Asean’s next generation readies business entry with family values

IN an era defined by urgency-climate threats, social inequality, and economic disruption-the question facing the next generation is not if they are ready to lead, but how they will carry forward the legacy entrusted to them.

At the Asean Youth Exchange (AYE) 2025 in Bangkok, Taylor’s University delegates explored family values, sustainability, and cultural identity, shaping a new kind of leadership for Southeast Asia-rooted in legacy, yet equipped for innovation.

In thriving landscapes of family enterprises, these lessons resonate deeply. Family businesses-long the backbone of national development-are being called to embrace a future where succession is more than ownership transfer; it is about stewardship of purpose, people, and planet.

Stewardship + social innovation

A KEY insight from the exchange was the need to embed sustainability into leadership DNA.

At the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), delegates were reminded that the world is far from achieving its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN’s call to ‘leave no one behind’ mirrors the inclusive ethos that defines strong family enterprises. Delegates saw that leadership today must go beyond the boardroom, tapping into social innovation such as converting food waste into products, or building digital mental health platforms-not for profit alone, but to preserve community, resilience, and dignity.

For next-gen leaders, the message is clear: Family legacy is not static-it evolves when purpose leads.

By anchoring innovation in family values, the next generation can future-proof their enterprises, while honoring the vision of their founders.

Culture and legacy: Asean advantages

THROUGHOUT the exchange, cultural immersion offered more than inspiration; it provided a blueprint for resilient leadership. Visits to heritage sites reinforced the belief that identity is not an obstacle to progress, but its foundation.

From traditional crafts to community festivals, culture is a driver of both social unity and entrepreneurial opportunity. In family businesses, heritage is not just preserved-it is lived, and in times of global uncertainty, it becomes a competitive advantage.

Just as family businesses pass down stories, recipes, and rituals, they also pass down the duty to protect what matters: people, culture, and integrity.

Cebuana Lhuillier reinforces mental health support through ?10-Million MindCare Coverage for NCMH

Photo Caption: Atty. Isagani Acosta (5th from right), General Manager of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers (CLIB), leads the turnover of ?10 million worth of insurance coverage under Cebuana Lhuillier’s MindCare Program to National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Executive Committee, headed by Dr. Noel V. Reyes (9th from left), Medical Center Chief II.

Cebuana Lhuillier, through its insurance arm Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers, Inc. (CLIB), is reinforcing its commitment to championing mental health and financial inclusion with the turnover of ?10 million worth of insurance coverage under its MindCare initiative to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH).The insurance coverage will be distributed nationwide, providing accessible protection to individuals and communities in need of mental health support.

The initiative aligns with the celebration of World Mental Health Day and reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to address the growing need for mental health awareness and accessible protection.

‘Through MindCare, we are extending our advocacy of financial inclusion to encompass mental health,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier. ‘We believe that empowerment is achieved when Filipinos are both financially secure and emotionally resilient. By partnering with the NCMH, we aim to make mental health protection more accessible to all Filipinos, wherever they may be.’

Developed by CLIB, MindCare is an innovative insurance product designed to provide coverage for mental health consultations and treatments. It demonstrates Cebuana Lhuillier’s broader commitment to developing inclusive financial solutions that address relevant social concerns and promote the overall well-being of Filipinos.

According to Atty. Isagani Acosta, General Manager of CLIB, MindCare exemplifies the company’s dedication to making insurance more inclusive and responsive. ‘Our objective at CLIB is to offer innovative insurance products that meet the evolving needs of our clients. MindCare recognizes the importance of mental health as a key component of a person’s well-being and ensures that support is available to those who need it most,’ he said.

The ?10-million coverage turnover to the NCMH highlights the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in promoting mental health. As the country’s primary institution for mental health care, NCMH will oversee the nationwide distribution of the insurance coverage, allowing more individuals to benefit from essential mental health services.

