“A critical pillar in the PH startup ecosystem”: Geeks on a Beach is back in Cebu in its 7th year

Wazzup Pilipinas?!



Geeks On A Beach (GOAB), the premier international tech startup conference in the Philippines where innovation and inspiration converge in one event, will be back in Cebu, Philippines, in its 7th year on November 13-15, 2024.


With over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders expected to attend, GOAB 2024 is poised to be another milestone event in the tech and startup calendar. This year’s GOAB focuses on the latest trends and challenges in the tech industry and the positive impact of the government’s Innovative Startup Act (ISA). It also highlights DICT’s years-long work in unlocking market potential for local tech startups and positioning the Philippines as the next frontier for innovation in Southeast Asia.

Since its launch in 2012, GOAB has become a critical pillar in the Philippine startup ecosystem. It aims to boost tech startup and investment opportunities in the country and the Southeast Asian region.

A critical pillar in the PH startup system

The 7th GOAB is set to take place at the JPark Island Resort & Waterpark in Mactan Island, Cebu. The conference’s second installment, held in 2014 after its inaugural launch in Boracay Island, was also held in Cebu.

“Cebu is known for its economic growth and world-class beaches and is hence the perfect place to hold GOAB, an event that has taken the position as a critical pillar of the tech startup ecosystem in the Philippines and beyond,” said Dave Overton, GOAB co-founding organizer, and Symph founder and CEO.

Cebu earned the moniker “Ceboom” in the 1990s for becoming the site of a massive expansion of businesses, shopping complexes, and exports. Since the 2000s, it has also become a leading investment destination in the high-tech service sector.

GeeksPH organizes GOAB in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to highlight the development and potential of the country’s startup ecosystem.

“GOAB is essentially a non-profit organization committed to growing the tech and startup landscape by bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders, from founders and government agencies to creatives and venture capitalists,” said Overton.

The much-anticipated international conference promises an unparalleled convergence of startup ecosystem stakeholders while offering a unique blend of serious conversation and relaxed networking.

Tangible benefits for attendees

“GOAB delivers tangible benefits to attendees in terms of catalyzing inspiration and a venue for networking and collaboration that can lead to success in the long term. We foster a supportive community for startups and entrepreneurs,” said Tina Amper, GOAB founding organizer.

“Last year’s GOAB in Panglao brought new openings to some of the big names of the startup community in the Philippines. GOAB was also instrumental to the long-term success stories of tech upstarts who found their footing in the startup world by participating in past GOAB conferences,” added Amper.

This year’s GOAB focuses on the latest trends and challenges in the tech industry and the positive impact of the government’s Innovative Startup Act (ISA). It also highlights DICT’s years-long work in unlocking market potential for local tech startups and positioning the Philippines as the next frontier for innovation in Southeast Asia.

The event starts on November 13 with in-depth masterclasses from international industry experts. These two-hour workshops will explore essential topics related to tech, startups, and design.

The main conference, which will be held November 14-15, will feature a dynamic agenda, including keynote presentations and breakout sessions covering various sectors, such as Fintech, EduTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech.

There will also be investor and founder roundtable discussions, exhibits, business matching, networking opportunities, open-area sessions, and happy hour mixers.

Call for participation

Leading the rich lineup of speakers are some of the most influential voices in the tech and startup space, including Jojo Flores, Co-founder of Plug & Play; Mel Nava, Co-founder & CEO, 1Export; Crystal Lee Gonzalez, CEO & Co-founder, Noneaway; Christina Laskowksi, Strategic Advisor, STAC-Silicon Valley; Mohan Belani, CEO & Co-founder, e27; Jen Bilango, Country Manager, Coins.ph; Peter Kovacz, Co-founder, Global Startup Awards; Gui Faria, Co-founder, Penbrothers; Josef Werker, Co-founder, Humble Sustainability and Partner, Buko Ventures; Franco Varona, Founder, Foxmont Capital Partners; Ksther Lim, CEO, The People Decoder; Jay Fajardo, Executive Director, Ideaspace Ventures and QBO Innovation; Diane Eustaquio, Director, PINVEST; Mia Bulatao, COO, Great Deals E-Commerce Corp.; Erika Aquino, Global Investor & Strategic Advisor; and Jeremy Au, COO, Lucent & Host, Brave Southeast Asia Tech Podcast.

