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By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas   In today’s workplace where digital transformation unfolds faster than ever, leaders are faced with a challenge far deeper than just keeping up with technology—it’s about keeping the human spirit at the center of it all. And few speak to that balance with as much as grounded wisdom as Vincent Benedicto, MBA, Former Head of Training, Organizational Development and Employer Branding at SMDC. At hrX Philippines 2025, Vincent brought the room to a thoughtful pause as he explored the evolving dynamics of hybrid work and artificial intelligence—not just as trends, but as realities reshaping how we relate to work, to one another and to ourselves.   “Work-from-home is empowering—if done with dignity, integrity and ethics.”   These weren’t just words for Vincent. They were a call to action.   The Humanity Behind Hybrid Work   In a time where flexibility is often mistaken for convenience, Vincent reminded us that hybrid work isn’t a right—it’s a  privilege. He emphasized the need for fairness, especially across roles that simply can’t be done remotely. For frontliners, sellers, and factory workers, the luxury of remote work isn’t always feasible. And while support and operations staff can thrive in a WFH setup, creating balance means compensating those who must be on-site—with perks, incentives, or simply, understanding. “If you’re in sales, in manufacturing, in a customer-facing role—you need to be there. But that doesn’t mean others should be privileged without thought.” In this stance, Vincent champions a people-first lens—where career growth, wellness, age, commuting distance, and daily realities must all factor into designing work environments that are fair and human. AI Will Not Replace You—But the Person Who Can Use It Might With quiet conviction, Vincent dove into the elephant in the room: Artificial Intelligence. He doesn’t fear it—he embraces it. “AI is here to stay. It’s not just software anymore—it will become hardware. You will work alongside robots, and that’s okay.” Rather than sounding alarms, Vincent grounded his insights in resilience and readiness. He stressed the importance of upskilling, reskilling, and above all, embracing adaptive learning and tech savviness. AI, in his view, isn’t here to take jobs. It’s here to broaden our perspectives, give more options, and allow us to focus on higher-value human contributions. But the line is clear—it must be used ethically. “If it compromises your integrity or ethics, that’s when you draw the line. AI should empower you, not erase you.” Reflections from the HRX Stage Having been part of Rockbird Media  events in the past, Vincent was quick to praise the atmosphere of innovation, inclusivity, and engagement that HRX Philippines consistently brings. “Initially I was overwhelmed… but I saw so many good things happening here. I’ve learned a lot—not just from the speakers, but from the experience itself.” From overflowing ideas to opportunities for genuine connection, Vincent’s time at the Grand Hyatt BGC became more than just another speaking engagement—it became a moment of shared learning and renewed purpose. The Bigger Picture Vincent’s message echoes beyond the walls of the conference: technology without humanity is hollow. True leadership today means knowing how to pair the precision of data with the softness of empathy, and the speed of innovation with the slowness of listening. It’s in this delicate balance that the future of work will be shaped—not just by systems and software, but by the leaders who remember why we work in the first place. “It’s not about resisting change. It’s about riding it with ethics, compassion, and integrity.”

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas When Henry Ting started TTRacing in 2017, he didn’t just launch a gaming chair brand, he took a leap of faith. With every cent of his past venture earnings, RM 400,000 poured into a new idea, there was no guarantee of success, only conviction. The early days were humbling. Sales were slow, the brand was unknown and in the first three months, Henry recalls making “just a thousand dollars.” But there was one thing that kept the dream alive: customer reviews. Each review was more than a comment. It was proof that vision was real. It was a validation that someone out there cared enough to share their experience. And soon, those voices built the trust that TTRacing needed to grow from a risky bet into a household name. Reviews as the New Currency of Trust Scroll through any e-commerce page today and what do you see first? Not the product description, not the flashy marketing copy but the reviews. Shoppers want proof from people like them. In Southeast Asia, where online marketplaces thrive, over 90% of buyers check reviews before hitting ‘purchase”. It’s not about discounts or celebrity endorsements anymore, it’s about trust built through shared experiences. As Henry puts it, “The key is trust.” A Brand Built on Risk, Resilience and Community What makes TTRacing’s journey remarkable is how much of it was powered by listening. Without massive advertising budgets, Henry leaned into the most authentic growth channel there is: word-of-mouth. As he explained in an interview, “We are really good at listening to our customers… we take feedback very seriously. Those voices are really helpful for us to understand the product and our users.” Every satisfied customer became a brand ambassador. Every piece of feedback shaped the next product iteration. And every review whether glowing or critical, was answered with the same focus: to improve. That resilience paid off. Today, TTRacing is more than a gaming chair company. It’s a community across five countries, loved by gamers, remote workers, and lifestyle enthusiasts alike. And Henry’s vision only grows bigger: “We want this to be a global brand. We are now in five countries, but in the next five years, hopefully you will see us everywhere.” Feedback as a Growth Loop Customer reviews aren’t just compliments or complaints. They’re a mirror showing what works and what doesn’t. Henry recalls the early skepticism: “Back then, no one really knew what a gaming chair was… convincing people to buy something they didn’t understand was tough. There were more ‘nos’ than ‘yeses.’” For Henry, they became a growth loop: listen, improve, respond, repeat. Studies confirm this approach, companies that actively engage with reviews enjoy 1.7× higher repeat purchases. Or as Henry believes, “Every review is more than feedback — it’s a foundation for trust.” Adaptability: The Ultimate Differentiator But Henry also knows listening alone isn’t enough. Markets shift, technology evolves, and competition intensifies. His words are a stark reminder: “Companies that fail to adapt will risk being left behind. It’s about who can use AI better to fight the war.” For TTRacing, this means not only responding to customer voices but also embracing new tools, technologies, and ideas that keep the brand ahead of the curve. Adaptability, Henry believes, is what separates those who fade from those who lead. Resilience as a Mindset In his one of his interviews, Henry went further by sharing a personal philosophy that shaped his journey as an entrepreneur: “The best way to prepare yourself is to imagine the worst-case scenario for what you undertake in life and then multiply that by ten. With that feeling, continue doing what you have been doing. In the long run, this helps fortify your mental strength.” This mindset, accepting challenges as inevitable and preparing for them with mental toughness has guided him through TTRacing’s toughest seasons. A Lesson for Every Brand Henry Ting’s journey with TTRacing proves that success doesn’t start with huge budgets or viral campaigns. It starts with listening. But he also reminds entrepreneurs that no one succeeds alone: “If there is only one most important criteria here, I would say it’s about finding the right people to build the company together… with a great team that shares the same vision, that’s when great things happen.” From risking it all in the beginning, to being named one of Augustman Malaysia’s Visionnaires, Henry’s story reflects both humility and ambition. It shows that the brands people love most are not the ones that shout the loudest, but the ones that listen the closest. In the end, reviews aren’t the final step in the customer journey. They’re the starting line of a relationship. And for brands willing to listen, adapt, and grow, those relationships can fuel global ambitions. References: The Star – In the Hot Seat: Henry Ting The Peak – Henry Ting on TTRacing’s Origin Story Augustman Malaysia – Henry Ting Profile Rockbird Media – Henry Ting on Consumer Behavior YouTube – Henry Ting Interview If you enjoyed this Retail Insight, you'd want to give this article a view: Rockbird Media – Henry Ting on Consumer Behavior

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas In the fast-evolving terrain of today’s workplace, one truth cuts across all industries: people, technology and trust are no longer separate levers. They are deeply intertwined strands of growth, resilience and legacy. At hrX 2025, leaders from across the Philippines gathered in a shared space of clarity and courage to unpack one defining panel: “Future Forward Strategy: Building the 2026 Organization with Talent, Tech and Trust.” The discussion wasn’t just about trends—it was about transformation. It wasn’t merely about business—it was about belief. And it wasn’t just about strategy—it was about soul.  The panelists brought more than their titles to the table. They brought lived wisdom from building, breaking and rebuilding systems. They came from places where bureaucracy meets breakthrough, where tradition meets innovation. And through every insight shared, it was clear: the future belongs to those who choose to make it human.  The Journey Starts Within: Purpose, Pain Points and People Alpha Omega Aquino, Executive Director of People Matter PH, took the audience on a personal transformation story—one rooted in empathy and grit. From leading a multigenerational workforce of over 16,000, she shared the discomfort that change often invites:  “Why fix what isn’t broken?” Yet, it was precisely in that discomfort that she found the starting point for real impact. Aquino’s entry into HR wasn’t traditional.  “I came from BPO operations and shifted into what I call the darkest side  of business— HR ,” she joked, only half-kidding.  But what followed wasn’t just adaptation—it was evolution. During the pandemic, while fear loomed and communication broke down, she saw opportunity. “We digitized. We asked, what do our people really need? What are we good at, and how do we get better?” That mindset led her team to win an HR Tech Innovation Award. But more than that trophy, it was the culture shift she celebrated: “HR is not an expense—it’s a compass.”   Bridging the Trust Gap in a Tech-Driven World Vikrant Khanna, VP & Global Head of Value Management at DarwinBox, sparked a powerful question: “When you put yourself in the shoes of an employee, what do talent, tech and trust mean to you?” This simple reframing grounded the entire panel in humanity.  