Dr. Noel Reyes, Medical Chief of the NCMH, expressed appreciation for the partnership, stating, ‘We are grateful for Cebuana Lhuillier’s support and commitment to mental health. Partnerships like this help strengthen our capacity to reach more Filipinos and promote greater understanding and acceptance of mental health issues. This initiative is a meaningful step toward a more compassionate and supportive society.’

Through initiatives such as MindCare, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to lead in providing innovative and inclusive insurance solutions. The company remains steadfast in its mission to empower every Filipino with access to financial protection and mental wellness resources that contribute to a stronger, more resilient nation.

Power through rainy blues with OPPO phone

Sudden downpours can turn your day into survival mode with power cuts and exposure to elements, but the OPPO A5 Pro 5G is designed to power you through all these scenarios.

With a big, fast-charging battery and proven durability, it keeps you connected and powered even during extreme conditions, whether you’re a student catching up on lessons or a professional trying to meet deadlines.

With the OPPO A5 Pro 5G’s massive 5,800mAh battery, power interruptions can’t stop you from completing your tasks.

With its battery capacity offering up to 35.7 hours of voice calls, 31.3 hours of audio listening, and 16.1 hours of video playback, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G allows you to perform to the best of your abilities.

If you arrived at home from a hectic commute from work caused by heavy rains, your smartphone is probably out of battery, too. But with the OPPO A5 Pro 5G’s 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, you can go back up to 10 percent of power in just 5 minutes and hit a full charge in roughly 83 minutes.

Just plug into your charger and be back up in no time to check your social media feed or catch up with the news.

The rainy season means more exposure to the elements, whether a typical rainy-day commute involves sudden downpours or stepping into puddles. Worry no more as the OPPO A5 Pro 5G can withstand heavy rain, splashes, and other mishaps with its triple IP69, IP68 and IP66 dust and water resistance ratings. Plus, its Splash Touch technology ensures that the screen remains fully responsive even if you have wet hands.

When it comes to sudden slips and bumps, especially while traversing slippery roads or walkways, the OPPO A5 Pro 5G can withstand accidental bumps and drops with its Military-Grade Shock Resistance-giving you added peace of mind that your device stays intact in times you need it the most.

The OPPO A5 Series is available in a range of choices on the brand’s official e-commerce platforms on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and authorized OPPO stores nationwide.

7-month FDI inflows down 20% to $4.7B-BSP

NET foreign direct investments (FDI) inflows declined both in July 2025 and in the first seven months of the year, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

On Friday, BSP said FDI net inflows declined by 7.5 percent from $1.4 billion in July 2024 to $1.3 billion in July 2025.

Also posting a contraction, FDI net inflows in the January to July 2025 period declined by 20 percent from the $5.9 billion posted in January to July 2024 to $4.7 billion in January to July 2025, BSP said.

The decrease in FDI net inflows during the month, BSP noted, resulted from lower nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments, which fell by 39.4 percent, from $1.2 billion to $711 million.

BSP noted that net investments in debt instruments ‘consist mainly of intercompany borrowing and lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries or affiliates in the Philippines.’

It also noted that the remaining portion of net investments in debt instruments are investments made by nonresident subsidiaries or associates in their resident direct investors.

However, BSP said the reduction was ‘tempered’ by the 450.6 percent increase in nonresidents’ net investments in equity capital (other than reinvestment of earnings), which rose from $76 million to $418 million.

Similarly, BSP said reinvestment of earnings grew by 14.3 percent, from $122 million to $139 million.

The top sources of equity capital placements in July 2025, per the BSP, were Japan and the United States, with investments primarily flowing into wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and real estate.

The BSP noted that FDIs include investment by a nonresident direct investor in a resident enterprise, whose equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent.

It also includes the investment made by a nonresident subsidiary/associate in its resident direct investor. Net FDI flows refer to nonresidents’ net equity capital (i.e., placements less withdrawals) + reinvestment of earnings + debt instruments (i.e., net intercompany borrowings).

Second strong quake hits off Davao Oriental; Phivolcs confirms ‘doublet earthquake’

A second powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental at 7:12 PM today, registering a magnitude of 6.8.

