Qu Jing, head of public relations at China's search giant Baidu, issued an apology after sparking outrage with comments glorifying extreme work hours.In videos on Douyin (China's TikTok), Qu dismissed responsibility for employee well-being and threatened to punish those who complained. "I'm not your mother," she said.Her remarks fueled debate about China's infamous "996" work culture (9 am to 9 pm, six days a week). This follows similar comments from Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who called it a "blessing."Qu claimed her dedication was so intense, she didn't know her son's grade level. She also said working weekends and constant phone availability were expected in PR.Baidu has remained silent on the issue. But Qu apologized, stating her views weren't Baidu's and she regretted causing a misunderstanding."I will learn from this and improve communication, while prioritizing colleague well-being," she wrote.The incident has ignited heated discussions on Chinese social media platform Weibo. Chinese social media platform Weibo has seen heated discussion over the incident in the past few days.This was one of the comments: "As the company's vice-president, [Ms Qu] should have known that her comments and attitude would disgust her subordinates, yet she went ahead to make them public. This speaks of how out-of-touch she is."

Trend Micro Incorporated, a global cybersecurity leader, has launched significant additional AI-powered functionality in its platform to secure organizational use of AI and better manage the risks associated with mass adoption of new AI tools.Co-founder and CEO Eva Chen is setting the direction for Trend's market-leading cybersecurity platform ahead of RSA Conference 2024, where Trend researchers will be delivering two talks on AI threat intelligence.Eva Chen said: "Great advancements in technology always come with new cyber risk. Like cloud and every other leap in technology we have secured, the promise of the AI era is only powerful if protected. Our latest platform updates deliver new efficiencies to security teams and provide critical guidelines for AI use."Securing the AI JourneyToday, Trend is introducing new capabilities to protect every person accessing public or private generative AI services across organizations. The new elements in Trend Vision One™ – Zero Trust Secure Access (ZTSA) continue Trend's leadership as the first vendor to focus on securing AI services as well as the people using them across the enterprise:  Centralized management of employee access and usage of AI applications  Prompt inspection to prevent data leaks and malicious injections  Content filtering to meet compliance requirements  Defense against large language model (LLM) attacksBuilding on years of using AI to better protect customers, the newly launched capabilities in Trend Vision One™ help to manage the human risks inherent in using AI. These arrive as additions to proven capabilities for contextualizing alerts and decoding complex scripts, powering threat hunting queries that can help eradicate credential phishing, recommending customized response actions, and more.Experts at Trend also provided guidance to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on possible revisions to its Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM), which aims to help organizations secure emerging tech integrations in their projects.Dave Gruber, Principal Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group, said: "In addition to establishing and refining AI governance policies, security teams need effective mechanisms to identify, monitor, and implement controls for AI usage at both the individual and enterprise level. Security vendors like Trend Micro who have both a long history and experience working with AI, and a proven record of delivering solutions for monitoring and implementing network, web, and cloud controls are well positioned to help security teams enable the rapid adoption of AI to accelerate business objectives in a secure manner."Trend upholds a robust responsible AI model and believes that all security vendors have a responsibility to ensure technologies are developed and used in ways that are ethical, transparent and accountable. This cyber risk associated with AI applies to security vendors as well.As a trusted partner to global law enforcement and security advisory committees, Trend provided guidance to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on its Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM), which aims to help organizations secure emerging tech integrations in their projects. Additionally, Trend is a signatory of the "Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections" to fight misinformation.Hashtag: #trendmicro, #trendvisionone, #visionone, #cybersecurity (Image by Naga raju from Pixabay)

The beauty industry has undergone a profound transformation, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. According to a report by Statista, the Asia-Pacific cosmetics market is poised to exceed US$200 billion by 2025, propelled by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences.Leading the charge in this AI-driven revolution is Appier, a pioneering AI-driven platform, along with innovative beauty brands across the Asia Pacific region. These brands are embracing AI innovations such as virtual reality (VR) and leveraging AI for facial fusion, skin and hair analysis, and augmented reality (AR) virtual try-ons. This tech-savvy approach extends beyond product development, transforming marketing strategies to engage consumers in personalized and immersive ways.As the highly competitive Mother's Day sales of 2024 approach, businesses in the Asia Pacific region have a golden opportunity to leverage AI to craft impactful marketing campaigns. With the region's vast and diverse consumer base, Generative AI (GenAI) presents an unparalleled advantage for beauty brands aiming to captivate their audience and maximize sales during this crucial period.In native advertising, crafting compelling and contextually relevant ad copies is paramount. Enter the GenAI Native Ads Generator – a revolutionary tool to streamline ad creation. Marketers can effortlessly generate numerous ad copies tailored to different audience segments by inputting desired content highlights and selecting the preferred tone. This enhances efficiency and ensures ads resonate with target demographics across various platforms.Once captivating ad content is created, the next crucial step is ensuring it reaches the right audience at the perfect moment. This is where AI-driven Contextual Prediction steps in, analyzing real-time website content to align ad placement with each platform's unique style and tone. By delivering ads in context, this approach increases native ad impressions and optimizes ad expenditure, particularly on platforms relevant to Mother's Day shopping.Understanding consumer behavior is pivotal for effective audience targeting. A GenAI interest topic expansion tool empowers brands to identify and reach potential customers precisely. By expanding interest topics related to Mother's Day, brands can tap into lucrative audience segments such as gift-givers and self-gifters, optimizing ad budgets and driving higher ad performance.The applications of GenAI in Mother's Day marketing campaigns present unprecedented opportunities for beauty brands to connect with consumers on a deeper level. By harnessing AI-driven insights and tools, brands can elevate their marketing strategies, maximize sales, and stay ahead of the competition.In conclusion, integrating AI technologies, particularly GenAI, marks a paradigm shift in how beauty brands approach marketing strategies, especially during critical periods like Mother's Day. With the ability to craft targeted content and deliver it at the right moment to the right audience, brands can forge stronger connections with consumers and drive significant business outcomes.As we navigate the evolving digital marketing landscape, it's clear that AI-driven solutions offer unparalleled advantages in optimizing ad performance and maximizing return on investment. Beauty brands can stay relevant and thrive in an increasingly competitive market by embracing these innovations.In essence, the future of marketing lies in the intelligent application of technology, and GenAI represents the vanguard of this revolution. As we look ahead to future campaigns and endeavors, let us continue to harness the power of AI to unlock new possibilities and shape the beauty industry's future.(Image by pmvchamara .com from Pixabay)

OPPO has consolidated its media operations in Southeast Asia by selecting PHD as its agency partner. This strategic decision extends to key markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.PHD will handle both online and offline media strategy and planning, providing thought leadership to OPPO's marketing efforts in the region. Their responsibilities include developing and executing media plans across global, regional, and local levels."Our central hub in Malaysia allows for coordinated media efforts across the region, while also collaborating with OPPO's global teams," explained David Soo, Managing Director of PHD Malaysia.Previously, each market had separate agencies. PHD's win streamlines operations under a single network, improving efficiency. This appointment follows PHD's recent success in securing OPPO's media business in India."OPPO's decision reflects their confidence in PHD's expertise, innovation, and ability to deliver exceptional results," said Elly Huang, OPPO's HQ Head of Media. "We're excited to collaborate and push boundaries in this dynamic industry."Soo attributes the win to a well-aligned strategy, strong team chemistry, and a deep understanding of OPPO's needs. He emphasizes OPPO's established brand recognition and highlights PHD's focus on driving conversions for their technologically advanced products.This shift comes after a global media pitch initiated by OPPO in 2023. The brand aims to elevate its positioning as a premium player in the market. While a global partner offers convenience, OPPO also values strong local expertise.

Hot on the heels of the Thomas Cup, Haier Malaysia is swinging straight into the spirit of the upcoming Malaysia Masters 2024. The company announced that its homegrown badminton competition, the Haier Cup, will kick off in Kuching on 11 May 2024.Making its return for local fans this year, the number of locations has expanded to four, with Kuching being the latest addition to the roster of Johor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The winners of each location will face off in the Grand Finals. The Haier Cup 2024 Malaysia has attractive home appliances and cash as prizes.The Haier Cup will culminate in a regional tournament with champions from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam vying for the main title on 18 August 2024.Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing Assistant Director Julian Thean enthused, "For Malaysians, badminton is more than just a sport. It is a source of national pride and we are united in the passion for the game. The success of Malaysian players has elevated the status of badminton, inspiring many Malaysians to take up the sport and strive for excellence. Cognizant of this and in line with our growing focus on sports marketing, we introduced the Haier Cup last year as an annual avenue for badminton enthusiasts to pit their skills. The support and reception for our inaugural Haier Cup gave us great encouragement and we have increased the prize pool and number of locations to ease participation. It would be fantastic if Malaysia's next badminton talent could be discovered during a Haier Cup."The inaugural Haier Cup held in 2023 in Johor, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. It attracted the participation of 392 people across the three locations. With the expanded locations and availability of more courts, Haier Malaysia hopes to cater to over 1,400 participants this time around.The Haier Cup is open to all amateur Malaysians aged 18 years old and above. There are four categories for interested participants to compete in – men's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles.

VinFast Auto today announced that it will officially enter the Philippine electric vehicle market in late May 2024 with its diverse and smart green mobility solutions. This debut strongly affirms VinFast's commitment to being a leader across Southeast Asian markets and its mission to promote the electrification of transportation globally.As part of its global growth strategy, VinFast has invested in numerous markets, including the U.S., Canada, Europe and, more recently, Indonesia, India, and Thailand. The Philippines mark a new milestone for VinFast in its Southeast Asian expansion strategy, particularly as the country embraces more government policies that promote the growth of electric vehicles. The brand launch also reaffirms VinFast's commitment to supporting the country in promoting greener and more sustainable transportation infrastructure.VinFast will introduce Filipino customers to its comprehensive range of premium-quality electric vehicles, electric motorcycles, and electric bikes with modern, youthful designs and smart features, providing them with diverse offerings and high-quality electrified experiences.Similar to other markets, VinFast will offer Filipino customers access to its exceptional after-sales services and attractive sales policies and the company is planning to establish a nationwide network of dealerships in the country, helping facilitate a swift transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles.Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc, CEO of VinFast Philippines, said: "The brand launch in the Philippines marks another significant milestone for VinFast in its journey to grow its presence in the global electric vehicle market. We are proud to support the Philippines in its electric mobility revolution and believe that by offering modern, powerful, and smart vehicles alongside exceptional customer service, VinFast will steadily achieve its expansion goals in this market."VinFast will host its brand launch event in Manila, Philippines on May 31 for the media and June 1-2 for the public. At the event, guests will be able to view and experience VinFast's range of electric vehicles, including the VF e34, VF 5, VF 7, and VF 9, six electric motorcycle models, and the VF DrgnFly electric bike. Attendees will also have an opportunity to sign up for test drives of the VF e34, VF 5, and the VF DrgnFly electric bike.In January 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and Vingroup Chairman and VinFast Founder, Managing Director and CEO Pham Nhat Vuong held an official meeting to discuss investment cooperation opportunities.

