Latest news with #digitalization
Forbes
27 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
From Tracking To Intelligence: The Next Leap In Fleet Digitalization
Aliaksandr Kuushynau is Head of Wialon at Gurtam, a fleet digitalization software company that connects 4 million fleet vehicles worldwide. Let me start with a cliché: Not long ago, we lived in a very different world. When shipping goods, we had no idea exactly which route the driver would take or how long the trip would last. If a delivery was delayed, the only way to get answers was a dispatcher's call to the driver—assuming, of course, there was network coverage in the area. And when it came to managing drivers, trust—simple, blind trust—was often the only system in place. But then came GPS tracking. Having worked in the fleet management industry for over 15 years, I can say that GPS tracking didn't just change how fleets operate—it redefined the very meaning of fleet management. It was the long-awaited breakthrough that made some operations visible, measurable and—perhaps for the first time—digital. Taxi businesses and food delivery services were among the first to adopt GPS tracking (and, in my view, they're still leading the way when it comes to embracing new telematics technologies). Then, other businesses followed—ones where knowing the location of assets also made a difference: logistics providers, security companies, construction firms, vehicle rental services, farms and many others. Soon enough, it became clear that nearly everything could be, and was, tracked. And surprisingly, we didn't mind. GPS trackers became increasingly accurate, while GPS monitoring systems grew more capable and multifunctional. Technology evolved in step with market demand, and the market wanted it all: reliable hardware, deeper visibility into fleets and drivers, flexible configuration and instant cost savings. One by one, fleet management system developers started providing a wide range of powerful solutions for businesses: driver behavior monitoring, fuel and maintenance management, video telematics and more. These tools enabled the digitization of key operations and began delivering real results—including improved driving behavior, reduced fuel consumption, theft prevention and, ultimately, optimized operating costs. As one of those software providers, we told businesses: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' But not every business was ready to take that step. As the systems became more advanced, so did the cost and complexity of implementation. With that came something few businesses welcome: a delayed return on investment and more time required to integrate new tools. First of all, there's a natural reluctance to invest in technology when the return isn't immediate. Fuel sensors and dashcams obviously aren't free, and neither is the development of advanced software features. The fear that the investment might not pay off makes some fleet owners pause. The second reason is time. It does take time to understand and start using new features. Telematics and fleet management service providers aim to fill this gap, acting as both the head and hands of business transformation. But not all providers emphasize the true business value of advanced features—many still focus primarily on basic GPS tracking. And not all tailor their solutions to the specific needs of each business. To address the financial concern, proven, relatable case studies that clearly demonstrate the impact of new technologies tend to work well, especially when the example comes from a similar business in the same region. We hear that fleet managers are saying, 'I want the same,' which is a great sign. To help service providers become more targeted and relevant to different industry needs, the most effective approach includes ongoing education on advanced features, hands-on support during the first implementation and encouragement to think beyond standard offerings. It's a gradual process, but in many cases, it's already producing positive results. Despite the slow but steady adoption of new technologies across the industry, a significant—and growing—gap remains between tech-forward companies that have embraced innovation and those still hesitant to move beyond basic GPS tracking. The frontrunners have a powerful advantage: data. By making the most of their fleet management systems, they start accumulating valuable data about their vehicles, personnel and operations—insights that are nearly impossible to capture manually. Armed with this information, these companies can spot patterns, identify seasonal trends, make accurate forecasts and scale their business with confidence. For them, data isn't just a resource—it's a strategic engine powering smarter decisions and long-term growth. 'Can our business boost productivity without adding headcount?' 'How much can I save by servicing vehicles preventively instead of waiting for a breakdown?' 'What does equipment downtime really cost—and what's the profit potential of avoiding it?' These are the questions data-driven fleets are equipped to answer—and act on. Meanwhile, businesses that remain on the sidelines risk falling further behind, missing out on the efficiency, agility and foresight that only data-backed strategies can deliver. So, here's what I wanted to highlight: We've already come a long way from blind trust. At first, it was about simply knowing where our vehicles were. Now, we have the opportunity to understand how the entire fleet operates—and more importantly, how it can operate better. The tools are here. The data is available. And yes, I'll say it again: 'We want you to cut costs and grow—just start using new technologies.' And hopefully, you want the same. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Arab News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs
JEDDAH: Digitalization has reshaped how entrepreneurs get started — particularly in the early stages. Increasingly, small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, bypassing the traditional route of setting up a dedicated website. These social-first entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they already spend time, turning social media from a communication tool into a sales platform. 'Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,' Selina Bieber, vice president for international markets at the US-based web hosting company GoDaddy, told Arab News. According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 22 percent of small business owners in the Middle East and North Africa now run their businesses primarily on social media. This trend highlights the rising importance of social commerce, especially for solo founders and part-time business operators. However, running a business solely on social platforms comes with risks. Visibility may be high, but ownership and control are limited. Algorithm changes or policy shifts can dramatically affect a business's ability to reach customers or generate income. Shoppers also tend to look for additional signals of trust before making a purchase. A professional website, for example, often strengthens a business's credibility. According to The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2024 report by Checkout, 73 percent of online shoppers in the region are more confident buying from businesses that have a website, rather than relying exclusively on social media accounts. In response to this shift, new digital tools have emerged to support social-first entrepreneurs. Features such as branded microsites, product catalogues, and smart links — often packaged into accessible platforms — help founders establish a more centralized and professional presence online without needing advanced technical knowledge. Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in this transition, helping entrepreneurs move more quickly from concept to launch. It can assist in writing product descriptions, developing pricing strategies, and automating customer engagement. Internal data suggests AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours a week — a meaningful benefit for entrepreneurs managing limited time and resources. Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a particularly dynamic arena for these digital shifts. In 2023, GoDaddy signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom's General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises — Monsha'at — to equip Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training needed to build their online presence. The agreement, signed during the Biban 23 entrepreneurship forum in Riyadh, aimed to empower aspiring business owners through workshops, seminars, and a planned business accelerator. It also included support for Monsha'at Academy and content initiatives to share local success stories. 'We're inspired to see Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners feel confident in embracing technology and in their approach to entrepreneurship,' said Bieber. While social media remains a powerful tool for customer engagement, long-term growth often requires a more permanent digital footprint. A dedicated website, complemented by tools like GoDaddy's Show in Bio, can provide an added layer of credibility and security — something that social media accounts alone may not guarantee. With the rise of impersonation and questionable accounts online, many customers check whether a business has a standalone website before making a purchase. The latest generation of entrepreneurs is pragmatic and digitally fluent. While they may start on social media, many are increasingly looking for tools that offer more autonomy, control, and brand distinction. Combining a social-first approach with a professional online presence can offer the credibility and resilience needed for sustainable growth. 'GoDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success,' said Bieber. With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever. Social media may be where the journey starts — but building lasting value depends on owning and shaping your own digital presence.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
From Map to Mobile; How Adventure Tourism Logistics is Being Transformed
Digitalization is revolutionizing the way outdoor tourism operates. Manaslu Adventures is joining this transformation with tools that integrate efficiency, expansion, sustainability, and user experience. For decades, planning an adventure trip meant exchanging dozens of emails, printing maps, coordinating equipment, and trusting that everything would go as planned. Today, thanks to the digital transformation led by agencies like Manaslu Adventures, all that logistics now fits in the palm of your hand. Headquartered in Barcelona and operating in more than 15 international destinations, Manaslu has succeeded in automating and centralizing the complex organization required for an outdoor journey: permits, transportation, local guides, insurance, meals, meeting points, and more. And it has done so by developing its own technological platforms that connect the agency, suppliers, and travelers in real time. Technology That Breathes Life into Operations In the words of its Marketing Director, 'Our goal is for the traveler to focus only on enjoying the experience.' This means integrating everything from interactive maps and digital check-in to weather alerts, baggage control, and