Leading international financial services provider Manulife’s Philippine operation recently announced the hiring of Ardhi Lufti Siregar as the organization’s new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Sonali Verma as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
Sonali Verma has over 18 years of leadership experience in bank partnerships, customer experience, and digital innovation. She was previously Manulife’s Head of Digital Customer Experience and Innovation for Asia Bancassurance. In her former position, she oversaw innovative projects in the field of digital bancassurance, such as the Manulife-DBS Bank digital channel’s successful launch and Techombank’s first digital protection offering in Vietnam. In her role as CMO for Manulife Philippines, Verma will spearhead creative marketing tactics to support Manulife in enhancing its customer offerings in the areas of retirement, health and life insurance, and digitalization; she will also spearhead customer-centric propositions, community investments, and the Impact Agenda, all while bolstering the company’s overall reputation and position as a market leader.
“As our new CMO, Sonali’s track record of delivering results amid innovation and development trends in the insurance space proves her leadership capability to empower our distribution teams with dynamic, relevant, and data-driven programs, accelerating our journey towards becoming the most digital, customer-centric global company in our industry,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.
Ardhi Lufti Siregar
Ardhi Lufti Siregar, as the company’s new CHRO, expands his decade of leadership experience spanning banking, technology, and insurance. He previously served as the head of Human Resources for Manulife Business Processing Services in the Philippines, and as Manulife Indonesia’s CHRO. As part of Manulife’s senior leadership team, Siregar will be pivotal in driving Manulife’s culture, talent strategy and employee engagement; enhancing its talent acquisition and retention; and strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workforce.
“Driven by his extensive leadership experience and expertise in fostering an inclusive and empowering culture, Ardhi will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to attract and retain top talent, and build on our winning team to accelerate our goals for our customers and other stakeholders. We welcome Ardhi’s addition to our top management as we continuously sustain a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential,” Hora added.
Learn more about Manulife Philippines by visiting their website manulife.com.ph and following them on Facebook (facebook.com/ManulifePH), Twitter (@ManulifePH), and Instagram (@manulifeph).
Schneider Electric recently partnered with artificial intelligence (AI) computing company NVIDIA to introduce the world’s first publicly available AI data center reference designs for energy efficiency.
Leading global provider of energy management and digital automation, Schneider Electric, collaborates with NVIDIA, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) computing, to maximize data center energy efficiency with AI.
The collaboration will launch the first AI data center reference designs in the world. In order to increase efficiency and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, these designs will combine Schneider Electric’s knowledge of digital infrastructures with NVIDIA’s AI technologies, establishing new benchmarks for AI deployment and operations within data center ecosystems.
Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of the Secure Power Division & Data Center Business at Schneider Electric, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “By combining our expertise in data center solutions with NVIDIA’s leadership in AI technologies, we’re not just overcoming infrastructure limitations; we’re unlocking the full potential of AI.”
“This collaboration is a leap forward towards a more efficient, sustainable, and transformative future, powered by AI,” Sharma added as he stressed that the data center industry continues to evolve, which calls for a stronger focus on integrating AI technologies to their operations and addressing Scope 3 emissions to achieve net-zero emissions.
Scope 3 emissions account for about 50% of data centers’ GHG footprint. According to GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions attributed to the activities of companies which include business travel, waste management, and value chain operations. This type of emission is often not reported and is more challenging to measure compared to Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
These indirect emissions are major but often overlooked drivers of environmental impact of data centers. As a response, Schneider Electric is advocating for a holistic approach to GHG management, which includes accurate carbon accounting, target-setting, and a systematic review of data and emission sources.
Schneider Electric provides accounting and reporting solutions for data centers in order to manage their emissions under Scope 3. One tool for simulating energy use to estimate greenhouse gas emissions is included in this, taking into account the data center’s power use, cooling systems, and operational efficiency.
“This approach aligns with our commitment in leading the charge to equip critical and energy-intensive industries such as data centers with advanced solutions to help them achieve better operational efficiency all while minimizing their carbon emissions beyond traditional means,” said Abraham Lim, Secure Power and Industrial Automation BVP of Schneider Electric Philippines.
