Pertamina’s Steps in Facing Global Energy Challenges

After the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is once again confronted with geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, giving rise to new challenges such as price volatility, supply scarcity, security issues, and economic uncertainties that contribute to the global energy crisis.

Oki Muraza, Senior Vice President, Research & Technology Innovation at PT Pertamina (2-L), during the Sustainability Summit B20 held in New Delhi, India (8/22). (Image: Pertamina)
Oki Muraza, PT Pertamina, explained that political tensions in Europe have led to dangerous increases in energy prices, posing a threat to energy security and resilience in countries like Indonesia.

Oki Muraza, Senior Vice President, Research & Technology Innovation at PT Pertamina (Persero), explained that the political tensions in Europe have led to dangerous increases in energy prices, posing a threat to energy security and resilience in Indonesia.

“So, we must strive to enhance our energy resilience while working to achieve sustainability goals. How can we reduce emissions and increase the volume of green energy businesses, environmentally friendly electricity, and more,” said Oki Muraza during the Sustainability Summit B20 held in New Delhi, India (8/22).

According to Oki, before the geopolitical crisis, Europe was one of the leaders in transitioning toward sustainability. However, with the decline in energy security, where Europe is once again importing energy sources like coal, there’s a shift in the energy mix that affects the world.

To anticipate this, developing countries like Indonesia and India with lower incomes should collaborate with advanced nations, primarily in capital or financing.

“Collaboration is crucial to address this issue. We have some examples, such as partnering with Japan for CO2 Injection in the Jatibarang field and later in the Sukowati field. Pertamina will continue to expand collaborations, involving substantial international funding, to support the energy transition in Indonesia,” he added.

Furthermore, Oki emphasized that technology development is key in the energy transition, as it improves economic viability. Within the Pertamina Group, there are eight initiatives divided into three blocks.

Firstly, Pertamina’s efforts to generate green energy, sourced from geothermal power, reached 672 Megawatts under its management and 1.2 GW in partnership. Besides producing environmentally friendly electricity, Pertamina in the geothermal fields is also developing Green Hydrogen, which holds great potential for export markets.

Secondly, Variable Renewable Energy, such as solar PV, changes over time. These variable RE sources should be integrated with the Grid and Energy storage, commonly known as batteries.

The third block involves harnessing the abundant energy resources in Indonesia, such as rainfall, solar radiation, and biomass. These resources are processed simultaneously. Some could become vegetable oil, green diesel, or bioethanol mixed with gasoline.

“How can we refine them into lower-emission fuels, utilizing the current infrastructure with lower emissions,” Oki explained.

In line with this, Valentin de Miguel, Senior Managing Director of Growth & Strategy Lead Growth Market, explained to address global energy challenges, developing countries must earnestly focus on implementation and execution.

“Therefore, it’s imperative to drive innovation, research, and analysis of alternative fuel technology reliability, like hydrogen, ammonia, and especially carbon capture. These three major technologies are essential for progress,” Miguel stated.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina’s business lines and operations. www.pertamina.com.

Media Contact
Fadjar Djoko Santoso
Vice President of Corporate Communication
PT Pertamina (Persero)
M. : +62 813-2063-0765
E. : fadjar.santoso@pertamina.com

Pertamina’s Innovations Support Energy Transition in Indonesia

As a state-owned energy company, PT Pertamina (Persero) continues to develop technological innovations for operational decarbonization to support Indonesia’s energy transition. This commitment was emphasized by Oki Muraza, Senior Vice President of Research & Technology Innovation of Pertamina, during his participation in the B20 Sustainability Summit in New Delhi, India, from August 22 to 27, 2023.

Pertamina’s Oki Muraza, Senior Vice President of Research & Technology Innovation, during the B20 Sustainability Summit in New Delhi, India, from August 22 to 27, 2023. [Image: Pertamina]
Oki Muraza explained that Pertamina’s operational decarbonization is focused on Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS/CCS) technology development and Biofuel. [Image: Pertamina]

Oki Muraza explained that Pertamina’s operational decarbonization is focused on the Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS/CCS) technology development and Biofuel. “Pertamina has the initiative to implement CCS or CCUS through CO2 injection technology, first applied at the Jatibarang Field in West Java. This technology could enhance oil and natural gas production through CO2-EOR while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” stated Oki.

