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CPA Australia survey: Young entrepreneurs help drive robust growth in Filipino small business sector

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MANILA, Philippines, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Filipino small businesses continue to stand out as among the most dynamic in the Asia Pacific region, with 77 per cent reporting growth in 2024 and 89 per cent expecting to expand this year.

These key findings, from the latest Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey conducted by one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies, CPA Australia. This bullish performance is largely attributed to a customer-focused mindset.

However, challenges such as constrained access to finance and slower technology adoption compared with other markets in the region are holding some businesses back.

Last year saw the highest number of growing Filipino small businesses since 2019. Reflecting this improved sentiment, 41 per cent of respondents increased their workforce in 2024, and 57 per cent plan to hire more employees in 2025.

Customer loyalty and satisfaction remain key drivers of small business success in the Philippines. Nearly half (46 per cent) of Filipino respondents cited customer loyalty as their top growth factor, while 37 per cent selected improved customer satisfaction.

Mr Rufus Pinto, a CPA Australia-qualified accountant who works in the Philippine finance industry, said: “Small businesses in the Philippines are thriving due to their exceptional customer-centric approach, which helps them to retain loyal clients and attract new ones.

“Overall, the economy maintained steady growth last year, driven by strong domestic consumption, which created many opportunities for small businesses.”

Mr Pinto said the youthful profile of Filipino small business owners was a key advantage. “Our young population is a key driver of the dynamic economy,” he said. “The Philippines has one of the youngest small business owner profiles in the region and their strong entrepreneurialism is driving growth in the sector.”

Reflecting confidence in the business outlook, 28 per cent of Filipino respondents expect strong revenue growth from overseas markets in 2025, a three-year high that surpasses many regional counterparts.

“With a young, English-speaking workforce and a strong work ethic, the Philippines remains a top destination for outsourced services from international companies, especially for voice-based services and customer support roles. Small businesses should continue to leverage these strengths to attract more overseas clients,” he said.

Despite the promising outlook and employment trends, Filipino small businesses continue to lag their regional counterparts in digital adoption. In 2024, 62 per cent of respondents reported earning more than 10 per cent of their revenue from online sales, below the surveyed average of 67 per cent.

Though 74 per cent received more than one-tenth of their revenue from digital payment technologies such as Dragonpay and GCash, close to the regional average (75 per cent), only 13 per cent sought advice from IT consultants last year, well below the Asia-Pacific average of 28 per cent.

“With a large talent pool and a focus on people-to-people connection, Filipino small businesses tend to prioritise personal connections over digitalisation and automation,” said Mr Pinto. “Challenges such as limited internet access in rural areas, a large unbanked population and reliance on cash and remittances also hinder digitalisation.”

However, the benefits of tech investment are clear. Among Filipino small businesses who invested in technology in 2024, 69 per cent reported improved profitability, well above the Asia-Pacific average of 56 per cent. This placed the Philippines second among all surveyed markets.

Rising costs remain the top challenge, with 40 per cent of respondents citing it as a key barrier. Access to finance is also a hurdle. While 65 per cent sought external finance in 2024, only 22 per cent found it easy to obtain, the lowest result in the region. This trend is expected to persist.

“Banks remain the primary source of funding, however only 22 per cent of respondents named them as their main lender,” Mr Pinto said.

“When applying for bank finance, it usually requires documents to demonstrate how the funds will be used and the credibility of the borrowers. Filipino small businesses should set ambitious long-term goals and craft well-prepared business plans towards achieving them. These are persuasive and solid documents for securing bank loans.

“Consulting professionals, including accountants who hold the internationally recognised CPA designation, can help improve financial records and address technical issues such as taxation.”     

CPA Australia’s Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey collected views from 4,236 small businesses in 11 Asia-Pacific markets in November and December 2024, including 310 from the Philippines. This is CPA Australia’s 16th annual survey of small business issues and sentiment since 2009.

About CPA Australia

Founded in 1886, CPA Australia is one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies representing more than 175,000 members working in over 100 countries and regions around the world including more than 20,000 members in Southeast Asia. CPA Australia advances its members’ interests through education and knowledge exchange, the development of professional networks, thought leadership and the promotion of value of CPA Australia members to employers, government, regulators and the public. The CPA Australia designation denotes strategic business leadership and is recognised and valued throughout the world. More information available on www.cpaaustralia.com.au

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cpa-australia-survey-young-entrepreneurs-help-drive-robust-growth-in-filipino-small-business-sector-302466706.html

SOURCE CPA Australia

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BC.GAME Token $BC Breaks Above $0.01, Up 23% in 24 Hours

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BELIZE CITY, Belize, June 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BC.GAME‘s platform token $BC recently broke above the $0.01 mark, reaching a high of $0.0116 on June 14, 2026, with a 24-hour increase of 23%. The milestone comes as BC.GAME continues to develop the $BC ecosystem and roll out updates to BC Engine, further clarifying the token‘s role within the platform.

