WHAT IS APEC, UIA, ASEAN

APEC
An association dedicated to the trade, cooperation, and economic growth of nations along the Pacific. The Asia-
Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) works to remove trade tariffs and other obstacles to trade in the area. The
organization was established in 1989, and 21 nations are members. The APEC's headquarters are in Singapore.
The countries involved are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong,
China; Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, The
Republic of the Philippines, The Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of
America, and Viet Nam.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/Asia-Pacific-Economic-Cooperation-APEC.html

REQUIREMENTS
Criteria Guidelines summary for APECS Professional Membership
Executive coaching, team coaching or supervision are not currently significant components of their working
practice and professional identity, however the applicant must be able to show that one or more have been a
significant element in the past and can evidence two years of practice. (Note – this relates to their normal working
week however coaching on a voluntary basis is welcomed as appropriate experience).

They are required to provide portfolio evidence to include:

1. Professional standards of learning together with any formal, recognized qualification in a relevant subject;
OR portfolio evidence of an equivalent level of Professional standards of learning of the knowledge and
understanding relevant to the Executive coaching context;
2. Understanding and application of ethical and boundary management considerations in coaching;
3. Significant (i.e. a minimum of five years) executive business experience personally (e.g. line management
and / or consultancy) in addition to experience as an Executive Coach;
4. Applicants will also have to articulate, as required, the detailed rationale / philosophy of their practice and
model of working;
5. Evidence of and commitment to continuing personal professional development including self-awareness
and supervision;
6. Demonstration of an interest in and some manner of contribution to the executive coaching, team coaching
and supervision profession.
7. Reflection on professional practice and evaluation of professional practice;
8. Acceptance of and intention to abide by APECS Ethical Guidelines;
9. An undertaking to comply with any UK or other requirements or those governing the geographic area in
which they work;
10. Applicants will be required to provide references from 2 referees and a statement from their supervisor
confirming supervisory arrangements.
https://www.apecs.org/apecs-professional-member-category-description

PERKS
How Has the Region Benefited?

APEC has grown to become a dynamic engine of economic growth and one of the most important regional forums
in the Asia-Pacific. Its 21 member economies are home to around 2.8 billion people and represent approximately
59 per cent of world GDP and 49 per cent of world trade in 2015.

As a result of APEC’s work, growth has soared in the region, with real GDP increasing from USD 19 trillion in
1989 to USD 42 trillion in 2015. Meanwhile, residents of the Asia-Pacific saw their per capita income rise by 74
per cent, lifting millions out of poverty and creating a growing middle class in just over two decades.
Bringing the region closer together, reducing trade barriers, and smoothing out differences in regulations have
boosted trade which, in turn, has led to this dramatic increase in prosperity. Average tariffs fell from 17 per cent
in 1989 to 5.2 per cent in 2012. During that same time period, the APEC region’s total trade increased over seven
times—outpacing the rest of the world with two-thirds of this trade occurring between member economies.

Making it Easier to Trade Across Borders:

In 1994, APEC Leaders committed to achieving the ‘Bogor Goals’ of free and open trade and investment by 2020
through reducing trade barriers in the region and promoting the free flow of goods, services and capital among
APEC economies. Since then, members have made measurable progress in achieving these goals. APEC’s Trade
Facilitation Action Plan which includes streamlining customs procedures reached its target of region-wide
reduction in costs at the border by 5 per cent between 2004 and 2006. A further 5 per cent decrease was achieved
between 2007 and 2010, which saved businesses in the Asia-Pacific a total of USD 58.7 billion. Over time, the
APEC agenda has broadened its focus to address behind-the-border barriers such as improving regulatory
practices and the local business climate.