Oki continued that in addition to carbon capture and utilization technology to support the energy transition, Pertamina is also committed to developing Bio Refineries or Green Refineries to produce more environmentally friendly fuels. ‘These green refineries process renewable raw materials such as palm oil (RBDPO) and used cooking oil (UCO),” he added.

Currently, according to Oki, Pertamina’s operational Bio Refineries include the Cilacap Bio-Refinery and Dumai Bio-Refinery, which produce HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), Green Gasoline, and the Plaju Bio-Refinery and Cilacap Bio-Refinery, Green Diesel at the Dumai Bio-Refinery, as well as Green AvturJ2 at the Cilacap Bio-Refinery.

“We also aim to implement bioethanol, using various raw materials, including waste from palm oil such as Oil Palm’s Empty Bunches,” Oki added.

According to Oki, the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have significantly impact global energy price volatility, supply shortages, security issues, and economic uncertainties, causing a shift in the short-term focus of energy transition towards energy resilience.

“While developed countries focus on sustainability, developing countries prioritize energy security and affordability, as they act as catalysts for economic growth,” he conveyed.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina’s business lines and operations.

Media Contact;
Fadjar Djoko Santoso
Vice President of Corporate Communication
PT Pertamina (Persero)
M. : +62 813-2063-0765
E. : fadjar.santoso@pertamina.com

Pertamina explores energy cooperation in Africa, supports President’s visit

PT Pertamina (Persero) and its sub-holdings have initiated several potential strategic collaborations with several energy companies in Africa, including in the upstream oil and gas sector, infrastructure development, processing refineries, potential downstream product distribution collaborations, and the development of new and renewable geothermal energy.

Kenya: Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Tbk, signed an MoU with Africa Geothermal International Limited (AGIL) on August 20, for technology development and resource utilization in geothermal.
Several collaborations were launched by the Pertamina Group in Africa, along with the visit of the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, on August 20 – 24, 2023. [Image: Pertamina]

In Kenya, Pertamina, through PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Tbk, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa Geothermal International Limited (AGIL) on Sunday, August 20, 2023, for technology development and resource utilization in geothermal. With this collaboration, PGE will have the opportunity to study infrastructure development, implement geothermal technology in Indonesia, and expand geothermal development in Kenya.

“Several collaborations that will be launched by the Pertamina Group in Africa, along with the visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, on August 20 – 24, 2023, will become one of the mainstays in the energy sector for the country. This collaboration can strengthen cooperation between African countries and globally,” President Director of Pertamina Nicke Widyawati said during her visit to Kenya, Africa, on Monday (21/8).

In the upstream business, the upstream sub-holding subsidiary, PT Pertamina Internasional EP (PIEP), is exploring the potential for cooperation with the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK). This exploration is the first step for Pertamina’s upstream footprint abroad, strengthening national energy security.

“Spirit brings the barrel home; Pertamina’s footprint in the upstream sector is to increase production so that it can be processed at Pertamina’s domestic refineries,” Nicke said.

Nicke revealed that Pertamina also has opportunities to expand in various energy fields with the government-to-government (G-to-G) collaboration between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Kenya. This bilateral cooperation also opens investment opportunities and collaboration for Pertamina in the African region.

“We appreciate the role of the government, including the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in supporting Pertamina’s expansion efforts on the global stage,” she explained.

Before the visit, Pertamina had a Memorandum of Understanding with GUMA, an African energy company, regarding strategic alliances for potential upstream, midstream, and downstream business projects.

The collaboration includes the exploration and production of oil and gas fields, the development of oil and gas pipelines, and the development of oil and petrochemical refineries. Apart from that, Pertamina also trades petroleum products in Kenya. According to Nicke, cooperation beneficial to the Indonesian state will be prioritized in every collaboration carried out by the Pertamina Group.

“We bring the government’s spirit, the spirit of the 1955 Asian-African Conference. We are now working together on economic development. Pertamina opens opportunities for cooperation in the upstream and downstream sectors, including geothermal in Kenya,” Nicke said.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, added that Pertamina had brought several sub-holdings to explore the potential for cooperation in Africa. These collaborations will further strengthen national energy security and realize the company’s role as a global energy company. “We are open to all business cooperation opportunities that positively impact Pertamina and the country,” Fadjar said.

Pertamina, as a leader in the field of energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emissions 2060 target by continuing to encourage programs that have a direct impact on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts align with implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in Pertamina’s business lines and operations.