personalized options based on the type of activity and the client's experience level. Process automation has reduced internal logistics management time by more than 40%, freeing up resources for route design, improved customer service, and collaboration with local communities at each destination. A Transformation with Institutional Support This technological leap has been driven, in part, by the 'Última Milla' program, a national initiative by the Spanish Ministry of Tourism that promotes the digitalization of small and medium-sized tourism enterprises. Thanks to this support, Manaslu has been able to scale its sustainable travel model to strategic markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where demand is growing for responsible, active, high-quality experiences. This future-oriented vision positions the agency as one of the most dynamic players in the global outdoor sector. Digitalizing to Protect the Planet Beyond efficiency, Manaslu's digital transformation also has a direct impact on sustainability: optimized routes that reduce emissions, visitor management in sensitive areas, and dynamic itineraries that adapt to changing environmental conditions. In short, a more conscious approach to adventure tourism also requires smarter logistics. From Kyrgyzstan to Peru, passing through Georgia and Iceland, each route is now managed with great precision — but with the spirit of a true traveler. Because in the new era of adventure tourism, technology doesn't replace the soul of the journey — it sets it free. Media Contact Company Name: Manaslu Adventures Contact Person: Press Office Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Online Poker Global Industry Report 2025: Regulatory Approvals and Gambling Licensing Regimes Create Competitive Differentiators in Key Jurisdictions
The report provides comprehensive insights into market trends, drivers, and forecasts, emphasizing digitalization's role in reshaping real-money gaming. As online poker evolves, technology like AI, AR, and blockchain enhance player engagement and security. Regulatory changes and market localization are pivotal for expansion, with significant growth expected in the U.S., China, and other key regions. This detailed market analysis aids strategic business decisions, offering updated insights on tariffs and economic shifts. Online Poker Market Dublin, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Online Poker - Global Strategic Business Report" has been added to global market for Online Poker was estimated at US$5.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$11.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13.7% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Online Poker market. Is the Digitalization of Poker Signaling a New Era in Real-Money Gaming?Online poker, once considered a niche digital offshoot of traditional casino gaming, has matured into a global industry powered by real-money platforms, mobile gaming adoption, and a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. The online poker ecosystem encompasses cash games, tournaments, sit-and-go formats, and hybrid game variants hosted on desktop platforms, mobile apps, and even blockchain-based decentralized networks. Players across geographies are increasingly opting for digital poker due to the convenience, lower entry barriers, diverse stakes, and the ability to participate anonymously or socially, depending on platform COVID-19 pandemic acted as a major catalyst, bringing millions of new players into the online poker fold as physical casinos shuttered and home entertainment surged. With advancements in real-time gaming engines, payment gateway integration, and multi-table functionalities, online poker operators are now able to offer immersive, secure, and highly competitive environments. The influx of Gen Z and millennial players many of whom favor skill-based over chance-based gambling is reinforcing poker's appeal as both a form of entertainment and a strategic, mentally engaging Are Technology and Gamification Enhancing Player Engagement and Retention?Cutting-edge technologies including AI-based player matching, real-time behavior analytics, and dynamic odds algorithms are being deployed to optimize matchmaking and fairness in online poker platforms. Gamification elements such as loyalty tiers, achievements, avatars, leaderboards, and virtual currencies are creating a video game-like experience, especially appealing to younger users. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are also being explored to replicate live poker environments, giving users a sense of presence and social immersion even while playing design and app-based interfaces have become critical for growth, with a large portion of new user acquisition occurring through iOS and Android platforms. Payment innovations including e-wallets, in-app tokens, cryptocurrency integration, and seamless KYC (know your customer) protocols are reducing friction in deposits, withdrawals, and account verification. Live poker streaming, influencer-backed tournaments, and AI-powered poker training tools are further expanding the online poker culture across casual, semi-professional, and competitive user Role Do Regulation and Localization Play in Market Expansion?The online poker landscape is highly fragmented due to varying legal frameworks across jurisdictions. While countries like the UK, Italy, and Spain have well-established regulatory regimes supporting licensed online poker, others are only beginning to formalize policies. In India, for instance, some states recognize poker as a game of skill and allow regulated real-money operations, while others restrict or ban it entirely. Meanwhile, the