Making it Easier to do Business:

APEC launched its Ease of Doing Business Action Plan in 2009, with the goal of making it cheaper, easier and
faster to do business in the region. Between 2009 and 2013, member economies improved the ease of doing
business in the Asia-Pacific by 11.3 per cent across all areas of the initiative, including starting a business, getting
credit or applying for permits. For example, APEC has expedited the time it takes for a company to build a new
factory or office building. Today, construction permits are issued at a faster pace, dropping 18.7 per cent from
169 days to 134 days in the last four years with APEC topping the charts globally for the shortest permit time.
Starting a company in the Asia-Pacific is also simpler with the number of procedures falling by 20.2 per cent
since 2009.

Faster Customs Procedures:

At the border, APEC economies have centralized export-import processes online, accelerating the time it takes
for goods to travel across borders. Known widely as Single Window, this virtual system links all government
agencies involved in the export-import process, allowing companies to submit documents electronically one time
from anywhere. Gone are the myriad forms, long queues, and visits to multiple agencies, while goods spoil in
warehouses. Since the APEC Sub-Committee on Customs and Procedures (SCCP) launched the Single Window
initiative in 2007, APEC capacity building workshops have provided training on software coding or legal issues
to help APEC members implement their own Single Window systems. By 2013, 14 APEC economies had
adopted various stages of the Single Window system, with the goal of all 21 members coming on board by 2020

Connecting the Region

APEC is working to connect the region through improving physical infrastructure linkages, people mobility and
institutional ties across the Asia-Pacific. APEC's Connectivity Blueprint maps out initiatives from improving
information technology and transportation infrastructure to making it easier for students, business people, and
tourists to travel around the region.

APEC Business Travel Card:

By making it simpler for business people to travel, APEC is enabling them to conduct their business, trade and investment
more easily. Over 160,000 travellers use the APEC Business Travel Card which provides pre-approved frequent business
travellers with visa clearance and fast-track entry through special APEC lanes at major international airports in the region.
19 APEC members fully participate in the scheme with the United States and Canada as transitional members.

APEC Supply Chain Connectivity:

APEC is also improving logistics and transport networks to enable component parts and final goods to travel
across multiple borders, contributing to a more efficient regional supply chain. To improve efficiency, APEC is
addressing eight 'chokepoints' from regulatory impediments to customs procedures and infrastructure bottlenecks
with the goal of an APEC-wide 10 per cent improvement in supply chain performance in terms of time, cost and
uncertainty by 2015. APEC has made progress towards achieving this goal. For example, between 2009 and 2013,
the lead time to import goods dropped by an average 25 per cent while lead time to export fell by 21 per cent in
the region, according to an APEC Policy Support Unit assessment.

A Sustainable Future for the Asia-Pacific

Environmental Goods List:

In a landmark agreement, APEC is encouraging the development of clean technologies and greener growth across
the region by lower tariffs on environmental goods. In 2012 in Vladivostok, Russia, APEC Leaders agreed to
reduce applied tariffs on 54 environmental goods to five per cent or less by the end of 2015. The APEC list of 54
products- from solar panels to wind turbines-accounts for around USD 600 billion in world trade. APEC member
economies are currently moving forward with implementing the list.
Increasing Energy Efficiency and Renewables:

In 2011, member economies committed to reduce energy intensity in the region by 45 per cent by 2030. In 2014,
members agreed to work toward doubling the share of renewables by 2030 in APEC's energy mix, including in
power generation. Members are also committed to rationalizing and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies
that encourage wasteful consumption. The APEC Energy Working Group's many projects help members reach
these goals.

Green Towns in the Asia-Pacific:

Funded by a multi-year project under the APEC Energy Working Group, APEC helped urban planners develop
low-carbon model town plans for a series of cities throughout the Asia-Pacific. These cities are reducing their
carbon footprint by adopting a set of carbon emission reduction targets and energy efficient initiatives from solar
panels to electric vehicles. APEC projects also support the development of smart electricity grids that enable
sources of clean power to be seamlessly connected to existing structures and distributed to rural communities.