With over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, and global leaders expected to attend, GOAB 2024 is poised to be another milestone event in the tech and startup calendar.

“We encourage participation from all sectors in GOAB. Let’s support each other in navigating startup entrepreneurship’s challenging yet rewarding journey. By building connections and fostering a community of driven individuals, we help uplift the entire ecosystem and grow the economy collectively,” said Amper.

To join Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period.

You can also connect with GOAB by visiting its social media accounts: Facebook: @GeeksOnABeach X: @GeeksOnABeach; and LinkedIn: Geeks On A Beach.

Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner of GOAB 2024.

Investor Alert: SEC Updates Investment Warning on Crypto Assets

  

The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy is releasing this Investor Alert due to the ongoing exploitation of the popularity of crypto assets by fraudsters. These scammers are increasingly targeting retail investors, capitalizing on the widespread enthusiasm and interest in digital currencies. By leveraging the allure and perceived profitability of crypto assets, these criminals can deceive and draw unsuspecting individuals into a variety of fraudulent schemes. This alert aims to address and mitigate the risks faced by investors in this rapidly evolving market.

Crypto assets encompass a broad spectrum of digital assets, commonly referred to as cryptocurrencies, crypto, coins, and tokens. Each of these assets operates on underlying blockchain technology, which offers certain advantages such as decentralization and security. However, this same technology can also be exploited by malicious actors to conduct fraudulent activities with relative anonymity. The SEC's goal with this alert is to raise awareness among investors about the inherent risks associated with investing in these digital assets. They emphasize the importance of conducting thorough research and exercising caution when considering investments in the crypto space.

By providing detailed information and guidelines, the SEC aims to empower investors to recognize and avoid potential scams. This includes understanding the characteristics of legitimate investment opportunities versus fraudulent schemes, the importance of verifying the credibility of crypto asset platforms, and the necessity of being skeptical of unsolicited investment offers. Ultimately, the SEC's proactive approach in issuing this Investor Alert is to ensure that investors are better informed and protected in the dynamic and often unpredictable world of crypto assets.

Fraudsters frequently leverage innovations and emerging technologies to execute investment scams, particularly in the realm of crypto asset securities-related investments. These criminals exploit the novelty and complexity of these digital assets to deceive unsuspecting investors. Despite the concerted efforts of federal and state regulators to bring enforcement actions against such fraudulent activities, retrieving money from these fraudsters remains a significant challenge. This difficulty arises from the intricate nature of tracing and recovering funds within the digital landscape of crypto assets.

Fraudsters employ a wide range of strategies to persuade investors to part with their hard-earned money. Understanding these tactics is crucial for safeguarding your investments, particularly in the rapidly evolving and often confusing world of crypto assets. To help you stay vigilant and protect your finances, here are five key warning signs to watch out for, which can prevent you from falling victim to crypto asset scams.

5 Ways Fraudsters May Lure Victims Into Scams Involving Crypto Asset Securities

1. Fraudsters Connect With You on Social Media Platforms or Through a Supposedly Accidental Text Message, and Then Gain Your Trust.

Fraudsters frequently exploit social media platforms and other communication channels to initiate contact with potential victims, often posing as old friends or making accidental introductions. These scammers quickly move conversations to private channels, where they build trust through friendship or romantic relationships. Once trust is established, they lure victims into investing in supposedly lucrative opportunities, often involving crypto assets, by directing them to fake websites or apps. Initially, victims may see fake profits and even withdraw small amounts, furthering their trust. However, when attempting to withdraw larger sums, victims are met with excuses or demands for additional payments to cover fees or taxes. Ultimately, these scams, sometimes referred to as "pig butchering scams," result in victims losing their entire investments with no possibility of recovery.

