Saturday, July 19, 2025

KOLTIVA Appoints Joe Keen Poon as Executive Chairman, Signaling a New Chapter of Global Leadership in Sustainable Supply Chains


 KOLTIVA has appointed Joe Keen Poon as Executive Chairman, marking a strategic milestone in its global leadership in sustainable agriculture and supply chain traceability. Joe’s leadership reinforces KOLTIVA’s role as a key partner for companies seeking to meet global regulations like the EUDR, offering end-to-end solutions that combine geospatial digital traceability with on-the-ground support for smallholders to ensure sustainability from farm to final product.

In a major move underscoring its growing global presence in sustainable agriculture and supply chain traceability, the Indonesia-Swiss-based, venture-backed AgriTech firm KOLTIVA has named Joe Keen Poon as its new Executive Chairman.  Announced earlier today, the appointment marks a strategic milestone in KOLTIVA’s continued international leadership trajectory.

This pivotal leadership marks a defining moment in KOLTIVA’s journey as the company accelerates its mission to build inclusive, deforestation-free, and fully traceable supply chains—aligning with emerging global regulations such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), CSDDD, CSRD, and other rising demands for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance.

The appointment of Joe Keen Poon as Executive Chairman reinforces KOLTIVA’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, transparency, and innovation in agriculture. A seasoned global executive, Joe brings over 30 years of experience scaling purpose-driven technology and sustainability ventures. His leadership credentials span top-tier organizations, including Microsoft, Deloitte, Surbana Jurong, and, most recently, as Group CEO of the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). 

The Executive Chairman will play a central role in strengthening governance, unlocking investment pathways, and ensuring that KOLTIVA’s solutions remain scalable, secure, and rooted in impact. His appointment signals KOLTIVA’s next chapter: leveraging advanced analytics to deliver not just transparency — but foresight and resilience — in agricultural supply chains.

Founded in 2013, KOLTIVA has rapidly evolved into one of the most trusted technology partners in agriculture, working with over 1,9 million producers across 65 countries. Its integrated ecosystem—ranging from traceability platforms, capacity building as an extension services with in person field-training through its extensive agronomist network and digital payment tools to smallholder training programs—has become vital to agri businesses, enterprises and suppliers navigating today’s complex sustainability challenges.

As Executive Chairman, Joe will help KOLTIVA sharpen its long-term vision, deepen its impact across supply chains, and shape future partnerships that align with its triple-bottom-line: People, Planet, and Profit. “KOLTIVA is uniquely positioned at the intersection of agriculture, climate action, financial inclusion and digital transformation,” said Joe Keen Poon. “Joining this team is not only a professional honor—it’s an impact-commitment to reshaping how the world sources its food and raw materials, while supporting the rural smallholders who grow them.”

Joe Keen Poon will collaborate closely with the CEO and Co-Founder, Manfred Borer and the broader leadership team to strengthen KOLTIVA’s presence across key regions—including Indonesia, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East, and Africa—strategic markets essential to the future of sustainable sourcing.

“We’ve built a strong foundation rooted in data integrity, human-centered technology intelligence, field operations, and client trust,” said Manfred Borer, CEO of KOLTIVA. “Now, we’re scaling. With Joe Keen Poon on board, we gain a partner with the global foresight and experience to guide us through this next chapter—one that will see us expand across continents while remaining deeply connected to rural farming communities.”

While the appointment brings fresh global perspectives, it also underscores continuity in KOLTIVA’s mission and values. The company remains deeply focused on enabling ethical sourcing, smallholders inclusion, and climate resilience through technology and on-the-ground presence. KOLTIVA’s approach remains unique in its integration of field expertise and digital traceability—a model that has won recognition from global enterprises, government institutions, public-private partnership, non-government organization to climate-impact driven investors.

“As regulatory landscapes shift, particularly with the introduction of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), companies across the globe are under pressure to verify the legality and sustainability of their raw material sources. KOLTIVA has been at the forefront of this movement, enabling full end-to-end traceability and polygon-based geospatial verification for commodities including palm oil, rubber, cocoa, and coffee.” Joe Keen Poon. “What drew me to this role was not just the technology, but the company’s relentless focus on empowering producers and building trust between stakeholders. That’s where true sustainability begins.”

