Reimagined hospitality blends local culture, curated experiences, and seamless service for the modern traveller
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hilton Petaling Jaya debuts its revitalized identity as your gateway to discovery, unveiling stylishly renovated rooms, enhanced dining options, and upgraded meeting facilities. This transformation is designed to offer modern travelers seamless connectivity between business, leisure, and authentic local discovery.
“This transformation goes beyond a visual refresh, it redefines how guests experience their stay,” said Andre Gomez (General Manager, Hilton Petaling Jaya). “Every detail, from contemporary room design to multifunctional event spaces, reflects Hilton’s dedication to delivering world-class hospitality while staying relevant to the needs of modern travelers.
Accommodations
The transformation introduces 547 redesigned rooms and suites that showcase contemporary elegance infused with subtle Malaysian touches. Shared spaces, including airy lounges and the Executive Lounge, now feature intuitive layouts and productivity pods, offering a natural flow for both social connection and quiet work.
Meetings & Events
With 1,748 sqm of flexible event space, Hilton Petaling Jaya introduces purpose-built features that foster collaboration and creativity. The column-free Kristal Ballroom accommodates up to 1,000 guests, complemented by 20 modern meeting rooms equipped with cutting-edge A/V technology and wireless casting. Hilton’s “Meet with Purpose” packages prioritize energy and sustainability through mindful breaks, carbon-neutral options via Hilton’s partnership with ClimeCo, and locally inspired “Discovery Breaks” such as coffee tastings and cultural mini-workshops.
Food & Beverage
Dining at Hilton Petaling Jaya celebrates culinary offerings across a rich tapestry of flavors. Guests can indulge in authentic Cantonese delicacies at Toh Yuen, savor traditional Japanese dishes at Genji, or experience local heritage at Paya Serai, the hotel’s signature Malaysian dining destination. For elevated evenings, Rye offers an intimate whiskey-led experience, while Drip café provides artisanal coffee and pastries in a relaxed setting.
Book your discovery journey at hilton.com/PetalingJaya. Follow @HiltonPetalingJaya on Instagram and Facebook, and join the conversation with #GatewayToDiscoveryPJ
Thailand has regained approval to host petanque (boules) at the 33rd SEA Games this December after resolving a WPBF suspension.
Thailand will host the pétanque competition at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December, following a reversal by the World Pétanque and Bowls Federation (WPBF) of an earlier suspension over regulatory violations.
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Global Compact convened business leaders from Asia and Oceania on the sidelines of UN General Assembly week to accelerate the transformation of sustainability, from compliance to a core driver of strategy and trust.
The Leadership Roundtable convened CEOs, CSOs and senior business leaders from across Asia and Oceania to reflect on how business leadership is evolving in response to today’s social, environmental and economic challenges. Discussions focused on sustainable finance, supply chain transformation, climate resilience and the evolving role of the CSO, and explored regional solutions, cross-sector collaboration and the integration of sustainability into core business strategy.
This initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns with the Paris Agreement, reinforcing the role of the private sector in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable global economy.
Highlights and key outcomes
Stronger business case for sustainability Participants emphasized the shift from sustainability as a compliance exercise to a strategic business driver. The evolving role of the CSO, integration of ESG into core operations, and the need for stronger governance were recurring themes.
Regional leadership and standards Participants called for Asia-Pacific to shape its own sustainability frameworks and solutions, recognizing the need for regionally appropriate standards and stronger collaboration across public and private sectors.
Finance will follow value A recurring theme was that “solutions need to make economic sense, then the funding will flow automatically.” Leaders emphasized aligning sustainability with financial performance, including through tools like TNFD, to unlock investment and reduce risk.
“Eighty-eight per cent of CEOs surveyed in the 2025 UN Global Compact CEO Study see a stronger business case for sustainability than five years ago, with technology, geopolitics and societal values identified as key drivers. This roundtable demonstrated the momentum and leadership emerging from Asia and Oceania. Businesses are not only responding to global challenges — they are shaping the solutions,” said Sue Allchurch, Chief of Outreach & Engagement, UN Global Compact.
“From supply chain innovation to regional collaboration, the insights shared at this roundtable show how companies are embedding sustainability into strategy and operations,” said Simiao You, Participant Engagement Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact Office.
About the United Nations Global Compact
The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 65 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.
BANGKOK, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MMA Global, the leading global trade association for marketers, today announced the official shortlist for the SMARTIES™ Thailand 2025 awards. The list featuresthefinalists of the nation’s most impactful and creative marketing campaigns, selected from a competitive pool of entries that demonstrate a commitment to innovation and measurable business results.
