Filipinos are increasingly ditching cards and e-wallets in favor of QR code payments, at least among businesses using PayMongo’s payment services. The company’s internal data shows that QR Ph accounted for more than half (55%) of all payment volume on its platform during the first six months of 2026. That is a massive jump from just 16% during the same period last year. Cards now make up only 19% of payment volume, while e-wallets sit at 21%. Other payment methods like online banking and buy now, pay later services combined account for less than 5%. PayMongo processed close to 10 million transactions between January and June this year. That is nearly double the 5.2 million transactions recorded in the first half of 2025. The company also saw its merchant base grow by 93% over the same timeframe. What is driving this change? According to PayMongo, people are using QR codes and e-wallets for everyday purchases like food delivery, utility bills, and small r...
Students have always found ways to cheat. From looking at a seatmate’s paper to writing notes on their hands, the tricks have been around for decades. But now, technology is making cheating much easier. AI-powered smart glasses are becoming a popular tool for students who want to get better scores. This is especially true in parts of Asia where exams can decide a person’s future. A single test can determine if someone gets into a good university or lands a job. In South Korea, two people were caught using smart glasses during an English test last month. Companies often use this test when hiring new workers. Around the same time, in Taiwan, a student trying to get into medical school was also caught wearing smart glasses. The proctors noticed the student looking at the test in a strange way. When they checked, they found the glasses were giving off heat. This kind of cheating is not brand new. But as these glasses become cheaper and more advanced, the problem ...