About KOLTIVA

Offering human-centered technology and boots-on-the-ground solutions that digitize agribusinesses and help smallholder producers transition to sustainable practices and traceable sourcing, KOLTIVA is recognized as the leading global sustainable agriculture and supply chain traceability company. As a global technology provider, it constructs ethical, transparent, and sustainable supply chains, assisting enterprises in fortifying their resilience and transparency. The company helps businesses and their suppliers comply with ever-changing regulations and consumer demands worldwide with traceability solutions. Operating in more than 65 countries and fortified by a network of customer support offices in 20 countries, KOLTIVA is committed to supporting over 19,000 enterprises in establishing transparent and robust supply chains while empowering 1,9000,000 producers to increase their annual income. www.koltiva.com 

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES

AICON PH 2025: The Biggest AI Learning Event in the Country


 On July 23, 2025, the SMX Convention Center Aura in Bonifacio Global City will become the hub of the country’s AI conversation as AICON PH 2025 brings together decision-makersprofessionalseducators, and students for a full day of learning, collaboration, and community.

Now on its 10th year, what started in 2016 as the Big Data Analytics Conference has grown into a national platform for learning, exchange, and collaboration. Today, AICON PH reflects how far the conversation has come—from data to intelligent systems, from hype to hands-on use. Through the years, the goal has stayed the same: to make advanced technologies more useful and more accessible to more people.

This year’s theme, “Making AI RealMaking AI Matter,” reflects this direction. It is a response to all the noise and hype around AI. Instead of just talking about the future, AICON PH 2025 focuses on what’s already workingwhere help is needed, and how we can make AI more helpful, fair, and accessible for more people.

This year’s event will focus on the people and principles behind AI. Plenary sessions and panels will explore the human side of AI—how it affects the way we live, work, and learn—as well as the growing conversation around sovereign AI and national capacity. The breakout sessions will offer practical stories and lessons on a wide range of topics, including agentic AI, turning insights into real impactbuilding an organization of innovators, and reimagining learning for those outside traditional education systems.

What is AICON PH?

AICON PH is the Philippines’ flagship learning event on artificial intelligence, focused on promoting practical, inclusive, and accessible AI for everyone. Organized by the Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP), AICON PH builds a bridge between curiosity and capability—helping Filipinos better understand AI, not just as a technology, but as a tool for real-world problem-solving in communities, classrooms, and companies.

The event is designed for everyone—from software developers and business analysts to educators, business leaders, policymakers, and students. Its mission: make AI education part of our national learning agenda and ensure no one gets left behind in the age of intelligent systems.

A Powerful Lineup of Speakers and Panelists

This year's keynote stage features a powerful mix of local and international voices on AI, including:

Michelle Alarcon, President of AAP

Arsenio Balisacan, PhD, Secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev)

Edwine Carrie, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines Resident Representative

Pedro Campelo, Partner at LTPlabs

Wing Kin Cheung, President & CEO of BEEINFOTECH

Two high-impact panel discussions will also unpack thought leadership on the human side of AI and sovereign AI. The panels will feature leaders from Alibaba Cloud, AWS, BeeInfoTech, Google, LTPlabs, SGV & Co., and UNDP.

Breakout Tracks for Every Role in the AI Ecosystem

In the afternoon, participants can choose from five focused breakout tracks based on their role and interest: Developer, Development Manager & Tech Leader, Strategist & Business Leader, Deployer, and Educator.

These tracks go beyond theory, offering hands-on learning, case studies, and live demonstrations. Among the highlights:

Globe Telecom shares how it built an organization of AI innovators.

GCash leads a Moral Imagination Workshop on ethical AI strategy.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment explores AI in education.

RCBC gives a behind-the-scenes look at ML/AI Ops in banking.

Ayala, San Miguel Corporation, Globe, and Sprout join a fireside chat on applied AI in business.

Eskwelabs hosts a live AI showcase for executives and leaders.

Sandiwaan Center for Learning leads a discussion on AI and inclusive learning.