SMARTIES™ Thailand 2025 Finalists Announced!
The SMARTIES™ Awards are the world’s premier awards program for modern marketing, hosted by MMA Global to recognize excellence in the field. This year’s shortlist represents a broad spectrum of industries and campaigns that effectively leveraged technology, data, and bold creative strategies to drive real business growth. The nominated work showcases how Thailand’s marketing community is pushing boundaries and setting new standards for excellence on a global scale.
“We are incredibly impressed by the quality and ambition of this year’s submissions,” said Rohit Dadwal, CEO of MMA Global APAC & Global Head of SMARTIES™ Worldwide. “The campaigns on this shortlist aren’t just creative. They’re effective. They show a deep understanding of consumer behavior, a courageous willingness to experiment, and a clear focus on achieving tangible business outcomes.”
The selection process was guided by a diverse and distinguished jury panel of industry leaders and experts from across Thailand. These seasoned professionals dedicated their time and expertise to a rigorous, multi-stage review process to identify the most deserving campaigns. The jury’s dedication ensured that the shortlist reflects not only creativity but also strategic thinking, execution brilliance, and measurable impact.
MMA Global extends a heartfelt thank you to all the brands, agencies, and marketers who submitted their campaigns. Their participation and commitment to excellence are what make the SMARTIES™ Awards the most prestigious recognition in the industry.
Beyond the trophy, SMARTIES™ winners receive industry recognition on a global scale. Winning campaigns will be added to WARC 100’s ranking of the world’s most awarded campaigns and companies for media, as well as RECMA’s global scoring of media agencies. Additionally, they will be featured in the MMA SMARTIES Business Impact Index, which showcases the best in marketing from around the world.
The winners of the SMARTIES™ Thailand 2025 will be announced at the highly anticipated Gala Night on November 3, 2025. The ceremony will take place at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, starting at 6:00 PM. This celebratory event provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to network, celebrate their achievements, and honor the campaigns that have made the most significant impact over the past year.
The full shortlist is available for public viewing here.
Join us as we celebrate the best in modern marketing and recognize the bold ideas that are moving our industry forward.
About MMA Global: MMA Global is the leading global trade association for marketers, providing essential resources and expertise to empower marketers to navigate the complex world of Marketing. With commitment to driving innovation and effectiveness, MMA Global plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of marketing.
The French beer brand unveils a bold new partnership with global icon Robert Pattinson, a creative campaign celebrating a multi-faceted take on the idea of good taste
LONDON, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Premium French beer brand 1664 is proud to announce the start of an exciting new chapter, with the appointment of acclaimed actor, producer and global cultural icon Robert Pattinson as its first global brand ambassador.
At the heart of this new partnership is a bold global campaign set to launch in 2026, which unveils a cinematic exploration of contrasting perspectives on good taste. The campaign concept will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Brady Corbet. Corbet’s most recent feature film, The Brutalist, was released in 2024 to critical acclaim and garnered 10 nominations at the Academy Awards in the categories of Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. He’s also won the Silver Lion at the Venice International Film Festival and Best Director at the Golden Globes.
1664 Announces Robert Pattinson as New Global Brand Ambassador
This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for 1664, bringing together Pattinson’s unique style and point of view with the brand’s Parisian roots and effortless sophistication. Together, they invite the world to see ‘good taste’ from fresh angles, with 1664 positioned as the beer that brings people together.
Pairing Robert Pattinson and Brady Corbet signals an audacious creative leap for 1664, which blends sophistication with a distinctive edge. This collaboration embodies the spirit of 1664: unconventional, effortlessly stylish and confident.
“We’re thrilled to unite Robert Pattinson and Brady Corbet, two icons of modern creativity, to create a campaign that dramatises the debate of good taste,” says Nikola Maravic, Global Marketing Director, 1664. “Together, their unique personalities and creative styles challenge convention, with 1664 being at the heart of the discussion. Our longstanding mission to elevate beer into a premium lifestyle experience is underway. This is only the first sip, stay tuned for more to come.”
Pattinson’s involvement brings a new energy to 1664’s world with a playful resolution that everyone can agree on: that 1664 is good taste.
Maravic continues: “With Robert as the face of our next global campaign, we have a unique opportunity to take 1664 into new cultural territory and reach audiences in exciting new ways. This is more than a partnership – it’s a statement of intent.“
Watch this space – an unexpected twist awaits.
About 1664 Blanc
Blue in bottle and iconic in flavour. 1664 Blanc is a light and refreshing premium beer, with a hint of spice and twist of citrus. Perfect for moments with friends. To find out more please visit @1664ukblanc.