Media Contact:
Fadjar Djoko Santoso
Vice President Corporate Communication
PT Pertamina (Persero)
M. : +62 813-2063-0765
E. : fadjar.santoso@pertamina.com

Exciting New Chapter Unveiled as YanaTV a YouTube Channel Takes Off Amidst Glitz and Glamour

The digital entertainment landscape just got a whole lot more intriguing with the much-anticipated launch of the YanaTV YouTube channel. On this auspicious occasion, a star-studded gathering of local celebrities, friends, and well-wishers converged at the Retro Bar, Lofty Peaks to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new journey in the realm of online content. Present for the launch party were Yana Fry, Host and Founder of YanaTV, David Bachmann, Austrian Trade Commissioner for Singapore, business leaders, diplomats and ambassadors, famous writers, speakers, partners, and friends. The link to the channel isĀ https://www.youtube.com/@yanatvsg.

YanaTV, spearheaded by visionary content creator Yana Fry promises to be a dynamic and captivating addition to the YouTube universe. Offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and inspiration, the channel aspires to become a haven for viewers seeking quality content that resonates with a global as well as ASIA audience.

Amidst a live talk show and some fun roasts with guests,attendees were treated to an enchanting evening filled with joy, laughter, and a palpable sense of anticipation. Distinguished local celebrities, known for their contributions to various facets of the entertainment industry, graced the event and shared their excitement for YanaTV’s promising future. The gathering was a testament to the wide-ranging support and anticipation that the channel has garnered even before its official launch.

As guests mingled around sharing their experiences Yana Fry took to the stage to express gratitude to everyone who had supported the channel’s journey from inception to this remarkable milestone. “YanaTV is more than just a channel; it’s a community where ideas, stories, and experiences converge to create something truly extraordinary. We are committed to delivering content that engages, enlightens, and entertains, and we can’t wait to embark on this adventure with all of you,” Yana Fry, Host and Founder stated passionately.

The event featured a sneak peek of some of the captivating content that viewers can expect from YanaTV. Ranging from thought-provoking documentaries to light-hearted entertainment, the channel promises to cater to diverse interests and age groups. The launch of YanaTV marks a significant step in the digital entertainment arena, highlighting the power of innovative content and community engagement. With a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of connection among viewers, the channel aims to be a go-to destination for anyone seeking enriching and engaging content on YouTube.

About YanaTV

YanaTV is a groundbreaking YouTube channel by Yana Fry dedicated to delivering a diverse range of content that entertains, educates, and inspires audiences around the world. With a commitment to quality storytelling and innovative ideas, YanaTV seeks to create a global community united by the power of digital content. Yana has been a coach, speaker and facilitator in the field of human development for more than a decade and has helped leaders worldwide to unlock and embody their highest goals. She runs a company Awaken Human which has been running successfully for 11 years now. Yana has been hosting Timeless Teaching podcast which focuses on human advancement for the last 2.5 years. The podcast was one of the top 3 trending podcasts which garnered an organic follower base.

Contact:
Email- yana@yanafry.com

Ganjar Pranowo driving Indonesian SMEs in Going Global

Ganjar Pranowo, the Governor of Central Java, Indonesia, is committed to driving the development of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the region, to reach an international level. As of Q1 2023, SME export volume from Central Java had reached US$2.5 billion, resulting in a surplus of US$708 million for the province.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo is committed to the development of SMEs in the region, providing a learning platform ‘Hetero Space’ and funding ‘Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR-People Business Loan) Super Mikro.’ [Image: ANTARA]

During his two terms in office from 2013 to 2023, Ganjar facilitated the growth of SMEs through robust initiatives. One notable innovation was “Hetero Space,” a creative hub addressing the educational needs of SMEs, offering knowledge on aspects such as bookkeeping, packaging, branding, and even photography skills required for product promotion.

Currently, Central Java has 3 Hetero Spaces for the development of SMEs and as a platform for young people to showcase their creativity, located in Semarang, Solo, and Banyumas. Hetero Spaces in Central Java have involved thousands of members: 3,000 members who have joined, 13,000 Hetero Space visitors, 500 local communities, 300 programs, 1,000 events, 15,000 SMEs, 2,500 startups, 100 companies, and 250,000 people have all benefited.

“When they start learning about bookkeeping, packaging, branding, and even when they want to promote their products, they need to learn photography. That’s why we need a creative hub,” he mentioned during ‘Flexing Lokal’, held by Google Indonesia and YouTube.