$BC is the core platform token of the BC.GAME ecosystem. Players can earn $BC rewards when participating in casino games or sportsbook betting on BC.GAME. These rewards are then connected to BC Engine, where users can view their balance, staking status, unclaimed rewards and historical reward distributions in one place.

Launched on April 8, BC Engine is BC.GAME’s in-platform reward mechanism built around $BC. It connects player activity, platform engagement and reward distribution, making $BC more than a one-time reward and turning it into a token that can be used for ongoing participation within the BC.GAME ecosystem.

Over the past few weeks, BC.GAME has continued to expand BC Engine‘s ecosystem partnerships. BETBY, Croco Gaming, BC Originals and other platform ecosystem contributors have joined BC Engine, contributing a portion of platform-related proceeds to the reward pool for $BC stakers.

As BC.GAME enters the football season campaign period, sportsbook betting, casino games and seasonal reward activities are continuing across the platform. Within this activity cycle, $BC plays a role in connecting player participation with BC.GAME’s reward mechanism, becoming a more important participation layer within the ecosystem.

BC.GAME said it will continue to focus on expanding $BC’s in-platform use cases, reward mechanisms and ecosystem partnerships. Through BC Engine, BC.GAME will keep developing the distribution, staking, reward and burn mechanisms around $BC, creating a more direct connection between platform activity and user participation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bcgame-token-bc-breaks-above-0-01–up-23-in-24-hours-302799865.html

SOURCE BC.GAME

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As IT Infrastructure Costs Rise, LCRServix Brings Lenovo Certified Refurbished Servers to Hong Kong Businesses

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HONG KONG, June 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Walk into almost any SME in Kwun Tong or Sham Shui Po and ask the owner what keeps them up at night. Rent, yes. Talent, always. But increasingly: the cost of keeping IT infrastructure competitive.

Enterprise servers — the backbone of many serious business operations — can require significant capital investment when purchased new. For Hong Kong’s 355,425 SMEs, accounting for over 98% of all businesses in the city according to the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department, that is not just a line item. It is a business decision.

WINMAX (HONGKONG) ELECTRIC CO., LIMITED believes there is a better way.

Today, the company launched LCRServix, its enterprise IT platform, and announced that WINMAX is an authorized Lenovo Value Recovery (LVR) partner in Hong Kong. Through LCRServix, WINMAX is authorized to sell Lenovo certified refurbished enterprise servers, backed by Lenovo warranty coverage and genuine Lenovo parts, at prices up to 40% lower than comparable new Lenovo configurations, depending on model, availability, and configuration. The platform serves SMEs, system integrators, and enterprise operations teams in Hong Kong, and may support selected Southeast Asian / Asia-Pacific markets subject to availability and local requirements.

This is not grey-market hardware. Lenovo Value Recovery products are certified and refurbished through Lenovo processes and supported by Lenovo testing standards, warranty coverage, and genuine Lenovo components. Through a local partner they can call, visit, and trust, Hong Kong businesses can now access more cost-effective enterprise server options with added assurance.

“Many businesses still assume refurbished hardware means risk,” said Wesley, CEO of WINMAX (HONGKONG) ELECTRIC CO., LIMITED. “The Lenovo LVR program helps change that perception. These servers are refurbished and tested through Lenovo processes and supported by Lenovo warranty coverage. The main difference is cost — and for businesses watching margins in the current economy, that difference matters.”

Why Now

Hong Kong’s data center and enterprise IT market is under pressure from multiple directions: rising operational costs, increasing ESG and e-waste management expectations, and a post-pandemic push to modernize legacy infrastructure on tight budgets. As businesses face growing pressure to modernize infrastructure for AI workloads, hybrid operations, and cybersecurity requirements, many SMEs are struggling to balance performance needs with budget constraints.

Certified refurbished hardware sits at the intersection of these priorities: helping reduce capital expenditure, extending the useful life of enterprise equipment, reducing e-waste, and delivering the enterprise-grade reliability supported by Lenovo testing standards and warranty coverage that businesses need to stay competitive.