The tremor occurred just hours after a magnitude 7.4 quake hit nearly the same area, prompting PHIVOLCS to classify the event as a ‘doublet earthquake’-a rare seismic phenomenon involving two distinct but closely timed major quakes in the same region.

According to PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, both quakes were triggered by stress along the Philippine Trench.

The epicenter of the second quake was located 36 kilometers southeast of Manay (07.49°N, 126.82°E) at a depth of 10 kilometers. It was tectonic in origin and generated strong ground shaking across multiple provinces.

A tsunami warning was issued for Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Surigao del Norte.

Coastal residents were urged to evacuate immediately, as waves reaching one meter or higher above normal sea levels could arrive within the hour.

PHIVOLCS stated that the tsunami watch is in effect between 7:12 PM and 11:12 PM.

Reported intensities included:

Intensity VI: Manay, Davao Oriental

Intensity V: Baganga, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, and Tarragona, Davao Oriental

Intensity IV: Davao City, Mati City, Bislig City, and parts of Davao de Oro

Intensity III to I: Felt across Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Dinagat Islands, and parts of Eastern and Northern Samar

Doublet earthquakes are not aftershocks, but two separate main shocks of similar magnitude occurring close in time and location.

Past examples include the 2023 Hinatuan sequence (M7.4 on Dec 2 and M6.8 on Dec 4) and the 1992 Manay doublet (M7.1 and M7.5), both linked to the Philippine Trench.

Cebu and Davao quakes not directly related, but risk remains

The recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu and the magnitude 7.4 tremor in Davao Oriental were caused by separate fault systems and are not geologically connected, according to PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol.

The Cebu quake originated from the Bogo Bay Fault, while the Davao quake was triggered by movement along the Philippine Trench.

Despite the lack of connection, Bacolcol emphasized that the possibility of stronger quakes cannot be ruled out. PHIVOLCS continues to monitor seismic activity across the country.

Historically, major earthquakes-like Japan’s 2011 Tohoku disaster-have been preceded by strong foreshocks. In that case, a magnitude 7.3 quake struck two days before the magnitude 9.1 mainshock. While not all seismic clusters lead to a larger event, preparedness remains essential.

Midnight magic: How iStudio Plus is taking a bigger bite of the Apple

IT was close to midnight at Greenhills Mall, and the air outside iStudio Plus was electric. A crowd of celebrities, influencers, and die-hard Apple fans pressed forward, phones lifted high as the final seconds of the countdown echoed through the night. Then-the doors opened, lights flared, and a roar swept through the crowd. In that instant, the mall transformed into a stage for something extraordinary.

The iPhone 16 midnight launch last year became a defining moment for iStudio Plus, a vivid demonstration of how technology can merge with culture. The energy that night rivaled a sold-out concert-loud, electric, and alive with anticipation. Through that single event, iStudio Plus announced its evolution from retailer to tastemaker, from store to symbol of ambition and community.

The strategic claim on legacy

THE choice of venue, Greenhills, is perhaps the most strategic element of this entire play. For generations, this sprawling complex has been the heart of Metro Manila’s gadget commerce-a dynamic, sometimes chaotic bazaar where Filipinos built their digital lives, bought their first smartphones, and learned to haggle for the best deals. By staging its iPhone launch at Greenhills-a landmark synonymous with the country’s tech trade-iStudio Plus made its intentions clear. It wanted to bridge the global polish of the Apple experience with the local energy that defines Filipino tech culture.

That midnight event, headlined by Kiyo, Shaira Diaz, and art toy and streetwear icon Big Boy Cheng, turned a product release into a local happening. For iStudio Plus, it wasn’t just about selling devices; it was about creating a moment that welcomed people into its community. As Patrick Yeung, president and CEO of iStudio Plus, said that night, the vision extends far ‘beyond consumer tech.’ It is about ‘a vision where technology invites, inspires, and indulges you, elevating everyday life.’ This is the language of brand architects, not just box movers. It suggests that when a customer lines up at midnight, they are buying into a moment of belonging, excitement, and possibility-a spark that outlives the giveaway bundles.