After providing a learning platform for SMEs, Ganjar moved to the next level by offering access to funding – a common challenge faced by SMEs when planning to expand. He launched the “Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR-People Business Loan) Super Mikro,” providing access to capital with an interest rate of only 3% per year. Teaming up with Bank Jateng, this funding initiative assists SMEs in growing their businesses.

“Our task is to provide support. If the interest rate is at this level, it’s not feasible. So, we try to assist them by implementing some policies, such as reducing the interest rate,” Ganjar explained.

The decision to set the interest rate at 3% is the result of a lengthy process. Previously, the KUR interest rate was 12%, then 9%, and eventually, Central Java lowered it to 6%, surpassing the national KUR rate. Finally, Ganjar established the interest rate at only 3%.

These efforts led Central Java to become the largest distributor of KUR loans in Indonesia in 2022, with a loan distribution value of IDR 55.27 trillion (US$3.8 billion) in the previous year. “Thus, the role of the government is mainly to facilitate their growth,” Ganjar stated.

Thanks to Ganjar’s initiatives, SMEs in Central Java have now reached an international level. The best SME products, facilitated by Ganjar, have opportunities for export to Singapore, Japan, and even Europe. “For now, we’re running this, curating it, and those who qualify, who have a strong market both nationally and internationally, we assist,” Ganjar concluded.

Copyright (c) ANTARA 2023.

Indonesia’s first 8K uncompressed video conference inaugurates 100 Gbps network for education at UB-Universitas Brawijaya

Universitas Brawijaya (UB), the Arterial Research and Educational Network in the Asia Pacific (ARENA-PAC) and Indonesia Research and Education Network (IDREN) held a ceremony at UB in Malang, East Java, to mark the operation of a 100 Gbps high-speed network for education in Indonesia on August 9.

Universitas Brawijaya (UB), Arterial Research and Educational Network in the Asia Pacific (ARENA-PAC) and Indonesia Research and Education Network (IDREN) held a ceremony to mark the operation of a 100 Gbps high-speed network for education in Indonesia on August 9, 2023.

The ceremony also connected to a remote venue in Keio University, Japan, using an uncompressed 8K video conference, marking the first such ultra-high resolution video conference in Indonesia, and demonstrating the high capacity and low latency of the research and education network that spans across the Pacific.

Representatives of the three organizations, Prof. Widodo of UB, Prof. Jun Murai of ARENA-PAC, and Dr. Achmad Affandi of IDREN, attended the ceremony at UB. The ambassador of Republic Indonesia to Japan, HE Heri Akhmadi, and Vice President of Keio University, Prof. Eiji Okada, attended remotely from Japan. In the audience in both venues, students witnessed this memorable ceremony, delighting in the interaction.

Rector of UB Prof Widodo said the inauguration was a follow-up to MoU signed between the three organizations in 2022. Emphasizing that this network is all about collaboration, he said, “This network infrastructure is not only about data transfer, but also a channel to be able to collaborate, innovate faster and be ready to jump in the digital era which will be dedicated to education and research.”

Held at the Algoritma Auditorium, Faculty of Computer Science UB in Malang, East Java, Prof. Widodo said the network connects IDREN with UB as the gateway to Guam and Tokyo, as well as several other locations. In addition, the collaboration is also a big leap for Indonesia to be connected to the current global research and education network.

Prof. Jun Murai of ARENA-PAC in his keynote said, “We sent a message to global leaders that research and educational networks are important.” He emphasized the need to work together for the next stage of global internet from research and educational networks point of view, working with commercial internet service providers, technology, and application people for many scientific purposes such as high energy physics, medical, and astronomy.

He appreciates Indonesian universities and the IDREN mechanism, which he sees as unique in that universities work with internet service providers that commit to support IDREN.

About UB
Universitas Brawijaya (UB) was established by the President of the Republic of Indonesia on July 11, 1961. Today UB is one of the leading universities in Indonesia with more than 60,000 students in various vocational, bachelor, master, doctoral, professional, and medical specialist programs. Learn more at https://ub.ac.id.

About ARENA-PAC
The Arterial Research and Educational Network in the Asia Pacific (ARENA-PAC) is a backbone network for research and education, established on an international submarine cable network constructed to expand the Internet in Asia Pacific. ARENA-PAC comprises several long-term 10 and 100Gbps IRU circuits between a central exchange point in Guam and sites in Tokyo, Philippines, and Indonesia. See www.arena-pac.net.

