Ph government, top fintech firm team up to accelerate digital shift of transport sector

MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philippine government has partnered with the country's leading e-wallet in line with its agenda to modernize the local transportation sector with world-class payment solutions.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), the country's central bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and leading local fintech giant GCash have launched world-class cashless solutions in Metro Manila's main rail line, the Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT-3).

This initiative positions the Philippines in the same category as its Southeast Asian neighbors, such as Singapore, which have implemented open-loop ticketing systems, which reduces friction for commuters, allowing them to use various cashless modes of payment.

The newly launched Automated Fare Collection System enables faster, easier journeys for MRT-3 passengers via a tap-in and tap-out method through multiple modes of payment: QR, mobile NFC, and debit/credit cards.

"This is just the beginning. We're working on this to make all turnstile carousels [equipped] with this option for various payment modes," said Transport Secretary Vince Dizon, adding the digital payment solutions will soon be available in other rail lines — the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, and other mass transport systems.

"One of our core mandates is to make payments safer, secure, efficient, reliable, and more accessible to all. Today, those two goals come together," said Walter Wassmer, member of the central bank's Monetary Board.

To help ensure the success of this initiative, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said they have been working to enhance internet connectivity at MRT-3, allowing commuters to access the GCash app whenever.

"We're so proud and excited to finally launch this service in partnership with the government," said Martha Sazon, President & CEO of Mynt, the holding company of GCash. "Before, people would line up as early as 4:30 am just to buy a ticket. I hope that with this project, we can help them make their commute faster and more convenient."

About GCash

GCash is the Philippines' #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Ph government, top fintech firm team up to accelerate digital shift of transport sector

NINGBO, China, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From December 1 to 5, the inaugural World Skills Youth Camp was successfully held in Ningbo, co-organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and Ningbo Polytechnic University.

Themed "Youth Skills, Green Future: Together Shall We Find a Way", the camp brought together 60 young participants from 28 countries worldwide, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Ethiopia.

The curriculum placed strong emphasis on methodological guidance. In a featured session, instructor Wang Yi systematically introduced a three-stage innovation methodology— "Imagining & Connecting, Filtering & Expanding, Verifying & Extending" —helping participants develop a structured approach to transforming creative ideas into tangible outcomes. Ida Goldacker, a participant from Germany, shared, "I now understand that innovation isn't just about inspiration—it's a logical process that can be learned and broken down step by step."

To deeply integrate theory with practice, participants visited Zeekr Smart Factory (Meishan). The highly automated and intelligent production line offered a vivid, tangible glimpse into "smart manufacturing". Jean Charles Dondo from Zimbabwe remarked, "This isn't just an automobile factory—it's a microcosm of future industry."

The Event also prioritized emotional connection and cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding. Participants toured iconic cultural sites such as the Ningbo Museum and Tianyi Pavilion, experienced traditional lacquer art craftsmanship, and collaboratively created a lacquer painting titled "Lotus • Connection", which they presented as a gift to the university. At the closing ceremony, youth from diverse nations joined voices in a bilingual (Chinese-English) performance of the song "You and Me". Dilnaz Turdalina from Kazakhstan reflected, "When we sang together in harmony, I felt a warmth and unity that transcended national borders."

Through a multidimensional program encompassing academic lectures, industry-academia-research integration experience, cultural immersion, and hands-on skills workshops, the Camp not only deepened international youth's understanding of vocational education and industrial development but also built a bridge for cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and friendship—centered on skills. This initiative represents a meaningful contribution toward nurturing globally minded, multi-skilled youth and advancing the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

The First World Skills Youth Camp Successfully Held in Ningbo