Schneider Electric is still dedicated to pursuing the digital transformation of sectors in order to maintain environmental sustainability worldwide and stay up to date with technological breakthroughs.
Existing clients of the platform who took a reloan during the promo period are eligible for the giveaway
This summer, one of Digido‘s clients will receive a highly sought-after iPhone 15 Pro Max thanks to the multi-awarded consumer finance company.
The promotion is open to returning Digido platform users who apply between April 23, 2024, and June 20, 2024. For every successful reloan transaction, clients will receive one lottery entry.
Using the client’s Lifetime ID, the giveaway winner will be revealed on Digido’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/digidoph/).
First-time borrowers can receive up to PHP 4,000 with 0% interest through Digido’s First Loan For Free program, while returning customers can receive a normal Personal Loan up to PHP 25,000. It is available via its official website, digido.ph, Lazada Loans, and its applications on Google Play and the iOS App Store.
Digido’s inclusive, trustworthy, and safe digital lending services have been utilized by over a million Filipinos.
Commenting on the promotion, Digido business development manager Rose Arreco said: “This new giveaway is especially for our valued clients who have been clamoring for more rewards as they continue to use our trusted, safe and inclusive lending platform. We commit to not only innovate the way we deliver our services, but to also find more ways to delight our customer.
The winner will be announced on July 9, 2024 through Digido’s official Facebook page. The winner shall be notified via registered email and a call through their registered mobile number.
Research from Statista revealed that the number of smartphone users in the Philippines in 2023 were at 50.94 million and is projected to reach 96.12 million by 2029.
Notes for Editors
Additional details on eligibility:
-The raffle draw will happen in the office of the corporation, Level 7 Cyberpark Tower 1, 60 Gen. Aguinaldo Ave., Cubao, Quezon City, on July 8, 2024 with the presence of DTI representative in-charge via Zoom.
-In claiming the prize, the winner is required to present at least 1 valid ID and his/her Digido app where we can see his/her Digido Lifetime ID. Digido reserves the right to require additional proof of identity for validation purposes
The largest haul and biggest participation to-date: The 38th International Coastal Clean-up had 17,000 volunteers across 15 SM Malls in 12 locations nationwide. It is an annual community-driven partnership between SM Supermalls, SM Cares, the DENR, LGU’s and the volunteers from the SM community.
In response to the mounting waste crisis worldwide, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the top integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, is starting a unified trash management and segregation program. SM Prime wants to move all of its stakeholders and property groupings toward a #SMWasteFreeFuture.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that every year, people produce over 2 billion tons of municipal solid trash, of which 45 percent is improperly managed. In 2050, municipal solid trash will quadruple to about 4 billion tons annually if nothing drastic is done. The International Day of Zero Waste was declared on March 30, 2022, by the United Nations General Assembly.
With its announcement of its #SMWasteFreeFuture vision, SM Prime has demonstrated its strong commitment to sustainability stewardship. By inviting its stakeholders to participate in events that will promote zero-waste awareness and push for an environmentally sound and sustainable approach to waste management, the company is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
Strong foundations
SM Prime’s founding leader, Henry Sy, believed that “business growth and social development must go hand in hand.” The company follows this guiding principle and has formed a sustainability policy that commits to the following: Resource Conservation and Efficiency, Disaster Resilience, Climate Advocacy, Social Integration, and Transparent Reporting.
Anchored on these sustainability commitments are the SM Supermalls’ Environmental Programs on Waste Management. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, SM Supermalls has pioneered longstanding programs such as the Trash to Cash recycling market, and provided support to the annual International Coastal Clean Up, among other national events.