About IDREN
The Indonesian Research and Education Network (IDREN) is a dedicated network infrastructure that connects research and education institutions and communities in Indonesia. This network is dedicated to the necessary data communication connectivity to enable a community of researchers, academics, and developers to collaborate together. https://idren.id.

Written by A Malik Ibrahim; Editor: Fiqih Arfani; (c) ANTARA 2023.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organises RESOLVE-2023, an Exclusive International Convention on Insolvency Resolution

For the first time in its 75-years history, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will hold a mega convention overseas in Singapore. This unique international convention — RESOLVE-2023 is a highly anticipated conference that will revolve around the overall “Insolvency Resolution” ecosystem. The Convention will be held at Singapore’s Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel on 4th & 5th August, 2023 and will explore into numerous aspects of the insolvency resolution including innovative and best practices, and models to review and redesign the legal framework of the proceedings.

The grand event will bring under one roof about 300 industry leaders, financial experts and distinguished guests for two days of knowledge enrichment and networking while offering them insights into the world of insolvency from across the globe. The Guest of Honour for the programme is Mr. Vikram Nair, Hon’ble Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC, Republic of Singapore and some of the special guests and thought leaders who are participating are H.E Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, Hon’ble Justice Ashok Bhushan, Chairperson, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, Mr. Justice (Retd.) Arjan Kumar Sikri, Ex Judge, Supreme Court of India, Mr. Francis Ng SC, Official Assignee & Public Trustee, Ministry of Law, Singapore, Mr. Sudhaker Shukla, Whole Time Member, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, besides the top dignitaries and leadership of the Indian accounting profession, CA. Aniket Sunil Talati, President, ICAI and CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, Vice President, ICAI.

The discussions will encompass topics of significance like Alternative Dispute Resolution, Trend Analysis in Global Debt Resolution, Group Insolvency, Opportunity for International Funds, Essence of Insolvency Timelines, Innovative Approaches to Resolution, Role of Regulators & Policy Makers for an Effective Ecosystem, Role of Creditors, Market Dynamics for Stressed Assets, Valuation, Transaction Review etc.

Adding more insights on the RESOLVE-2023 CA. Aniket Sunil Talati, President, ICAI said, “A comprehensive and coherent Insolvency Resolution Framework is one of the core pillars of economic growth of any nation and a strong resolution framework is indispensable for laying down the foundation for future sustainable development. RESOLVE-2023 will provide a unique learning opportunity for professionals across the world to learn and share the best practices and developments in the space of insolvency resolution. Let us all professionals fully gear up and wholeheartedly Involve to Resolve.”

Speaking for the occasion CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, Vice-President, ICAI said, “Economic stability and prosperity require an effective insolvency resolution framework. The need for strengthening the insolvency resolution framework has assumed great importance recently. This Convention will facilitate networking and indulge in deep insight and cross-jurisdiction experience sharing with globally diverse practitioners through interactive discussions.”

CA. Gyan Chandra Misra, Chairman, Committee on Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, ICAI added that, “RESOLVE-2023 Convention has been carefully crafted to facilitate the sharing of unparalleled knowledge and insights regarding best practices and emerging global developments in the field. It offers extensive networking opportunities for professionals in this domain and serves as a platform for professional enrichment in contemporary and emerging areas on a global scale.”

For this momentous convention, CA. Somnath Adak, Chairman of the ICAI Singapore Chapter shared, “The Convention has been designed in a way as to enable sharing of knowledge with unsurpassed depth and breadth about the best practices and emerging global developments in this sphere. ICAI Singapore Chapter, being the Ambassador of ICAI in Singapore is proud to host this event.”

About ICAI

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament viz The Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 for the regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountants in India. The ICAI functions under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, with more than 830,000 students & over 390,000 members, ICAI is the largest professional accounting body in the world, with a strong tradition of service to the nation. Today ICAI has a wide network of 5 Regional Councils and 168 Branches in India. It has 46 Overseas Chapters and 34 Representative Offices and a presence in 80 cities of 47 countries of the world.

Singapore Chapter of ICAI is a well-regarded professional body in Singapore. It plays a pivotal role in the professional development of Chartered Accountants in Singapore by curating & hosting professional events, webinars, and knowledge series events.