For Khanna, it’s not about flashy AI integrations. It’s about making work lives better—creating environments where change is met not with fear, but with purpose. “People will board the transformation train,” he said, “but not all from the same situation. That’s why leadership must know which stops to make—when to push, when to pause and when to listen.” From Systems to Soul: The Human Capital Shift Vincent Benedicto, former Head of OD and Employer Branding at SMDC, spoke about a common corporate pitfall—investing in tech, but neglecting talent.  “Yes, tech is a tool. But it is still humans  who drive the machine,” he emphasized. In his experience, trust in digital transformation only grows when people are invited to shape it. At SMDC, digitizing paperwork wasn’t just about speed; it was about empowerment. “Provide equal training, fair recognition and consistent feedback—and you begin to see trust build naturally.” Benedicto also warned of over-reliance on AI without purpose. “AI won’t replace people—but people using AI will.” His call was clear: let AI support decision-making, not define it. Let it serve your people, not manage them. And let it amplify human judgement—not mute it.    The Call for Courage: Building Cultures That Believe The panel didn’t just share strategies. They laid out scars, lessons and stories. They talked about resistance, about tears shed in boardrooms and about the long, uncertain road to shifting mindsets. And yet, what echoed most was hope. Hope for Filipino talent that’s world-class when given the right tools.  Whether it’s equipping teams with AI literacy, embracing organizational transparency or redefining rewards beyond compensation—the leaders onstage agreed on one truth:change isn’t a movement. A Future Worth Staying For As the lights dimmed and the crowd softened into quiet reflection, one message lingered: Stay true to the journey. Because every Filipino professional deserves more than just a seat at the table—they deserve a system that sees them, supports them and believes in who they can still become. Because the organizations that will thrive tomorrow are those that remember: transformation is not about perfection. It’s about people. And when you choose to build with heart, you don’t just build companies—you build legacies. #HRX2025 #FutureOfWork #PeopleOverProcesses #LeadershipWithHeart #rockbirdmedia #GrowBeyond

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas A Milestone for Visayas: Cloud Tech Finally Comes Home In a decisive move that underscored growing confidence in regional innovation, Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched the Cebu leg of its Geo Expansion PH Roadshow on Jul 3, 2025, at the Holiday Inn. Organized by rockbird media, the event was more than a typical stop on a national tour; it was a bold declaration that technology is no longer Metro Manila’s exclusive domain. AWS’s presence in Cebu signals a crucial shift: a strategic push to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines by empowering cities like Cebu to rise as equally capable tech hubs. Cebu’s Economic Clout Meets Digital Aspirations Recognized for its strong sectors— BPO , manufacturing, logistics and tourism, Cebu has consistently played a vital role in the Philippine economy. The Department of Trade and Industry emphasizes that Cebu ranks among the most business-prepared areas in the country, providing a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure. Beyond Technology, It’s About Change The Cebu event wasn’t just about promoting AWS products. It was a space for visionary conversations, ranging from public sector modernization to SME empowerment. Attendees witnessed how AWS is: Enabling cost-effective cloud migration Strengthening cybersecurity posture Unlocking real-time data insights Facilitating remote scalability The localized roadmap introduced by AWS speaks directly to local ambitions offering not just tools, but mentorship, infrastructure access and customized cloud pathways for different sectors. Smart Cebu: From Vision to Action Cebu has long voiced its intent to become a smart city—but now, with AWS actively supporting its ecosystem, that dream feels tangible. According to Statista , Cebu ranks in the top tier for smart city readiness in the Philippines, driven by public-private collaborations and tech infrastructure improvements. AWS’s involvement sends a clear message: digital equity is the future, and Cebu is ready to lead the charge. From startups to public sector leaders, the Cebu community showed up to shape the region’s digital future with AWS. A Ripple Effect for the Islands The real power of the July  3 event lies in what it symbolizes. It’s not just about AWS , it’s about access, opportunity and inclusion. It’s a model that can and should be replicated across regions like Davao, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro. As cloud access becomes more democratized, the Philippines moves closer to a future where innovation is bound by geography. This is how nationwide resilience is built, through regional-led digital revolutions. Digital Infrastructure in the Philippines: A Quickly Expanding Prospect By 2030, the data center market is expected to nearly triple. The Philippines’ data center market is expected to grow at a strong compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 20.9% from its estimated US $633 million in 2024 to US $1.97 billion by 2030, according to ASEAN Briefing . The spike demonstrates how quickly cloud capacity is growing, which tells AWS and Cebu-based companies that now is the perfect moment to invest. Philippine Businesses’ Adoption of Cloud Computing Is