Fast-forward to today, and the cycle is about to repeat with the much-anticipated iPhone 17 series launch. The rhetorical question is already being asked by the market: how will iStudio Plus manage to top the magic they created last year?

‘We’re always thinking ahead,’ Yeung insists. ‘Last year was just the beginning. This year, we want to create something that brings even more people together-something that celebrates how Apple has become part of everyday Filipino life.’

This commitment to community engagement and spectacle is the engine driving their market position.

Digital lifestyle destination

When the brand first entered the market, the goal was straightforward: to replicate the premium Apple retail experience found in global flagship stores. Filipino consumers deserved the same level of expertise, service, and ambiance. But the vision quickly matured beyond mere retail duplication.

Today, the focus is squarely on connecting technology with the modern Filipino lifestyle. iStudio Plus strives to help customers grasp how Apple and other premium devices can seamlessly enhance the way they live, create, and connect-whether it’s a student using an iPad for digital art, or a young professional editing a passion project on a MacBook.

They are no longer just selling devices; they are curating a platform for creativity and innovation. Every store layout, every staff training module, and every launch event is designed to tell this lifestyle story.

This focus on elevated experience is what separates them from the crowd. In a competitive market where pricing can be tightly controlled by the manufacturer, differentiation hinges on the intangible: trust, expertise, and community.

As they put it, ‘What drives us forward is our desire to make premium technology more accessible and meaningful for everyone. Because great tech isn’t just for a few-it’s for anyone who wants to elevate how they live.’

The dual pillars: Service with culture

iStudio Plus has successfully adopted Apple’s DNA of design and attention to detail, but they have layered it with something uniquely local: warmth and community. This cultural infusion is their secret sauce.

Their operational backbone is rooted in their certification and years of expertise: Apple Authorized Reseller (AAR) and 25 years of experience. This combination is critical. It means that within the four walls of an iStudio Plus store, a customer can complete the entire ownership lifecycle-purchasing, learning, repairing, and upgrading.

The Gold Service Provider status is particularly significant. It elevates their after-sales service from a

necessary convenience to a strategic advantage. All technicians are Apple-trained, and all processes adhere to global standards, ensuring that a repair or service issue is handled with world-class precision and care. For the discerning Filipino buyer, knowing they can walk in with a problem and leave with an authentic, fast solution builds a bedrock of loyalty that transactional discounts cannot match.

Furthermore, they have built the PLUSTRADE program, which has become a favorite among loyal customers. This initiative allows customers to trade in their old devices for credit toward a new one. This not only makes upgrading easier and more attainable-particularly in an economy sensitive to value and accessibility-but also integrates a degree of sustainability into the consumer cycle.

This focus on after-sales being ‘the heart of their strategy’ ensures that the customer relationship doesn’t terminate at the checkout counter, but strengthens with every interaction.

The strength of a multi-brand ecosystem

While Apple remains the core anchor of the brand’s identity, iStudio Plus understands that the complexity of modern life demands more than a single ecosystem. Users are rarely purists; they often employ a mix of devices for optimal performance.

‘Apple remains our foundation,’ says the team, ‘but our customers use multiple brands that work together.’ This insight led to the intelligent decision to offer select premium brands like Samsung, Shokz, Insta360 and HONOR.

By curating these additions, iStudio Plus positions itself as a multi-brand ecosystem, creating a space where the needs of the consumer-not the dictates of a single brand-are prioritized. It’s a smart, inclusive approach that accurately reflects how people truly live with technology today.

This forward-thinking strategy is now driving an ambitious nationwide expansion. Having conquered Metro Manila, they see immense, untapped potential in the provinces, where access to world-class retail experiences is still limited. Expansion is viewed as a mission of accessibility-bringing the same caliber of service and ambiance to a broader Filipino audience.