Inclusive Growth: Ensuring Everyone is On Board

Nurturing Small Businesses

Nurturing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their ability to participate in global
supply chains have been critical elements of APEC's agenda. Over the years, APEC has launched a wide variety
of initiatives that have helped stimulate SME development in the region.

In 2005, the APEC SME Innovation Center was established in Korea to help improve the competitiveness of
SMEs in the region through hands-on business consulting. The APEC Start-up Accelerator Network was launched
in 2013 to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by connecting technology start-ups with funding and
mentors. In 2014, the Start-up Accelerator sponsored six Asia-Pacific start-ups to compete in the Intel Global
Challenge and Siemens New Venture Forum in Silicon Valley, USA-successfully capturing both awards and
venture capital interest.

Since 2011, APEC has worked to enhance SME business ethics, particularly in the healthcare sector. By 2014,
APEC's initiative resulted in codes of ethics being adopted and implemented by around 60 biopharmaceutical and
medical device industry associations and their member companies from 19 economies across the Asia-Pacific,
representing more than 14,000 firms. SMEs are also more vulnerable to disasters with many companies going
bankrupt in the aftermath of a disaster and wreaking havoc on global supply chains. To improve SME disaster
resilience, APEC has trained more than 250 regional experts to assist SMEs with business continuity planning in
order to minimize disruptions due to a disaster.

Enhancing Social Equity in the Region

In addition to supporting small businesses, APEC is working to ensure all members of the Asia-Pacific can
participate in the growing economy. The APEC Digital Opportunity Center was established in 2004 to provide
computer skills training to vulnerable rural and urban communities. With over a hundred centers in 10 APEC
economies offering information technology (IT) training, the APEC Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC) is
focused on transforming digital divides into digital opportunities. Over the last decade, these Centers have trained
over half a million people throughout the APEC region, and almost half are female. Many men and women who
received this digital training found jobs or started their own businesses, improving livelihoods and incomes for
their families.

https://www.apec.org/About-Us/About-APEC/Achievements-and-Benefits

UIA
Unemployment insurance is a form of social insurance, administered by Michigan's Unemployment Insurance
Agency (UIA). It is designed to provide unemployment benefits to help workers replace some of their lost
wages after they have become unemployed through no fault of their own, such as by a layoff.

The benefits allow workers enough time to look for a job reasonably similar to the one they had. It also helps an
employer by keeping experienced workers in the area and available to return to the employer when times get
better. Finally, it helps the entire community during an economic downturn, because unemployment benefits are
spent locally to buy food, clothing, and other necessities of life that local merchants sell.

Unemployment insurance is like fire insurance you carry on your building, or health insurance you carry on
yourself, your family, and your employees. Insurance is a fact of business life. It protects against the
uncertainties of the future. Unemployment insurance works the same way, except that it is not optional, and the
"premiums" you pay are in the form of a tax.
https://www.michigan.gov/uia/0,4680,7-118-26898_27193-78828--,00.html

REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, for unemployment benefits, you must be unemployed and able, available for, and actively seeking
suitable full-time work. Unless instructed otherwise by UIA staff, you must also register for work
at www.mitalent.org and visit a Michigan Works! Agency (MWA) service center.

Qualifying requirements – The UIA will look at your standard base period to determine if your wages qualify
you for unemployment benefits. The standard base period includes the first four of the last five completed
calendar quarters prior to when you filed your claim. The four calendar quarters in a year are: January – March;
April – June; July – September; and October – December.
If you cannot qualify based on your standard base period, the UIA will consider your wages in the “alternate”
base period, which is the four most recently completed calendar quarters.
There are two ways in which your wages may qualify you for unemployment benefits:

Regular (Standard Base Period) method: There must be wages in at least two quarters in the base period. For
benefit years beginning Jan. 1,2018, one quarter's wages must be at least $3,589; and total wages for all four
quarters must equal at least one and a half times the highest amount of wages paid in any quarter of the base
period ($3,589 x 1.5 = $5,383).
OR
Alternate Earnings Qualifier (AEQ): (a) You must have wages in at least two quarters; and (b) total wages for
all four quarters must equal at least 20 times the state average weekly wage (SAWW). For 2018, the AEQ amount
is $19,986.20 [20 x $999.31 (SAWW) = $19,986.20].
https://www.michigan.gov/uia/0,4680,7-118-1359_67678-340634--,00.html

PERKS
Benefits
 In general, benefits are based on a percentage of an individual's earnings over a recent 52-week period - up
to a State maximum amount.
 Benefits can be paid for a maximum of 26 weeks in most States.
 Additional weeks of benefits may be available during times of high unemployment (see Extended
Benefits). Some States provide additional benefits for specific purposes.
 Benefits are subject to Federal income taxes and must be reported on your Federal income tax return. You
may elect to have the tax withheld by the State Unemployment Insurance agency.
https://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/uifactsheet.asp

ASEAN
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional grouping that promotes economic,
political, and security cooperation among its ten members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. ASEAN countries have a population of
nearly 640 million people [PDF] and a combined GDP of $2.57 trillion. The group has spurred economic
integration, signing six free-trade agreements with other regional economies. Yet experts say ASEAN’s
impact is limited by a lack of strategic vision, diverging national priorities, and weak leadership. The bloc’s
biggest challenge is negotiating a unified approach to China, particularly in response to its widespread
maritime claims in the South China Sea.
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/asean-association-southeast-asian-nations

REQUIREMENTS
3.1.1. completed an accredited architectural degree recognised by the professional architectural accreditation body
whether in the Country of Origin or Host Country or assessed and recognised as having the equivalent of such a
degree. The education for architects should be no less than five (5) years duration delivered on a full time basis
in an accredited program in an accredited/ validated university in the Country of Origin while allowing flexibility
for equivalency;
3.1.2 a current and valid professional registration or licensing certificate to practise architecture in the Country of
Origin issued either by the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the ASEAN Member Countries and in
accordance with its policy on registration/licensing/certification of the practice of architecture or the Monitoring
Committee pursuant to Article 4.2.2 and item 1.2 of Appendix B of this Arrangement;
3.1.3 acquired practical and diversified experience of not less than ten (10) years of continuous practice of
architecture after graduation, of which at least five (5) years shall be after licensure/ registration and at least two
(2) years of which shall be in responsible charge of significant architectural works as stipulated in Appendix D,
Format 3;
3.1.4 complied with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) policy of the country of Origin at a
satisfactory level;
3.1.5 obtained certification from the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the Country of Origin with no
record of serious violation on technical, professional or ethical standards, local and international, for the practice
of architecture; and
3.1.6 complied with any other requirements agreed upon by the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) is eligible to
apply to the ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) to be registered as an ASEAN Architect (AA) under the ASEAN
Architect Register (AAR).
http://www.asean.org/storage/images/archive/21137.pdf
PERKS
Five Benefits Filipinos can get from ASEAN Integration
Ever of dreaming of traveling abroad? Maybe getting the latest Gucci bag or designer clothes without going all
the way to Italy? How about learning a new field that only a foreign country can teach.

These are some of the benefits that you as a citizen of the Philippines can reap once the country is fully
integrated to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) membership. The goal of the ASEAN is to
become one of the world’s leading economy like the European union nations. It order to achieve that goal it is
better to be working together rather than doing it alone and to give the people a chance of better living.

The Philippines is hosting the 2017 ASEAN summit this month and will be spending P15 billion to make it a
success in order improve better relations with the other nations.

Ten Southeast Asian countries – the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia,
Laos, Thailand and Vietnam – all united to improve their economies and to discuss on the various issues like
border disputes, trade agreements and exchange programs i.e education and employment.

Benefits of a citizen belonging to an ASEAN country member

1. Lower cost of living

The ASEAN Economic Community wants to eliminate if not lessen the taxes exporting between countries,
which will lower the prices of goods.