2. Fraudsters Exploit the Hype Around Emerging Technologies Such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Fraudsters may exploit the hype around artificial intelligence (AI) to lure investors into crypto asset scams. They use AI-related buzzwords and fake claims about AI-driven investment opportunities to entice you, with the real aim of stealing your money. Additionally, scammers may use AI to create convincing but fraudulent websites, marketing materials, or even deep fakes of celebrities and loved ones to gain your trust and persuade you to invest. Stay vigilant and skeptical of investment opportunities that heavily promote new technologies like AI.

3. Fraudsters Impersonate or Exploit Trusted Sources.

It's crucial to remain vigilant against communications that may falsely claim to be from official U.S. government sources, including the SEC. Always verify the authenticity of any message before providing personal information. With advancements in AI technology, fraudsters have become more adept at impersonating trusted individuals and organizations, heightening the risk of scams. Be cautious, especially if you receive messages from friends or family that seem unusual, as these could be the result of hacked accounts or deepfake technologies. Protect yourself by confirming the identity of the sender through reliable channels before engaging in any financial discussions or transactions. Stay informed and safeguard your personal information to avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.

4. Fraudsters May Pump Up the Price of a Crypto Asset and Then Sell at Your Expense.

pump-and-dump schemes involving crypto assets, particularly memecoins, are a serious risk for investors. Fraudsters manipulate these coins by creating hype on social media and encouraging others to buy in, only to sell their holdings for profit before the price crashes. This often leaves unsuspecting investors with significant losses. To safeguard your investments, it’s essential to avoid making decisions based solely on social media information. Always conduct thorough research and rely on credible sources before engaging in any financial activities related to cryptocurrencies. Stay informed and cautious to protect your assets from such scams.

5. Fraudsters Demand Additional Costs That They Falsely Claim Will Allow You to Withdraw From Your Account, or to Recover Losses.

Investment scams, particularly those involving crypto asset securities, often involve advance fee fraud, where fraudsters require you to pay bogus fees to access your funds. They may falsely claim that your account has been frozen due to regulatory issues, pressuring you to pay substantial amounts to "unfreeze" it. Unfortunately, if you comply, you are likely to lose both your initial investment and the additional payment. To protect yourself, be wary of any requests for upfront fees or payments and always verify claims independently before taking any action. Stay informed and cautious to avoid falling victim to these deceptive schemes.

Fraudsters may also approach you if you've already suffered losses from bankruptcy or a previous scam. They might request your private key to access your crypto assets or ask you to invest more money or crypto, promising to "help" you recover your losses. In truth, if you comply, you are unlikely to regain your initial investment and will probably fall victim to another scam.

Avoid getting swept up in the fear of missing out (FOMO) on what appears to be a new or "cutting-edge" investment opportunity. If you’re thinking about investing in crypto asset securities, be vigilant for the tactics mentioned earlier and other red flags that may indicate a scam. You can check the development of foreign stocks, especially in the United States, through the Nanovest app, as users will always receive the latest news and information from Nanovest analysts. Nanovest is safe and licensed by BAPPEBTI and protected from cybercrime by sinarmas insurance, so users do not need to worry about the security of their assets.

If you are interested in investing in US stocks, the Nanovest investment app can be a good choice as it offers more than 2000 US stocks and over 600 cryptocurrencies. In Nanovest, you can also earn a net profit of 5% per year just by topping up. Enjoy the benefits of a green market by investing in Nanovest!

About NANOVEST

Nanovest (PT Tumbuh Bersama Nano) is a platform application-based, which makes it easier for customers or users to access digital asset transactions, including United States stocks, crypto assets, and digital gold. We aim to revolutionize the way young people invest to achieve their financial freedom. Nanovest officially registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency (BAPPEBTI).

Vingroup's Customer-Centric Philosophy: The Core of Vietnam's Largest Private Conglomerate

Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, has secured market leadership in various sectors by focusing heavily on customer satisfaction. Its operations, from real estate to technology and beyond, are deeply rooted in a customer-centric philosophy, which has played a key role in its success.