Increasing 451 Research reports the cloud services market in the Philippines is growing at a 15.4% of CAGR between 2021 and 2026. In  the same report, an Alibaba Cloud -commissioned study revealed that a staggering 85% of Philippine businesses expect to be fully cloud-enabled by 2025. Why This Is Important for Cebu’s AWS Infrastructure growth meets market readiness: By 2030, digital infrastructure will have tripled, mirroring AWS’s growth in Cebu and providing the necessary framework for more robust, low-latency cloud services. Cloud-watching SMEs and enterprises: With 85% of companies planning to switch to a fully cloud-reliant model , AWS Cebu is well-positioned to satisfy demand right away from both tech startups and more established industries like BPO, logistics and tourism in the area. Integrated With Government Plans The Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project — a US $287 million World Bank initiative , is actively building a national fiber optic backbone and enhancing broadband in rural and peripheral cities, including those in Visayas and Mindanao. These efforts not only connect regions, they provide the connectivity backbone AWS needs to deliver reliable cloud services across Cebu and surrounding areas. Cebu’s Moment Is Now All signs point toward one truth: Cebu’s digital ecosystem is entering a fast lane and AWS’s presence at the Geo Expansion PH Roadshow couldn’t be timelier: Infrastructure is scaling—data centers, fiber networks and broadband projects are rapidly expanding. Business demand is surging—the majority of local firms are embracing cloud platforms. Government momentum is strong—investments align with AWS’s regional expansion goals. This convergence of infrastructure development, business preparedness and policy backing positions Cebu as a key hub for the upcoming phase of cloud adoption in the Philippines with AWS driving the change. The Tech Future Is Regional,  And It’s Already Here The discussions initiated in Cebu are not isolated events; they are the beginnings of a larger movement. As AWS focuses on cities beyond Manila, we are witnessing a significant transformation of the Philippine digital economy. The communication is explicit and unmistakable: Innovation isn’t confined to any specific location. It starts where ambition intersects with opportunity. And on July 3, that location was Cebu. A Future Fueled by Innovation and Filipino Resilience As the curtains closed on this powerful event, one message remained etched in everyone’s mind: a digitally resilient Philippines is no longer a dream—it’s a shared mission. Empowering innovation isn’t just about embracing technology. It’s about transforming lives, bridging communities, and creating sustainable growth that reaches every Filipino, especially those at the edges of access. AWS leaders and Cebu-based innovators exchange insights on building a smarter, cloud-powered Visayas. When leaders invest in bold ideas and inclusive tech, they don’t just disrupt industries, they rewrite futures. This stage didn’t just spotlight speakers; it illuminated a roadmap where innovation becomes the engine, and Filipino resilience becomes the fuel that propels the nation forward. The call to action is clear: let’s co-create solutions, uplift lives, and build a digital economy that works for everyone. Because in the heart of every breakthrough is a simple but powerful goal: to uplift the lives of more Filipinos.

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas At the heart of every great digital product is a human need. And for Mia Bulatao, CEO of Pick.A.Roo , customer experience (CX) isn’t just a checklist of tech features, it’s about serving people in ways that feel fluid, personal and real. Speaking during an exclusive interview at the CustomerX: CX Unbound, Mia offered a candid look into how Pick.A.Roo continues to evolve alongside the Filipino digital  consumer, while staying rooted in a mission that’s refreshingly simple: if it removes friction for the customer, they do it. Agility Is Not a Buzzword—It’s a Way of Life “Pick.A.Roo is, first and foremost, an e-commerce marketplace. So naturally, adaptability is part of our DNA.” Mia describes agility not as a technical goal, but as a natural byproduct of Pick.A.Roo’s startup roots. In a market as dynamic and demand-sensitive as the Philippines, she explains that agility is more than just speed, it’s being deeply responsive to the everyday behaviors and frustrations of the consumer. That responsiveness was key when Pick.A.Roo grew 400% in 2021, amassing over 600,000 users in Metro Manila alone, offering over 200,000 SKUs from 1,300+ brands  across categories like groceries, pet care, personal essentials and pharmacy ( Newsbytes.PH ). Customer Experience Is Not an Add-On. It’s the Core. Asked about her CX priorities, Mia doesn’t hesitate: “I have a guiding principle: if it removes friction on the customer side, we do it.” She walks the talk, ensuring that experience design, service policies and even internal decision-making align around one goal: seamless, fluid experience.  That includes everything from intuitive  navigation, personalized search filters, quick reordering to responsive support. “We want our customers to feel served, not stalked,” she adds. Her approach reflects a deeper philosophy: that technology should blend into the background , allowing users to move through their journey with confidence, ease and very little thought.  