A recent analysis by Media Partners Asia (MPA) shows a strong comeback for Southeast Asia's premium video-on-demand (VoD) market in the first quarter of 2024.While viewership remained steady at 96.3 billion minutes compared to the previous quarter, subscriptions surged. The region now boasts 48.5 million paying subscribers, a jump of 1.6 million year-over-year and 652,000 quarter-over-quarter. This translates to record-breaking quarterly revenue of $381 million, a 9% and 5% increase year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter, respectively.Indonesia and the Philippines led the growth, followed closely by Thailand in terms of market size and monetization.According to MPA's Vivek Couto, the positive trend reflects the industry's improvements since late 2023. Lower churn rates and strategic investments in local content and marketing are key factors.Korean and US content remain popular, but local productions are thriving, especially in Indonesia and Thailand, where platforms cater to specific audience preferences.Netflix reigns supreme with 49% of Q1 SEA premium VoD revenue and 10 million subscribers. Viu follows closely with 9.1 million subscribers and impressive subscription fee growth. Disney+ maintains its 11% revenue share despite customer churn due to recent price hikes.In Indonesia, Vidio leads with 4.1 million subscribers thanks to its focus on sports and local dramas. TrueID in Thailand saw success with local originals, Premier League football, and Japanese anime.Korean dramas continue to dominate, capturing nearly 30% of viewership, followed by US content. Chinese content is gaining traction on freemium platforms like WeTV, Viu, and iQIYI. Local SEA content also remains strong, particularly on freemium platforms, with impactful originals drawing audiences in Indonesia (Vidio) and Thailand (Viu).(Image by Frank Reppold from Pixabay)

Singapore-based crypto trading platform QCP Capital has secured initial approval from Abu Dhabi to operate there.This In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) allows QCP to conduct regulated crypto activities in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).QCP plans further investments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after obtaining full regulatory permission. The company sees the Middle East as a future hub for traditional and digital asset investment.QCP CEO Melvin Deng hails the IPA as a major step, positioning them as the first Singaporean crypto market maker in Abu Dhabi. He hopes their presence encourages others to enter this growing market. QCP aims to learn from regional players and contribute their expertise.Arvind Ramamurthy, from ADGM's market development department, expects more companies to follow QCP's lead. He highlights ADGM's progressive regulations, making Abu Dhabi an attractive regional base.This approval comes on the heels of QCP's partnership with Abu Dhabi's Further Ventures. This collaboration allows QCP to leverage Further Ventures' licenses for new product sales.(Image by Frank Reppold from Pixabay)

 Hilton (NYST: HLT) announces the opening of La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, the first Curio Collection by Hilton property in Vietnam. As part of a global collection of individually remarkable hotels in sought-after destinations around the world, each hotel evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and design, world-class food and beverage offerings and curated experiences, and La Festa Phu Quoc has its own enchanting story to tell.Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sun Group as we debut our Curio Collection by Hilton brand in Vietnam, and in the desirable island resort of Phu Quoc. This milestone market entry demonstrates our great growth momentum and the appeal of Hilton’s brands across Asia Pacific – all positioning us well to capture the growing travel demand in one of the region’s most exciting destinations.”An enduring narrative weaves through every aspect of the resort’s design story. Inspired by a romantic encounter of a young couple who met on the island and travelled the world together pursuing an artist’s life, La Festa Phu Quoc is a vibrant curation of the couple’s experiences in the coastal town of Amalfi, Italy, and a reflection of Phu Quoc’s distinctive culture and people. Every corner of the resort exudes an air of refined adventure, with breathtaking architecture that mirrors the charm of the renowned Italian coastline, and delightful nooks that celebrate a captivating mosaic of colours.Overlooking a stunning beach with spectacular sunset views, the resort is a stone’s throw away from popular attractions including the Hon Thom Cable Car, Kiss of The Sea Show and Kiss Bridge, and is a 25 minute-drive from the airport.“Every hotel in the Curio Collection evokes a bespoke story through distinctive architecture and curated experiences, and La Festa Phu Quoc is no different. Its Amalfi Coast-inspired design and stunning views radiate a palpable Mediterranean energy and is testament to our commitment to continue immersing guests in one-of-a-kind moments across the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.With a total of 197 rooms and suites, La Festa Phu Quoc reimagines the beauty and sun-kissed landscapes of Italian coastal towns with carefully crafted interiors and a bright, warm colour palette to create visually stunning aesthetics. Room amenities include 19-69 Capri bath products, which draws inspiration from Villa Malaparte in Italy and the classic 1963 film Le Mépris.Guests can indulge in la dolce vita or the sweet life at MARE, which serves elevated Italian cuisine with the rich flavours of the Mediterranean. The palazzo-inspired lobby bar IL SALONE calls for a standstill in time, where Italian espressos and traditional pastries encourage guests to stop for a moment and embrace dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing. The striking lobby bar reflects the lively ambience of an Italian salon, with a reflective ceiling finish mirroring the grandeur of a beautiful piano, and floor tiles that whimsically depict a keyboard. The MERCHANT features an extensive all-day dining experience with seasonal ingredients sourced from both near and far. At LA CAPRI BEACH CLUB, opening in April 2024, stylish designs evoke joyful spirits while music and lively conversation drift through the air as guests relax under glowing sunlight.La Festa Phu Quoc offers an extensive array of facilities, inviting all to bask in the lively and free-spirited nature of the property. Guests can enjoy sun-soaked days by the outdoor pool or restore their spirits with uplifting aromas both familiar and intriguing at the award-winning eforea spa. Drawing inspiration from the stunning Amalfi beaches and Phu Quoc’s scenic hills adorned with the island’s famed sim flowers, La Festa Phu Quoc's spa enclave offers therapeutic treatments and massages that intimately connect with nature and provide a holistic experience that soothes the body, mind, and soul. Specially designed for couples to indulge in treatments together, the 'Joy for Two' treatment offers a shared experience that enhances relaxation in a private and serene environment. Meanwhile, little ones will be thoroughly entertained at the Kids’ Club, a playground for young ones that draws design inspiration from the iconic lemons of Amalfi.Dang Minh Truong, chairman, Board of Directors, Sun Group, said, “The launch of La Festa Phu Quoc reaffirms Sun Group’s focus and ambitions in creating destination-focused lifestyle offerings that enhance Phu Quoc’s appeal and setting new standards of hospitality in Vietnam. More than a vibrant embodiment of the dazzling Amalfi dreams from Italy, La Festa Phu Quoc is also poised to capture the island’s beauty. Through the resort, we are confident that guests will be able to immerse themselves in unique adventures through layers of emotionally-rich and aesthetically-refined experiences.”La Festa Phu Quoc is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 22 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including an exclusive member discount and free standard WiFi. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app.

APRW Pte Ltd (APRW), one of Singapore's earliest and largest independent integrated communications agencies, announces the launch of APRW+, a comprehensive training initiative for its full-time employees. APRW is the first independent communications agency to work with NTUC U SME to build an Operation and Technology Roadmap (OTR). Designed to empower and benefit APRW employees with continuous industry learning and professional development, the programme aims to upskill, upgrade and uplift employees both professionally and personally. It also underscores APRW’s dedication to providing valuable learning resources for its employees to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Driving value in employees with upskilling and integrated industry skills With nearly 30 years of experience in delivering excellence in communications for clients across the Asia Pacific region, APRW continues its dedication to creating significant media and digital presence for clients. The agency also recognises the importance of nurturing talent, and enabling them to reach their full potential and achieve their career goals.The APRW+ programme aims to fast-track employees' development, offering opportunities for employees to participate in certification programmes, managerial development schemes, and robust hands-on training initiatives. APRW+ offers a comprehensive array of skills-enhancing courses that are conducted in-house as well as by external trainers from accredited organisations and educational institutions for employees at various stages of their careers. It aims to instil a proactive approach to learning and a mindset of continuous development in employees. The programme will also expand employees’ industry knowledge, maintain their relevance in the dynamic professional landscape as well as enabling them to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements.“In the ever-evolving landscape of communication, we embrace the dynamic challenges posed by technology and the rising complexities of modern communication. To remain confident and resilient, we understand the imperative to upskill, staying ahead in anticipation of change. As an agency, we recognise that in today's paradigm, controlling the narrative requires adapting to societal changes such as adopting digital tools, which can be seen as an addition to help with efficiency,” said Cho Pei Lin, Managing Director of APRW.Moulding talents to future leaders of tomorrow with opportunities in Singapore and beyond APRW+ consists of five levels, each representing a step forward in the growth and development of client account servicing employees, starting from executive-level to transitioning into leadership roles. It includes a mix of core and non-core electives ranging from foundational topics to management and managerial-related modules to growth, diversification and adaptability. Employees can also look forward to curated seminars and global engagements via webinars, conferences and training programmes for overseas exposure. This includes partnerships with agencies from IPREX, a leading global communication and public relations network. APRW is the sole IPREX representative in Southeast Asia, representing Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia."As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, opportunities for overseas exposure at work are highly valuable in helping professionals broaden their horizons and gain new perspectives. For instance, at the upcoming IPREX Annual General Conference in Greece later this month, we will be joined by communication experts from around the world, giving us a platform to interact and exchange best practices with them. It is going to be an eye-opening trip and I am grateful to the agency for providing such opportunities for us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new learning experiences,” said Bijal Doshi, Senior Manager at APRW. Beyond just upskilling and training, APRW+ also serves as a foundational ground for the agency’s future leaders. The Director Mentorship Programme at the final stage aims to ease selected employees into leadership roles and to be owners and part of the business as well, to be well-equipped and familiar with the different functions of running an agency - from HR, business to finance and budgeting.With APRW+, the agency sets a benchmark for empowering its employees to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape, ensuring that they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Crayon, a global leader in IT services and innovation, announced today it has been chosen as an authorized Broadcom Cloud Commerce Manager (CCM) provider for VMware Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) partners in the Asia Pacific region.Under the agreement, Crayon will provide these services for Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Myanmar. With this appointment, Crayon will welcome all VCSP partners and provide them with support and services to help adopt the VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), alongside storage, ransomware and disaster recovery, and application platform services."Broadcom is excited to be on this new journey with our VMware Cloud Service Provider community, and Cloud Commerce Managers such as Crayon will serve as a trusted advisor to the VCSP partner community as a whole," said Ahmar Mohammad, Vice President, Partners, Managed Services, and Solutions GTM, VMware Cloud Foundation Division at Broadcom. "We're confident that Crayon has the knowledge and expertise to help partners deliver a consistent VCF private cloud experience to their customers and provide VCSP partners with world class service and support."Cloud Commerce Managers (CCM) handle all order processes, including submissions and monthly billing for VCSP Pinnacle and Premier partners, streamlining operations and allowing partners to focus on value creation for their customers. CCMs also facilitate the adoption and management of VCF for VCSP Premier partners. Cloud Commerce Managers enable VCSP Premier partners to expand their services by offering technical and go-to-market support, directly addressing the challenges of cloud transformation."We are uniquely positioned to help VCSP partners best leverage VMware Cloud Foundation and associated offerings to enable their digital transformation ," said Crayon CEO Melissa Mulholland. "In our partner-centric approach, we strive to help companies utilize technology to create more value for their customers in this challenging market where businesses are looking for ways to accelerate innovation and enable flexibility to build, run, and manage applications at scale."Crayon will focus on streamlining operations and allowing partners to focus on value creation for their customers."Supporting our current partners and embracing new collaborations is our priority right now," said Rhonda Robati, Crayon's Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific. "We are committed to enhancing our partners' success and addressing their customers' challenges by leveraging our technical expertise and support services, aiming to boost partner's profitability across the region."