Scaled to perfection: One of the first recycling markets the country, Trash-to-Cash’s valuable example that waste can have monetary benefits. The recycling market is held every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Supermalls to encourage waste segregation and recycling among SM customers, tenants, and the community. The recycling market is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
In the hotel and tourism sector, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has taken the lead in mitigating global food waste by implementing sustainable initiatives across its properties in the Philippines. Their key initiatives include the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Sustainable Diner Program, that aims to transform and help the food service sector minimize its impact on the environment thru resource efficiency, plastic refusal and food waste management and contribute to the world’s future food security.
Closing the loop: SMHCC’s sustainability efforts are anchored on the 7Gs or Seven Green Goals, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The overall thrust for sustainability is cascaded to the rest of properties, ensuring that it is embedded at every step of the hotel’s operations, ensured by property Sustainability Champions.
To support these programs, SM Prime also recently unveiled its waste-to-fuel partnership with GUUN Co. Ltd. (GUNN) to implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.
No time to waste: Sorting through the amount of trash at the GUUN Facility in Cebu. Unfit for recycling and reuse, the waste material recovered avoids the landfill and is then reconverted to fuel resource.
A Vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture
To mark the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2024, SM Prime is releasing its vision for an #SMWasteFreeFuture. “As a community, we strongly believe in our ability to contribute to solving today’s waste issues,” said Hans “Chico” Sy, Jr., President of SM Engineering Design and Development Corporation (SMEDD) and SM sustainability champion.
SM Prime’s announcement of its vision of an #SMWasteFreeFuture demonstrates the company’s strong commitment and sustainability stewardship, by inviting its stakeholders to engage in activities that will help spread zero-waste awareness and work for a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach on waste management.
“We understand that this may seem like a daunting challenge to overcome However, by joining forces, we can create a world that our future generations truly deserve – if we have the courage to take on this journey together,” said Sy.
As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its position as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development.
A dedicated teacher from PSD provides a hands-on lecture inside their newly rehabilitated school building.
Navigating a world where spoken words play a major role in communication can be difficult for someone with hearing loss.
This issue further widens the gap in the Philippines, where there are few options for the deaf, especially in the areas of work and education. Their quest for knowledge and skills is made more difficult by the fact that there are so few secondary educational institutions that can meet their particular demands. In addition, the cost and state of the facilities further impede their efforts.
A personal advocacy
Shery Funcion, the Principal of the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City, is no stranger to these challenges.
Her dedication to the cause began with her college thesis, focusing on job opportunities for deaf learners. Since then, she has immersed herself in various organizations and volunteer activities, gaining firsthand insights into the limited opportunities available to deaf learners.
She eventually became a SPED teacher, before taking on the role of principal in PSD.
“The immersive experience really showed me how important these projects are for our students—kung gaano kahalaga ang pagbibigay ng mga pasilidad sa mga mag aaral lalo na sa mga bingi,” she underscored the importance of providing facilities for students with hearing impairment.
A facility that produces opportunities
The collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Pasay City equips students with in-demand skills that will prepare them for employment upon graduation.
In the century-old PSD, their senior high school laboratory building serves as the training ground for students. Its classrooms and halls, no matter how old, have always played their role in honing and preparing deaf students to have solid career prospects after PSD.
Amidst the competing priorities within the school and the broader Philippine educational system, the facility barely had enough funds for the rehabilitation and major repairs it needed. For years, students and teachers worked around issues ranging from dim lighting and leaking roofs to uneven floors. These not only presented structural concerns but also hindered the overall learning experience of students.
“Our deaf learners need special accommodation to fulfill their special educational needs. They need to have a conducive learning environment so we can optimize the activities and learning programs,” Funcion stressed.
Funcion further shared that the 2023 collaborative project of the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI)—the social good arm of the SM Group, and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Pasay City could not have come at a better time.
“The rehabilitation of the Home Economics (HE) laboratories is crucial because students need to fulfill their performance tasks. These are vital components of our senior high school program to ensure that they acquire essential skills and competencies for employment post-graduation from PSD.”
Through the collaboration, PSD has been provided with the much-needed facilities in dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance.
The partnership has given PSD access to much-needed resources in the areas of dressmaking, hair care, cooking, electrical work, bartending, food and beverage preparation, ICT, and dancing.