Designing with Context and Care Mia emphasizes the importance of personalized and contextual features, a nod to the platform’s increasing use of data-driven insights. From relevant product recommendations to tailored promotions, the goal is always the same: make the experience feel like it was designed just for the user. This aligns with Pick.A.Roo’s recent integration of AI-powered personalization tools via AWS, helping the platform better understand and predict customer preferences ( BusinessWorld ). Female Leadership, Redefined by Action When asked about being a female executive in a tech-driven space, Mia responded in her signature grounded way: “I don’t think women in tech or women CEOs should matter. You’re just in tech,or you’re just a CEO.” She believes people should be defined not by gender, but by the contribution and value they bring to the organization. For aspiring young women, she offers quiet but powerful advice: “Pull up your sleeves. Do what must be done. Regardless of gender.” Her leadership reflects a culture where what matters is consistency, accountability and the willingness to solve real problems. It’s a powerful message in a space that still lacks visible representation of women at the top. A Platform That Feels Like A Partner Pick.A.Roo isn’t trying to dominate headlines. It’s trying to make life easier for people. Whether it’s a parent ordering baby essentials at midnight, a small business owner restocking before the lunch rush or a busy worker grabbing last-minute groceries—Pick.A.Roo is designed to serve the rhythm of the Filipino lifestyle. Under Mia Bulatao’s leadership, the brand isn’t just keeping up with digital trends. It’s grounding every decision in empathy and real-life relevance. Because in the end, the most advanced technology is the one that feels invisible —quietly solving problems while putting the human front and center.  Explore more insights from CustomerX:   Local at Heart, Global in Vision: How Verint’s Manish Shah Champions Culturally Intelligent CX Automation

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas What happens when a legacy backpack brand stops trying to be cool  and instead leans into awkward honesty? Jansport could have played safe but instead, they leaned into awkwardness,  nostalgia and Gen Z humor. The result? A viral campaign that felt like catching up with an old friend. JanSport’s new campaign, “Always With You,” is proof that cringe isn’t a mistake, it’s a strategy. In an era dominated by filters, perfection, and curated personas, JanSport went the opposite direction. Their back-to-school campaign is an ode to the in-between those messy, mundane, and emotionally awkward moments that make us real. Retro animations, puppet-like characters, clunky transitions and hilariously relatable scenes of high school chaos just raw human storytelling. Lindsay Read , Head of Marketing, said: “We’re still that trusted and nostalgic brand but we’re speaking even more directly in the language of our audience.” Partnering with comedic agency Party Land , JanSport launched a TikTok-fist, outdoor-backed campaign that leaned into Gen Z’s vulnerability, offbeat humor and day-to-day truth. And yes, it worked. What the Campaign Looks Like The campaign consists of eight quirky video spots showing JanSport backpacks supporting users in the most unremarkable, yet deeply relatable spaces: A farmer’s stand A packed subway A bathroom stall Even a moment of grieving pet The scenes are paired with untrained actors singing intentionally unserious anthems—deadpan, weird, and relatable. The music, humor, and visuals are all intentionally low-budget, echoing what Gen Z often produces for themselves online. It’s not aspirational. It’s emotional realness with comedic edge. The Strategy Behind the Cringe According to Party Land , the creative goal was to stop trying to “look like ads” and instead reflect how Gen Z already creates and consumes content; candid, vulnerable, humorous, and a little chaotic. “When a brand leans into who they genuinely are for their customers, rather than who they aspire to be, that’s meaningful,” said Natalia Fredericks , Creative Director at Party Land. Why It Worked TikTok-first: Designed for organic social sharing, not for broadcast polish Relatable not aspirational: From people-pleasing anxiety to grief, the campaign captures what it feels like to grow up Untrained actors, real voices: Ditching gloss for deadpan delivery Backpacks as metaphors: JanSport isn’t just holding your stuff, it’s holding space for you “Our mission is to be the most trusted carry solution brand, supporting individuals through all of life’s adventures,” said Alexandra Reveles , VP of Global Brand at JanSport. “This campaign shows that we’re always with you, even in the moments most people overlook.” Results That Speak for Themselves The campaign revives ‘90s-era aesthetics with puppet-like characters, awkward voiceovers and hilariously real moments like students stuffing lockers or panicking before class. And it’s working. According to Marketing Dive , JanSport saw: 385% YoY engagement increase 65% spike in TikTok traffic 71% rise in purchase intent Their highest one-day online sales to date And they did it without paid influencers. The content was relatable, not aspirational. Funny, not flashy. JanSport’s success shows that today’s youth don’t want perfection, they want truth. The more awkward and nostalgic the ad felt, the more Gen Z leaned in. And in doing so, JanSport didn’t just sell backpacks, they sold relatability. This isn’t just clever marketing. It’s a reminder that behind every shared laugh is a human moment—nostalgic, imperfect and deeply felt. In a scrolling world of glossy content, JanSport dared to whisper: It’s okay to be real. To laugh. To feel.” and Gen Z didn’t scroll past, they leaned in.