Shopee Malaysia has launched the On-Time Guarantee programme, empowering buyers with the assurance of prompt order fulfilment by all Shopee Supported Logistics. Shopee reinforces their commitment to this promise with a RM5 voucher for all deliveries that exceed the estimated delivery date provided. This gives all Shopee app users nationwide the assurance that they can receive their parcels with predictability backed by Shopee's established fulfilment practices.The On-Time Guarantee programme builds upon Shopee’s long-standing commitment to providing a seamless and secure shopping experience for digital savvy buyers. This includes providing Malaysians with faster and more flexible delivery options, such as Next Day Delivery, Instant Delivery, and increased Shopee self-collection points.Ming Kit Tan, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia, said: “Shopee is consistently implementing new practices to meet and anticipate the needs of both our buyers and sellers. With the increase of user demand for a seamless shopping experience, we are proud to announce the On-Time Guarantee program. This initiative aims to solidify buyer confidence by ensuring timely deliveries, underscoring the critical role that trust in fulfilment practices plays for Malaysians.”The On-Time Guarantee programme features a user-friendly claim process. Each order's estimated delivery date will be clearly displayed on the order details page. If a delivery surpasses this timeframe, buyers can effortlessly claim their RM5 voucher directly through the same page. This streamlined approach ensures buyer satisfaction.Shopee's robust fulfilment network, consisting of trusted and reliable delivery partners, guarantees the program's smooth operation. This network offers a diverse range of delivery options to cater to individual needs, all while maintaining consistent delivery timeframes. As such, Shopee is directly addressing user preference for timely delivery, ultimately strengthening buyer confidence and driving repeat business on the platform.The On-Time Guarantee program has garnered positive feedback from users who have had the opportunity to experience it during a pre-launch period. Matthew, a Shopee user from Selangor, shared his delight, stating, “I was amazed at how quickly my recent order arrived! Packages from within Klang Valley usually take three days, but with the On-Time Guarantee, I received it in just two days – well within the estimated timeframe.”Sharing his own experience on reliable deliveries, Emankamel, a Shopee Affiliate, stated, “I stocked my new studio with a ton of items from Shopee. I bought a lot of small items and didn’t have to worry because the items arrived on time with the Shopee On-Time Guarantee. With this, you can buy anything you set your eyes on and the items will arrive in a short period of time.”The program not only benefited buyers, Shopee sellers too have positive experience from it. Founder of Asikin Ahmad, Asikin Arifin, said: "I strongly feel this On-Time Guarantee programme is a great initiative by Shopee as it encourages sellers to prepare shipments more promptly. This ensures sufficient time to deliver the items within the promised timeframe. In return, customers will also have more trust in purchasing our products via Shopee."

The Sandpiper Group has announced the appointment of Francesca Boase as Managing Director, Professional Services. Sandpiper, renowned as one of the foremost independent communications, public affairs, and research groups in the Asia Pacific region, is set to leverage Boase's extensive expertise to further elevate its specialized Professional Services practice on a global scale.Based between the bustling metropolises of Hong Kong and Sydney, Francesca Boase brings over two decades of invaluable experience to her new role. Her career trajectory spans both agency and in-house positions, where she has collaborated closely with executive teams and boards, carving out a niche in reputation strategy, corporate communications, and crisis and issues management.Prior to joining Sandpiper, Boase held the prestigious position of Director of Communications for Oceania at EY. During her tenure, she spearheaded corporate affairs, issues management, and external communications initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on the firm's strategic landscape.Boase's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Sandpiper, coinciding with the burgeoning expansion of its professional services reputation advisory endeavors across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East regions. The consultancy's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned it prestigious accolades, including recognition as an Asia Pacific Agency of the Year by esteemed industry voices such as PRovoke Media, PRWeek, and the Public Relations Communications Association (PRCA). Furthermore, Sandpiper has emerged as a trailblazer in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Sustainability realms, cementing its position as a frontrunner in the ever-evolving communications landscape.Emma Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Sandpiper, said: “As one of the region’s most experienced advisers in reputation management for professional services, Fran brings a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience to our clients across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and beyond. Her appointment coincides with the growth of Sandpiper’s professional services reputation advisory work across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Over the past 12 months, Sandpiper has been named Asia Pacific Agency of the Year by PRovoke Media, PRWeek, and the Public Relations Communications Association (PRCA), as well as PRCA’s 2024 Specialist Consultancy of the Year.”Francesca Boase, Managing Director, Professional Services, Sandpiper, said: “This is an exciting and challenging time for the professional services industry, and Sandpiper’s global reach and deep expertise in corporate and public affairs makes it ideally positioned to partner with clients across the corporate spectrum. I’m looking forward to collaborating with an international team of dynamic and dedicated professionals to lead the practice globally. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”With Francesca Boase at the helm of its Professional Services division, Sandpiper is poised to navigate new horizons, delivering innovative solutions and unparalleled expertise to its diverse clientele, and solidifying its status as a powerhouse in the realm of communications and public affairs.

UXLINK, the "Social Monster", has issued the "IN UXLINK WE TRUST '' series of NFTs as airdrop vouchers. NFTs are categorized into four grades: "MOON", "TRUST", "FRENS" and "LINK", which correspond to different rights and interests and the number of $UXLINK tokens to be airdropped, based on the user's community contribution, on-chain interactions and assets.NFT holders have generous rights and benefits, including:1. 100% access to $UXLINK native token Season 1 airdrops2. Priority participation in $UXLINK Season 2 and Season 3 airdrops3. Access to joint airdrops of UXLINK eco-projects & AIRDROP2049 projects4. Voting rights in community governanceCurrently, UXLINK has more than 5 million registered users, about 800,000 DAPP daily users and 180,000 on-chain daily users. This NFT issuance is expected to cover about 10% of the highest quality users, exceeding 500,000 in size.UXLINK is the largest web3 social platform and infrastructure for users and developers to discover, distribute, and trade crypto assets in unique socialized and group-based manners.

Ice Cube Marketing, a performance-based digital marketing agency, has announced its elevation to Google Premier Partner status, an accolade conferred upon only the top 3% of agencies in the country. This achievement underscores the agency's dedication to best practices and its proven success in driving client growth through Google Ads.The Google Ads platform has undergone significant changes over the past few years with the advent of AI and machine learning technology. However, many SMEs in Singapore need to better utilise the platform's latest features and harness its full capabilities."Most businesses are so busy with their day-to-day that they have not even updated their Google ads to Responsive search ads," says Ted Chong, co-founder of Ice Cube Marketing. The agency helps SMEs stay updated of the latest developments and adopt solutions that can help them move ahead of their competitors.This includes the use of Performance Max, one of Google's biggest innovations on the ads platform over the past few years. Performance Max is a campaign type offered by Google Ads that allows advertisers to access all of Google's advertising channels and inventory from a single campaign. This type of campaign uses Google's machine learning technology to optimize ad placements and bidding across various channels to achieve the advertiser's specified conversion goals."We actually have an average ROI of a minimum 5 times and we could not have done good or better business after the pandemic if it is not through Ice cube Marketing", shared Fairoz, General manager of Parlour group.One of the reasons SMEs cannot leverage all the solutions provided by Google is the lack of resources and assets such as videos. With an in-house video team, Ice Cube Marketing helps businesses generate their creative assets and tap on new channels such as Youtube and Performance Max to achieve outstanding ROI on their digital marketing efforts.This is made possible because of the use of a full sales funnel and proper marketing techniques that attract quality leads through the digital marketing campaigns that Ice Cube creates. Its lead generation service and social media marketing program are among the most well-received by SMEs.

Influencer marketing has long thrived on the genuine and captivating voices of content creators. However, recent insights from Sprout Social's 2024 influencer marketing report shed light on a shifting landscape. While 37% of consumers express curiosity about brands utilizing AI influencers, this figure jumps to 46% among Gen Z. Interestingly, 27% of consumers, spanning generations, remain ambivalent, unable to discern between AI and human influencers.Yet, consumer sentiments toward AI influencers are nuanced. While some embrace the novelty, 37% express wariness toward brands leveraging them. These findings reflect a complex attitude dynamic toward AI influencer integration.Georgina Whalen, founder of The Influencer Atelier, expresses intrigue toward AI influencers, appreciating the meticulous crafting of their personas. She underscores the potential for undivided attention on brands' messaging sans external influencers, though she maintains a preference for human authenticity.This growing acceptance of AI influencers, particularly among Gen Z, may stem from a lesser emphasis on authenticity in influencer content. Compared to older demographics, Gen Z places less importance on influencer authenticity, prioritizing the utility of product demonstrations and interactions.Real-world examples like Maxi-Cash's virtual personality HAILEY K and Fly FM's AI DJ Aina Sabrina highlight businesses tapping into AI to connect with younger audiences. These ventures signal a recognition of evolving consumer preferences and the potential for AI to bridge communication gaps.Consumer desires from influencers extend beyond mere social media presence. While interest in AI influencers rises, 80% of consumers seek deeper brand engagements, favoring interactive campaigns like in-person events or multichannel ad efforts.Amidst the AI influencer wave, traditional influencers seek differentiation by aligning with consumer values and prioritizing authenticity. However, generational disparities emerge, with Gen Z placing less emphasis on authenticity and more on quantifiable metrics like follower count.Successful brand-influencer collaborations hinge on honesty and impartiality, with consumers valuing entertainment over education or surprise. These insights underscore the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, where authenticity remains prized, but adaptability to emerging trends is key.

Streaming’s popularity continues to surge ahead. As of the March edition of Nielsen’s The GaugeTM, streaming had grown 12% on an annual basis among U.S. adults. Major streaming players are investing big dollars in programming to attract audiences. And ad-supported options are proliferating, meeting the demand from even more viewers like the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The AANHPHI audience brings $1.3 trillion buying power and is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. With more media platforms available than ever before, understanding how and where AANHPI audiences are consuming content is critical for brands and businesses. While Asian Americans spend less total time with media than any other segment of the U.S. population, they are heavy users of digital media, including streaming. For marketers figuring out how to incorporate streaming into their media plans, Asian Americans could be a key audience to focus on.Streaming gains share with Asian American TV useAs reported in Nielsen’s most recent Diverse Intelligence Series report, Asian audiences 18 and older in the U.S. spend 17.5 hours with TV in a given week. While this is less than the 32 hours spent weekly by the general population, AANHPI audiences spend a larger percentage of their overall TV time with streaming. In January 2024, streaming made up 45.4% of Asian Americans’ TV usage, compared with 36.0% for the general U.S. population, according to Nielsen’s The GaugeTM.  Year over year, Asian Americans’ use of streaming grew 5.6% from January 2023. And streaming continues to gain ground. In March 2024, streaming rose to 48.2% of AANHPI audiences’ total TV time. The good news for advertisers is that Asian Americans are leaning into ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) viewing, which made up 31% of their streaming as of January 2024, compared with 27% for the total population. AANHPI streaming use stretches across devicesBeyond TV, AANHPI viewers spend 17 hours per week with their smartphones–which is in line with the total population. However, AANHPI audiences’ level of engagement with mobile devices represents more than a third of their total media time.On smartphones, Asians outpace other viewers for using streaming platform apps—especially ad-supported ones. In an average month, YouTube’s mobile app reaches 85% of AANHPI adults. Sling TV is also particularly appealing with its international TV content, especially in South Asian and East Asian languages. AANHPI viewers are 37% more likely to use the app than the general population.Incorporating streaming into your media plansThe reality is that audiences of ad-supported streaming platforms continue to grow. For example, in February 2024, YouTube captured 9.3% of TV usage, a platform-best. But not all audiences are adopting at the same pace. While age and gender have traditionally been the focus driving media buys, advanced audience segments can help marketers better plan to reach audiences that are leaning in. The media consumption behaviors of the AANHPI audiences don’t follow traditional norms. For example, Asians 50+ spend the most time on connected TV devices compared to other groups who tend to watch more linear TV. Given that Asian Americans are heavy streamers, advertisers can focus on engaging this audience across ad-supported streaming platforms as part of their cross-media campaigns.