Each new branch is deliberately envisioned as a tech and lifestyle hub. Even in the age of rapid e-commerce growth, iStudio Plus believes firmly that physical stores are essential for experiential retail.

Customers need to touch, test, and truly immerse themselves in a device before making a significant purchase. Their physical spaces serve as vibrant centers for product demos, workshops, and creator events, ensuring the energy remains constant and fresh.

Nurturing the creator community

THE Apple user base has always shared a strong, almost tribal identity, and iStudio Plus has actively nurtured this through dedicated community building.

Their philosophy is simple: ‘We’re building a hub where creativity, innovation and lifestyle meet.’

Through photography workshops, content creation collaborations, and lifestyle events, the company has fostered a strong network of creators, artists, and everyday users. These gatherings go beyond mere product demonstration; they are designed to reignite the spark of inspiration-the understanding that Apple products are not just tools, but enablers of expression and connection.

This dedication to community has created not just customers, but a movement-strengthening the loyalty loop far beyond what discounts or one-time promos could ever achieve.

As iStudio Plus charges toward the future, their mission is crystallized: to shape how Filipinos experience technology. This focus on building a culture that seamlessly connects technology with lifestyle is the foundation of their rapid, strategic growth. Whether through high-octane pop-up events, targeted campaigns, or strategically planned store openings across the archipelago, iStudio Plus is fundamentally redefining what premium tech retail means in the Philippines-making sophistication both accessible and deeply meaningful.

The next big moment

With the iPhone 17 Series launch set for October 16-17, 2025, at iStudio Plus, Bonifacio High Street, the brand is once again gearing up for an experience that goes far beyond the usual product release. From 9 pm until midnight, expect the signature midnight countdowns, exclusive bundles, trade-in programs, and surprise guests-all designed to celebrate how the iPhone has become part of everyday Filipino life.

But beyond the spectacle lies something more lasting: a sense of community, belonging, and shared inspiration.

Because what truly defines iStudio Plus is not how many devices it sells, but how many stories it sparks.

And as the countdown begins anew, one thing is certain-this story has only just begun.

NIS begins post-amnesty registration for foreigners with expired visas October 13

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the commencement of a Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme (PAVRDP) for foreign nationals who failed to take advantage of the recently concluded Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty), which ended on September 30, 2025.

In a statement by AS Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, the NIS said the new post-amnesty programme will take effect from October 13, 2025, and is designed to provide a structured and humane opportunity for undocumented foreigners to regularize their stay or voluntarily exit the country in line with Nigerian immigration laws.

According to the statement, affected individuals are required to report to the nearest Immigration Command for registration and documentation, where each case will be assessed individually to determine the appropriate course of action under the Immigration Act, 2015, and related regulations.

The Service, however, warned that any foreigner who violates the conditions of their visa and fails to report for documentation will face arrest, detention, and removal from Nigeria, in addition to long-term entry bans.

‘The public is reminded that aiding and harbouring illegal immigrants constitutes an offence under Nigerian law.

‘Companies, organizations, and individuals are therefore advised to desist from such acts to avoid prosecution’, the statement added.

The NIS also cautioned that breaches related to the conditions of stay or regularization are punishable offenses, urging full cooperation from the public and the expatriate community to support lawful migration management.

Reiterating its commitment to humane and effective migration control, the Service emphasized that the new initiative aligns with its mandate to promote seamless and orderly migration, ensure compliance with immigration laws, and strengthen national security through improved border and residency management.

Diaspora summit generated deals worth N673 million, creative sector leading- NiDCOM

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diapaora Commission (NiDCOM) has highlighted that the 2024 diaspora investment summit led to 56 confirmed deals worth N673 million, with the creative sector leading.

The NiDCOM boss made these remarks at a joint press conference in Abuja, preceding the upcoming summit, which is scheduled to run from November 11 to 13, 2025. This year’s theme is: ‘Fast Tracking Regional and National Development By Mobilising Diaspora Investment.’