“Once our borders are open to trade, it is a possible it will lower some of the costs of exporting the goods and
therefore what we’re doing here is increasing the purchasing power of the population,” said Ronald Mendoza,
Dean of the Ateneo School of Government.

This open flow of goods and services means that your money will go much further as products become cheaper.
2. Improved job opportunities and general well-being

Products or goods not previously available in the country will be easier to access.

A good example would be the availability of items like chocolates, clothes and fruit products not native to the
local country. Before ASEAN, these items i.e apples, oranges and chocolate are hard to come by and expensive.
One has to import to avail these hence, taxes are imposed.

Now apples and chocolates have become more common than the average mangoes or bananas thanks to the
agreements signed by ASEAN members.

Service providers like air transport and healthcare are encouraged to setup foreign offices which means for us
easier access to travel or healthcare.

Increasing foreign investments have always been the goal of the ASEAN in order to be a power house in the
world economy which would mean removing limitations and applying proven international business operations
to the whole region. The more options the more choices citizens have to improve their quality of life.

3. Better job opportunities and education abroad

The exchange of free information and skills is essential to the development of the ASEAN charter. Nationals
can work abroad increasing productivity thus more job opportunities for the Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFWs). Facilitation of visas and employment passes for skilled labor will ensure protection for the workers.

It will not be limited to the workers but to the students as well. ASEAN universities are allowing more foreign
students to study in their campus thus increasing mobility for them in the region.

It will give the opportunity for the young people to open up to new cultures and expand their horizons. Giving
them a fresh perspective to what would be their goal in life. Allowing them to be more confidence in coursing
the future of their home countries.

4. Less hassle in traveling

ASEAN integration has made it possible to travel to other countries and in the process tourism has grown
exponentially. It has given more opportunities for the tourism industry to promote the local scenery and earn
more revenue.

Traveling to the other ASEAN countries will enable the nationals to realize that they are not alone in the road to
economic success but together as one whole Asian region they can make a difference in world policy. To aspire
for the ASEAN unity.

5. Philippines prosperity

With the full integration of the ASEAN countries, investments, services, job skills and a free market would
enable the Philippines to have economic prosperity and the benefits will eventually trickle down to the citizens’
benefit.

To achieve all the goals of the ASEAN, every nationals must work towards a common good and not just its own
country’s well-being. Cooperation is the key ingredient to make ASEAN a success. It is not about signing
treaties or agreements but it is the people to fulfill the dreams of the ASEAN founders.

Once achieved, it will extend beyond borders and will boost national security, international trade, reducing
poverty and economic competitiveness.

HOW TO REGISTER TO A FIRM IN THE PHILIPPINES?WHERE?

1. SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
 https://mpm.ph/register-a-sole-proprietor-business/

2. PARTNERSHIP/ASSOCIATES
HOW
II. Registration / Recording of Partnerships
Basic Requirements
 Name Verification Slip
 Articles of Partnership
 Affidavit of a partner undertaking to change partnership name (not required if Articles of Partnership
has provision on this commitment)
 Additional requirements
 Endorsement/clearance from other government agencies, if applicable
For partnership with foreign partners
 SEC Form No. F-105
 Bank certificate on the capital contribution of the partners
 For foreign partners who want to register their investments with the BSP: Proof of remittance

Note: If it is a limited partnership, the word “Limited” or “Ltd” should be added to the partnership name.
Articles of Partnership of limited partnerships should be under oath only and not acknowledged before a
notary public.
WHERE
The registration of partnerships and corporations is one of the principal functions of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). The Commission is the lead government agency that regulates and
supervises the operation of all corporations, partnerships or associations who are the grantees of primary
franchises and/or a license or permit issued in the Philippines.
http://invest.cfo.gov.ph/pdf/part2/registration-of-partnerships-and-corporations.pdf

3. CORPORATION
https://mpm.ph/how-to-register-a-corporation/