Adzymic, a leading dynamic creative platform, has joined forces with Adelaide, the leader in attention-based media quality measurement. This collaboration aims to integrate cutting-edge attention metrics into the Adzymic Premium Exchange (APX), transforming the digital advertising landscape for both advertisers and publishers.Launched in Southeast Asia (SEA), Hong Kong, and Japan in 2023, APX merges high-impact ad formats with premium publisher inventory. This empowers advertisers to effectively connect with their target audiences. Developed in partnership with leading publishers, APX offers curated ad placements known for high visibility and a brand-safe environment.Through this partnership, APX will now include attention measurement capabilities. This allows advertisers to gain deeper insights into campaign performance beyond traditional metrics. By leveraging Adelaide's omnichannel AU metric, advertisers using APX can fine-tune their campaigns for superior results and maximum return on investment (ROI)."Adzymic Premium Exchange is a game-changer for digital advertising," said Travis Teo, co-founder and executive director at Adzymic. "It offers advertisers the perfect mix of impactful formats and premium inventory. Our partnership with Adelaide further strengthens the value proposition of APX by providing advertisers with independent attention measurement to optimize campaigns and deliver high-impact ad experiences.""We are thrilled to partner with Adzymic to integrate attention metrics into the Adzymic Premium Exchange," said Marc Guldimann, CEO & co-founder at Adelaide. "This partnership showcases our global reach and marks a significant step into Asian markets. By working with partners like Adzymic, we can redefine campaign measurement and empower advertisers with the insights they need to drive impactful advertising in today's dynamic digital landscape."In addition to its robust attention measurement, APX offers unique features like dynamic creative optimization (DCO) with live scores and weather integration. This further enhances audience engagement and interaction with advertisements. APX provides advertisers with unmatched flexibility and control over their campaigns through both managed buys and Private Marketplace (PMP) deals.

This Labour Day, Malaysian biscuit brand Julie's Biscuits ditched the traditional greetings and opted for a lighthearted way to celebrate its hardworking team. They did this with a simple yet effective Instagram post featuring a sign that read "Sorry, Creative Department Not Available" against a bright yellow background.This humorous approach stood out from the usual elaborate social media content the brand creates."We wanted to pay tribute to our creative team, the mastermind behind Julie's Biscuits' visuals," said Tzy Horng Sai, director of Julie's Biscuits, in an interview with A+M. "This Labour Day, creatives worldwide deserve a day to recharge, renew, and return with even greater ideas."Sai further said: "Their absence today speaks volumes about the value we place on their creativity. It reminds us that sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is take a break, recharge, and maybe even enjoy a biscuit."By going beyond the typical "Happy Labour Day" message, Julie's Biscuits aimed to achieve two things: foster a sense of pride and recognition among their employees, and resonate with the audience by showcasing their appreciation for their workforce.This isn't the first time Julie's Biscuits has championed employee well-being. They've been actively promoting mental health awareness through their #Take25 campaign, now in its second year. This campaign encourages people to prioritize their mental well-being by taking simple 25-minute breaks throughout the day. The campaign cleverly uses a series of entertaining videos featuring goats (affectionately called G.O.A.T.s) sharing their wisdom on mental health.

The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), a Hong Kong-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to pursuing excellence in journalism, today announced the finalists for the SOPA 2024 Awards for Editorial Excellence (full list here). Global, Regional, and Chinese media outlets submitted more than 700 entries in English and Chinese and a separate category of Bahasa Indonesia.This year marks the 26th consecutive year of the awards, which were first held in 1999. Winners will be announced Thursday, June 20 at an awards dinner in Hong Kong.Joseph Kahn, a former China correspondent and past SOPA winner who is now executive editor of The New York Times, overseeing all aspects of The Times's global newsroom and news report, will be the featured speaker. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Mr. Kahn will talk about his priorities for maintaining editorial independence in an age of polarization.Awards will be given out across 21 categories spanning Women's Issues, Audio Reporting, Investigative Reporting and Business Reporting and a lot more in between. Several publications who made the finalists list benefited from an entry-fee subsidy for small media outlets or first time entrants. Among those are China Books Review in the global opinion writing category; India's ThePrint for regional women's issues; Master-Insight.com for Chinese-language opinion writing; and Magdalene.co in the Bahasa category.As one of the cohort of 135 volunteer judges —comprised of former and current journalists and journalism academics from around the world— summed up this year's awards: "From story choice to execution, this is one of the best sets of stories I've seen in a long, long time. I hope we continue to have an audience for this kind of journalism."Public health was a top theme of coverage, including the fallout from substandard medical syrup made in India and China's role in the global supply chain of fentanyl.Public policy in the world's two most populous nations —India and China— was also a popular topic. Grabbing headlines in India —currently boasting the world's largest population— was how the nation is trying to raise incomes and improve living standards. Meantime, worries are growing about the weakening of some democratic institutions like the press and the judiciary. In China, the leadership's propensity to put national security ahead of economic growth drew attention, as well as the country's unfolding real-estate crisis and the rivalry between the U.S. and China over the procurement of advanced technologies.The Journalism and Media Studies Centre at The University of Hong Kong, known as JMSC, has administered the SOPA Awards since 2011."SOPA's status as Asia's pre-eminent journalism awards is attested by this season's shortlist, which shows an unprecedented level of diversity and depth in terms of reporting range and reach," said Ting Shi, Senior Lecturer at HKU who acts as Head of Judges for the awards."We've also seen an increasing trend of collaborative journalism in the region, where news organizations team up and work together to tackle transnational and cross-discipline topics; media outlets of various sizes and in different places get to play to their specific strength in an encouraging collective journalistic endeavor for the sake of public interests."Rita Widiadana, a veteran Jakarta-based journalist and executive board member of the Asia Pacific Media Alliance (APCAT) for Health and Development, is Head of Judges for the Bahasa Indonesia category, which honors stories that set the domestic agenda in politics, business or social/cultural affairs."This year's shortlist captures the evolving geopolitical landscape, as well as the complexity of the region. We extend our thanks to everyone who submitted their outstanding works to the awards, and we look forward to honoring the winners and finalists in June," said Yi-Shan Chen, Editor-in-Chief of CommonWealth Magazine and co-chair of SOPA's Editorial Committee.

Carefree, a brand known for feminine care products, is expanding its line to include pads specifically designed for mothers. This launch comes alongside a heartwarming campaign titled "Protection for the Protectors."The campaign celebrates mothers and the sacrifices they make. A core mission video highlights this theme with photos of tired yet determined mothers caring for their children at various stages. The video acknowledges the physical changes mothers experience by including a photo of stretch marks. It concludes with a message of support, showcasing Carefree's products and the slogan "All day comfort and protection."Carefree goes beyond just offering physical protection. Partnering with mothers and OB-GYNs, the brand is creating educational content for social media. This content aims to empower mothers by offering support as they navigate the challenges and joys of motherhood.The "Protection for the Protectors" campaign will be rolled out across digital platforms, streaming services, TV, and social media channels for maximum reach.Nicole Harris, head of marketing for feminine care at Carefree, acknowledges the unique needs of mothers. "We understand that mothers, and women in general, experience various feminine care needs throughout their lives," she says. "Our new mission is to support them through these physical changes, including periods, leaks, and more. With this launch, we hope Carefree can be a trusted solution for mothers."Carefree isn't the only brand recognizing the importance of mothers' well-being. Similar to Carefree's campaign, sexual wellness brand We-Vibe launched a campaign last year focused on mothers' sexual health. This campaign encouraged mothers to prioritize their own pleasure and offered tips for overcoming physical changes that can affect intimacy.

The video industry in Asia Pacific is on the cusp of a major shift, with online spending and advertising driving a projected $21 billion (€19.6bn) in growth over the next five years (according to MPA's Asia Pacific Video & Broadband Industry 2024).While traditional TV advertising is expected to see limited growth, with some exceptions in India and Southeast Asia, the rise of Connected TV (CTV) will redefine the landscape. CTV ad spending is expected to be a key driver in both established and developing markets.Premium online platforms, including those owned by broadcasters and independent streamers, will continue to attract significant ad dollars in major markets like Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Korea.The pandemic era (2020-2023) saw a surge in video advertising, with digital platforms capturing a dominant 85% share compared to linear TV's 15%. This trend is expected to continue, with established platforms like YouTube, Meta, and TikTok leading the charge. Local premium platforms are also poised for significant growth.Consumer spending on video services in APAC surpassed $16 billion between 2020-2023, fueled by a boom in subscription-based VoD (video-on-demand) services. The next five years will likely see new bundle options, pricing models, and industry consolidation.Market Highlights:  Japan: A key market for online video subscriptions, with high customer value and room for growth.  India, Indonesia, Philippines: Enhanced internet penetration offers significant economic potential for VoD services.  India: The expanding young adult demographic presents a prime target audience for affordable VoD services, leading to increased content and distribution investments.  Thailand: Strong broadband penetration bodes well for subscription-based VoD platforms.  South Korea: Consolidation and potentially more advertising integration could fuel future growth.While spending on traditional linear TV, especially pay-TV, is expected to decline, older viewers with high average revenue per user (ARPU) and low churn rates remain a valuable market segment.

M&C Saatchi Group has confirmed that group creative director, Sharon Edmonston, has departed after eight years with the agency.Edmonston, who first joined M&C Saatchi’s Sydney office as a creative director in 2015, is yet to reveal the reason for her exit.According to reports she is one of multiple senior employees to have left the group, continuing a trend of senior exits after the departure of from M&C Saatchi Australia chief strategy officer, Emily Taylor in February. The agency’s chief creative officer, Cam Blackley, also finished up more than 5 years with the agency in October last year.“As M&C Saatchi embraces the optimum creative structure for our clients’ needs and evolving capabilities, the necessary yet difficult decision has been made to reshape select roles,” said an M&C Saatchi Groupspokesperson in a statement.“We are sad to part ways with colleagues that have played significant roles in delivering exceptional campaigns for our valued clients; for which we would like to say a heartfelt thank you. Small changes to our creative structure are required to channel our big ambition and purposefully continue M&C Saatchi Group on its trajectory of success.”The news comes at the same time as reports that Endeavour Group has gone to pitch for its core brands, including BWS, for which M&C Saatchi is the incumbent.

