The FilChi group believes that the Philippines can enhance its trade relations with China despite ongoing maritime disputes. The group emphasizes the potential for economic collaboration and mutual benefits, suggesting that trade ties can be strengthened even amid geopolitical tensions.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) plans to test artificial intelligence (AI) in its latest fisheries and agriculture census, aiming to enhance data collection and analysis processes.

TikTok plans to invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, aiming to expand its presence beyond its current entertainment offerings. This strategic move highlights TikTok's commitment to growing its business in the region, potentially boosting local economies and creating new opportunities.

A millennial entrepreneur has decided to leave the bustling city life of Manila to set up an office in the idyllic island of Boracay, embracing a lifestyle change that combines work with the serene environment of the island.

Converge is constructing a data center in Parañaque aimed at serving hyperscalers, indicating a strategic move to enhance its infrastructure and support large-scale data operations.

Converge is set to launch a new content platform called BlastTV in June, expanding its offerings in the digital content space.

Converge has introduced a prepaid fiber broadband service priced at P50, aimed at providing affordable internet access to marginalized communities in the Philippines. This initiative is part of Converge's efforts to enhance digital inclusion and bridge the digital divide in the country.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to reactivate its entire fleet by the end of the year, indicating a strategic move to restore full operational capacity.

A shipment containing $1.2 million worth of pangolin scales was seized at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia, marking the second seizure in the country within a week. The 400-kilogram shipment originated from Ghana and was transported via Turkish Airlines. Pangolins, known as scaly anteaters and native to Southeast Asia and Africa, are critically endangered due to high demand for their meat and scales in the black market. Conservationists are pushing for increased protection of pangolins, with nearly one million killed in the past decade. Elizabeth John of the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network emphasizes the need for cross-border investigations to target major players in the illegal trade.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has initiated the Boring Company with the aim to alleviate traffic congestion through the construction of underground tunnels. These tunnels will transport cars on sleds at speeds of 125 mph. Musk has already begun excavation beneath the SpaceX compound and showcased a video of a working sled prototype. The Boring Company's tunnels are projected to be smaller in diameter than traditional tunnels, reducing construction costs. Musk claims the system could enable travel from Westwood to LAX in just 5 minutes.

Whirlpool and Amazon are partnering to integrate Alexa, Amazon's voice-control system, into Whirlpool's smart appliances, allowing for hands-free control of household items. This collaboration, announced at CES 2017, builds on their previous partnership from CES 2016 which introduced Dash Buttons to Whirlpool appliances. The new Alexa-enabled smart appliances, which include features for washers, ovens, and refrigerators, will be showcased at CES and are expected to launch in early 2017. Consumers will need an additional Alexa-enabled device like the Echo or Echo Dot, as Alexa will not be built directly into the appliances.