According to her, the summit of last year saw remarkable engagement, with over 1,500 participants, including 236 investors and 1,197 business owners.

The creative sector led the charge with 39 deals, with infrastructure, real estate, agribusiness, and energy sectors also reporting strong results.

The summit, organised by NiDCOM in collaboration with the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDSI), acted as a key event to unlock diaspora capital and link diaspora investors with local entrepreneurs across key sectors such as FinTech, ICT, creative industries, agribusiness, healthcare,real estate, and energy.

Summit success highlights

Since its inception in 2018, the NDIS has established itself as a reliable platform for facilitating ‘direct, credible and impactful investments’ from the Nigerian diaspora into the domestic economy, according to Dabiri-Erewa.

State governments, including Ondo, Nasarawa, and Borno, had previously leveraged the summit to attract investors and advance key development schemes, notably Ondo’s port initiative which subsequently secured Federal Government approval.

Dabiri-Erewa stressed that NDIS has evolved beyond a mere conference to become a catalyst for enterprise and sustainable development, fostering job creation, youth empowerment, and connecting Nigeria’s vast talent pool to its core development agenda.

Dabiri-Erewa also confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will attend the summit as the Special Guest of Honour. The NiDCOM chief also offered her commendation to long-standing partners, including DTCA, NIPC, First Bank, NNPC, AG Mortgage, and the media, for their continuous support.

Adding to the call for engagement, Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, Chairperson of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), underscored the conference’s role as a vital link, attracting capital and unlocking the diaspora’s potential for national growth.

Adejugbe-Williams noted that this year’s theme aligns perfectly with the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to diversify the economy and drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.

She also issued a call for new sponsors, investors, and media partners to join the initiative.

Dabiri- Erewa also urged Nigerians at home and abroad to seize emerging investment opportunities for the nation’s economic development.

Prospective attendees are encouraged to register online.

Michael Olagunju: Researcher, engineering the future of sustainable roads

When Michael Olagunju talks about roads, he doesn’t just see layers of asphalt and stone. He sees stories of innovation, sustainability, and a deep conviction that engineering can change lives.

The transportation engineer, now with MacArthur Associated Consultants in Oklahoma, has charted a path that bridges the digital and the physical, technology and infrastructure in Nigeria and the United States.

‘I’ve always been a civil engineer at heart,’ Olagunju said. ‘Technology was something I stumbled into, but civil engineering was always my foundation.’

That foundation was laid at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated among the top five in his class. During his undergraduate years, curiosity pushed him beyond the drafting board.

What began with AutoCAD and Orion design tools led him into UI/UX, graphics design, and eventually software development. By his final year, Olagunju was working remotely as a front-end developer and later as a product manager for a startup, earning about N2.3 million monthly.

Yet, even as his tech career accelerated, something kept pulling him back to the tactile world of bridges and pavements. ‘My passion for civil engineering never went away,’ he recalls. ‘I wanted to see the physical impact of what I was building, not just on a screen, but on communities.’

Engineering with Purpose

That conviction took him across the Atlantic to Oklahoma State University, where he earned his master’s degree in civil engineering with a specialisation in transportation engineering. There, Olagunju immersed himself in asphalt pavement research, investigating performance issues like rutting, cracking, and moisture susceptibility problems that plague roads worldwide, from the highways of the U.S. Midwest to the corridors of Lagos and Abuja.

His research focused on one of the most pressing questions in infrastructure today: how to make roads more sustainable and longer-lasting. A central theme was the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), a recycled material that helps reduce waste, lower production costs, and cut carbon emissions.

‘The use of RAP supports global sustainability goals,’ Olagunju explains. ‘It aligns with SDG 9 on infrastructure, SDG 12 on responsible consumption, and SDG 13 on climate action.’

By integrating recycled materials without compromising durability, Olagunju’s work pushes forward a new vision of road construction, one that is smarter, greener, and more cost-effective.