KFC went all out to celebrate the launch of their new signature burger, the "Extra Tasty Crispy Burger" (ETC Burger), with a takeover of PLQ Mall!The takeover transformed the outlet into a chicken burger haven, offering only chicken burgers and creating an "ultimate KFC experience" for mall visitors.Here's what went down:Chicken Burger Focus: The outlet signage proudly proclaimed "#Chicken_Burgers by KFC," highlighting their commitment to top-notch chicken burgers.Giant Greeting: A gigantic ETC display greeted customers as they entered the outlet.Fan Photo Wall: An "ETC box wall of fame" provided a fun photo opportunity for fans.Temporary Tattoos: Customers could sport their love for the ETC Burger with temporary tattoos from the "ETC burger tattoo sticker corner."Interactive Storytelling: An engaging storytelling panel with props allowed customers to learn about the burger, take pictures, and play a game.Claw Machine Fun: Every burger meal purchase at the PLQ Mall outlet came with two free claw machine tokens for some extra excitement.This playful takeover aligns with KFC's history of creative campaigns. Earlier this year, KFC Singapore:Launched a Crave-Worthy Song: A catchy song featuring local artist Calvert Tay was designed to entice customers with their new chicken Bak Kwa menu items.Introduced "HuatWear" Shorts: These limited-edition red shorts featured a festive design with the God of Fortune, chicken drumsticks, and lucky symbols, perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year.KFC knows how to grab attention and create buzz with unique experiences that go beyond just the food. The ETC Burger launch at PLQ Mall is a prime example!

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IndiaTourism Malaysia is thrilled to announce the introduction of new AirAsia direct flight connecting Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's vibrant capital. With this strategic expansion, AirAsia aims to strengthen the air connectivity between India and Malaysia, offering more convenient travel options for tourists and fostering closer ties between the two nations.The new direct route is set to commence on the following date:Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur:May 1, 2024, with fares starting from INR 6,999/- “We are delighted to partner with AirAsia to enhance accessibility to Malaysia for travellers from Ahmedabad," said Noriah Jaafar, Director, Tourism Malaysia-Mumbai. "This new direct flight underscore our commitment to promoting tourism and strengthening bilateral relations between India and Malaysia. We are confident that this flight will facilitate increased tourist arrivals, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences in our beautiful country.” Traveller from Ahmedabad can now fly direct to Kuala Lumpur VISA FREE without having to change flight or transfers. With the introduction of these direct flights, travellers can now easily explore Malaysia's diverse offerings, from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, the cultural splendor of Penang and participant in a unique cultural attraction, historical landmarks and culinary delight of Malaysia. “We are excited to launch direct flight from Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur," said Mr. Suresh Nair, GM, AirAsia. "This new route reflect our commitment to providing affordable and convenient travel options for our passengers. We look forward to welcoming travellers aboard our flights and showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Malaysia." Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, with stringent health and safety protocols. Passengers can rest assured knowing that their travel experience will be both enjoyable and secure. 

Uber has promoted Pradeep Parameswaran, previously the regional general manager for Asia Pacific, to oversee three key areas: Uber for Business, Business Development, and Fleets.Parameswaran expresses his enthusiasm for the new role, highlighting his existing passion for both Fleets and Business Development, especially within the Asia Pacific region. He acknowledges Susan Anderson, another Asia Pacific veteran at Uber, who is transitioning to lead Uber's grocery delivery expansion.Praising Uber for Business' achievements, Parameswaran emphasizes the development of solutions for corporate travel and employee needs, alongside initiatives supporting client sustainability efforts. He mentions successful partnerships with auto dealerships, logistics providers, airlines, healthcare organisations, and more. This has resulted in Uber for Business serving a global clientele of 200,000, including over 60% of Fortune 500 companies.

Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok have reached a new agreement, bringing UMG artists and music back to the platform after a temporary break.Previously, UMG content was removed due to disagreements over artist compensation, AI usage, and user safety.TikTok is crucial for music discovery, especially among young audiences in the US.UMG argued artists receive significantly less compensation from TikTok compared to other platforms.AI-generated music using TikTok's tools was a major sticking point in negotiations. UMG opposed including AI works in royalty payments, fearing it would diminish payouts to human creators.The music industry is concerned about the potential negative impact of AI on artist compensation.This deal comes amidst uncertainty over TikTok's future in the US due to potential government restrictions.Despite the agreement, the long-term outlook for TikTok in the US remains unclear.

L'Oréal Paris' iconic slogan, "I'M WORTH IT," isn't just a tagline in China; it's a cultural touchstone. Born in the 1970s, it's become a rallying cry for breaking stereotypes about women around the world.As one of the first Western beauty brands in China focused on women's empowerment, L'Oréal Paris played a significant role. The Chinese translation, "?????" (w? zh ?áng y?ng y?u), has become a powerful expression woven into the daily lives of millions.This spring, L'Oréal Paris China partnered with McCann China to celebrate the slogan's legacy. The campaign features renowned celebrities like Gong Li and everyday women alongside Ilon Specht, the copywriter who penned "I'M WORTH IT" in 1971.Through a series of posters and short films, the campaign explores how "I'M WORTH IT" has evolved alongside the changing roles of women in society. It aims to inspire Chinese women to confidently embrace their self-worth and redefine the meaning of the slogan for a new generation."This statement embodies the core values that L'Oréal Paris has consistently upheld," says Lily Li, General Manager of L'Oréal Paris China. "We hope to encourage more Chinese women to confidently affirm their own belief in 'I'M WORTH IT.'"Pekyee Lai, from McCann Shanghai, adds, "'I'M WORTH IT' has witnessed the development and empowerment of Chinese women. Our campaign celebrates the real faces and voices behind this powerful slogan."This campaign is a testament to the enduring power of "I'M WORTH IT." It's more than just a marketing message; it's a movement that continues to inspire women in China and around the world.

Redhill, a Singapore-headquartered communication services agency, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the launch of a new Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This programme prioritizes employee engagement and invests in their long-term success.The ESOP, effective May 1, 2024, grants stock ownership to all current employees with at least three years of service. This initiative reflects Redhill's commitment to empowering its team and fostering a sense of shared ownership. "As we celebrate this milestone, rewarding our employees who have been on this journey with us is a top priority," said Manisha Seewal, Redhill's president. With over 200 team members across 20 countries, Redhill's international presence is a testament to its remarkable growth. The ESOP program reinforces their position as a global leader in communications and signifies their belief in the power of a collaborative workforce. Seewal said that the ESOP plan is a strategic move to attract and retain top talent, solidifying Redhill's position as a truly global communications agency.This employee-centric move comes on the heels of Redhill's acquisition of Vision Strategy Storytelling (VS Story) in 2022. VS Story strengthens Redhill's sustainability offerings, allowing them to meet the evolving needs of their clients.Redhill provides PR, strategy, design, technology, and marketing services to companies across the world.

Bumble, the women-friendly dating app known for its "Make The First Move" feature, is making a big splash with a brand refresh and exciting new features.Opening Up Conversation StartersOne of the key additions is "Opening Moves," which empowers women to set conversation starters for their matches. This addresses a common pain point - nearly half of women surveyed by Bumble desired more ways to initiate conversations. Women can choose from Bumble's suggestions or craft their own personalized questions.Streamlined Profile Creation and Compatibility UpdatesBumble is also streamlining profile creation and expanding dating intention options. Additionally, they're refining their compatibility algorithms for even better matches.Global Campaign Celebrates Women and ChangeBumble's commitment to women takes center stage in their new global marketing campaign. With the tagline "We've changed so you don't have to," the campaign highlights Bumble's dedication to evolving alongside women's needs.A Video that Speaks Volumes (Literally)A humorous video captures the frustration some women experience with online dating. The protagonist, initially swearing off men, encounters a potential match within a secluded women's community. The scene cleverly transitions to Bumble, reminding viewers that women can take control on the app.Bold Marketing Strategy Creates BuzzBumble's global campaign utilized a playful and bold approach. In the days leading up to the announcement, they launched a Renaissance-themed teaser campaign hinting at women's dating fatigue. This creative strategy included augmented reality installations, social media memes, and video content.Closer Look at the Asia LaunchBumble's social media channels in Asia mirrored the global campaign themes. They also introduced "Flip It," a video hinting at upcoming features designed to enhance women's online dating experiences.Singapore Gets Its Share of Bumble LoveSingaporean Bumble users will see the launch campaign showcased on high-traffic platforms like the Bugis and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations.The brand refresh extends beyond functionality with a new logo, bolder fonts, and a vibrant color palette.The entire global campaign and app redesign were developed in-house by Bumble's talented Creative Studio

Microsoft has announced a commitment to equip 2.5 million people in member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with AI skills by 2025. The skilling initiatives will be implemented in partnership with governments, nonprofit and corporate organizations, and communities across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.Microsoft’s commitment aligns with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 to build an AI-ready talent pool in the region. It is also part of the company’s broader goal to empower individuals, organizations, and communities in ASEAN countries to harness the potential of AI to drive innovation and economic growth.Dr Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, said: “We appreciate Microsoft’s commitment to upskilling ASEAN youth in AI, a pivotal step aligning with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025. By fostering a sustainable digital talent ecosystem, it will contribute significantly to our regional development.”Microsoft’s skilling commitment will focus on four areas: building an inclusive, AI-ready workforce; bridging the cybersecurity talent gap; enhancing developers’ AI skills; and empowering nonprofit organizations to maximize their social impact.These initiatives will build on Microsoft’s long history of helping to close the digital skills gap in ASEAN countries. Over the past two years, around 1.7 million people have participated in its Skills4Jobs program.“What's truly exciting is the innovation mindset already prevalent in ASEAN. Investing in AI skills is investing in a future where economic growth is inclusive, giving every person a chance to contribute and benefit. With a robust pool of talent skilled in disruptive technologies, ASEAN is well positioned for the global tech race,” said Andrea Della Mattea, President of ASEAN at Microsoft.Building an inclusive, AI-ready workforceThe digital age demands skilled workers, and vocational institutes will be critical in providing practical training for industry-aligned needs and roles. Microsoft will help strengthen vocational education systems across the ASEAN region to provide AI skills in partnership with the ASEAN Foundation and education ministries in the 10 member states, which will benefit an estimated 644,000 vocational students.Through the AI TEACH for Indonesia and AI TEACH Malaysia programs, Microsoft and the ASEAN Foundation will provide technical and vocational education and training students with AI skills. Microsoft is also training and educating 100,000 underserved youths and job seekers in AI, data, and security through its existing partnership with Kartu Prakerja, the largest pre-employment program in Indonesia.In addition, Microsoft is launching the AI Skills for the AI-enabled Tourism Industry program in partnership with Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Labour, and the nation’s Technology Vocational Education Training Institute. The initiative will skill 100,000 young entrepreneurs involved in tourism businesses across minor-tier geographic provinces in all five regions of Thailand.In the Philippines, Microsoft is committed to equipping 1 million Department of Education learners from kindergarten to grade 12 with AI and cybersecurity skills, ensuring their readiness for future careers and employment opportunities. Furthermore, Microsoft will strengthen its collaboration with the nation’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) by investing in a new initiative to equip 100,000 TESDA female learners with AI and cybersecurity skills. This will help foster a diverse talent pipeline for the country’s digital transformation. Microsoft will also expand its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme Asia Pacific in Indonesia to Malaysia and Vietnam, helping 570,000 youth from underserved communities enhance their employability and work readiness through access to AI fluency skills.Helping bridge the cybersecurity talent gapThe Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the largest skills gap in its cybersecurity workforce globally, with a shortfall of 2.7 million people in 2023. At the same time, AI-powered security capabilities are becoming a necessity in the fight against modern-day cyber threats.As part of its global Cybersecurity Skilling Initiative, Microsoft has designed and curated training programs with nonprofit organizations to help create alternative pathways for underrepresented youths into the cybersecurity industry.Microsoft’s Ready4AI&Security program will train 15,000 young individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia, focusing on providing opportunities for women to build cybersecurity careers. This will include access to Microsoft’s Security training and certifications. Enhancing developers’ AI skills to foster innovationTo support the ASEAN region’s 7 million-strong developer community, Microsoft has launched the Asia AI Odyssey campaign, which highlights how Microsoft’s AI Applied Skills validate the specific technical competencies required to build transformative AI applications. The campaign is running across Asia and aims to train 30,000 developers in ASEAN countries, encouraging greater use of AI services in the digital economy.Empowering nonprofit organizations to maximize their social impactIn June 2024, Microsoft will host its first Nonprofit Leaders’ Summit to equip 1,500 nonprofit employees with knowledge and skills in AI and digital technologies.Microsoft will also provide nonprofits in ASEAN countries with access to the Microsoft Resources Hub and the LinkedIn for Nonprofits Resource Hub to help maximize their social impact and lead change in the AI era.