Insider Intelligence forecasts that  retail media will constitute a staggering one-fifth of the global digital advertising spend for the year 2024 . According to their December 2023 projections, worldwide retail media expenditure is set to soar to a monumental $140 billion, marking a remarkable 21.8% surge in growth, outpacing nearly all other advertising sectors. This exponential rise in retail media spending signifies a paradigm shift in the advertising landscape, with major players like Amazon emerging as dominant forces. The e-commerce behemoth is projected to command a substantial 74.2% share of retail media ad spend within the United States alone, as indicated by Insider Intelligence's October 2023 forecast. Impressively, Amazon's influence extends globally, capturing approximately 42% of retail media ad spend worldwide.  Looking ahead, Insider Intelligence's forecasts paint a compelling picture of the future trajectory of retail media ad spending. By 2027, it is predicted that retail media will constitute over one-fifth of total advertising expenditure in the United States. This projection underscores the growing significance of retail media as a pivotal advertising channel, poised to rival established platforms like social media. Despite the formidable presence of social media in the advertising sphere, the retail media is surging ahead in terms of growth, outstripping both search and social advertising. This growth trajectory indicates a potential shift in the hierarchy of advertising channels, with the battle for supremacy intensifying among contenders vying to capture dollars from declining legacy channels, such as linear TV. The ascent of retail media as a dominant force in the digital advertising landscape underscores a seismic shift in consumer behavior and advertising trends. As e-commerce continues to proliferate and consumer preferences evolve, advertisers must adapt their strategies to capitalize on the unprecedented opportunities presented by retail media.

On July 14, 2023, a significant assessment concerning the health impact of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame was jointly released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Their findings classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, has widespread usage in a variety of food and beverage products, ranging from diet drinks and chewing gum to gelatin, ice cream, dairy products, sugar-free syrups, and even medications like cough drops and chewable vitamins. This ubiquitous presence raises important concerns about its potential health implications for consumers worldwide. Aspartame has become a prevalent ingredient found in approximately 6,000 products worldwide, according to the Calorie Control Council. This widespread usage includes carbonated diet beverages, sodas, low-calorie coffee sweeteners, juices, and drink mixes, making it a significant factor in the retail industry. Moreover, the FDA approved aspartame as a general-purpose sweetener back in 1974, further solidifying its presence in the market. As a result, understanding its potential economic impact on the retail industry is crucial. Here are some key economic factors influenced by aspartame in retail: Sales Revenue Aspartame's presence in various food and beverage products can drive sales revenue for retailers. The demand for sugar-free or reduced-calorie products may increase, leading to higher sales of items containing aspartame. Retailers offering a diverse range of aspartame-sweetened products may attract health-conscious consumers and individuals with dietary restrictions, positively impacting their bottom line. Market Growth The popularity of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners can contribute to the growth of specific market segments, such as the sugar-free or diet product market. As these segments expand, retailers have the opportunity to capitalize on emerging trends and cater to the evolving preferences of their customers. Consumer Behavior The availability of products with aspartame can influence consumer behavior. Some shoppers may actively seek out products with reduced sugar content, which can affect their brand loyalty and purchasing decisions. Retailers that effectively market and promote aspartame-sweetened items may see increased foot traffic and repeat business from health-conscious consumers. Production Costs From the perspective of food manufacturers, the use of aspartame as a sugar substitute can impact production costs. Aspartame may be more expensive than traditional sugar, but it can also be significantly sweeter, requiring smaller quantities to achieve the desired level of sweetness. Depending on the specific product and its formulation, using aspartame may result in cost savings or increased expenses, which can influence pricing strategies and profit margins for both manufacturers and retailers. Health Concerns Aspartame has been the subject of health-related debates and concerns. Public perception regarding the safety and potential health effects of aspartame can influence consumer behavior and sales. Retailers need to be prepared to address customer inquiries and concerns related to the use of aspartame in products they sell. The economic impact of aspartame in the retail industry can be substantial, affecting sales revenue, market dynamics, consumer behavior, and production costs. Retailers need to carefully navigate consumer preferences, health considerations, and regulatory requirements to leverage the opportunities presented by aspartame-sweetened products.

By Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas Shoppers return to M&S for the holidays, reflecting a season filled with optimism and operational challenges. Profits Dip, But Holiday Momentum Builds Marks & Spencer enters the 2025 holiday season with mixed momentum, sales are up, but profits have fallen sharply. The retailer reported an adjusted pre-tax profit of £184.1 million , nearly half the £413.1 million earned a year earlier, even after a £100 million insurance payout ( Marks & Spencer, 2025 ). Despite that decline, group sales rose 22.1% to £7.97 billion , largely due to the inclusion of Ocado Retail ( Marketing Week, 2025 ). The steep profit drop follows an April cyberattack that shut down the brand’s online Fashion & Home operations for six weeks and disrupted order fulfilment through early summer ( ABC News, 2025 ). The company has since resumed click-and-collect and says service reliability has improved heading into December. Food Shines, Fashion Falters Food keeps the tills ringing while Fashion and Home feel the aftershocks of digital disruption. While Food sales rose 7.8% , Fashion, Home & Beauty revenues slipped 16.4%  as M&S worked to stabilize logistics and inventory ( Marks & Spencer, 2025 ). Chief Executive Stuart Machin described the period as “a challenging half but one where we’ve built back customer trust,” pointing to its Reshape for Growth  plan focused on store renewal, supply chain modernization and technology investment ( Marks & Spencer, 2025 ). Digital campaigns are now ramping up, with M&S debuting a Christmas 2025 marketing push that leans heavily on social storytelling and cross-platform reach ( Internet Retailing, 2025 ). The Real Test: Turning Footfall Into Profit M&S’s story is a reminder that momentum means little without margin . The retailer’s growing customer base and stronger footfall show consumer appetite is still there, but in a landscape defined by cyber resilience, fulfilment speed, and omnichannel trust, operational precision decides who truly wins Christmas. Rising traffic is promising, but turning festive visits into sustainable profit is the real measure of success. For M&S, the festive quarter isn’t just about sales volume; it’s about proving that digital recovery, logistics discipline and storytelling can coexist under one brand rhythm. How well it synchronizes those levers will determine whether this momentum becomes a full-scale turnaround or just another seasonal surge. References  Marks & Spencer. (2025, November 3). Half Year Results for the 26 weeks ended 27 September 2025.   https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/media/press-releases/half-year-results-26-weeks-ended-27-september-2025   Virdi, A. (2025, November 4). M&S ‘regaining momentum’ as profits more than halve.   Marketing Week.   https://www.marketingweek.com/ms-christmas-2025-momentum/   ABC News. (2025, November 3). Cyberattack cuts Marks & Spencer profits in half.   https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/cyberattack-marks-spencer-slices-profits-half-127210747   Marks & Spencer. (2025, November). Half-Year Results 2025–26 Report.   https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/sites/marksandspencer/files/2025-11/m-and-s-half-year-results-2025-26.pdf   Internet Retailing. (2025, November 3). M&S goes digital-first for Christmas marketing push.   https://internetretailing.net/ms-goes-digital-first-for-christmas-marketing-push/

Bangkok, Thailand - The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit buzzed with innovation and insights on October 17, 2024, as rockbird media's Retail & E-Commerce Summit Asia (RESA) brought together industry leaders to explore "Retail Revolution: Illuminating Digital Drivers for Growth and Security." This landmark event showcased Thailand's burgeoning role in Southeast Asia's digital retail landscape, offering a platform for executives across diverse sectors to engage with cutting-edge strategies and technologies. The summit, which saw increased attendance compared to the previous year, addressed critical challenges and opportunities in Thailand's evolving e-commerce ecosystem. Discussions ranged from consumer trends and technological advancements to regulatory landscapes and cybersecurity concerns. Keynote speaker M.L. Luesak Chakrabandhu, President of The Association of Thailand Open Source Federation, highlighted the event's significance. "We have to understand the challenges, difficulties, and limitations of Thailand in terms of business expansion. We need to improve the ease of doing business here, improve our incentives for new business or more tech people to come to Thailand," Chakrabandhu said, adding the need for enhanced communication between the private sector, the academe, and the government to accelerate policy improvements. The event also delved deep into the future of digital payments, with Teeraphol Ambhai, Head of Search Experience at Bumrungrad International Hospital, sharing insights on e-wallets and their potential to revolutionize businesses. "It should be a big thing to know the challenges and also the advantages, how it will leverage business, as well as how we can use e-payment within and outside Thailand. I hope this will lead businesses to use more e-payment in the future," Ambhai, who was also a speaker for last year’s RESA, stated. Cybersecurity emerged as a critical focus area, especially in light of Thailand's evolving regulatory landscape. Chatchawarn Jirupathum, Group Information Security & Data Protection Officer at RMA Group, stressed the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and data privacy protection. "The rising of new cyber security threats, and since we don't have very solid regulations for the retail and e-commerce in Thailand at the moment, I think is becoming a challenge for next years," Jirupathum explained. The summit featured a mix of keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to gain actionable insights and forge meaningful connections. The increased attendance and diversity of participants underscored the growing importance of digital innovation in Southeast Asia's retail sector. As the event concluded, it was clear that RESA 2024 had not only met but exceeded expectations, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities lying ahead for the retail and e-commerce industries in Thailand and beyond. For more information about RESA and future events, visit https://rockbirdmedia.com/

