Making the best out of the new normal: Epson on powering through the pandemic and assisting customer support across Asia

Epson shares directions for the rest of the fiscal year as it ventures into the B2B market

When the pandemic started, the Philippines experienced the biggest dip in its economy since World War II. This is due to nationwide lockdowns aimed to stop the surge and spread of COVID-19 infections. In the second quarter of 2021, the country’s GDP showed a double-digit growth of 11.8% from the -3.9% of the first quarter in the same year. 

Epson has been powering through the pandemic and has remained as the market leader in 2021. Despite major setbacks experienced by many businesses in the country, Epson is right on track with its FY21 target, boasting 124% sales in the first half of the year. Epson scanners have maintained market dominance in H1 and have secured the #1 market share in document scanners.

Globe informs customers of service response slowdown as Covid cases surge in NCR, encourages use of digital channels

As Covid infections keep rising every day, Globe is not spared from the challenges as many of its employees and vendor partners are either getting sick or have to go on leave to take care of sick loved ones.   

"Even as we strive to maintain our service level standards,  the reality is that our employees and partners are also human beings.  They go through the same challenges as members of the community with rising infections. We sincerely ask for the understanding of our customers," said Beck Eclipse, Globe Chief Customer Experience Officer.  

Globe continues to enhance its contactless digital channels to ensure that essential services are up and available amid the surge in Covid cases. Upgrades are done regularly to introduce new features and ensure readiness to support customers. 

"We are encouraging our customers to utilize our digital channels in the safety of their homes. We continue to innovate on all our channels so we can serve them at this time when they need us most," added Eclipse. 

Globe's Truth in Action fights fake news about COVID-19 vaccines

The Philippines’ digital adoption journey has paved the way for more prevalent use of the internet, but along with its advancement is also the risk of abuse. An example of this is fake news, an issue that the country has been battling with for several years.

Among the difficult topics that are prone to fake news is the ongoing vaccination efforts of the national government. Fake news triggered hesitancy among a number of Filipinos and caused confusion to many regarding available vaccines in the country.

Building a future-proof business in the post-pandemic world

The economic repercussions brought by the COVID-19 outbreak have further highlighted the need for businesses to be future-proof. While some companies struggled to adapt, others had the agility and flexibility to adjust amidst this period of uncertainty. But what does it really take to be future-proof? 

Industry experts addressed this question at the recent webinar entitled “E-Huddle” hosted by Eastern Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the Philippines. Highlighting digital trends and best practices, Eastern’s E-Huddle was an avenue for businesses to learn how to cope and thrive in the now normal. 

AEG Sports uses advanced analytics to adapt to fan needs during COVID-19

Team uses SAS Viya on Microsoft Azure to improve fan experience during turbulent times and plan for the ‘new normal’ of spectator sports

VIRTUAL SAS GLOBAL FORUM 2021 - In the spring of 2020, as COVID-19 spread across the world, live entertainment and spectator sports were brought to a screeching halt. With stadiums shuttered, sports teams had to find new ways to engage with fans. Thankfully AEG Sports, which includes storied franchises like the LA Kings, the LA Galaxy and the Ontario Reign, was already an analytically savvy organization adept at using data to make informed business decisions. Using AI-powered SAS® Viya® on Microsoft Azure, AEG Sports was able to anticipate the needs of its fans and keep engagement high even amid a pandemic.

Chronic lung disease patients navigate COVID-19 aided by SAS analytics

Health organization’s data transformed into valuable insights to improve quality of life for COPD sufferers

More than 320 million people worldwide suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition causing severe chest and breathing problems. As the coronavirus pandemic quickly escalated, a collaboration with analytics leader SAS helped the COPD Foundation use its data to measure impact to this vulnerable population and develop critical resources and programs.

Globe myBusiness teams up with international LMS providers to boost digital learning efforts in local schools

The global pandemic has encouraged many industries to adjust and find ways to thrive in the new normal. In the education sector, institutions are expected to explore new ways of learning while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

Earlier this month, the national government announced that face-to-face classes will be postponed until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed. The Department of Education said that the while preparing schools for “a different setup” is a challenge, the Department is readying the resumption of school operations based on their Basic Education — Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) which would affect almost the entire education infrastructure in the country — from the DepEd Central Office down to the school level. Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education shared that they are working with the Department of Health to draft guidelines on health protocols when classes resume.

Innovation and inspiration on tap at free Virtual SAS Global Forum 2020, June 16

Author and optimist Simon Sinek headlines as SAS execs, partners and customers showcase the widening role of analytics in pandemic response, economic recovery and reimagined future

As analytics continues to guide and drive the world’s response to COVID-19, SAS debuts the final installment of its premier Virtual SAS Global Forum 2020, June 16. Kicking off at 11 a.m. ET – and available later on-demand – the nine-hour experience will feature a dynamic array of thought leaders. They will delve into analytic innovation, industry-specific insights, and the tools and techniques needed to navigate uncertainty, change and disruption. Registration is free of charge and open now.