The day will also feature the awarding of the winners of the 1st National AI Prompt Design Challenge organized by Straits Interactive and AAP.

Collaborators and Key Supporters

This year’s event is made possible through the support and collaboration of key partners and organizations who share the same vision for a more inclusive AI future. AICON PH 2025 is proudly organized by the AAP together with co-organizers Alibaba Cloud and BeeinfotechPH, and co-presented by JPMorganChaseLTPlabs, and SGV & Co.

Official ambassadors include Acer, AMD, Ayala Corporation, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Google, and PMI Philip Morris International. Our session sponsors include Accenture, AWS, Eskwelabs, GCash, Globe, and Káyana; while De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, Emerson, Insight, KPMG, Multisys, N-PAX, Philtech, and Stratpoint are featured exhibitors. We are also grateful for the support of QBE Insurance, Reyes Tacandong & Co., San Miguel Corporation, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

The event is also made possible with the help of its media partners NEN Digital, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Business Mirror, Business World, Malaya Business Insight, VRITimes, Philippines Graphic, Kwento Co, Out of The Box Media,  Village Connect Magazine and WhenInManila.com.

About the AAP

The Analytics & AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) is the National Industry TVET Board for Analytics & AI championing the responsible and inclusive use of data and artificial intelligence in the country. AAP leads national conversations, develops industry-academe-government partnerships, and builds tools, frameworks, and learning ecosystems to help Filipinos thrive in the age of data and AI. Visit www.aap.ph for more information.

 

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES

Bitcoin Holds Above $120K, XRP Eyes $3: Why Smart Money Quietly Flows into BTC Miner for 6.63%+ Daily USD Returns


While Bitcoin stabilizes above $120,000 and XRP surges near $3, the world’s capital elite are making a less obvious move: they’re pouring funds into BTC Miner, a cloud mining platform offering up to 6.63% (or more) daily returns in USD, fully insured and shielded from market volatility. In today’s unstable crypto landscape, smart investors aren’t chasing charts — they’re securing daily income.

What is BTC Miner?

BTC Miner is a global, regulated cloud mining platform. Investors deposit major cryptocurrencies (BTC, USDT, XRP, ETH, and others), and funds are automatically converted to USD to generate stable daily payouts via short-term smart contracts.

No mining hardware, no trading risks — just insured daily profits, fully automated.

All client funds are held in Tier-1 global banks and insured by AIG, ensuring maximum security for investors.

Why Wealthy Investors Choose BTC Miner

Up to 6.63%+ stable daily USD returns

Funds insured by AIG

Custody in Tier-1 international banks

USD-denominated contracts avoid price volatility

$500 trial bonus for new users

7% + 2% referral commissions, paid instantly

SSL-encrypted platform with automated risk control

⏱ Flexible contracts: 1, 3, 5, or 8 days

Investment amounts from $200 to multi-million USD

BTC Miner delivers structured, reliable crypto income that capital trusts.

How to Make Money with BTC Miner

Register at https://btcminer.net

Deposit XRP, BTC, ETH, USDT, or other cryptos

Funds are converted to USD, contracts activate

Choose flexible cycles: 1/3/5/8 days

Receive daily USD payouts, withdraw anytime

Completely automated — no crypto expertise needed.

Real Investor Testimonials

“I started with the $500 trial and then invested $200,000. My 5-day contract earned over $65,000, all auto-credited daily. BTC Miner works.” — Thomas W., Hedge Fund Manager, Frankfurt, Germany

“Our family office invested $2.5M and now earns over $480,000 per day. Withdrawals are fast, the dashboard is crystal clear.” — Emma K., Family Office Director, Singapore

“BTC Miner is our passive income tool of choice — no market risk, just steady daily profits.” — Sarah L., Private Equity Partner, California

Limited-Time Bonus Offer

$500 Trial Bonus – activate a real mining contract risk-free

Referral Program:

7% commission from direct referrals

2% commission from indirect (second-level) referrals

Payouts are instant, unlimited in scale

Example:

Refer A investing $10,000 → You earn $700

A refers B investing $20,000 → You earn $400

Conclusion

BTC Miner isn’t for speculators. It’s designed for those seeking safe, insured, automated daily income in USD.