Leo Burnett India has announced a key addition to its senior team, appointing Anirban Roy as the new Chief Strategy Officer. Roy will report directly to Amitesh Rao, CEO of Leo Burnett South Asia.Roy brings over 21 years of experience in the advertising industry, having worked with renowned agencies like Ogilvy, McCann, and most recently Wieden & Kennedy, where he led strategy for the Indian market. He's known for his ability to challenge conventional thinking and guide brands towards success through straightforward yet impactful strategies.Amitesh Rao hails Roy's appointment as a significant step for the agency, fostering cohesive strategic leadership that will be instrumental in their growth ambitions. He highlights Roy's extensive experience, strong leadership qualities, and dedication to excellence, which will benefit both existing and future clients. Rao is confident that Roy's proven track record, combined with Leo Burnett's diverse brand portfolio, will set a new benchmark for the future.Rajdeepak Das, CCO, Publicis Groupe South Asia & Chairman, Leo Burnett South Asia, emphasizes that Leo Burnett India's human-centric and purpose-driven approach to creativity sets them apart. Roy's appointment, according to Das, strengthens their commitment to this strategic approach. He extends a warm welcome to Roy as he joins the Leo Burnett family.Anirban Roy expresses his admiration for Leo Burnett's impressive talent pool, creative momentum, and reputation for award-winning work that drives real-world impact. He's particularly drawn to the agency's stellar leadership and enviable client roster. Roy is enthusiastic about collaborating with the team to unlock brand fame and growth for their clients.Throughout his career, Roy has steered the strategic direction of prominent brands like Amazon, Maggi, Jio 5G, Titan, BMW, Yum Foods, Coke, Sprite, and Bingo!. His thought leadership has been published in WARC, Economic Times, and The Drum. His strategic vision has resulted in numerous accolades at Effies, Cannes, AMEs, and D&AD.

Rohan Mahajan, previously the Managing Partner at PHD Indonesia, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer – Media Services at Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Indonesia. This effectively makes him the leader of media services across all OMG Indonesia agencies, including OMD, PHD, Transact, and Annalect. He will continue to report to Rajat Basra, CEO-President Director of OMG Indonesia.Reasons for the Promotion• Business Acumen and Client Relationships: Mahajan's strong business sense and ability to manage client relationships have been instrumental in growing OMG Indonesia's business since he joined in 2017.• OMG Indonesia's Success: Under Mahajan's leadership, OMG Indonesia has become the #2 media agency network in Indonesia according to RECMA.• Experience and Growth Trajectory: His experience working his way up through the ranks at OMG makes him well-suited for this leadership role.What to Expect from Mahajan• Continued Growth: He is expected to maintain the momentum of OMG Indonesia's growth and guide clients through the evolving media landscape.• Best Practices Implementation: He will ensure best practices are implemented across all OMG Indonesia agencies.• Client Focus: His focus will be on creating conditions for clients to succeed through access to the best talent and resources.

Jacqui Lim, the CEO of Havas Media Group Singapore and Chief Growth Officer for SEA and North Asia, has made the decision to step down after nearly ten years of dedicated service with the agency. Rana Barua, the current Group CEO for India, Southeast Asia, and North Asia, will be assuming additional responsibilities to oversee the overall operations in Singapore.In a heartfelt message shared on LinkedIn, Lim, a seasoned media professional, expressed her appreciation to both the team and clients for their unwavering support during her tenure. Lim's journey with Havas commenced in 2014 when she joined as the Managing Director of Havas Media. Over the years, she exhibited exceptional leadership qualities and steadily progressed to the position of CEO. Throughout her leadership, Lim played a crucial role in securing significant clients such as Changi Airport Group, Singapore Management University, AIA, M1, and Cycle & Carriage.In another notable industry development, Deirdre Chew, previously the Head of Measurement Specialists at Google, will be assuming a leadership role at StackAdapt for Southeast Asia, based in Singapore, starting April 30th. Chew's responsibilities will include driving business growth for StackAdapt by enhancing relationships with independent agencies and holding companies. With 14 years of experience in the ad tech sector, including key roles at Google, Chew is well-equipped to spearhead StackAdapt's expansion efforts in the SEA region and APAC.On a different front, DiDi, Australia’s second-largest rideshare platform, has appointed Tim Farmer to lead brand marketing across Australia and New Zealand. Farmer brings eight years of experience from his tenure at The Walt Disney Company, where he held various marketing positions, including partnerships lead and marketing director for Disney+, Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and Searchlight Studios. Farmer notably played a pivotal role in the successful launch of Disney+ in the ANZ market. Before his time at Disney, Farmer contributed to media agencies Carat and UM in Australia. In his new role at DiDi, Farmer will concentrate on enhancing the brand's visibility and differentiation in a competitive market to drive substantial growth.Lastly, Outbrain has named Chris Oxley to the newly established position of Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. With over 18 years of experience in digital media, Oxley will spearhead the expansion of Outbrain's advertising business across ANZ and Singapore. In his previous role as National Head of Digital Sales for Foxtel Media, Oxley successfully introduced programmatic TV and commercialized advertising on the streaming platform Binge. Prior to that, Oxley held roles at Yahoo and BSkyB, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to his new position at Outbrain.

MSL, a leading global public relations and integrated communications agency, has appointed Sahil Chopra as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Publicis Consultants Asia (PCA). In his new role, Chopra will bring his extensive expertise and leadership to drive strategic guidance and oversee the delivery of core services to client organisations operating in the entertainment, consumer, and technology sectors across the Asia-Pacific region.Prior to joining MSL, Chopra served as the Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Stanza Living, where he played a pivotal role in developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies. With a rich background in both brand and agency environments, Chopra has provided strategic counsel to numerous global corporations on effective communication, social media, and purchase consideration strategies.Throughout his career, Chopra has demonstrated a keen ability to design and implement end-to-end consumer and influencer immersion programmes for prominent corporations such as General Motors, Ford, Sony Sports, Ola, LaLiga, and Red Bull, among others. His track record of success underscores his commitment to driving impactful communication initiatives that resonate with target audiences and drive business results.

India’s leading tech driven media company – Whisper Media announces the appointment of Ms Nidhee Kekre to its advisory board. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in Business Strategy & Development, notably within the FMCG and BFSI industries, Ms Kekre's strategic insights and industry expertise will significantly enhance Whisper Media's growth trajectory and strategic vision. Ms Kekre joins Whisper Media following a successful tenure as the WPP Client Lead for Unilever, South Asia. Having managed diverse client portfolios across sectors such as FMCG, BFSI, Telecom and Consumer Goods, Ms Kekre's strategic acumen is poised to play a pivotal role in steering Whisper Media towards new avenues of growth and innovation.“We are delighted to have Nidhee on our advisory board. Her proven track record in driving business strategies and nurturing client relationships aligns perfectly with our vision of being a valuable client partner. We look forward to leveraging her insights to drive transformative initiatives and enhance our offerings in the FMCG sector. Nidhee’s extensive experience in business strategy, coupled with a deep understanding of consumer dynamics, makes her a valuable addition to Whisper Media's advisory board,” says LS Krishnan, CEO & Director, Whisper Media.Before her tenure at WPP, Ms Kekre held key roles with renowned brands including Kantar, JetAir, Essar Aegis and Godrej, where she earned accolades for her innovative strategies and business transformation initiatives.“I am glad to be a part of Whisper Media's journey, a company known for its cutting-edge approach to media solutions and production. I believe in the power of technology to revolutionize consumer engagement, and I look forward to contributing my experience to drive strategic growth and market leadership in the organization,” concludes Ms Kekre.

Goafest, the premier festival celebrating creativity and advertising excellence in India, is thrilled to announce the opening of delegate registrations for its highly anticipated event. Delegates can secure their spots at early bird rates until May 15th, 2024. Scheduled to take place from May 29th  to May 31st  at the luxurious Westin Powai in Mumbai, Goafest 2024 promises to be an immersive experience, showcasing the best of advertising, marketing, and creative innovation. This year's Goafest will feature an exciting lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing delegates with valuable insights and inspiration to fuel their creativity and drive success in the dynamic advertising industry. Sam Balsara, Chairman of the Delegates Committee - Goafest 2024, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, "Goafest is a unique platform that brings together industry leaders, creative minds, and aspiring talents to celebrate creativity, exchange ideas, and shape the future of advertising in India. We are excited to welcome delegates from across the country to join us for three days of inspiration, learning, and networking. This year with the event moving to Mumbai, we are sure there will be a substantial increase in delegates from Mumbai."Registrations are now open, and early bird rates are available until May 15th, offering delegates significant savings on their attendance fees. To register and secure your spot at Goafest 2024, visit Goafest official website today. 

Liverpool FC continues with its ambitious plans for international growth, with the signing of its first ever retail partnership in South Korea.Working with Over the Pitch, a brand and creative design studio founded in 2014 that presents football culture in the country and collaborates with domestic and international clubs. The new partnership will bring fans in the market closer to the club and grow the developing fanbase.Together LFC and Over the Pitch will collaborate on product development, market expansion, and growing the LFC fanbase in the market.The launch will initially involve two new shop-in-shops located in Hongdae (Seoul) and Suwon selling Official LFC Merchandise. A standalone store is also planned to follow.The move supports LFC's ambitions growth in Asia following recent announcements regarding a new official retail partnership with All Star Partners (ASP) in China last year. It has helped bring Chinese fans closer to the Reds with easier access to official retail merchandise via digital e-commerce marketplaces on the Tmall, Douyin and JD platforms.This was followed last month with the partnering with Swire Properties to bring a fully immersive celebration of the iconic Anfield experience to supporters across the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.Mike Cox, Senior Vice President Merchandising at Liverpool FC, said, "We're thrilled to be partnering with Over the Pitch in South Korea, it's an exciting opportunity for LFC Retail in a fast-growing market."As a club with fans based all around the world, we have ambitious plans to grow our international presence in key markets and this partnership is an ideal way of doing that."With their local knowledge we can give supporters easier access to official club merchandise. The instore experiences will feature LFC branding for supporters to feel a part of the LFC family and connect with what this club is about."Hokeun Choi, Creative Director and CEO of Over the Pitch, said, "We are more than excited to be partnering with such a huge club with a concrete fanbase in Korea while being the most symbolic and historical club in the world."We are definitely looking forward to our future plans and cannot wait to bring Korean fans closer to Liverpool FC with our abundant collaborating experience with different clubs and unique designs and branding."

