Thursday, March 27, 2025

AgadPay Launches in the Philippines, Tackling the Payday Loan Trap Head-On

AgadPay, a new Earned Wage Access (EWA) platform, is now available nationwide, providing Filipino employees with safe, convenient access to the wages they have already earned—before payday. This solution involves no loans, no interest, and no debt traps. Instead, workers can withdraw a portion of their accrued salary for a small, transparent fee, eliminating the need for high-interest payday loans that can lead to spiraling debt.

What is Earned Wage Access (EWA)?

Earned Wage Access is an arrangement that lets employees tap into the income they have already accumulated prior to the official payday. It bridges the common financial gap that arises toward month’s end, cutting down on reliance on payday loans and informal lending. EWA is increasingly recognized as a sensible response to the urgent reality faced by Filipino workers, with 80% of Filipinos reportedly living paycheck to paycheck, 36 million still borrowing cash for daily needs, and 60% lacking any form of emergency fund. All these figures are underscoring the depth of financial stress many Filipinos experience.

Why the Philippines Needs EWA

The prevalence of high-cost lending is illustrated by the fact that 47.1% of Filipino adults regularly borrow money, often at interest rates that are difficult to repay. Many employees find themselves in a continuous cycle of debt, unable to break free from payday lenders. Studies have found that 66% of EWA users report reduced financial stress and that 79% of employees would consider changing jobs if EWA were offered elsewhere. This demonstrates strong demand for a more sustainable way to handle short-term cash shortages and underscores the value of EWA as a credible alternative to predatory lending sources.

A Better Option for Employees

By offering access to wages that have already been earned, AgadPay provides a dignified, debt-free way for workers to cover urgent expenses such as utility bills, tuition, or healthcare costs. There is no interest charged, only a minimal convenience fee, and employees remain in control of their own earnings rather than getting trapped in loan repayment cycles. This model relieves the anxiety that stems from living paycheck to paycheck and bolsters overall financial well-being.

A Win-Win for Employers

AgadPay is entirely free for companies to offer. Employers who adopt EWA report positive outcomes that include higher retention rates and a more engaged workforce, an important factor given that 1 in 5 employees admits to reduced productivity due to financial strain. Studies also indicate EWA can increase employee retention by up to 78%. AgadPay integrates easily with existing payroll systems, meaning organizations can support the financial health of their workforce without taking on additional administrative burdens.

AgadPay is now open to businesses across the Philippines. To explore how this new EWA platform can benefit both companies and their employees, visit www.agadpay.ph for details on scheduling a demo or requesting more information.

About AgadPay

AgadPay is a Philippine-based Earned Wage Access (EWA) platform that allows employees to access a portion of their already-earned wages anytime—without loans, interest, or debt traps. By offering a safe alternative to payday lenders, AgadPay helps reduce financial stress and improve employee
retention and productivity, all at zero cost to employers.
 
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Switch and Urban Republic Lead Malaysian Retail with Instant E-Invoice Submission via CIMB Terminals

 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Switch (Apple Premium Reseller) and Urban Republic, Malaysia’s leading smartphone and gadget retail store with over 200 locations nationwide, are proud to announce a groundbreaking advancement in customer service. In collaboration with CIMB Bank Berhad (“CIMB”) and Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“PayNet”), Switch and Urban Republic are now the first smartphone and gadget retail stores in Malaysia to offer e-invoice submission directly through CIMB’s payment terminals, upon transaction completion.

This innovative service eliminates the need for customers to retain physical receipts as the receipts would be emailed to them immediately upon completing the transactions. By simply completing their purchase at any Switch or Urban Republic store using a CIMB terminal, customers can submit for their official e-invoice. This streamlined process enhances convenience, reduces paper waste, and provides a secure and efficient way to manage purchase records.

"We are thrilled to partner with CIMB and PayNet to bring this cutting-edge solution to our customers," said Li Chau Ging Managing Director of Switch and Urban Republic.

"As the largest smartphone and gadget retail chain in Malaysia, we are committed to providing exceptional customer experiences. This instant e-invoice submission service underscores our dedication to innovation and sustainability, offering our customers a seamless and environmentally friendly transaction process."

This collaboration leverages CIMB’s advanced payment terminal technology and PayNet’s robust payment infrastructure to deliver a seamless and secure e-invoice submission experience. Customers can easily access their e-invoice details directly on the terminal screen and opt to have it sent to their registered email address or mobile device.

Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad said, “At CIMB, we are committed to advancing our customers and society, and thereby continuously introducing enhanced services for their benefit. We are pleased to partner with PayNet to introduce an innovative solution through Switch and Urban Republic, so that our customers can have e-invoices directly and promptly shared with them. This we believe will help the merchant, the customer and by extension the government to make things simpler, better and faster for all.”

“As Malaysia’s national payments network, PayNet is committed to fostering seamless and secure digital payment transactions. This initiative exemplifies how strategic collaboration can accelerate digital adoption and enhance the retail experience for both businesses and consumers," said Azrul Fakhzan Mainor, Senior Director of PayNet’s Commercial Division. "By enabling instant e-invoice submission through our payment infrastructure, we are making transactions more efficient, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of today’s digital-first economy.”