As Bitcoin and XRP dominate headlines, BTC Miner quietly powers the wealth machines of the world’s capital elite.

🌐 Learn more: https://btcminer.net

About BTC Miner

technologies into mining operations. The platform has deployed mining farms powered by renewable sources such as solar and wind energy, actively promoting eco-friendly practices and significantly reducing carbon emissions.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES 

Doctor Anywhere Philippines Offers Fully Covered Online Consultations for HMO and Insurance Members

 


MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Even after the pandemic, telemedicine remains a convenient option for Filipinos to see a doctor without leaving home.

Doctor Anywhere Philippines, launched in 2021, is part of a broader regional network led by Doctor Anywhere, a tech-led healthcare company headquartered in Singapore. The company operates across six Southeast Asian countries—Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines—bringing innovative health services to millions of users in the region.

In the Philippines, the Doctor Anywhere app has grown rapidly in the last four years. These online doctor consultations cover a wide range of health services—from 24/7 general practitioners, to specialist care, mental wellness support, and even prescription medication ordering and delivery, all managed through a single mobile app. Users of the Doctor Anywhere app can also access online medical documents, such as medical certificates, prescriptions, and referral letters, when deemed necessary by the doctor after their online consultation.

Many common medical concerns can be addressed through video consultations, including fever, coughs and colds, allergies, skin conditions, and other non-emergency cases. Even chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension can be effectively managed remotely through regular check-ins and digital prescriptions. This makes the Doctor Anywhere app a practical option for common health concerns that don't require a hospital or clinic visit.

By connecting patients directly to licensed doctors through their smartphones, Doctor Anywhere Philippines removes inconvenient barriers to healthcare such as long travel and wait times, clinic queues, and the need for paperwork. The app offers a fast, secure, and reliable way to consult with doctors anytime, anywhere, and for many users, these services are already fully covered by their HMO or insurance account.

At its core, Doctor Anywhere’s mission is to bring quality, accessible healthcare to Filipinos, whether they live in busy urban centers or underserved rural communities.

Online Doctor Consultations Covered by HMOs and Insurances

One of the most practical features of Doctor Anywhere Philippines is its integration with leading health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance companies. All members of Doctor Anywhere Philippines’ partner HMOs and insurances can simply link their membership account in the app, and online consultations are fully covered—no letter of authorization (LOA) or reimbursement process required.

Here’s a list of HMOs and insurances whose members can access fully covered video consultations with 24/7 general practitioners and a wide range of specialists through the Doctor Anywhere Philippines app:

  • -AMAPHIL
  • -COCOLIFE Healthcare*
  • -Eastwest Healthcare
  • -Etiqa Life & General Assurance Philippines, Inc.
  • -Flexicare
  • -Forticare Health Systems International, Inc.
  • -Fortune Life
  • -Generali
  • -Health Maintenance, Inc. (HMI)*
  • -Lacson and Lacson Insurance Brokers
  • -Manulife Medical Secure**
  • -Manulife HealthFlex***
  • -Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance Medical Secure**
  • -Manulife Chinabank Life Assurance HealthFlex***
  • -Maxicare
  • -MedAsia Philippines
  • -Medicare Plus
  • -MI Healthcare Inc.
  • -Sun Life Grepa
  • -WellCare Health Maintenance

*With fully covered video consultations with 24/7 general practitioners only through the Doctor Anywhere app. Consultations with mental health experts are available at discounted rates.

**With fully covered video consultations with 24/7 general practitioners only through the Doctor Anywhere app. Consultations with specialists and mental health experts are available at discounted rates.

***With four fully covered video consultations with 24/7 general practitioners only through the Doctor Anywhere app. Consultations with specialists, mental health experts and additional general practitioners are available at discounted rates.

Convenient Online Consultations

Doctor Anywhere Philippines simplifies what has traditionally been a time-consuming and often frustrating process. Instead of waiting hours or days for an appointment, users can connect with a licensed doctor in five minutes or less through the app. General practitioners are available 24/7, including holidays, for on-demand video consultations.