U.S. is witnessing a slow but steady resurgence post the repeal of PASPA, with states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan leading the is playing a pivotal role in market expansion, as platforms tailor language options, user interfaces, payment modes, and tournament structures to match cultural preferences. The rise of region-specific poker festivals, celebrity-endorsed tournaments, and partnerships with local gaming operators is fueling user base growth in emerging economies. Regulatory clarity, taxation models, and responsible gaming enforcement are becoming decisive factors influencing platform entry, M&A activity, and user Powering the Surge in the Global Online Poker Market?The growth in the online poker market is driven by a confluence of factors: increased internet penetration, mobile gaming acceleration, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the rising appetite for skill-based real-money games. A major growth driver is the expanding demographic of digitally native consumers who favor cognitive and competitive online games over chance-based gambling. The post-pandemic normalization of online entertainment and remote leisure has entrenched online poker as a mainstream activity across age addition, the emergence of legal, regulated poker platforms backed by strong compliance standards is restoring player trust and attracting high-value participants. Strategic investments by venture capital firms, tech conglomerates, and traditional casino operators are increasing platform scalability, marketing reach, and game innovation. Moreover, the integration of AI, data analytics, and blockchain is enhancing game fairness, transparency, and anti-collusion enforcement, making the ecosystem more new markets open and global liquidity models evolve through cross-border player pools, online poker is expected to become a cornerstone of the digital gaming economy. With its unique positioning at the intersection of strategy, community, and entertainment, the online poker industry is set to sustain strong growth across regulated, skill-centric, and socially-driven gaming Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the PC segment, which is expected to reach US$7.1 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 14.4%. The Smartphone segment is also set to grow at 12.0% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $1.4 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 18.4% CAGR to reach $2.4 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include: Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs. Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015. Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends. Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape. Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players. Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities. Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 460 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $5.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $11.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 13.7% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW World Market Trajectories Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns Online Poker - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS Some of the 37 companies featured in this Online Poker market report include: 888poker ACR Poker BetMGM Poker BetOnline Poker Black Chip Poker Bovada Poker CoinPoker DraftKings Poker GGPoker Ignition Poker iPoker Network partypoker PokerBaazi PokerStars Run It Once Poker Spartan Poker Unibet Poker Winamax Poker WPT Global MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Digitization of Gaming and Gambling Platforms Drives Demand for Online Poker Solutions Expansion of Legalization Frameworks in North America and Europe Throws the Spotlight on Regulated Online Poker Markets OEM Focus on User-Centric Interface Designs and Mobile Compatibility Strengthens User Engagement and Retention Growth in Real-Money and Freemium Poker Models Accelerates Platform Diversification Integration of Secure Payment Gateways and Cryptocurrency Options Enhances Transaction Flexibility OEM Innovation in AI-Driven Player Analytics and Anti-Cheating Algorithms Improves Trust and Fair Play Increased Popularity of Live Dealer Poker and Interactive Gaming Environments Expands Streaming-Based Platforms Emergence of Cross-Platform Play and Global Tournaments Spurs Adoption in Competitive Gaming Circles OEM Partnerships With eSports Influencers and Celebrity Poker Leagues Drive User Acquisition Rising Smartphone Penetration and Data Affordability Support Market Entry in Emerging Economies Regulatory Approvals and Gambling Licensing Regimes Create Competitive Differentiators in Key Jurisdictions OEM Development of Gamification Features and Loyalty Programs Enhances Repeat Engagement Growth in Online Poker Training Tools and Simulators Expands New Player Acquisition Integration of VR and Metaverse-Based Poker Rooms Creates New Immersive Gaming Formats OEM Investment in Fraud Detection and Identity Verification Tools Enhances Platform Compliance Rising Adoption of P2P and Blockchain-Powered Poker Rooms Expands Decentralized Gaming Ecosystems OEM Collaboration With Payment Service Providers Enables Seamless Multi-Currency Transactions Focus on Responsible Gaming Campaigns Strengthens Reputation and Policy Alignment Expansion of Affiliate Marketing and Refer-a-Friend Programs Drives User Base Multiplication Growth in Weekend and International Tournament Events Creates Spikes in Platform Traffic and Monetization For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Online Poker Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Coin Geek