For Henry Sy, their Funcion. The Senior Building is a fantastic starting point that will help create equitable opportunities and a future in which the ability of deaf students will be recognized both within and outside the classroom walls.
Future sustainability leaders. Strengthening its commitment to both educational access and sustainability stewardship, SM Prime welcomes ten scholars from UPLB, who are taking up degrees in either Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology or Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
Led by their dedication to sustainability and inspired by the late Henry Sy Sr.’s faith in the value of education, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent integrated real estate developer, has teamed up with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to offer scholarships.
The program, appropriately named the “SM Sustainability Scholarship,” demonstrates SM Prime’s dedication to sustainability stewardship as well as educational access.
Ten worthy students will receive full assistance from the program for their UPLB undergraduate studies, giving them the chance to major in either forestry or human ecology and earn bachelor’s degrees. These areas complement SM Prime’s emphasis on creating sustainable futures and resilient communities.
At a meet-and-greet at UPLB, the scholarship recipients—who were carefully selected for their superior academic standing and commitment to sustainability—were formally named SM Sustainability Scholars.
SM Sustainability Scholarship. In the photo are the SM sustainability scholars with the University of the Philippines Los Baños’ Office of Scholarships and Grants Director Assoc. Prof. Ariel L. Babierra, Ph.D., College of Forestry and Natural Resources’s Prof. Marilyn Combalicer, College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr, Janette Malata-Silva, Scholarship Affairs Officer Ivy Salarde and SM Prime AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo with the rest of the SM team.
Each scholar will receive a full scholarship covering tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, and a book allowance, ensuring they can focus on their studies without financial worries.
During the gathering, College of Human Ecology (CHE) Dean Dr. Jennifer Amparo expressed that the pursuit of sustainability is most effectively undertaken collaboratively.
“CHE is one of the colleges that puts a premium on interdisciplinarity and trans-disciplinarity because we believe that in sustainability, you don’t work in silos. We need to work together and build each other’s skills, know-how, and also our programs together to ensure sustainability,” she said.
“I would also like to thank SM Prime for putting emphasis on this scholarship. SM Prime did not just provide the finances or scholarship. They invested the time to really meet our scholars and provided other support mechanisms to ensure that our scholars thrive in their academic lives. This is also a manifestation of SM’s commitment to sustainability by really developing our future sustainability leaders,” she added.
College of Forestry and Natural Resources’ Prof. Marilyn Combalicer also extended the college’s support to the scholars on behalf of the college’s dean, Dr. Marlo Mendoza: “We hope to continue nurturing such meaningful collaboration and initiatives that enhance our educational experience and initiatives for our students. Rest assured that we will continue providing support to our students in ensuring their growth and success in both academia and beyond.”
SM Prime’s AVP Rida Reyes-Castillo meets the SM sustainability scholars.
Meanwhile, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications, Rida Reyes-Castillo, echoed that the fundamental values of the company are intricately interwoven with both education and sustainability.
“SM Group’s founder, Mr. Henry “Tatang” Sy, Sr. believed that education is a great equalizer, and he envisioned that sending one child to college would create ripples of social good not just for families but for an entire community,” she said. “The improvement of the well-being of the youth and the partner communities is something that we at SM invest in.”
The SM group has accepted the duty to support national development for many years by implementing social good initiatives in the areas of high-quality education, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and disaster relief. Business growth and social development work together to create a better future for everyone by enhancing the lives of those residing in these host communities.
This is a paid partnership with SM Prime Holdings.
Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) hand signs a gratitude message to Henry Sy Foundation (HSF), Department of Education, and Pasay Local Government after they collaborated for the revitalization of the 12-room laboratory building of Senior High School students.
The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons of the Philippines guarantees the self-reliance, self-development, and rehabilitation of people with impairments. From school to tertiary education, the nation offers educational aid to individuals with impairments, including vocational or technical training.
The Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) in Pasay City is one such institution. The school has been demonstrating for more than a century how education can empower people with a variety of disabilities and help them realize their full potential in life.