From the gleaming high-rises of Vinhomes to the futuristic VinFast electric cars zipping through traffic, Vingroup’s presence is ubiquitous across Vietnam's dynamic landscape. This sprawling conglomerate, the nation's largest private enterprise, has cemented its presence in sectors as diverse as real estate, technology, hospitality, healthcare, and education, etc.  Yet, Vingroup's ascent to dominance isn't solely attributed to ambitious expansion or diversified investments. Instead, it's a tale of unwavering commitment to a customer-centric philosophy, a mantra woven into the very DNA of the company.

The DNA of Vingroup
Vingroup's customer-centric philosophy is more than just a marketing slogan; it's deeply ingrained in the company's culture and guides every decision – from product development and customer service interactions to market expansion.

This dedication to the customer is not a recent development; it's been ingrained in Vingroup's DNA since its humble beginnings as Technocom in Ukraine in 1993. Their initial foray into the market with instant noodles presented a unique challenge: Ukrainian consumers were skeptical of the novel concept of a food product that could be ready to eat after mere minutes in boiling water.

Rather than resorting to traditional marketing tactics, founder Pham Nhat Vuong adopted a hands-on approach, directly engaging with potential customers to demonstrate the noodles' preparation and highlight their convenience. This direct interaction and customer education proved crucial, leading to widespread product acceptance.

This early experience cemented Vingroup's understanding that success lies in forging genuine connections with customers, going beyond simply selling a product to understanding and addressing their needs and concerns.

A poignant example of this is a letter Pham Nhat Vuong received from a Ukrainian veteran, expressing gratitude for how Technocom’s instant noodles had helped his family through tough times. The veteran's words, "Thank God, thanks to that, it's easier to swallow other food," underscored the profound impact the company could have on people's lives.

Customer-Centricity in Action
Before embarking on ambitious projects like the Vinpearl resort chain, Pham Nhat Vuong immersed himself in the world of hospitality through "field missions" to successful ventures in Thailand and Singapore. The firsthand insights gleaned from observing customer interactions and experiences proved invaluable in shaping Vinpearl's offerings, ensuring they catered to the unique desires and expectations of Vietnamese families and tourists.

Vingroup's attentiveness to evolving customer needs is evident in its strategic move into the electric vehicle space in Vietnam through VinFast. Recognizing the growing global demand for sustainable transportation and the specific preferences of Vietnamese consumers, the company has developed a range of electric vehicles that seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with features tailored to the local market.

Customer satisfaction remains paramount, as demonstrated by VinFast's decision to enhance support for existing gasoline vehicle owners even after shifting its focus entirely to electric vehicles.

"With VinFast gasoline cars, we not only maintain our existing commitments but also enhance them with even more beneficial policies and services," affirmed Pham Nhat Vuong in a 2022 interview with VnExpress. "For instance, we've extended the warranty period to 10 years, which is two to three times the industry standard, and introduced a convenient Mobile Service option. We've also increased our spare parts inventory by 50% compared to usual practice.”

This dedication to after-sales support is fundamental to VinFast's identity. The company has enshrined "excellent after-sales service" as one of its three core values, alongside premium-quality cars and inclusive pricing. This customer-centric philosophy has proven instrumental in VinFast's expansion into North America and Europe and is now driving its entry into the Southeast Asian market.

In the Philippines, VinFast continues to adhere to this customer-centric philosophy by offering unique options like a flexible battery subscription program, designed to address concerns about battery ownership and cost.

Additionally, VinFast prioritizes customer peace of mind throughout the EV ownership journey by providing market-leading policies, such as a comprehensive 7-year/160,000 km warranty for the recently launched VF 5 and VF 3 models.

Vingroup's customer-centric approach has propelled the company to market leadership across multiple sectors in Vietnam. This dominance has not only translated into economic success but has also had a significant social impact, creating jobs and contributing to community initiatives.

The conglomerate’s success story underscores the transformative power of a customer-centric philosophy. By deeply understanding and prioritizing customer needs at the outset, Vingroup has built a diverse and thriving business empire. This approach positions it for sustained growth and influence.

Source: VinFast Global Communications

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.ph/