The Doctor Anywhere app also allows users to schedule consultations with a wide range of specialists based on their preferred date and time, including dermatologists, endocrinologists, Ears, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists, gastroenterologists, general surgeons, hematologists, infectious disease doctors, oncologists, ophthalmologists (eye doctor), orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation medicine specialists, rheumatologists, and urologists. This is especially helpful for patients who require more focused care or ongoing treatment, but may find it difficult to visit a clinic due to busy schedules or distant locations.

In addition to physical health concerns, Doctor Anywhere Philippines is seeing a rise in demand for its online mental health services. Many Filipinos are now more open to seeking professional help for issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and work-related burnout. The app connects users to licensed psychologists in a secure, virtual session, making it easier for individuals to access the support they need without stigma or hassle.

To support treatment and continuity of care, Doctor Anywhere also offers in-app medication delivery. After a doctor consultation, users can conveniently purchase prescribed medicines directly through the app, ensuring timely access to necessary medications without needing to go out and visit a pharmacy.

Every consultation is conducted via secure video call, and users receive their online medical documents right after the session, when medically necessary, at the discretion of doctors. These include:

  • -Medical certificates
  • -Prescriptions
  • -Referral letters for further medical care or lab procedures

All online medical documents are securely stored within the Doctor Anywhere app. Each file is password-protected and accessible only through the user’s account, ensuring confidentiality and data privacy at all times.

Having these medical documents readily available in one place is especially helpful for users who may need to revisit prescriptions, track their medical history, or submit health-related documents for work, school, or travel.

Getting Started: How to Use Doctor Anywhere Philippines

Getting started with Doctor Anywhere Philippines is quick and easy. All you need is a smartphone and a stable internet connection. Whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go, you can access healthcare services through the app in just a few minutes. For the best experience, find a quiet, well-lit space where you and your doctor can see and hear each other clearly. This helps ensure smooth communication and allows your doctor to assess your symptoms and explain medical concerns more accurately.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Download the free Doctor Anywhere app on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), or scan the QR code in the image.

2. On the Home screen, tap "Continue" under "Membership & Health Plan". Choose "Link Membership", search for your HMO or insurance, and enter your membership details.

3. Once linked, you can access fully covered 24/7 video consultations with accredited doctors.

Coverage for specialist and mental health consultations may vary depending on your plan, so it's best to confirm with your HMO or insurance company before booking an appointment.

What If You Don’t Have an HMO or Insurance?

For Filipinos without health coverage, Doctor Anywhere Philippines offers DA Healthwise, an annual health plan for only ₱99 per year. It gives users access to discounted, unlimited online consultations with general practitioners, specialists, and mental health experts for 12 months. Users only pay the discounted rate when they book an online consultation, unlike traditional health insurance, which charges fixed monthly premiums whether or not services are used.

This flexible plan is an ideal option for freelancers, small business owners, students, and anyone looking for affordable healthcare coverage. It’s a simple way to stay on top of your health without worrying about high costs or complicated insurance processes.

Enhanced Healthcare In The Philippines

Whether you have health insurance or not, and whether you’re in the city or the province, Doctor Anywhere Philippines makes it easier to see a doctor online when you need one. You don’t have to deal with traffic, long waiting times, or extra paperwork. With 24/7 online consultations including holidays, no LOA needed, and a growing list of HMO partners, the app offers a more convenient and user-friendly way to access healthcare.

Download the free Doctor Anywhere app today and link your HMO or insurance account to access your health benefits, or explore affordable options with DA Healthwise.

About Doctor Anywhere Philippines
Doctor Anywhere is a tech-led healthcare company committed to providing comprehensive care that encompasses primary care, specialist care, telehealth, preventive health, and wellness solutions. Its focus is on enhancing healthcare accessibility, improving health outcomes, and delivering a personalized, borderless, and inclusive healthcare experience. Founded as a telemedicine platform in 2017 and one of Singapore’s Fastest Growing Companies today, Doctor Anywhere has expanded to become a regional healthcare provider, serving more than 2.8 million users in six Southeast Asian countries. In the Philippines, its services include 24/7 primary care, specialist care, mental health and wellness, and in-app medication purchase and delivery. For further details, visit https://www.doctoranywhere.ph.
 
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...