LCRServix believes Hong Kong’s business community is ready to reconsider the assumption that infrastructure upgrades must always require new hardware. Lenovo Value Recovery authorization provides an important trust signal for that shift.

The Numbers That Matter

355,425 SMEs in Hong Kong as of December 2025 (Source: Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department — SUCCESS).Up to 40% lower cost than comparable new Lenovo configurations, depending on model, availability, and configuration.Products certified and refurbished through Lenovo processes and supported by Lenovo testing standards.Backed by Lenovo warranty coverage and genuine Lenovo parts.Reduced grey-market risk through the Lenovo Value Recovery channel.

Available Now

LCRServix is live at www.lcrservix.com and serves businesses across Hong Kong from day one.

About WINMAX (HONGKONG) ELECTRIC CO., LIMITED

WINMAX (HONGKONG) ELECTRIC CO., LIMITED is an authorized Lenovo Value Recovery (LVR) partner operating the LCRServix brand. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the company provides Lenovo certified refurbished enterprise servers and genuine Lenovo components to SMEs, system integrators, and enterprise IT teams, combining cost-effective infrastructure options with enterprise-grade reliability supported by Lenovo testing standards and warranty coverage.

LCRServix is a brand operated by WINMAX (HONGKONG) ELECTRIC CO., LIMITED. LCRServix is not owned or operated by Lenovo.

Media Contact:

WINMAX (HONGKONG) ELECTRIC CO., LIMITED | LCRServix
sales@lcrservix.com
+852 69527606
www.lcrservix.com
@lcr_servix on Instagram

Sources:
https://www.success.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/what_are_sme.html
https://www.3ecpa.com.hk/resources/guide-to-setup-hong-kong-business/smes-in-hong-kong/
https://www.scmp.com/presented/news/hong-kong/topics/world-intellectual-property-day-2021/article/3130552/how-smes-make

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/as-it-infrastructure-costs-rise-lcrservix-brings-lenovo-certified-refurbished-servers-to-hong-kong-businesses-302798939.html

SOURCE WINMAX (HONGKONG) ELECTRIC CO., LIMITED

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Monport Highlights Growing Demand for Personalized Father’s Day Gifts Powered by Advanced Laser Engraving Technology

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New laser engraving solutions help makers and businesses create custom Father’s Day gifts with greater precision, speed and material versatility

NEW YORK, June 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As consumers increasingly seek meaningful and personalized Father’s Day gifts, laser engraving technology is emerging as a powerful tool for transforming ordinary products into memorable keepsakes. From custom wooden signs and engraved tumblers to personalized tools and metal accessories, laser engraving continues to drive growth in the personalization market, enabling makers, entrepreneurs and small businesses to meet rising demand for unique gift experiences.

According to industry trends, personalized products continue to outperform traditional gift categories because they offer emotional value, customization and long-term sentimental appeal. Father’s Day remains one of the strongest seasonal opportunities for businesses specializing in customized products, with consumers actively searching for gifts that reflect personal stories, family memories and meaningful milestones.

To support creators and businesses during the Father’s Day season, Monport Laser is showcasing its latest lineup of laser engraving solutions, including the Monport MegaS 70W CO2 Laser Engraver & Cutter, Monport GM 10W UV Laser Engraver & Marking Machine, and Monport GA 60W MOPA Fiber Laser Integrated Engraver & Color Marking Machine with AutoFocus.

“Personalization has become one of the most influential trends in the gift industry,” said the Monport CEO. “Today’s consumers want gifts that feel thoughtful and unique. Advanced laser engraving technology allows businesses and creators to deliver high-quality customized products efficiently while expanding the range of materials and applications available for Father’s Day gifting.”

Personalized Gifts Continue to Drive Consumer Demand

The shift toward personalized gifting reflects broader consumer preferences for products that offer both utility and emotional significance. Popular Father’s Day gift categories increasingly include customized items such as:

Engraved wooden plaquesPersonalized tool setsCustom leather accessoriesEngraved drinkwareMetal wallets and card holdersFamily photo engravingsPersonalized office décorCustom keepsake boxes

Unlike mass-produced gifts, laser-engraved products can incorporate names, dates, messages, logos, photographs and artwork, creating one-of-a-kind items that resonate with recipients.

For businesses operating in the custom products market, laser engraving technology provides an efficient method for producing personalized items while maintaining consistency and professional-grade quality.

