MAM
upGrad names Sendy Filemon as Indonesia country head
MUMBAI: upGrad has brought on Sendy Filemon as its country head for Indonesia. The development comes close on the heels of Zubin Gandevia’s hiring as CEO for Asia Pacific in January 2021. Filemon’s appointment to specifically look after the Indonesian market is a follow through of the company’s commitment to the country’s edtech sector and puts into motion to grow in the Asia Pacific region. He will be based in Bali.
Filemon is a digital entrepreneur who has founded two fintech start-ups and is a lifelong learner. He is currently taking a law degree from a top Indonesian university, which due to current pandemic conditions, is forced to accelerate its online learning model. This personal experience has motivated him to join upGrad and help fellow Indonesians to upskill and stay competitive as they face a new digital world.
“The combination of economic growth, changes in the workforce requirements, and increasing priority towards education have brought different challenges for both job seekers and employers, including here in Indonesia,” remarked Sendy. “upGrad is committed to address those challenges through locally relevant courses and become the bridge between job seekers and employers. I am very thrilled to join upGrad and am excited to bring real impacts for Indonesians through accessible higher education, regardless of time and distance.”
upGrad co-founder & chairman Ronnie Screwvala added, “Thrilled to welcome Sendy Filemon, whose strong cultural intellect coupled with sharp entrepreneurial skills will help us strengthen our presence in the APAC. At upGrad, we highly value local talents around the globe. Therefore, we will co-create Indonesia’s customised programs by synergising with local industry experts, university partners, corporates, and course mentors from Indonesia.”
The company continues to foster partnerships with higher education institutions and experts around the globe. In Indonesia, upGrad is partnering with both public and private universities to hand in hand accelerating the growth of Indonesian talents.
upGrad CEO – Asia Pacific Zubin Gandevia stated, “The appointment of Sendy Filemon as Indonesia Country Head emphasises our commitment to support the Indonesian government's continued efforts in enhancing the quality of higher education. Sendy will lead our mission to leverage upGrad’s proven online model and world class technology and bring it to life with 100 per cent Indonesian flavour to equip learners for the jobs of today, accelerating the careers of tomorrow.”
Brands
Philips Avent appoints Yami Gautam Dhar as brand ambassador
New campaign urges parents to choose science-backed sterilization over traditional boiling.
MUMBAI: Indian parents have long believed that boiling baby bottles keeps germs at bay, but Philips Avent is gently suggesting it’s time to turn up the heat on that tradition with science. Philips has launched a new campaign highlighting the importance of sterilization in infant care, positioning its Philips Avent Sterilizer as a more effective solution than the age-old practice of boiling. The campaign, which also announces acclaimed actor and new mother Yami Gautam Dhar as the brand ambassador for Philips Avent in India, draws on a powerful cultural insight: the deep-rooted Indian tradition of protecting children from the evil eye (nazar).
The film cleverly connects familiar customs such as using salt, chillies, applying a black tika, or evil eye bracelets with modern parenting realities. While these traditions offer emotional comfort, the campaign gently points out that they may not be enough to protect against germs and infections. Backed by a recent survey, Philips claims the Avent Sterilizer delivers up to 2X better germ protection compared to boiling, along with fewer reported illness episodes among infants.
Philips Personal Health, Country Head Shukla said many parents still rely on boiling without realising the difference in effectiveness. “Our survey findings indicate fewer reported infant illness episodes in homes using the Philips Avent Sterilizer. With this campaign, we want to empower parents with knowledge and solutions that combine science with care,” he noted.
Welcoming Yami Gautam Dhar, Shukla added that as a new mother herself, she brings authenticity and relatability to the message, balancing trusted traditions with informed choices.
Yami Gautam Dhar said motherhood makes every decision feel significant. “Learning about proper sterilization was an important part of my journey. The Philips Avent Sterilizer offers up to 2x better germ protection compared to boiling, making everyday baby care safer and easier. I’m proud to partner with a brand that supports parents in making informed choices.”
The Philips Avent Sterilizer is available across leading e-commerce and quick commerce platforms including Amazon and Firstcry, major baby care retailers, and select electronics stores across India.
In a country where protecting little ones is both a cultural duty and a daily ritual, Philips Avent is serving up a modern twist: keep the love, add the science because when it comes to germs, a little extra protection can go a long way.