This new service is now available at six Switch locations (Wangsa Walk Mall, Plaza Low Yat, Plaza Shah Alam, Quayside Mall, The Mines and Sunway Pyramid), and will be rolled out at 83 more Switch and 117 Urban Republic outlets by 15 June.

About CG Computers Sdn. Bhd

About Switch and Urban Republic:

Switch and Urban Republic are Malaysia’s leading smartphone and gadget retail stores, offering a wide range of Apple products and other premium electronic devices and gadgets. With over 200 stores nationwide, Switch and Urban Republic are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and innovative solutions.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM88.0 billion as at 31 December 2024. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Philippines. 

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 592 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 December 2024. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

About Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet):

Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) is Malaysia's national payments network with a mission to accelerate the country's payment flows by making the digital payment infrastructure more accessible, widespread, and secure. Our comprehensive retail payments suite - including DuitNow (QR and Transfer), JomPAY (Bill Payments), FPX (Online), MyDebit (Domestic Debit), MEPS, and IBG (Interbank GIRO) - provides extensive coverage across the nation, forming a core part of daily life in Malaysia. 

Additionally, PayNet's real-time retail QR payments network, DuitNow, is interoperable with domestic schemes in Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions with these countries. PayNet is committed to promoting a secure, efficient, and innovative payments ecosystem in Malaysia and works closely with its stakeholders to develop new products and services that meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses. For further details, please visit our website: www.paynet.my 

For more information, please contact: 

Natasha Hussain, Editorial and Media Relations, PayNet | Mobile: +6016 665 8054 | natasha.hussain@paynet.my

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

UTAR Bunkasai 2025: Koi! x Karaoke Manekineko – A Celebration of Anime, Games & Japanese Culture!


Karaoke Manekineko made a vibrant appearance at UTAR Bunkasai 2025: Koi! at the Sungai Long Campus on March 16th as an official sponsor, engaging anime, gaming, and J-culture fans with exciting activities. From exclusive vouchers and free membership signups to introducing our latest promotions, our booth was a major highlight, bringing the joy of karaoke to festivalgoers!

This past weekend, Karaoke Manekineko proudly participated as an official sponsor of UTAR Bunkasai 2025: Koi!, an event that gathered anime lovers, gamers, and Japanese culture enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience. As Malaysia’s leading karaoke brand, we were thrilled to bring the excitement of music to the festival, strengthening our connection with the vibrant J-culture community.

An Immersive Experience of Japan in Malaysia

UTAR Bunkasai 2025 was more than just a gathering—it was a cultural celebration where visitors immersed themselves in the beauty of Japan through various activities:

🎭 Traditional Japanese Activities – Attendees experienced yukata rental and dressing, played nostalgic festival games like Super Ball Sukui (super ball scooping), and enjoyed the lively atmosphere of a real matsuri (festival).

🎮 Anime & Gaming Galore – Fans engaged in Hololive meetups, Vanguard TCG (Trading Card Game) battles, and the intense Honor of Kings live tournament, where skilled players competed for glory.

🎵 Live Music & Performances – Guest bands and independent singers took turns rocking the stage with iconic anime songs and J-pop hits, creating an electrifying atmosphere that had the crowd singing along and fully immersed in the experience.

Bringing the Manekineko Experience to UTAR Bunkasai!

As one of the official sponsorKaraoke Manekineko took the opportunity to introduce festivalgoers to the joy of karaoke and engage with anime, music, and gaming fans at our booth. Visitors enjoyed a range of exclusive activities and perks:

🎟️ Exclusive Vouchers & Coupons – To give attendees a taste of the Manekineko experience, we distributed flyers with printed vouchers inside, offering special discounts for future karaoke sessions at our outlets.

📢 Latest Promotions & Campaigns – Our team introduced visitors to our newest promotions, ensuring they stayed updated on exciting deals available at Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia.

🆓 One-Day-Only Free Membership Signup! – Festival attendees signed up for a Maneckey membership for free, unlocking exclusive perks and rewards.

Strengthening Our Presence in the J-Culture Community

For Karaoke Manekineko, supporting UTAR Bunkasai 2025: Koi! was more than just sponsorship—it was about fostering a deeper connection with Malaysia’s growing J-culture community. Our booth drew in anime lovers, gamers, and music enthusiasts, many of whom were excited to continue their karaoke journey at our outlets.

As anime and Japanese music go hand in hand, we were thrilled to bring the joy of karaoke to festivalgoers, allowing them to experience the fun beyond the event. Seeing so many visitors engage with our booth, sign up for memberships, and grab exclusive vouchers reaffirmed our commitment to creating a unique karaoke experience for all.

The overwhelming response at UTAR Bunkasai 2025 reinforced our belief that karaoke is more than just singing—it’s about creating moments, sharing laughter, and celebrating a love for music. By participating in events like these, we hope to continue strengthening our bond with the J-culture community, making Karaoke Manekineko the go-to destination for fans of Japanese entertainment.