One of Southeast Asia’s oldest schools for the deaf, the school is a tribute to the Philippines’ longstanding commitment to education for people with disabilities, but its ability to carry out its goal is compromised by time and wear.
The school lacked basic facilities and accessibility features: converted classrooms, timeworn corridors, limited space for vocational training, inadequate furniture, dilapidated walls and ceilings, broken tiles and faucets, and dim lighting. It was also prone to flooding due to drainage problems, and it had only one functional toilet with a broken door infested by termites.
Revitalizing a legacy
In a transformative partnership, the Henry Sy Foundation, SM Foundation (SMFI), and the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Pasay City joined forces to breathe new life into the Senior High School building and a four-story, 12-classroom structure. This initiative, executed under the DepEd’s adopt-a-school program, stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in revitalizing educational infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
Teachers conduct lectures on electronics in a more conducive laboratory after the rehabilitation of the school building
Previously hindered by infrastructural limitations, the century-old school now features enhanced learning spaces dedicated to various subjects, including dressmaking, beauty care, cookery, electrical, bartending, food & beverage preparation, ICT, and dance. A dance studio with a dressing room and a conference room were also refurbished.
Through the social good collaboration, the laboratory for baking and cookery has been equipped with new tools and furniture, helping conduct more hands-on classes.
To enhance safety and accessibility, ramps and railings were installed throughout the campus, ensuring ease of movement for all students. Aside from revitalizing 10 classrooms, the SM group also refurbished the conference rooms, and the lobby with a reception area to provide a comfortable environment.
Differently abled students from PSD focus as they attend their beauty and cosmetology class in their new building.
A handwashing station and separate male and female restrooms were renovated with clean, functional cubicles, urinals, and PWD-accessible amenities to promote excellent hygiene and healthy habits.
Restored with a roomy stage, the covered court offers an ideal setting for outdoor education and leisure.
SM Foundation school building program head Juris Soliman and SMFI Project Supervisor Ar. Caren Lopez (fourth and fifth from left) with PSD Principal Shery Funcion and SDO Pasay City SGOD Sylwyn Tenorio (sixth and seventh from left) with the team behind the school’s refurbishment.
In addition to addressing the physical issues, the PSD’s facilities were rehabilitated to create an atmosphere in which each student may succeed. The project is evidence of the SM and Henry Sy Foundations’ unwavering dedication to empowering people with disabilities via education and their ongoing pursuit of inclusivity.
SM scholars recall the beginning of their SM scholar journey
A family legacy, SM scholar Amanda Hora becomes the first in her family to earn a degree.
While some instances pass away with time, others create an enduring impression that shapes not just our paths but also our identities. Regarding Attorney. The SM scholarship application, for Amanda Hora and Marmie Deniega, wasn’t merely a means of gaining access to higher education; it was also the turning point in their lives.
The first to obtain a degree in the family
When Amanda happened upon a Facebook post regarding the SM scholarship application, her incredible journey as an SM scholar got underway.
“It has always been my dream to pursue a quality education without the burden of tuition expenses. I enrolled in a university in Senior High School because of a scholarship, and I know that the only way to continue my college years at the same university is to obtain another full scholarship. That is why I never hesitated to apply for the SM scholarship, hoping to be accepted,” she said.
In the quiet hours of the night several years back, an email from the SM Foundation lit up her phone’s screen, informing her that she had been selected for their scholarship program.
The acceptance was a mark that she was a few steps away from fulfilling another goal: “I pursued college because I wanted to become the first in our family to get a college degree.”
Amanda snaps a photo with her family as she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023.
“My parents did not finish their studies due to financial difficulties, but they’ve always been supportive of my dreams and aspirations. Also, I believe in the importance of quality education. It is something that nobody can take away,” she added.
The scholarship opened doors throughout her college years. Beyond the academic realm, she had the opportunities to join competitions, intern at prestigious firms, and build a network that extended far beyond the classroom.