For media prc@icai.in
Jyoti Singh
9999926198

Healthcare Hiring on the rise in the Philippines: foundit Insights Tracker

foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME), one of the leading talentĀ platforms, today published the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for June 2023, formerly published as Monster Employment Index (MEI). According to the Philippines fit report, job roles in the Healthcare and Retail sector have impressively grown by 26% and 12% respectively over the past year.

The tracker also reveals a marginal dip of 2% in e-recruitment activity, as the index climbed down from 127 in June 2022 to 124 in June 2023. Despite this drop in recruitment activity, sectors such as Healthcare, Retail, and BPO/ITES witnessed progressive annual hiring growth in June’23. Amidst the ongoing pursuit of cost-cutting measures by global businesses, call centers and outsourcing companies in the Philippines have exceeded revenue and hiring targets and managed to maintain a positive outlook for the BPO job market. These promising numbers confirm a gradual but continuous improvement in the labour market, implying that demand for online recruitment will continue to climb in the coming months.

Commenting on the Philippines job trends for June 2023, Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, said“Hiring is picking up pace in the Philippines. We are hopeful that jobs will rebound in the upcoming months as certain sectors such as Healthcare, Retail, and BPO/ITES are showing a positive growth trajectory. The Philippines government has also shown support for gig & hybrid jobs, boosting hiring for service. This is crucial for job seekers, as it gives them more flexibility and opportunities to work in different sectors and locations.”

Healthcare, Retail, and BPO/ITES sectors lead in hiring activity, while the IT, Telecom, Logistics, Courier/Freight, and Advertising industries witness a drop in recruitment.

The fit reveals that the Healthcare industry continued to dominate the job market in June 2023, with a YoY increase of 26% hiring in the sector. Despite the shortage of skilled nurses and doctors, there has been a promising upward trend in hiring efforts to meet the country’s healthcare demands. Also, the Retail industry (+12%) witnessed double-digit growth in hiring demand this month owing to the increased number of customers visiting physical stores. Given that the Filipino government had allowed BPO companies with work-from-home arrangements to retain tax incentives, the hiring in the BPO/ITES sector (+11%) saw sequential annual growth in June ’23.

The Logistics, Courier/Freight/Transportation, and Shipping industry along with IT and Telecom/ISP has recorded a dramatic decline in hiring activity, with a YoY decrease of 34% and 20% respectively. Logistics has always presented a major challenge in the Philippines due to inadequate infrastructure, frequent weather-related disasters, and scattered demand. Consequently, the industry has struggled to thrive, resulting in sluggish hiring trends within the sector. The growth momentum for other industries such as Advertising, MR, PR, Media & Entertainment (-18%), Engineering, Construction and Real Estate (-1%), Hospitality (-3%), BFSI (-13%), Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary (-14%), and Education (-17%) saw a consecutive dip annually in June’23.

Roles in Healthcare, Sales & Business Development, and Customer Service lead the hiring trends

There continues to be a high demand for Healthcare (+21%) professionals marking the steepest annual growth in June’23. With the sudden jump in the retail sector, the jobs in Sales & Business Development (+17%) went up leading to increase in demand for candidates Customer service and software, hardware, and telecom functions are also experiencing positive and steady growth of 11% and 3%, respectively, due to the improving economy.

Jobs in Purchase/ Logistics/ Supply chain (-24%) have been facing some challenges since Jan’23 and showed the lowest growth in hiring this month among all monitored functions. Hiring for Marketing & Communications (-21%) and HR & Admin (-21%) roles too dipped substantially in June’23. Other industries to witness a subsequent drop in hiring activity include – Hospitality & Travel (-1%) Engineering/ Production, Real Estate (-2%), and Finance and Accounts (-10%).

The foundit Insights Tracker is a comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by foundit. Based on a real-time review of millions of employer job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of online career outlets, the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) presents a snapshot of employer online recruitment activity nationwide.

Period for the report

The period considered for the foundit Insights Tracker (fit) data is June 2022 vs. June 2023.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME), is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 75 million registered users to find jobs, upskill, and connect with the right opportunities across 18 countries. Over the last two decades, the company has been a catalyst in the world of recruitment solutions with advanced technology, seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies. Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalized job searches, and precision hiring. foundit strongly believes that a job title doesn’t define one’s potential and leverages technology to dig deeper to curate opportunities central to the needs and aspirations of each user.

