SMB Owners Need to Take Heed of Productivity Gaps

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over the past decade, globalization, shifting demographics and technological advancements have accelerated the rate of how work has changed.

Economies have shifted from labour-based to knowledge-based or even service-based. Coupled with the proliferation of technology, modern workers are now able to collaborate wherever they may be, and to work in locales best suited to completing their tasks at hand.

These changes have impacted the way we shape our work spaces, as well as the skills and capabilities we need for executives, managers and ultimately businesses to be successful. At Microsoft, we describe this new era of work, characterised by increasing globalisation, technology proliferation and a connected workforce as the New World of Work.

However, it seems that Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in Asia are not always keeping up; with employees feeling that their needs are not being met. A recent Microsoft online survey surveyed 2,600 SMB employees across 13 countries in Asia and found that only 61 out of every 100 employees felt their employers are enabling them to be productive, collaborative and innovative, whilst ensuring personal wellbeing in the changing world of work.

Michelin Primacy SUV Tires: Most Important Feature on Your SUV

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The safety of our family is out top priority especially when we go out traveling to far destinations. I would always inspect our vehicle and make sure it is in top condition days before a trip to the province or other places where I will be going with my family for special occasions or gatherings.

The first thing I check is the status of the tires. We should remember that they are the most important parts of our vehicle that will spell the difference between safety and risk. If our tires are faulty, it may lead to serious accidents.

This is the reason why I decided to purchase brand new tires when we went to the province of Pangasinan during the holidays. I wouldn't want to risk our safety in exchange of saving a few thousand pesos. Anyway, the tires would be useful for years of usage while feeling assured that we are not in harms way.

Michelin has recently unveiled their Michelin Primacy SUV tires at a media launch at Ascott Hotel BGC on February 3. You can see that they really intend to focus on family safety as there were a couple of images depicting families traveling together in a car, of which their Michelin tires are obviously the main wheels.

The new Michelin Primacy SUV tires delivers confidence and tranquility to drive your family safely even in the most unpredictable driving conditions.

Filipino Engineers and Architects Will Not Lose Jobs in Qatar

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A Philippine delegation headed by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan with Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Acting Chairperson Angeline T. Chua Chiaco and Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Wilfredo C. Santos met on January 31 and February 1 with high-level Qatari officials including Mohd A. Alhamadi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, members of the Supreme Education Council (SEC) and officials of the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA).

The mission tackled the problems faced by Filipino engineers and architects in Qatar. Qatari Law requires all engineers and architects to be registered with the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA). Because Filipinos lack the usual 12 years of basic education, their Bachelor’s degrees are considered by the Qatar Supreme Education Council (SEC) as equivalent to a Diploma. Thus, Filipino professionals were prevented from registration with the UPDA. It was feared that this would result in loss of jobs for 12,000 Filipino engineers and architects.

The results of the visit were most positive and productive. The worst fears of Filipinos losing their jobs in Qatar are unfounded. Clearly the Qatari government does not want to lose the Filipino professionals who are a most valuable resource in the country. While the government is now serious about implementing the 2005 law requiring registration, they are willing to make accommodations for the lacking years in the Philippine education cycle.