She shared: “As a scholar, the foundation’s programs and webinars allowed me to hear inspiring stories from other scholars, mentoring and motivating us to pursue our goals. When COVID-19 affected the country and whenever there were calamities, the SM Foundation looked after us. They provided us with tools that are essential for remote learning. It made me feel that I am part of a bigger family and that I am not alone in this journey.”
These experiences paved academic and personal growth. As she graduated cum laude with a degree in BS accountancy in 2023, she aims to contribute to the community by creating a ripple effect of kindness.
“I would use my knowledge to find ways to provide livelihood programs, especially in areas or communities where it is much needed. I would also advocate for financial literacy to help people effectively manage their finances and build resilience, especially during unpredictable life events.
I would also use my story to inspire the youth, especially the current and future scholars, and remind them to never give up on their dreams,” she shared.
Scholar makes an impact on the community
Atty. Marmie Deniega (fifth from left) with her colleagues from IBP-Cebu Chapter.
Much like Amanda is CPA-lawyer Marmie Dyan Deniega.
Raised by a single mother amid financial struggles, the pursuit of a college degree seemed like an unattainable dream until she chanced upon a TV commercial that introduced her to the SM College Scholarship.
Recalling vividly the moment, she shares: “My mother and I were watching the television. The commercial for SM Foundation came in, and the application deadline was flashed through the screen. Coincidentally, it was on that day itself, so I rushed and submitted my application at the nearest SM Mall.”
The scholarship became the cornerstone of Marmie’s academic success. She graduated with cum laude honors in Accountancy from the University of San Jose-Recoletos, crediting the scholarship for providing not only financial support but also the freedom to focus on her studies.
The scholarship not only shaped her academic journey but also fueled a sense of responsibility, which proved valuable when she pursued a law degree with the help of her aunt and part-time jobs.
Now successful in her field, Atty. Marmie travels and enjoys various leisure activities. Beyond this, she is thankful to have the capability to support her family.
Now, she proudly serves as an Attorney III at the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Mandaue City, actively contributing to her community’s development. She is one of the people who played a pivotal role in streamlining business permit processing in their city, making it more accessible to constituents.
As a firm believer in spreading social good, she finances the education of her siblings while actively engaging in community-based projects. She also stands as a resource speaker in schools for several crucial topics, such as the Anti-Bullying Law.
Apart from legal aid work in far-flung areas in Cebu, through the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, she also volunteers with Law Inc., an organization helping victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). She conducts seminars across various locations in Cebu, shedding light on the intricacies of VAWC.
In the confines of her office, clients naturally turn to her for legal advice, seeking guidance on various matters: “It cannot be helped that clients will also seek legal advice from me, hence I also make it a point to help them, to the best of my ability, and within the boundaries set by law.”
The success stories of Amanda and Marmie demonstrate the value of education in addition to being examples of personal growth. Through the SM College Scholarship Program, numerous dreamers just like them are given the courage to follow their academic goals and forge successful careers each year.
Numerous more lives could be impacted as the SM College Scholarship Program application period opens on February 1 and ends on March 31, 2024.
First annual State of Supply Chain report uncovers valuable insights into the challenges, strategic investment areas and opportunities for retailers and CPGs over the next 3-5 years
While 57% of retailers and CPG companies plan to invest in predictive and generative AI in the next three to five years, AI and machine learning (ML) ranked just fifth in importance for overall technology spend, behind demand forecasting, improved inventory management, and leveraging data analytics, according to a new global study by RELEX Solutions, a leading provider of unified supply chain and retail planning solutions. This implies that businesses might be undervaluing AI’s ability to address the volatility of consumer demand.
For retailers and CPGs, the RELEX State of Supply Chain 2024: Retail and CPG Dynamics report provides insightful information about the opportunities, key investment areas, and difficulties that they will face over the next three to five years. Global events and disruptions (50%), rapidly changing consumer demand volatility (55%), and an imprecise perception of customer-specific demand (43%), according to respondents, are the main obstacles to enhancing supply chain accuracy and efficiency during the next three years. Remarkably, 94% of participants stated that they have been affected by social media “de-influencing” or “influencing” in the recent 12 to 24 months. This indicates that identifying and foreseeing demand spikes in all channels will be particularly important for success.