To learn more, about foundit in APAC & Gulf,

Visit: www.foundit.com.ph | www.foundit.my | https://www.foundit.in | https://www.founditgulf.com | https://www.foundit.sg | www.foundit.com.hk | https://www.foundit.id

Contact:
Namrata Sharma
Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
+6581383034

Peace and stability as key factors to ASEAN epicentrum of Growth

Indonesia has completed a series of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings from 10 – 15 July 2023 in Jakarta, which emphasized Southeast Asian region is the epicentrum of growth and that economy and stability cooperations must be maintained by member countries and partners.

President of Indonesia Joko Widodo delivers a speech during a courtesy call at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Jakarta on July 14, 2023. (ANTARA FOTO/Hafidz Mubarak A/nz/djo)

On his courtesy call at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) here on Friday (July 14), Indonesian President Joko Widodo said ASEAN must not become a battleground of rivalry and a proxy of any country.

“We, in ASEAN, are committed to continuously bolstering unity and solidarity as well as strengthening ASEAN’s centrality in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the president said.

Indonesia stressed that ASEAN has excellent opportunities as the epicenter of growth as the region has abundant natural resources and a productive age population.

The 56th AMM plenary – retreat sessions were held on 11-12 July and linked to other meetings, including a meeting of the commission of the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ), a meeting with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).

A number of post-ministerial conferences (PMC) and multilateral meetings have also been held with ASEAN dialogue partners: the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), India, New Zealand, Russia, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Turkiye.

The meetings discussed several cooperations, including South China Sea, Myanmar, and Indo-Pacific issues, food security, energy transition, health, financial stability, and nuclear proliferation.

“This showed that amid the current situation, Indonesia’s chairmanship remains strong in its efforts to make Southeast Asia the epicenter of growth … and this is also supported by all of our partner countries,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said during a press conference after the 56th AMM on Friday.

Regarding regional issues, ASEAN intensifies efforts to involve all stakeholders in Myanmar to reduce conflict. The organization reaffirms that the Five Point Consensus remains the primary reference to overcome the political crisis in Myanmar.

To maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, ASEAN stressed the importance of undertaking confidence-building and preventive measures to enhance trust and confidence amongst parties and uphold international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

The joint statement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers stated the organization looked forward to the adoption of the Guidelines for Accelerating the Early Conclusion of an Effective and Substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at the PMC Plus One Session with China on July 13 and encouraged efforts to make full use of the Guidelines.

Meanwhile, during the ASEAN meeting with counterpart states and multilateral fora, the organization reiterated several agenda related to the region.

ASEAN reiterated that all related parties must make all-out efforts to preserve the Southeast Asian Region as a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

Besides convincing Russia and the United Kingdom to approve the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (SEANWFZ), Marsudi stated that ASEAN would review the treaty, so all nuclear-weapon states want to sign and adopt the SEANWFZ Protocol.

ASEAN and its counterparts also discussed food security issues. Indonesia highlighted the need for investment, education, and agricultural technology to ensure food availability, accessibility, and affordability in times of crisis during meetings with India and Canada.

ASEAN also conveyed to the European Union that the trade barriers policies, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the European Union Enforcement Regulation (EUER), should not disrupt potential economic relations potential between the two regions. Thus both parties must find a joint solution through ASEAN-EU mechanisms.

During the meeting with the Japanese counterpart, Marsudi highlighted the potential development of electric vehicles (EV) in the region with Japan. ASEAN is well-positioned to partner with Japan in developing the ecosystem for EV batteries, while Japan can support this goal through the Green Innovation Fund.

The implementation of these cooperations would be discussed in greater detail and with more concrete plans by ASEAN sectoral ministers responsible for the economic field.

ASEAN reiterated that the member states need support from developed and friendly nations to leave the zero-sum approach and adopt a win-win strategy.

Source: Antara News Agency

Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition featuring the works of the late Mr. Lee Leng Chong to open on 14 July 2023 at ION Art gallery

Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition: Tribute to the late Mr. Lee Leng Chong. As a tribute to the late Mr. Lee Leng Chong, a Chinese Calligraphy exhibition will be held at ION Art gallery, Level 4, ION Orchard. There will be 100 Chinese calligraphy art pieces on exhibit. A compilation of the Chinese calligraphy pieces on exhibit will also be launched during the exhibition.

The exhibition will be held from 14 July (Friday) to 18 July (Tuesday), 10am to 10pm.