3 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
PH Blockchain Week 2025: Communities meet tech of the future
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... More on utility, less on technicalities—this was what the Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) ensured when it returned on stage this week at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, where it drew thousands of attendees from different parts of the globe. Steering away from tech buzzwords, PBW 2025 focused on building a community that values and emphasizes developing real-world solutions instead of merely riding the wave of popularity without an actual goal. Day 1 of PBW 2025, which took place on June 10, marked a significant moment for the Philippines as the Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP), led by Dr. Donald Lim, introduced the official report on the country's digitalization status—a statistical analysis representing the PBW's perseverance in putting the Philippines on the blockchain map. Founding members of the Blockchain Council of the Philippines, together with members of the Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, Gobi-Core Philippine Fund, and Tether, presenting the first-ever Philippine Blockchain Report 2025. The Philippine Blockchain Report 2025 Unbeknownst to many, the Philippines has been leveraging blockchain technology since 2014, primarily within the realm of financial services, with a particular focus on remittances. Although global governmental involvement in establishing regulations for the blockchain sector has only recently become more pronounced, the Philippines has diligently laid the regulatory groundwork for this ecosystem since early 2017. Carlo Chen-Delantar giving attendees an overview of the Philippine Blockchain Report 2025. Presented by Carlo Chen-Delantar, Co-Founder and Partner of Gobi Partners, the report—an initiative launched by Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra, BCP, Gobi-Core Philippine Fund, and Tether—underscored the significant role of startups in shaping the blockchain landscape in the Philippines. These startups— Satoshi Citadel Industries (SCI), and BloomSolutions, to name a few—have been at the forefront of utilizing blockchain technology to facilitate financial inclusion. Their efforts bore fruit as more established companies, such as Union Bank of the Philippines and the Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX), began integrating blockchain into their services and operations. The financial sector served as the initial gateway for blockchain technology to gain a foothold in the Philippine market. This emergence was followed by a significant rise in blockchain gaming in 2020, predominantly driven by organizations such as Yield Guild Games (YGG) and Sovrun. Subsequently, the application of blockchain technology expanded beyond the gaming sector to encompass a variety of use cases, including the development of digital identities, enterprise solutions, and transportation systems. These developments helped establish blockchain's role as more than just an avenue for digital currencies. A snapshot of industry players in the Philippines that have integrated blockchain technology into their operations and services. 'Blockchain isn't just about digital assets or decentralized finance; it's about rebuilding trust in systems—something many of our institutions critically need,' said Congresswoman Hon. Richelle Singson. From digital coin users of play-to-earn (P2E) games, Filipinos have made significant progress by leveraging blockchain technology to modernize operations and services while addressing long-standing issues. While the Philippines is rapidly recognizing the power of blockchain in carving its digital path, the progress the country has made in recent years can be attributed not only to technological advancements but also to the proactive community that embraced the risks associated with blockchain and believed in its capacity to revolutionize various industries. The Philippines has made significant strides since the introduction of blockchain, but much remains to be done to fully harness its potential. 'Whether you're a builder, a policymaker, a regulator, or just exploring the space, this is not just a tech event; this is a movement. Let's use this week to not just connect…but to create a blockchain-powered future that serves our people,' Singson noted during the opening of PBW 2025. Read the full Philippine Blockchain Report 2025 here. Onboarding early adopters Technology can be intimidating to people with no technical background, and this is the greatest challenge that blockchain must overcome to become mainstream. The pandemic in late 2019 may have taken a toll on the global healthcare ecosystem, but this catastrophe had a silver lining—it sparked the adoption of mobile payments and digital wallets, prompting not just the Philippines but much of the world to fast-track their digital transformation. During the pandemic, 'cryptocurrencies' have emerged as a prominent topic of discussion; however, their appeal appears largely confined to P2E gamers, traders, and certain financial institutions. The broader population, in contrast, tends to perceive these digital currencies as lacking tangible utility in their everyday lives. A PBW 2025 panel moderated by Ida Mok, president of Women in Blockchain Alliance, examines how wallets are the true entryway for blockchain to become mainstream, not 'cryptocurrencies.' Ida Mok moderating a panel about the rising use of digital wallets and their importance in onboarding users. Airdrops, tokens given away for free, have long been viewed as the best solution to getting people into the emerging technology ecosystem. But while the thought of having a free bitcoin in one's wallet is enticing, many holders do not know how to use it other than to HODL and sell when the price skyrockets, which veers off from Bitcoin's original intention. 