Dominique Rose Van-Winther has decided to leave the Hoffman Agency, where she served as the Asia-Pacific Managing Director since November. Her departure comes six months after taking over from Caroline Hsu, who was promoted to the position of Chief Global Officer within the agency. Caroline Hsu confirmed Van-Winther's decision to pursue her passion in AI and next-generation technology, citing her contributions of energy, fresh ideas, and new perspectives to the tech-focused agency. Hsu will now resume her role as the primary lead for Asia-Pacific while retaining her position as Chief Global Officer. The agency is currently evaluating its options regarding the MD position. Van-Winther, who previously spent over a decade at Weber Shandwick in Asia-Pacific and later ran her consultancy focusing on AI and new technologies, expressed her dedication to the next-gen tech space. She emphasized her focus on deep tech, VC, AI, crypto, and their integration with communications, change management, and training. Reflecting on her time at Hoffman, Van-Winther expressed gratitude for the rewarding experience of working with a dedicated team and a diverse client portfolio. She acknowledged the support and understanding from Caroline and the leadership team as she transitions towards her new direction. Despite Van-Winther's departure, the Hoffman Agency remains committed to its AI initiatives through its global AI council, overseen by Asia-Pacific chief strategist Nicolas Chan.

 In a bold stride towards regional expansion, MSys Technologies, a trusted partner in digital transformation and software product engineering services, proudly announces its latest venture: a new office in the bustling city of Singapore. This momentous occasion not only underscores MSys' unwavering dedication to its APAC clientele but also signifies a strategic leap forward in the company's growth trajectory.The opening of this new office is a testament to MSys' unwavering commitment to client-centricity and localization. By establishing a physical presence in Singapore, MSys is poised to amplify its industry-leading services, offering unparalleled proximity and tailored solutions to clients not only in Singapore but throughout the entire APAC region. This milestone heralds a new era of enhanced support and bespoke digital transformation journeys for our esteemed clientele, as MSys embarks on this exciting chapter of growth and innovation.Forging Global Partnerships by Expanding Reach with Strategic Partner Offices; Venturing into a relentless pursuit of global expansion, MSys Technologies has strategically partnered with key players in Malaysia, fortifying the groundwork for a robust regional network. The debut of our new Singapore office stands as a pivotal moment in this strategic voyage, positioning itself as the central hub for seamless collaboration with our regional partners. These existing partnerships in Malaysia and Vietnam, enhance our presence and capabilities in the region. This strategic alliance pledges to nurture a more unified and cohesive approach to client projects, heralding a new era of unparalleled service and excellence in the APAC region and beyond.Sanjay Sehgal, Founder and CEO of MSys Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "This marks a pivotal stride towards our aspiration to emerge as a worldwide frontrunner in digital transformation. We are witnessing remarkable growth in the region, and the inauguration of our Singapore office will propel our momentum even further."Sreeni Pylore, VP-Global Sales at MSys Technologies , says “Opening the Singapore office reiterates MSys’ increased commitment to Customers & Partners in the region and is part of MSys’ global expansion. MSys already has an office in Malaysia and in Australia, while Global Headquarters is Atlanta, GA, USA.Karthik MPS, AVP - Sales at MSys Technologies, highlighted the strategic importance of the new office, saying, "Singapore serves as a key market for us, especially in sectors like Fintech and e-commerce. Our focus is not just on digital transformation but also on creating localized applications and services that resonate with the unique needs of clients in this region."Revitalizing Regional Talent and Amplifying Community InvolvementIn its drive for growth in Singapore, MSys pledges to construct a robust regional team. Karthik, AVP - Sales, emphasized, "We grasp the significance of vicinity-centric talent and community engagement. Our strategy goes beyond merely establishing an office; it's about cultivating a dynamic ecosystem where we actively collaborate with local experts, recruit skilled professionals, and make meaningful contributions to the regional community."Boosting Revenue and Fortifying Client RelationshipsMSys Technologies has set its sights on doubling its revenue within the next two years. The new Singapore office will play a pivotal role in this endeavor by strengthening client relationships, broadening its industry focus to include Fintech, e-commerce, and digital transformation, and providing tailored solutions for local markets.

OPPO released its "OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper" on World IP Day, reaffirming its dedication to innovation and IP protection. Ranked ninth globally by WIPO for patents filed under the PCT in 2023, OPPO has filed over 101,000 patent applications globally by March 31, 2024, with more than 55,000 patents granted, focusing mainly on utility patents."At OPPO, we believe that technological innovation and intellectual property protection are fundamental to our company's past, present, and future success," said Feng Ying, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of OPPO. "Through our proactive defense IP strategy and commitment to fostering a healthy long-term IP ecosystem, we are fully committed to supporting the future of innovation as envisioned in the 'OPPO Innovation and Intellectual Property White Paper'."OPPO's Commitment to Advancing and Popularizing AI PhonesThrough extensive R&D investment in areas such as image processing, computer vision, speech technology, natural language processing, and machine learning, OPPO is pioneering AI technology development and widespread application in its smartphone products. As of March 31, 2024, OPPO has filed a total of 5,399 AI-related patents globally, including 3,796 utility patents in AI imaging. According to the "Artificial Intelligence Patent Ranking" published by intellectual property media outlet IPRdaily on April 22, 2024, OPPO ranked ninth in China with a total of 3,743 AI-related utility patents granted.<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\0823049e26e15ec4102ce1f714c05158.png' class='content_image'>As part of its efforts to enhance smart life experiences for its users, OPPO is focused on transforming the latest technical innovations into practical, consumer-centric applications. This includes the introduction of over one hundred AI-driven features on the latest OPPO Find X7 series, while future plans involve integrating generative AI features such as AI Eraser and AI Magic Studio into more OPPO products.Advanced Key Technologies through Open InnovationOPPO's commitment to open innovation is driving the company's efforts to build an intellectual property ecosystem based on key technological breakthroughs in high-value areas such as 5G/6G, AI, flash charge, and imaging.To date, OPPO has deployed 5G essential standard patents in over 40 countries and regions globally. It has also filed over 6,100 families of global patent applications, declared over 3,300 families of 5G standard patents to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and submitted more than 11,000 5G standard-related proposals to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In other areas, OPPO has applied for over 12,306 global imaging-related patents and has licensed its VOOC flash charge technology to more than 50 companies, enabling more electronic devices with fast charging capabilities.<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\66ef8efb7b88d246a9c649afbdc8b5da.png' class='content_image'>Proactive Defense IP Strategy for Sustainable IP Ecosystem DevelopmentOver the years, OPPO has signed licensing or cross-license agreements with dozens of patent owners globally, resolving numerous intellectual property licensing issues through negotiations and cross-licenses that fully reflect the value of intellectual property rights from all parties. These steps echo the company's wider belief in charging reasonable licensing fees and avoiding coercive patent litigation while defending its legitimate legal rights and interests where applicable.Driven by its mission of "Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World", OPPO will continue to invest in innovation to create more industry-leading products and services while contributing to the development of the global intellectual property ecosystem through practical actions.

Distillery, a global creative practice, has named Mila Sedivy as its managing director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.In her new capacity, Sedivy will take charge of Distillery's business strategy and operations in APAC, with a primary focus on fostering growth throughout the region. Her responsibilities encompass expanding the company's client base, delivering impactful creative solutions, and cultivating a collaborative and excellence-driven culture with clients and partners.With over 15 years of leadership experience in agency groups such as IPG Mediabrands, Assembly Global, and OMD across APAC, Sedivy brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.Expressing her enthusiasm for joining Distillery, Sedivy highlighted the agency's philosophy, innovative approach, and talented team as key factors differentiating them in the APAC market. She particularly praised Distillery's recent work with Bridgestone, noting their ability to push creative boundaries while integrating technology and innovation in ways that resonate with both brands and consumers. Sedivy also looks forward to expanding Distillery's exceptional client roster.Sedivy will lead a seasoned management team, which includes Guilet Libby as creative director, Miko Cabuyado as customer marketing director, Advait Naik as account director, and Dora David as senior producer.Steve Wheen, the global CEO of Distillery, expressed delight in Sedivy's appointment, citing her extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of the industry and APAC market as invaluable assets for leading the company through its next phase of growth and innovation in the region.

In a significant industry move, Shu Wu, the esteemed Managing Director of McCann Worldgroup China, has announced her departure from the renowned agency network. Wu, known for her strategic prowess and leadership in driving creative excellence, is set to transition to the client side, marking a pivotal moment in her career trajectory.McCann Worldgroup China confirmed Wu's departure and expressed gratitude for her contributions during her tenure. While details surrounding Wu's new role on the client side remain undisclosed, industry insiders eagerly anticipate her next move.Wu's departure underscores the dynamic nature of the advertising landscape and the allure of client-side opportunities for seasoned industry leaders. As one of the most respected figures in the advertising community, Wu's decision is poised to resonate across the industry, sparking discussions on the evolving dynamics between agencies and clients.

CNA (Channel News Asia), an Asian news and current affairs channel, is now broadcasting in the UK on Freeview UK, the country's biggest TV platform. This development brings in-depth Asian news coverage, award-winning documentaries, and insightful current affairs programming directly to UK viewers.What to Expect on CNA:Stay Up-to-Date: Catch daily news updates from across Asia on "Asia Tonight."Go Beyond the Headlines: Dive deeper into developments from Greater China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula with "East Asia Tonight."Uncover Hidden Truths: Delve into Asia's complexities with investigative documentaries like "Asia Undercover Asia."Explore the New Silk Road: Witness China's ambitious trade route plans unfold in the acclaimed four-part series "The New Silk Road."Journey Through History: Travel back in time with "Mark of Empire," a Gold World Media Festivals winner, exploring the legacies of four Southeast Asian empires.Expanding Global Reach:Mediacorp Editor-in-Chief Walter Fernandez emphasizes CNA's commitment to delivering Asian perspectives on global affairs. He highlights CNA's impressive track record, with over 500 international awards largely for their documentaries. Fernandez expresses his pleasure in introducing CNA's in-depth coverage to UK audiences.Tanya Kronfli, Channelbox's Head of Business Development, echoes the importance of fostering a deeper understanding of Asia. She sees the partnership as an opportunity to enhance viewers' appreciation of Asian complexities through authentic storytelling and firsthand perspectives.CNA's arrival on Freeview UK marks a significant step in connecting UK viewers with a diverse and insightful window into Asia.

