Technology is here to stay and set to play a vital role in the business and economy not just this time of the pandemic, but more so during the post-pandemic scenario.

From December 7-11, the World Fintech Festival (WFF) the much anticipated will be bringing together illustrious personalities like Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, Eric Yuan, and PH business tech leaders UnionBank Vice-Chairman Tito Ortiz, Lazada President and CEO Ray Alimurung in the same virtual convention and more.

While it will be conducted virtually, the WFF-Philippines is the globalized version of the Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF), the most prestigious event in the fintech industry which in 2019 drew 60,000 participants from 140 countries, including heads of state, policymakers, and financial and technology (fintech) leaders.

Organized by Geiser-Maclang Communications Inc. (GMCI), in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the SFF, the WFF-Philippines is the first in the country.

At the recent WFF-Philippines press conference, SFF and WFF CFO Sopnendu Mohanty explained the importance of connecting local businesses with their global colleagues. He said, “The digital platform is the first step for these entrepreneurs to succeed. The whole set of tech enables services for the MSMEs to grow. That’s the new world.”

WFF Philippines Convenor and GeiserMaclang Co-founder Amor Maclang, who will also be a speaker, emphasized that “The WFF-Philippines is the beginning of a movement to call the industry players and other stakeholders to digitize our country, especially using fintech, towards progress and development, using a whole-of-nation approach, whole-of-government approach. The past few years have seen an unprecedented reverse diaspora of the best and brightest technology players choosing to domicile in the Philippines. It is our time to shine.”

”From the international arena, leading the discussion on how to leverage game-changing trends in fintech are legends like Bill Gates, the Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Eric Yuan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Zoom Video Communications, Inc.; Akon, Founder of Akoin; NASDAQ President and CEO Adrena Friedman; Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella; Nandan Nikelani, Infosys Co-founder and Chairman; and Dan Schulman, President and CEO of Paypal, just for a start.

NASDAQ President and CEO Adrena Friedman will talk about how technology is shaping the future of capital markets. NASDAQ, a global electronic marketplace, provides hundreds of businesses around the world the opportunity to invest in or trade among listed companies.

Like NASDAQ, cryptocurrency company Akoin empowers both ends of the marketplace from buyers to sellers. Founded by Senegalese-American star and philanthropist Akon, it bridges the gap between international investors and Africa’s entrepreneurs struggling against inflation. The culmination is a $6 billion futuristic city at the heart of Senegal, Africa. 

BlackRock’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO Larry Fink will reveal a global CEO’s perspective on leadership, inclusion, and diversity. With a total of $7.4 trillion in assets under management, his 2018 letter, sent to CEOs of the companies BlackRock has invested in, encouraged them to make positive societal contributions.

Joining the WFF-Philippines to cement the industry’s digital global footprint are the country’s leading tech disruptors who have created massive ripples of change within their industries.

WFF’s first day will banner how digitization can transform a nation. The luminaries in the different panels include Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon; and Commissioner Dennis Funa of the Philippine Insurance Life Commission.

The second day’s forums will center on digitizing the country and the rise of e-commerce. Speakers include Lazada President and CEO Rey Alimurung and GreatDeals CEO Steven Sy.

Halfway through the convention, hot topics like financial inclusion, data privacy, and the need for a regulatory framework shall be discussed by speakers Commissioner Raymund Liboro of the National Privacy Commission; Anton Bonifacio, Chief Information Officer of Globe; Rajan ‘Piku’ Uttamchandani, Esquire Financing Chairman and CEO; Roy Miclat, 1 Cooperative Insurance President and CEO; and Atty. J.J. Disini, Managing Partner of the Disini Law Office.

Two speakers will be sharing their insights on technology’s impact on their industries:  Atty. Mark Gorriceta, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra’s Managing Partner, on the legal tech industry; and Noel Bonoan, President and COO of auditing firm KPMG, on the importance of artificial intelligence for accounting and law firms. All these shall be followed by talks on what investors are looking for, led by Minette Navarette, Vice Chair and CEO of Kickstart; Coins.ph CEO Ron Hose and Mica Tan, President and CEO, MFT Group of Companies.

On the fifth and last day of the WFF-Philippines, attendees will get useful pointers about becoming digital superstars, relevant fintech verticals, and industries on their way to transformation. These topics will be led by Ayala Corporation’s Managing Director, CHRO & Group Head, Corporate Resources JP Orbeta; AC Education’s CEO Fred Ayala; AC Healthcare’s President and CEO Paolo Borromeo; Rain Hermans, President and CEO of Singlife; and Globe’s President and CEO Ernest Cu.

Boxing legend and legislator Manny Pacquiao will talk about his latest tech venture, PacPay, a digital payment platform that facilitates cross-border transactions and launched the cryptocurrency known as “Pac Tokens.”

