholders to help coordinate technical activities, evaluate requirements and emerging technologies, identify and mitigate risks, and provide actionable recommendations that support informed decision-making.

“This award demonstrates the value BE brings at the intersection of technology, mission, and people,” said Chris Bellios, CEO of BE. “Winning a new seven-year prime contract is a significant milestone for our organization and reinforces the strength of our long-term growth strategy. It gives our teams the opportunity to bring the right expertise to the table, work alongside our customer, and deliver meaningful impact across missions of national importance.”

The award will create opportunities for cleared Systems Integrators, Systems Engineering and Technical Advisor professionals, engineers, analysts, and other technical specialists supporting missions in the Chantilly area.

Interested candidates can explore current opportunities at https://teambe.us/careers

About BE

Since 1998, BE has safeguarded the security and prosperity of the American people as a trusted partner to the defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and citizen services communities. We deliver unmatched technical and operational capabilities that drive mission success in today’s complex landscape. With a future-focused approach and an unwavering commitment to our clients, we design and implement solutions that strengthen, secure, and advance critical missions.

For additional information, please visit our websites at www.teambe.us

Media Contact: Scott King, sking@teambe.us

Media Contact

Scott King, Buchanan & Edwards (BE), 1 703-535-5511, sking@teambe.us, www.teambe.us

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/buchanan–edwards-wins-seven-year-prime-contract-to-support-critical-national-security-missions-302926481.html

SOURCE Buchanan & Edwards (BE)

Continue Reading

Trending