Monport MegaS Expands Opportunities for Custom Wood and Acrylic Gifts

Among the most popular Father’s Day gift materials are wood and acrylic, both of which offer versatility for home décor, keepsakes and personalized display pieces.

The Monport MegaS 70W CO2 Laser Engraver & Cutter is designed to help users create detailed engravings and precision cuts across a wide range of materials.

Featuring a maximum engraving speed of 600mm/s, a spacious 27.56-inch by 13.78-inch working area and engraving accuracy down to 0.03mm, the MegaS combines productivity and precision for both hobbyists and commercial users.

The system supports cutting materials up to 20mm acrylic and 18mm basswood, making it suitable for projects such as custom signs, engraved photo panels, decorative gifts and layered wood artwork. When paired with a telephoto focusing lens and external booster pump, cutting performance can improve by up to 25%.

Monport’s proprietary airflow design and integrated air assist system help reduce burn marks, preserve fine details, improve line clarity and deliver cleaner cutting results—important factors when producing premium personalized gifts.

Additional features such as auto focus, smart batch fill functionality and conveyor engraving compatibility allow businesses to streamline production during peak seasonal demand.

UV Laser Technology Unlocks New Personalization Applications

As consumers seek increasingly distinctive gifts, demand for engraving on delicate and specialty materials continues to grow.

The Monport GM 10W UV Laser Engraver & Marking Machine is engineered to engrave more than 1,500 material types, including glass, crystal, acrylic, ceramics, plastics and select metals.

Unlike traditional laser systems, UV laser technology produces highly detailed markings with minimal heat impact. The process generates virtually no smoke, eliminates material blackening and preserves surface quality, making it ideal for premium Father’s Day gifts such as engraved whiskey glasses, crystal keepsakes, custom awards and decorative collectibles.

The machine features an ultra-fine 0.0019mm laser spot size and engraving resolutions reaching up to 16K, enabling intricate photo engraving and high-detail artwork reproduction.

Monport also includes an intelligent water chiller system designed to maintain optimal laser operating temperatures across varying environmental conditions, helping ensure consistent performance and long-term reliability.

MOPA Fiber Laser Technology Expands Premium Metal Gift Personalization

Metal gifts remain one of the most popular Father’s Day categories, particularly among consumers seeking durable, high-end personalized products.

The Monport GA 60W MOPA Fiber Laser Integrated Engraver & Color Marking Machine with AutoFocus is designed to help businesses and makers create premium custom gifts through advanced color marking, deep engraving and precision cutting capabilities.

Featuring 60W laser power, one-click autofocus and engraving speeds of up to 10,000 mm/s, the system delivers fast and accurate results across a variety of metal applications. Its innovative 90-degree rotating laser head expands the engraving area up to 300mm x 300mm, providing greater flexibility for larger projects and specialty items.

The machine supports customization of products such as tumblers, medals, business cards, signage and keychains, while also enabling vivid color marking, 3D relief engraving and deep engraving on stainless steel, aluminum and brass.

With sub-micron precision and a compact integrated design, the GA 60W MOPA Fiber Laser helps businesses capitalize on the growing demand for personalized Father’s Day gifts and premium custom products..

Supporting Entrepreneurs in the Growing Personalization Economy

As e-commerce sellers, local businesses and custom product manufacturers continue expanding their personalization offerings, laser engraving technology has become an increasingly valuable production tool.

Modern laser systems allow businesses to:

Offer customized products at scaleImprove production efficiencyExpand material capabilitiesIncrease product value through personalizationRespond quickly to seasonal demand

For Father’s Day campaigns in particular, the ability to deliver personalized products with fast turnaround times can help businesses differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

About Monport Laser

Monport Laser is a provider of advanced laser engraving and cutting solutions for creators, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and businesses. Its product portfolio includes CO2 laser engravers, fiber laser engravers, UV laser engravers and industrial laser systems designed to support applications ranging from personalized gifts and custom products to manufacturing, marking and production workflows.

By combining precision engineering, intelligent automation and user-focused innovation, Monport continues to help businesses and makers unlock new opportunities in the growing personalization market.

Media Contact:
Monport Laser
Email: official@monportlaser.com
Website: www.monportlaser.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monport-highlights-growing-demand-for-personalized-fathers-day-gifts-powered-by-advanced-laser-engraving-technology-302799814.html

SOURCE Monport Laser

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