By: Zenia Pearl V. Nicolas In the fast-moving pace of modern cities, time isn’t just money, it’s everything. And Uniqlo , the Japanese global apparel powerhouse, is once again proving it understands the evolving rhythm of today’s shoppers. With the debut of its first-ever “Mini Outlet” or “ Touchpoint  Store” at Velocity @ Novena Square  in Singapore, Uniqlo is not simply shrinking its square footage, it’s reshaping the very fabric of urban retail.  This small-format concept is more than a cute experiment. It’s a strategic, data-driven move that speaks to the core of what shoppers today value most: speed, accessibility and smart integration between online and offline.  A New Era of Purposeful Retail Measuring just one-tenth the size of a typical Uniqlo store ,  this mini outlet may look modest,  but it’s packed with intention. The store is strategically located at the MRT level of a high-football building, designed for people on the move. Rather than overwhelming customers with endless racks of clothing, the Touchpoint format focuses only on curated bestsellers, seasonal essentials and items that align with immediate lifestyle needs like workwear , innerwear and activewear . In a city like Singapore where every second counts and malls are more vertical than vast, this kind of convenience-based retail isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. By stripping away excess and doubling down on what customers truly come for, Uniqlo is aligning its retail strategy with a “quality over quantity” philosophy, perfectly fitting urban realities.  Designed by Data, Powered by Experience This isn’t a guesswork strategy, it’s rooted in insight. According to Cecilia Tan , Director of E-Commerce at Uniqlo Singapore , the Touchpoint format was inspired by over 31 million customer interactions and feedback collected globally in 2024 . These insights revealed one consistent truth: customers want fast, convenient, hybrid experiences. The result? A space that is not only physically smaller but also digitally smarter. Uniqlo’s mini outlet offers same-day click-and-collect:  customers can place an order online by noon and pick it up at the store the very same day. This is a game-changer for busy professionals, daily commuters and last minute shoppers.  Employees aren’t just cashiers or stockers, they are digital guides, ready to help customers navigate the app, check stock availability in real time, or even place online orders from inside the store. This blend of human touch and tech support creates an elevated yet frictionless experience.  Where Omnichannel Meets Human-Centric Design  More than a sales point, the store becomes a “lifestyle node”, a bridge between the digital world and physical reality. In doing so, Uniqlo isn’t just selling clothes, it’s integrating itself into the cadence of everyday life. The minimalist layout, fast payment options and educational digital kiosks demonstrate Uniqlo’s confidence in the evolving sophistication of its customers.  This mirrors a broader retail shift: as consumers increasingly browse online and pick up offline or vice versa, brands must adapt not just their operations, but their spaces. The mini outlet format is built precisely for this omnichannel generation. And with Asia’s B2C e-commerce market growing by over 22% to reach USD 1.36   trillion in 2020,  with projections hitting USD 1.92 trillion by 2024 ( Eastspring Investments via Statista ), Uniqlo’s compact, hybrid Touchpoint format arrives at exactly the right moment. As digital transactions surge, so does the demand for physical spaces that bridge convenience and immediacy , making formats like click-and-collect not just innovative, but indispensable. More Than Just A Store: A Scalable Solution What makes the Touchpoint store truly exciting is its scalability. The concept doesn’t require vast real estate, heavy inventory or elaborate interiors. It’s plug-and-play. Think metro stations, office lobbies, hospital complexes or university hubs, anywhere where people move fast, but still want quality fashion.  This model is particularly relevant in high-density cities across Southeast Asia, where retail space is expensive and time is a premium.  For emerging markets, where mall culture may not be as established, Uniqlo’s compact, customer-first approach could easily lead the next wave of retail expansion. The brand has not yet confirmed expansion plans, but if this pilot proves successful, it’s likely we’ll see Touchpoint stores pop up across major Asian cities like Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and beyond.  The Big Lesson in the Small Store In an age of excess, Uniqlo’s mini outlet is a powerful reminder that thoughtful design often beats size. Instead of asking shoppers to adapt to the store, the store adapts to the shopper. It meets them mid-journey, literally and metaphorically, reminding us that innovation doesn’t always require more, but rather a sharper understanding of what matters most. By transforming 10% of a retail footprint into 100% value, Uniqlo isn’t just testing a new format, it’s leading the way forward  in what “retail convenience” truly means in 2025. The retail world has been racing to find the right post-pandemic formula, part digital, part physical, entirely human. With the mini outlet, Uniqlo may have found the sweet spot. It’s not about being everywhere, but being exactly where you’re needed.  In a world that’s always rushing, Uniqlo’s message is clear: we’ll meet where you are and we’ll do it efficiently, stylishly and smartly.

Manila, Philippines — The global workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, with the Philippines emerging as a key market for addressing evolving HR challenges. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to integrate into various industries, it is set to create 97 million new jobs worldwide by 2025. To stay competitive, businesses must adapt to these rapid changes and leverage emerging technologies to drive decision-making and agility. Despite these advancements, employee engagement in the Philippines remains a critical issue, with only 21% of employees feeling engaged. While remote work has contributed to increased employee satisfaction, challenges such as urban stress and generational divides continue to hinder workplace cohesion and productivity. As businesses face this shifting landscape, HR leaders must act swiftly to navigate these complexities. Rockbird Media 's hrX Philippines 2025 will provide a platform for HR professionals to engage with thought leaders, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to shape the future of HR in the Philippines. This event will offer valuable opportunities for professionals to connect, collaborate, and address pressing HR issues head-on. Don't miss out on this opportunity to participate in the conversation shaping the future of HR. Register today for hrX Philippines 2025 and take the first step towards addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce. For more information and to register, visit our website: https://rockbirdmedia.com/registration/hrx-ph-june-2025/