What’s Next? More Music, More Fun!

Missed us at UTAR Bunkasai 2025: Koi!? No worries! Our special promotions are still available at all Karaoke Manekineko outlets, so you can still take advantage of our exclusive offers.

📲 Stay connected with us for the latest updates, upcoming events, and exciting deals! Follow us on: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | X | 红书

🎤✨ See you at Karaoke Manekineko for an unforgettable singing experience! 🎶

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES 

What Is a PT Company in Indonesia? Here Are 5 Key Points

Perseroan Terbatas (“PT”) is a limited liability company that is established under Indonesian law. The capital of a limited liability company is divided into shares and the responsibility of shareholders is based on the number of shares that he or she has.

Under Indonesian Company Law No. 40 of 2007 on Company Law as last amended by Law 11 of 2020 on Job Creation (“Company Law"), a company must be established by at least two shareholders. Its establishment takes place after a deed of establishment is issued by the notary which is followed by the approval of the Minister of Law and Human Rights; only then a PT obtain status as a "legal entity".

To form a PT Indonesian company, here are 5 key points.

Name of the Indonesian Company

Under Government Regulation N. 43 of 2011 on the Procedures of Submission and Using Company Name, the company’s name should meet the following requirements:

1.     Written in Latin letters;

2.     Has not been used legally by another company or is not essentially the same as the name of another company;

3.     Does not conflict with public order and/or decency;

4.     Not the same or essentially the same as the name of a state institution, government institution, or international institution, unless it has obtained a permit from the institution concerned;

5.     Does not consist of numbers or series of numbers, letters or series of letters which is not forming word;

6.     Does not mean as the company/corporate, legal entity, or civil partnership, incorporation, limited liability company, or any other similar words;

7.     The company which is wholly owned by an Indonesian citizen or an Indonesian entity has to use the Indonesian language as the company name. So that, the English or foreign words can only be used if it is a foreign-owned company.

In addition to the above, as required by the system of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the company name should be consisted of at least 3 (three) words. For example PT Anugerah Abadi Dunia, PT Nine World Champion.

Organs of the Indonesian Company

OrgansResponsibilitiesBoard of DirectorsLead the company's daily business. A company can appoint a single director, but a public company, it must appoint at least two directors.Board of CommissionersSupervises and advises the Board of Directors of the Company. A company can appoint a single commissioner, but for a public company it must appoint at least two commissioners, one of whom must be an independent commissionerGeneral Meeting of Shareholders (GMS)It is the highest organ in the company. GMS has the authority to decide the matters that cannot be conducted by the Board of Directors or Board of Commissioners, among others, such as the approval of the transfer of shares, declaring a dividend, or the amendment of the articles of association.

Shareholders and Capital Structure

A company must be established by at least 2 (two) shareholders (it can be an individual or a business entity). The Capital structure of a company is divided into three categories:

Capital StructureExplanationAuthorized capitalthis capital is determined based upon mutual consent from the founders/shareholders Issued capitalthe Company Law mandates that a minimum of 25% of the authorized capital must be paid by the shareholders to the Company Paid-up capitalmust be paid in an amount equal to 100% of the issued capital. It is also important to note that a specific business sector may require a minimum amount of authorized capital and issued capital

Capital Structure on Foreign Ownership

Shares in an Indonesian company may be held by an Indonesian citizen/company and a foreign citizen/company. An Indonesian company whose shares are partly or entirely owned by a foreign citizen/company is known as a foreign investment company (“PT PMA”). Based on Investment Coordination Board Regulation No. 4 of 2021 on Guidelines and Procedures for Risk-Based Licensing and Investment Facilities, the minimum issued a capital requirement for PT PMA is Rp10,000,000,000 (ten billion Rupiah).Other than the minimum capital requirement as mentioned above, Indonesian law also governs the maximum foreign shareholding threshold is regulated under Presidential Regulation No. 10 of 2021 as last amended by President Regulation No. 49 of 2021 on the Investment Business Sectors ("Positive List Investment"). Under the Positive List, it divides the business activities that are (i) open for 100% foreign shareholding; (ii) partly owned by foreign shareholders, or; (iii) 100% closed for foreign shareholding.

Objectives and Purposes of the Company

A company must have objectives and purposes as well as business activities that are not contrary to provisions of laws and regulations, public order, and/or morality. The objectives and purposes of the company must be based on the Regulation of Central Bureau of Statistics (Badan Pusat Statistik) No. 2 of 2020 on the Indonesian Standard Industrial Classification (“KBLI”). The list of KBLI can be found in the link here https://oss.go.id/informasi/kbli-berbasis-risiko

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Laban Pilipinas! KDM and VF Lead the Charge as CrossFire: Legends Championship SEA Regional Stage Kicks Off

   The battle for tactical supremacy has officially moved to the regional stage! The  CrossFire: Legends Championship (CFLC) 2025–2026  is n...