GrabCar doubles-down on safety and hygiene standards, introduces GrabProtect

• Furthering its Safer Everyday commitment, Grab responds to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing GrabProtect - a new ride routine to help Filipinos navigate the new reality.
• Grab Sets New Hygiene Standards in Ride-Hailing; equips vehicles with non-permeable dividers and disinfectants
• As it continues to enforce higher safety and hygiene standards for public transport in the country, Grab remains poised in delivering its mobility services - through GrabProtect

Following the public health situation on COVID-19, Grab Philippines is doubling down on its safety and hygiene standards to minimize risks of the spread of COVID-19 for its mobility service - GrabCar, by implementing a set of policies supporting the government’s health and safety regulations, as well as introducing GrabProtect- a robust set of initiatives and features, which include online health and hygiene checklist, a mask selfie verification tool, safety and hygiene certification, hygiene kits, mandatory deep disinfection of vehicles - all in the aim enforcing higher safety and hygiene standards for public transport in the country.

Eastern Communications pledges ICT solutions to government, donates PPEs and funds in fighting COVID-19

Eastern Communications, one of the premier telecommunications companies in the Philippines, has supported various sectors in flattening the curve of COVID-19 pandemic by pledging its ICT solutions, PPEs, and funds. 

A total of 500 Office 365 licenses were provided to 34 government offices such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine National Police, Presidential Communications Operations Office, several city government offices, among others. Office 365 is a collaborative cloud-based platform that brings together the best-in-class Microsoft Office applications that can help the beneficiaries to collaborate efficiently and securely across many devices within the organization. 

Top ColorOS features OPPO users should know to get the most out of the lockdown

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present new challenges every day, there has been a rapid transformation in the way we live, work, and play. With the lockdown extension practiced in many locations nationwide, people are mandated stay in the safety of their homes.

Amidst all this, smartphones have become the single most important device for people across age groups to connect digitally. At the epicenter of fulfilling all communication, entertainment, and financial  needs, smartphones are playing an increasingly critical role. It has also become important for smartphone users in the Philippines to maximize the productivity of their smartphones, while staying at home.

OPPO Smartphone users can get the most out of the situation with some of the most popularly used features and apps of the latest ColorOS 7. These will not only keep them up-to-date with ongoing current events, but will also support making their daily routine smoother and more efficient during these tough times.

Here’s a list of some useful ColorOS 7 tips that can help OPPO users get through the lockdown more smoothly:

Vivo donates surgical masks, letters of appreciation to hospitals, front liners

In an effort to boost the morale of frontliners and further ensure their protection, vivo Philippines has given out appreciation letters and thousands of surgical masks to select hospitals through the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and other local government offices.

The handwritten letters of gratitude and encouragement, and masks were turned over to the OVP for distribution to the Philippine General hospital, and the Bonifacio Global City administration office for distribution to St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City. vivo directly handed similar donations to The Medical City Ortigas.

MultiSys launches emergency response website for COVID-19 crisis

With ‘StaySafe.ph’, the public and private sectors can track COVID-related cases of their communities in all parts of the country and the world for free.

In response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak, leading software solutions company Multisys Technologies Corporation today launched a community-driven social distancing system via an emergency response website called StaySafe.ph. 

OPPO Implements Extended Terms and Service Warranty Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

OPPO is one with the Filipinos in actively combating the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with this, OPPO is offering a warranty extension program for all OPPO users and dealers affected by the COVID-19 quarantine period. The extended terms and service warranty cover provisions on repair services and device and accessories replacement policies.

OPPO values the health and safety of all its employees and customers, and this remains the top priority of the brand in order to serve everyone better. Since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine period, OPPO has temporarily ceased operations of the OPPO service centers and concept stores in the affected areas in the Philippines. 

In light of the COVID-19 situation Globe provides 30-day bill payment extension for all its postpaid customers nationwide

In light of the impact of COVID-19, Globe is giving all its mobile and broadband customers including business and enterprise clients nationwide an extra 30 days from the due date to settle their monthly bills.

"Globe understands that during these difficult times, the need to be connected and informed on the latest developments in the fight against the global pandemic is very important to everyone.  Globe believes the extension of the bill payment will be one less worry for our customers especially during these difficult times," Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO said.

The move is in support of the government's call for people especially in Metro Manila to stay at home and practice social distancing to minimize possible exposure to the virus. 

Globe at Home activates stringent health and safety measures for installers and frontline workers amid COVID-19 spread

Given the increasing spread of COVID-19 in Metro Manila, Globe at Home ensures the overall safety and well-being of its customers through the implementation of stringent health check protocols for all its installers and repairmen. This is also to safeguard customers who need quality connectivity at home amid government and private sector policies that enforce work from home and class suspensions to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Health and safety measures undertaken by all Globe at Home installers and repairmen begin before deployment. They must pass a series of health checks such as a body temperature of less than 37.8°C, no signs of cough or cold, and no difficulty in breathing or pain in the throat and chest area. Installers must also disclose if they have gotten in touch with anyone who has displayed any of the aforementioned symptoms, or has come from a country affected with COVID-19. Before leaving for deployment, they must also pass handwash, alcohol and water stations to stay clean and hydrated.