Redefining pavement standards

In one of his projects, conducted in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), Olagunju proposed new, more accurate criteria for evaluating asphalt mixes. This achievement has earned him recognition within the U.S. transportation research community.

Traditionally, engineers measured rutting resistance using a metric called the Total Rut Depth (TRD). But as Olagunju observed, the TRD failed to distinguish between rutting caused by plastic deformation and that caused by stripping when moisture weakens the bond between asphalt binder and aggregate.

He proposed the adoption of the Corrected Rut Depth (CRD), which isolates plastic deformation from stripping to yield more reliable results, using this parameter. (The CRD which was developed by a researcher called F.Yin at NCAT.

‘It’s a simple shift in measurement,’ he explains, ‘but one that improves how we interpret performance data and, ultimately, how we build stronger roads.’

He also provided performance criteria for using the Stripping Number (SN) as a replacement for the inconsistent Stripping Inflection Point (SIP) used to assess moisture susceptibility. The SN provides a clearer signal for when moisture damage begins, helping engineers make better material and design choices.

Even more compelling, his team evaluated a faster, field-friendly testing device, the Indirect Tensile Test at High Temperature (IDT-HT), which can deliver results in under three minutes, compared to the six-hour testing window required by traditional methods.

From the lab to the podium

Olagunju’s findings were not just confined to the lab. Earlier this year, he presented his research at the prestigious Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., the world’s largest gathering of transportation experts.

His paper, co-authored with ODOT’s Asphalt Branch Manager, delved into evaluating Oklahoma’s asphalt mixes using the newly proposed metrics and the correlations among the various rutting parameters.

‘To get accepted for a podium presentation at TRB, your paper has to go through a rigorous peer-review process,’ he said. ‘It was a proud moment to share research that could help improve real-world infrastructure performance.’

Building on a tradition of excellence

At MacArthur Associated Consultants, where Olagunju now works as a transportation engineer, he’s applying those insights directly to field projects. One that stands out is the Lindsey Street project in Norman, Oklahoma, a corridor that had long suffered from flooding and traffic congestion.

Olagunju’s team is currently redesigning the roadway with integrated stormwater drainage solutions, transforming a problem-plagued area into a model of resilience.

‘For us, excellence isn’t just about technical precision,’ he said. ‘It’s about designing systems that respond to community needs and stand the test of time.’

Despite his growing footprint in the U.S., Olagunju remains deeply connected to Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges. He believes the country’s biggest roadblocks are not in technical capability but in planning, accountability, and maintenance.

‘Many Nigerian roads fail not because they were poorly built, but because they were never maintained,’ he said. ‘Timely resurfacing, like micro-surfacing or overlays, could save billions. But we wait too long and end up rebuilding from scratch.’

His message to Nigeria’s policymakers is clear: plan beyond political cycles and commit to preventive maintenance.

And to young Nigerian engineers dreaming of global opportunities, he said, ‘See international exposure not as an escape, but as a platform to learn and give back. The real value lies in applying what you’ve learned to solve problems at home.’

Engineering for home and the future

Looking ahead, Olagunju envisions becoming a licensed professional engineer leading large-scale, sustainable transport projects, bridging research and practice in both the U.S. and Africa.

But beyond titles and accolades, his mission remains to mentor younger engineers and champion a culture of lifelong learning.

‘Engineering is demanding,’ he admits. ‘But knowing that your work directly impacts people’s lives, that’s what keeps you going.’

Quoting philosopher Eric Hoffer, he adds: ‘In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future.’

For Michael Olagunju, that future is already taking shape layer by layer, road by road, from Oklahoma to Nigeria, one sustainable pavement at a time.

7 places where you can stand in three countries at once

Borders often divide nations, but in rare places, they unite them. Across the world, certain unique spots allow visitors to stand in three countries at once. Known as tripoints, these intersections reveal the shared layers of geography, history, and culture between neighbouring lands.

According to the International Journal of Tourism Space, Place and Environment, there are over 170 such points globally.