Retailers Reshaping Networks for Omnichannel Demand
Retailers are rearchitecting supply chains to navigate evolving consumer expectations, channel shifts, disruptions and uncertainty. Key findings include:
The top three most essential capabilities for retailers to manage consumer demand and inventory levels are real-time inventory visibility (45%), customer demand sensing (45%), and inventory optimization tools (43%)
Another 59% of respondents are expanding omni-channel options from some locations to accommodate shifting consumer delivery preferences, tackling the need to evolve to changing consumer preferences
More than half (53%) are expanding supplier base / sourcing options to add sourcing redundancy to diversify and mitigate risks associated with disruptions
CPGs: Balancing Investments with Tighter Retail Collaboration
Integrated supply chain planning capabilities are critical for CPGs to balance volatility and retail collaboration while expanding consumer touchpoints. However, change is difficult given complex legacy constraints and trade-offs required across disconnected organizations. Key findings include:
79% of CPGs report day-level planning is crucial for accurately forecasting and responding to consumer demands
32% say disconnected planning across different teams, systems, and regions, and 27% reporting slow and misaligned planning cycles and levels are impacting the synchronization of end-to-end value chain planning and execution
Supply variability, including materials shortages and production disruptions, impact 82% of CPGs’ ability to meet order expectations
To navigate macro-economic factors like inflation, CPGs are focused on adjusting inventory and production strategies via monitoring demand signals (48%), building in safety stock or keeping higher inventory levels (22%), and inventory turnover as part of their inventory and production strategies
“The retail and CPG industries continue to face complex, global challenges that require actionable insights to accurately predict, anticipate, and manage consumer demand,” said Laurence Brenig-Jones, VP of Strategy & Marketing, RELEX Solutions. “To thrive in this new reality, companies must fundamentally transform their approach to supply chain management by breaking down silos, embracing new technologies like AI and ML, and fostering a culture of collaboration and agility. The winners will be those that can achieve resilience and flexibility, to sense and respond to disruptions and opportunities in real-time, and continuously adapt their strategies in the face of change. With the right mindset, tools, and partners, retailers and CPGs can build the supply chains of the future and unlock new levels of growth and profitability.”
The RELEX State of Supply Chain 2024: Retail and CPG Dynamics report can be viewed in its entirety here.
Lorna Ochoa Bayani – Nurse Supervisor at Fabella, Mitch Arce, and Pinky Fabro
Michelle Garcia-Arce, a marketing and public relations expert, recently organized a birthday charity dinner at Origine Restaurant, Brittany Hotel BGC, to support Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, which is regarded as the most significant maternity healthcare center in the Philippines.
The event, which was planned by Storytellers Management Inc., had a delectable Spanish meal that Chef Alexandra Cacho of Origine Restaurant had handpicked. A buffet of pintos, paella, and other gastronomic treats were served to the guests, who were then treated to desserts from Arce Dairy Ice Cream.
Consul Fortune Aleta Ledesma, generously donated diapers to Fabella Hospital
With one of the highest birth rates in the nation, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital serves the greater Manila area and sees 150 newborns on average every day. Two single beds are pushed together to accommodate four to five women and their newborns due to lack of resources.
At the charity dinner, 13,500 diapers were raised, and on March 8, they were given to the hospital.
“We are immensely thankful to Mitch and all the donors for their generous contribution. This donation will make a significant difference in the lives of the infants and families we serve at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital,” says Dr. Antoinette Pacapac, chair for external affairs committee at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.
Ariel and Mitch Arce, Alma Arvisu, Doreen Odvina, and Jj Arvisu
“Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital has a special place in my heart as a mother of two incredible children. I salute everyone at the hospital who are working tirelessly to help mothers and their families,” says Mitch, president of Storytellers Management Inc. and Salmo Trading and Distribution Corporation.