To reshape the landscape of technology integration in the beverage industry, Microsoft and The Coca-Cola Company have announced a monumental five-year strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to revolutionize Coca-Cola's core technology infrastructure, driving innovation and productivity on a global scale.At the heart of this partnership lies Coca-Cola's commitment of $1.1 billion to harness the power of Microsoft Cloud and its cutting-edge generative AI capabilities. Microsoft Cloud will serve as Coca-Cola's preferred global platform for cloud services and AI, signaling a strategic shift towards transformative technology adoption.Joint endeavours between the two industry giants will include experimental initiatives leveraging Azure OpenAI service to pioneer innovative generative AI applications across diverse business functions. From marketing to manufacturing and supply chain management, this collaboration promises to unlock new realms of efficiency and competitiveness.Judson Althoff, Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to drive systemic AI transformation. "Through our long-term partnership, we have made significant progress to accelerate system-wide AI transformation across The Coca-Cola Company and its network of independent bottlers worldwide," Althoff stated.Coca-Cola's pioneering strides in generative AI have already yielded tangible results, with Azure OpenAI Service empowering the company to reimagine marketing strategies, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences. Now, the company is poised to explore the deployment of AI-powered digital assistants to further elevate efficiency and unlock untapped growth opportunities.Coca-Cola's latest foray into AI-driven marketing has captivated consumers worldwide. The introduction of a groundbreaking typography, revealing hidden letters within every bottle, can, and glass of its Zero Sugar line, has sparked intrigue and engagement. Leveraging object detection algorithms trained on a vast dataset, Coca-Cola has transformed mundane elements like condensation and bubbles into dynamic messaging platforms, inviting consumers to experience the product in innovative new ways.As this transformative partnership unfolds, the fusion of Microsoft's technological prowess and Coca-Cola's iconic brand promises to redefine the boundaries of innovation in the beverage industry, setting a new standard for digital transformation and customer engagement.

Strategic communications and public relations consultancy RICE Communications is making waves in Southeast Asia with the opening of its new offices in Thailand and the Philippines. This expansion solidifies the firm's commitment to enhancing its regional foothold and underscores its dedication to fostering social impact through its work.Building on its established presence in Singapore, Myanmar, and Hong Kong, RICE has strategically positioned itself for growth since 2023. Through a meticulous approach focused on understanding stakeholder landscapes and cultivating industry partnerships, the firm has set the stage for its latest expansion efforts.Heading the charge is Partner and Regional Director Donna Garcia, who brings a wealth of experience to the table. With oversight across Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines, Garcia is poised to lead RICE's regional operations to new heights.Emphasizing its broader commitment to stewardship, RICE aims to positively influence its team, clients, and the wider community through its expansion initiatives. This ethos aligns with the firm's values-based strategy, which permeates every aspect of its operations.In addition to its core focus on ESG communications, RICE has a track record of impactful collaborations with global brands, not-for-profit organizations, and international development agencies. Long-term partnerships with WWF have allowed the firm to spearhead conservation efforts and tackle illegal wildlife trade across multiple Southeast Asian countries.James Brasher, Managing Partner at RICE, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented by the expansion, stating, "Thailand and The Philippines offer RICE plenty of opportunity for growth and social good. Guided by our vision, we’re always looking at how our work can make a positive contribution to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve."Echoing Brasher's sentiments, Garcia highlighted RICE's commitment to fostering creative impact hubs and expanding accessibility to its services for non-profits, NGOs, and social enterprises in the region. Through initiatives aimed at developing local talent and creating inclusive environments, RICE is poised to make a lasting difference.One such initiative involves partnering with Education for the Deaf (EDeaf) in Thailand to train and hire graphic designers from its network, exemplifying RICE's dedication to diversity and inclusion. With the Thailand and Philippines offices now operational, RICE is well-positioned to leverage its regional network and strengthen its local outreach. As the firm continues to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia, its mission of driving positive change through effective communication remains unwavering.

In response to Hong Kong's recent ban on single-use plastics, local restaurant giant LH Group, known for brands like Gyu-Kaku and On-Yasai, has made a bold move. Effective immediately, the group has ceased all takeaway services across its major brands. This decision aligns with the city's initiative to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable dining practices.Simon Wong, chairman and CEO of LH Group, took to social media to announce the shift, emphasizing the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. With overwhelming support from followers, Wong's post garnered thousands of likes and shares, although some skeptics questioned the true motives behind the move.Addressing concerns, Wong clarified that the decision wasn't to undermine the plastic-free initiative but rather to encourage consumers to explore alternative dining options and embrace eco-friendly habits. He stressed the importance of personal choice and highlighted the versatility of reusable utensils in reducing plastic consumption.Since the ban's implementation, various eateries have transitioned to alternative materials like wooden cutlery and paper-based packaging. However, feedback from consumers has been mixed, with some expressing difficulty adapting to the new utensils.Social media discussions surrounding the ban have been diverse, reflecting both positive and negative sentiments. While some applaud the government's efforts, others voice frustration over challenges posed by the transition. Nevertheless, initiatives promoting creative packaging solutions and eco-conscious practices continue to gain traction online.The ban on single-use plastics marks a significant step forward in Hong Kong's sustainability journey. With phased regulations in place, including hefty fines for non-compliance, the city aims to lead by example in combating plastic pollution and fostering a greener future for generations to come.

Outsized, the leading talent-on-demand platform that connects top independent professionals with large enterprise clients and consulting firms across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, has announced a series of strategic senior appointments. These new hires will play a crucial role in strengthening Outsized’s operations and accelerating its growth strategy following a successful Series A funding round led by Knife Capital.The newly appointed senior personnel include Jannie Theron as Financial Director based in South Africa, Srikant Krishnan as the Regional Lead for MENA region based in the UAE, Frans Meyer as Senior Business Development Manager in South Africa, Nick Fofana as Senior Product Manager based in Singapore, and Ines Kracun as Product Designer based in Singapore. Each brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in their respective fields, aligning with Outsized’s vision to revolutionise flexible workforce models globally.For the MENA region, Srikant Krishnan comes with extensive experience in fostering growth and partnerships across diverse sectors. Srikant’s previous roles include leading enterprise sales for UberEats and spearheading Partnerships and Monetization at Careem MENA. He will aim to expand Outsized’s market base, especially in key geographies such as the UAE and KSA, and into new sectors including energy, retail, and healthcare.New Appointments - OutsizedThese strategic hires, set against the backdrop of Outsized’s recent Series A funding round in October 2023, will further enable the company to expand its influence and capabilities in the global on-demand talent market, which is rapidly growing, as almost half of Fortune 500 companies use on-demand talent platforms to access highly-skilled workers.Major companies across the MENA, Asia-Pacific, and Africa regions are increasingly adopting agile workforce models to quickly respond to market demands. According to the Talent-On-Demand 2024 report from Outsized, the MENA region's on-demand talent pool possesses the highest average level of expertise, with 10.1 years, surpassing both the APAC and Africa regions."To leverage the momentum of this burgeoning market, Outsized is strategically hiring exceptional talent aligned with our core vision and, importantly, values of doing business in the right way and being a force for good in the talent market. These new additions bring invaluable expertise, empowering us to further solidify our role as a game-changer in the freelance economy across dynamic regions like Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East," said Niclas Thelander, (pictured above), Founder & CMO of Outsized.Key global appointments at Outsized include -Jannie Theron brings nearly two decades of expertise in finance, having previously served as Regional Business Director and Finance Manager for Pearson. Jannie will oversee global financial operations, ensuring strategic growth and efficient financial management across all markets.Frans Meyer steps into the role of Senior Business Development Manager after eight years at PNet, South Africa’s leading online recruitment platform. His tenure there was marked by exceptional growth and innovation in recruitment practices. Meyer's role will involve both cultivating the existing client relationships and spearheading new client acquisitions to significantly boost revenue.Nick Fofana, appointed as Senior Product Manager, brings a strong background in product management from leading tech and fintech growth companies, most recently at CardUp and CoverWallet (an AON Company). His role at Outsized involves owning the product roadmap, enhancing user engagement, and improving app usability globally through his expertise in agile methodologies and user-centric design.Ines Kracun, joining as Product Designer, has significant experience in digital design and user experience. Previously a lead designer at a European tech startup, she successfully revamped user interfaces to enhance user satisfaction. At Outsized, she will enhance the platform's design, focusing on user needs and business goals, setting design requirements, and identifying product improvements.

Building upon the success of its recent expansion into the United States, MOBILISE, a leading independent B2B growth marketing agency, has strategically extended its global reach with the inauguration of its new office in Singapore. Singapore's dynamic business landscape and talented workforce offer an unparalleled opportunity for the agency to further its global reach and impact.“Given that over 40% of our business originates in Singapore, opening APAC doors was a matter of when, and not why. Following last year’s successful rollout in the United States, this launch of MOBILISE Singapore marks a pivotal, incremental moment that signifies our commitment to enhancing client relationships in ways that drive deeper, more personalized collaboration with brands in the Asia-Pacific region.”, commented Kamal Krishna, CEO, MOBILISE.Chitra Iyengar, General Manager, will lead client relationships across the region. Commenting on the occasion, she states, “Singapore represents the next phase of MOBILISE's journey towards establishing a global presence that supports clients, agnostic of the region they operate in. We are excited about the synergies this move creates with our existing clients and prospects, and the potential it holds in strengthening our presence in the Asia-Pacific region."With this expansion, MOBILISE is extending more localized marketing strategies and solutions to its technology and healthcare industry clients, while leveraging Singapore's strategic regional advantage to capitalize on emerging markets.

A new report by Mozilla and CheckFirst exposes critical flaws in how tech giants handle ad transparency. The study finds that platforms like LinkedIn and Google demonstrate strong reliability, consistently providing up-to-date ad information. However, some platforms exhibit inconsistencies, significantly reducing their usefulness for advertisers seeking accurate data.Here's a breakdown:The Problem: Major platforms like Apple, Google, Meta, X, and others are failing to provide essential ad transparency tools. This leaves users vulnerable to misinformation and manipulation.What They Evaluated: Researchers assessed ad transparency tools across various platforms, focusing on data accessibility, usability, functionality, and accuracy.Recommendations for Ad Archive APIs: The report outlines five key guidelines for effective ad archive APIs, crucial for monitoring election influence and independent research. These include:  Comprehensive content: Access to all paid political and issue-based ads without restrictions.  Detailed ad information: Content, targeting criteria, impressions, engagements, payment details, and microtargeting specifics.  Functionality: Support for advanced analysis (trends, downloads, search functionalities).  Data accessibility: Ads available within 24 hours, historical data access for at least 10 years, and API maintenance.Individual Platform Analysis:  Top Performers (Moderate Success): Apple, Google, TikTok, LinkedIn showed some improvement, but gaps remain.  Low Performers:    X: Worst in data accessibility and search capabilities, limited transparency on audience reach.    Booking.com: Difficult to link ads to the repository, limited information, and lack of details on targeting criteria.    Meta (Facebook & Instagram): Progress since 2019, but accuracy errors and missing data fields remain.    TikTok: Robust API, but encountered gaps and accuracy errors.Key Takeaways:  Even the "best" approaches fall short of essential transparency standards.  Accessibility varies widely: Some offer free access, while others require logins or have no API at all.  Inconsistencies in disclosing the entity behind ads make it difficult to assess transparency.  Discrepancies exist between ads shown and those listed in repositories, limiting their usefulness.Tech giants need to significantly improve their ad transparency tools to combat misinformation and empower users with informed choices.(Photo by Adem AY on Unsplash)