Far from being mere lines on a map, they serve as living symbols of connection, from river crossings to tranquil meadows, each telling a story of how borders can link, rather than separate, the world’s diverse nations.

Here are 7 places where you can stand in three countries at once, compiled by Condé Nast Traveller.

1. Dreiländereck (Switzerland Germany France)

In Basel, the Dreiländereck marks the point where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. A monument stands along the Rhine promenade, while the actual tripoint lies slightly upstream in the river. Long a centre of trade and cultural exchange between Romance and Germanic Europe, the area invites visitors to walk along the riverside, stop at cafés, and cross easily into Weil-am-Rhein in Germany or Saint-Louis in France.

The three-country marker, river promenade, gardens, and boat rides along the Rhine make it a calm yet symbolic stop. The site is easily reached from central Basel by tram, car, or on foot, and both Weil-am-Rhein and Saint-Louis are only minutes away.

2. Drielandenpunt (Netherlands Belgium Germany)

Near the Dutch town of Vaals, Drielandenpunt marks where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet on a wooded hilltop that was once part of the former Neutral Moresnet territory. The stone marker sits at the highest point in the Netherlands and attracts families, hikers, and cyclists.

Visitors climb the Wilhelmina Tower for wide views over the three nations, wander through a giant hedge maze, or follow forest trails that weave through the borderlands. From Vaals, it’s a short drive or uphill walk, and the site also makes an easy day trip from Aachen in Germany or Liège in Belgium.

3. Treriksrøysa (Norway Finland Sweden)

Far north of the Arctic Circle, Treriksrøysa stands where Norway, Finland, and Sweden meet near Lake Goldajávri. Built in 1926, the concrete cairn sits amid open tundra, lakes, and pine forests, a shared wilderness that reflects Nordic cooperation.

In summer, hikers visit under endless daylight, while autumn and winter bring the glow of the aurora. The easiest route starts from Kilpisjärvi in Finland, following a marked 11-kilometre trail, though paths also lead from the Swedish and Norwegian sides.

4. Golden Triangle (Thailand Laos Myanmar)

In northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai Province, the Ruak River meets the Mekong to form the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Once known for the opium trade, the area has transformed into a centre for tourism and cross-border exchange.

At Ban Sop Ruak, visitors stand at the viewpoint overlooking all three nations, explore the Hall of Opium Museum, take long-tail boat rides on the Mekong, and shop in busy riverside markets. From Chiang Rai city, the trip takes about an hour by bus or taxi.

5. Picnic Table Tripoint (Slovakia Austria Hungary)

Just outside Bratislava, a forest clearing marks where Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary meet. A triangular picnic table painted with each nation’s flag symbolises the spot, a friendly reminder of unity since the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1920.

Many visitors sit with each person in a different country, then explore nearby forest paths or cycle through the Danube wetlands. The site lies about fifteen minutes from Bratislava by car, followed by a short walk, and can also be reached by bicycle from Rajka in Hungary or Kittsee in Austria.

6. Triple Frontier (Argentina Brazil Paraguay)

At the meeting of the Paraná and Iguazú rivers, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay face each other across the water at the Triple Frontier. Each side of the border is marked by an obelisk painted in national colours, and the surrounding cities, Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay, are linked by trade, bridges, and tourism.

Travellers often explore Iguazú Falls from the different sides, take river safaris, and move between the three cities with ease. The frontier is accessible by air from Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu, or via bridge crossing from Ciudad del Este.

7. Trojmedzie (Poland Slovakia Czech Republic)

In the Beskid Mountains, Trojmedzie marks the border point shared by Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Small bridges and stone markers define the exact meeting spot, surrounded by meadows and wooded hills. Once a site of contested borders in the last century, it now represents peaceful cooperation within the European Union.

Visitors hike through the mountain trails, enjoy picnics by the stream, and stop in nearby villages such as Cierne, Hrcava, and Jaworzynka, each with its own local charm. The area is around two and a half hours by car from Kraków in Poland and about an hour from Ostrava or Žilina.