WFF-Philippines Convenor and GMCI Co-founder Amor Maclang believes the collaboration among local tech giants will trigger a reverse diaspora. She foresees that the “rising tech hubs in the near future will bring them back home—where they can contribute their talents and their time, advance a career and build businesses while enjoying a happy and prosperous life with their families. It is a vision that technology can help us reach.”

     From left, Anton Corro, Card Business Head, Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer, Lazada Philippines and Ana Delgado, UnionBank Consumer Finance Center Head. and Chief Customer Experience Officer
Photo collage from THEPHILBIZNEWS during the digital launch of UnionBank-Lazada Co-Branding last August 7, 2020

By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios

The triumvirate of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and Lazada Philippines, together with Mastercard, has launched the all-new UnionBank Lazada Credit Card.

It is a milestone in the country being the first e-commerce credit card that makes online shopping even more rewarding and would certainly help the growing number of online entrepreneurs and e-commerce industries.

Read related story:

https://thephilbiznews.com/ph-records-biggest-growth-in-e-commerce-in-the-region/

With the advent of the new UnionBank Lazada Credit Card, cardholders are allowed to directly earn up to 6x Lazada wallet credits from their online spend at Lazada – the highest earning rate among other credit cards in the market.

For every P200.00 spend at Lazada purchases earns cardholder with P6.00 Lazada credits. Meanwhile, the cardholder earns P1.00 for every P200.00 on all other purchases outside Lazada.

“As the country’s leading digital bank, we’re truly excited about this new partnership because we believe the new UnionBank Lazada Credit Card will enable us to serve the growing needs of Filipino shoppers in this rapidly changing digital economy,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin Bautista.

During these uncertain times, UnionBank Lazada Credit Card gives customers a new safe and secure payment option for their online transactions. As another testament to UnionBank’s digital banking technology, the UnionBank Lazada credit card also introduces a new virtual credit card – which cardholders can use for online transactions without waiting for the physical card to be issued.

The cardholder will receive the virtual card, activate, and use it to make online purchases immediately once the application is approved. The virtual card can be viewed safely through the UnionBank Online app, with security controls including biometrics and one-time-password (OTP).

A physical card will also be delivered to cardholders for their face-to-face, point-of-sale transactions.

“It is a privilege to collaborate with UnionBank as we work towards creating a secure and inclusive digital economy in the Philippines. With more people turning to the Lazada platform to meet their needs, the new UnionBank Lazada Credit Card will empower Filipino customers to get more value from their purchases as they embrace a cashless digital lifestyle,” said Ray Alimurung, Lazada Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer.

Meanwhile, Ana Delgado, UnionBank Consumer Finance Center Head. and Chief Customer Experience Officer said, “We’re excited to partner with Lazada Philippines and launch this newest co-brand credit card with the highest earn rate of up to 6X rewards at Lazada. Especially in this digital age and in the backdrop of limited mobility due to the global pandemic, more and more shopping is done online, and this card is the perfect product to use at Lazada. The more you shop at Lazada, the more you earn credits.”  

“I invite everyone to experience how UnionBank Lazada Credit Mastercard makes adding to cart and checking out a rewarding experience. So add to card now,” she added.

For Mastercard Philippines Country Manager, Rowell del Fierro, he shared, “Mastercard is pleased to partner with the country’s multi-awarded digital bank and the top e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia to deliver more value to Filipino e-customers. The UnionBank-Lazada Credit Card is a demonstration of Mastercard’s global expertise in co-brands and its continuing commitment to bringing digital solutions that enable a seamless and secure shopping experience online.”

On top of that, cardholders need not compute for any point conversion. Earned rewards are in the form of peso value credits, plus earned credits can be conveniently transferred to the cardholder’s Lazada Wallet using their UnionBank Online app with just a few clicks, anytime, anywhere.

Enjoy exclusive shopping benefits at Lazada with the new UnionBank Lazada Credit Card! Get P5,000 Lazada Wallet credits as a welcome gift when the application is approved for a UnionBank Lazada Credit Mastercard (Terms & Conditions apply).  Enjoy free monthly shipping of up to P50.00 and free discount vouchers of up to P250.00 during their Mega Sales (birthday sale, mid-year sale, 9.9, 11.11. 12.12). Special discounts and exclusive sales also await cardholders from Lazada.

Apply now and start a new digital shopping experience at Lazada with the new UnionBank Lazada Credit Card at www.unionbankph.com or www.lazada.com.ph. Get ready to #AddToCard everything you love at Lazada’s 8.8 Shop Local Bounce Back Sale on August 6-8 and show your support to homegrown brands!