'Airdrops is not a really good way to get early adopters in. If we want to make it easy for people to get in…we need [to come] from a point of discovery,' said Jason Dominique, CEO of Onchain. A true embodiment of utility, digital wallets nowadays are more than just a platform for storing and trading digital currencies. They have evolved into social wallets, which allow users to focus on using the app rather than worrying about its technical aspects, gas fees, and other features, transforming it into an 'everyday product.' This evolution, however, is only starting, and with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), digital wallets are set to transform with more utility. 'The time is now for people to actually see wallets not as crypto wallets but like a social identity,' said Biptap CEO Jonathan Low, who believes that in the future, businesses can utilize these social wallets to create trends that could reshape the financial industry and the 'crypto' market. Getting lost in buzzwords With so many technological advancements happening globally, it's easy to lose our sense of legacy, but PBW regular Ian Utile returned to the stage to help attendees remember what is truly at the heart of innovation—decentralized and tokenized communities. Ian Utile giving a keynote on the importance of communities and the integration of AI. In this digital era, communities are classified based on the products and services they use, with Utile giving Meme and non-fungible token (NFT) communities as primary examples of these exclusive groups—circles that are now coexisting with AI, a tool being projected as the key driver of the future of technology. AI is revolutionizing various industries, not by displacing the human workforce but by being seamlessly integrated into existing systems. In the Philippines, Utile said AI is being deployed at breakneck speed in different sectors, opening more opportunities for Filipinos. However, none of the emerging communities should be viewed as superior to others, as Utile indicates that each possesses a distinct function within the ecosystem. While AI appears to be the most potent of these communities, it should be regarded not as a threat but rather as a valuable tool designed to enhance the effectiveness of the existing communities. 'Don't be hung up on the word tokenized; that's the future. Don't be hung up on NFTs; that just means an exclusive, limited community, or memes that just means an inclusive, unlimited community. Think about how AI plays into all of these,' he said. 'Let's not get so technical that we get away from humanity,' Utile noted. 'If you spin yourself on tech talk, then you lose what actually matters, and what really matters is our purpose.' Discourse continues True to its goal, the opening day of PBW 2025 covered the expanding use cases of blockchain technology, from empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to abolishing the notion that technology is only for men, to give participants a better picture of the state of the digital revolution in the country and what's to come. Actor and restaurateur Marvin Agustin representing MSMEs during a panel discussion on blockchain with government officials. Actor and chef Marvin Agustin, with support from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led the promotion of blockchain in the food industry through 'Fishblock,' an innovative take on Filipinos' beloved street food, fishballs. This venture only accepts 'crypto' as payments and comes with an exclusive NFT. Women in Blockchain of the Philippines Founder Gail Macapagal also graced the event with a panel discussion on women empowerment in the tech space, joining Azintafy Founder Aya De Quiroz, entrepreneur Chantel Elloway, Women in Blockchain Asia's Ida Mok, CEO Laura Inamedinova, and AIBC Managing Director Olga Yaroshevsky, where they recounted their experiences within the male-dominated industry and discussed the contributions that women make to foster innovation. Gail Macapagal posing with notable women in the tech space following a panel discussion on women empowerment in a male-dominated industry. Coach Miranda Miner of Global Miranda Miner Group also gave the audience a quick lesson on 'crypto' trends, pump-and-dump, and the factors that drive the price of tokens. Aya De Quiroz moderating a panel on memecoins and the world's growing fascination with these tokens. There was also a clashing discussion on memecoins moderated by De Quiroz, which saw Trust Wallet's Rik Krieger arguing that there is nothing wrong with delving into these 'shitcoins,' but not when you're in the office, a jab to the Trump administration, whose made headlines in recent weeks following the launch of $TRUMP and $MELANIA tokens. While Krieger expressed deep opposition to memecoins, others like Political Pump Co-Founder Ph.D Jose Manuel Torres and Coinvesting Holding Chief of Staff, also known as the 'Shitcoin Queen,' Karen Kriska see them as a fun way to get into the space. However, they were quick to remind users to be extremely cautious, with Torress saying memecoins are the best example for a DYOR, or do your own research. Beyond the hype, PBW 2025 also gave us an overview of the current state of regulations in the blockchain space and the fintech ecosystem. Watch: The Philippines is moving toward blockchain-enabled tech title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