The opening ceremony will be on 15 July 2023 (Saturday), 3pm at ION Art gallery.Ā The Guest- of-Honour is Mr. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law.

Mr. Lee Leng Chong’s Biography

The late Mr. Lee Leng Chong was a prominent and accomplished Chinese Calligraphy artist. Notably, he was listed as one of Singapore’s Top Teochew Famous People in the field of Cultural Arts in the book published in 2016 as part of SG50 collection, the editor was Mr. Phua Kok Khoo.

In his lifetime, he worked at the Singapore Press Holdings as an editor for the Chinese Newspapers (Lianhe Zaobao and Sin Chew Daily), which was also his first and last job, and devoted his time post-retirement on his passion for Chinese Cultural Arts and honing his craft for Chinese Calligraphy.

He had won several acclaimed Chinese Calligraphy awards including:

1. Dr Tan Tsze Chor Art Award

  • 2002 – 1st prize; 2014 – 1st prize; 2008 Excellence Award;

2. Korean International Chinese Calligraphy Cultural Award

  • 2003 – Silver, 2004 – Gold; 2008 and 2018 – 1st prize;

3. The Chinese Calligraphy Society of Singapore – Tan Keng Cheow Award

  • 2013 Tan Keng Cheow Award

His works were regularly featured in all the major Chinese calligraphy exhibitions and events organised by the various Chinese Calligraphy Associations in Singapore and he has also represented Singapore in multiple International Chinese Calligraphy Cultural Exchanges (Singapore, China, Korea and Malaysia).

The late Mr. Lee Leng Chong had always been passionate about promoting Chinese Cultural Arts. The family of the late Mr. Lee Leng Chong hopes to continue his legacy to spread and instil the love and appreciation of Chinese Calligraphy and Chinese Cultural Arts in Singapore through the successful launch of this exhibition.

The son of the late Mr. Lee Leng Chong, Mr. Wayne Lee, is a veteran investment banker and is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of W Capital Markets Pte Ltd, a holder of the Capital Markets Services (“CMS”) licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to conduct regulated activities of “Advising on Corporate Finance” and “Dealing in Capital Market Products that are Securities and units in a Collective Investment Scheme”, and is an accredited IPO Mainboard Issue Manager and Catalist Full Sponsor authorised by the Singapore Exchange. Wayne is also the Founder of W Capital Private Equity VCC. He recently won the EYA Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 – New Entrepreneur Category awarded by ASME and the Rotary Club Singapore.

Part of the sale proceeds from the exhibition art pieces will be donated to the Community Chest.

100% of donated proceeds to Community Chest goes to support over 100 social service agencies to meet underserved and critical social needs. The causes supported include the following:

– Adults with Disabilities
– Children with Special Needs and Youths-At-Risk
– Families in Need of Assistance
– Persons with Mental Health Conditions
– Seniors in Need of Support

About W Capital Markets

W Capital Markets Pte. Ltd. (“W Capital Markets”) is a holder of the Capital Markets Services (“CMS”) licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to conduct the regulated activities of “Advising on Corporate Finance” and “Dealing in Capital Market Products that are Securities and units in a Collective Investment Scheme”.

W Capital Markets is an accredited Mainboard Issue Manager and Catalist Full Sponsor authorised by the SGX.

W Capital Markets provides a full suite of bespoke investment banking services, including M&As, IPOs, Pre-IPO & secondary fund raising and financial advisory, with a focus on mid-cap companies (S$50 million to S$1 billion enterprise value) in the Asia Pacific region.

Helmed by a team of reputable & highly experienced M&A and IPO investment bankers, it also has the privilege of having amongst its directors and shareholders, several prominent & well-regarded practitioners from the corporate finance/ private equity/ legal and business community. Nanshan Group, a Chinese conglomerate with diversified businesses globally and ranked among the top 200 enterprises in China is the second largest shareholder of W Capital Markets.

Led by its founding Chairman and CEO, Mr. Wayne Lee, the vision of W Capital Markets is to be an international financial group with presence in key financial centres and be recognized as a premier corporate finance powerhouse in the Asia Pacific region.

Find out more at www.wcapitalmarkets.com.sg/leadership.html

Media Contact:
Mr. Kamal Samuel / Ms. Vicki Zhou
kamal@financialpr.com.sg / zhouyan@financialpr.com.sg