– Total Area of 37,000m2, Enhanced Pharmaceutical Logistics Capacity –
TOKYO, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MD Logistics LLC (hereinafter “MD Logistics”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., completed renovation of the South Area of its largest logistics base in Plainfield, in the U.S. state of Indiana in July. As a result, the entire facility, with a total area of approximately 37,000m2, will begin operating as a cGMP*-compliant facility dedicated to pharmaceutical products.
Indiana is a critical Midwest logistics hub in the United States and home to many pharmaceutical and life science companies. Demand for temperature-controlled, cGMP-compliant logistics facilities has grown rapidly in recent years, and MD Logistics has responded with a phased renovation of its facilities.
In September 2024, the North Area (approx. 18,500m2) of the same location was refurbished to make it a cGMP-compliant facility dedicated to pharmaceuticals offering two temperature zones: a constant-temperature zone (15-25C) and a refrigerated zone (2-8C). With the recent renovation of the South Area (approx. 18,500m2), the entire facility can now operate as a dedicated pharmaceutical warehouse.
The South Area renovation has created a constant-temperature area (15-25C) that provides an optimal storage environment for ensuring the quality of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and other health-related products. This will enable MD Logistics to respond flexibly to demand from new customers as well as existing ones, and to meet the needs of the expanding life science and pharmaceutical industries.
The NX Group will continue supporting customers in the global pharmaceutical industry by building a reliable and secure global pharmaceutical logistics platform with the aim of contributing to human health around the world.
Profile of warehouse Location: 700 Perry Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168 Total area: 37,000m2 Supported temperature ranges: 2-8C / 15-25C (two temperature ranges) Principal equipment: Constant-temperature warehouse, refrigerated warehouse, temperature monitoring system, surveillance cameras, access control, generators
*cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice): regulatory standards for the manufacture and quality control of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the United States
The authorities with wildlife animals that were struggled by a suspected vehicle (Photo: Laophatthana News)
On 25 September, Houaphanh provincial police seized a vehicle suspected of wildlife smuggling and discovered 139 live animals hidden inside, weighing a total of 35 kilograms.
Happitat is strategically located in the heart of Bangna’s new economic center, offering both joy and opportunity. Spanning over 200,000 sq.m., it harmoniously blends nature, technology, and unique experiences, and is gearing up for its grand celebration in April 2026.
Reinforcing its strength as Bangna’s new economic hub, the project has received strong interest from partners and aims for an 85% retail occupancy rate in its first year of operation.
Introducing “The Magical Destination of Happiness,” a one-of-a-kind concept never seen before. The project showcases a multi-layered happiness experience and invests in a Phygital Experience to deliver seamless engagement across both the physical and digital worlds.
For the first time in Thailand, a Happiness Index will be implemented using AI Camera technology to measure customer happiness and satisfaction.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 October 2025 – Happitat, the magical destination of happiness and the new landmark of Bangna, is a project under Axtra Happitat Co., Ltd. Built on the pioneering concept of the “New Destination Paradigm”, Happitat seamlessly integrates people, nature, and imagination into a singular space of learning, leisure, creativity, and celebration. Envisioned as a hub for family activities and premium office spaces, Happitat will be Thailand’s first true destination of its kind—set to attract both domestic and international visitors, drive economic growth in business, lifestyle, and real estate, and strategically connect to the country’s major economic centers.
Mr. Sompong Rungnirattisai, Group Chief Retail Business Officer and Group Chief Mall & Property Office CP Axtra Public Company Limited said, “Today, Bangna is emerging as one of Bangkok’s most promising districts, home to over 1.19 million residents and supported by comprehensive infrastructure—expressways, skytrain, and industrial zones. This makes Bangna not only a residential center but also an essential economic hub. Happitat stems from our vision to create a true Destination of Happiness for Thailand. As the pioneer of The Magical Destination of Happiness, it will become a new hub for families and communities in Bangna, a district of immense potential and a gateway to the Eastern Economic Corridor. We believe that a great destination not only attracts people, but also connects the economy, society, culture, and quality of life—just like world-class urban developments. We are confident that Thailand, especially Bangkok and the Bangna district, is moving along the same path.”
“With our long-standing experience in the retail business, we aim to go further—not merely selling products but creating a new S-curve for the retail industry. Through the Happitat project, our goal is to bring a new dimension of happiness to the community, positioning it as a Smart & Happy Community Center and shaping it into a Destination of the Future—one that fulfills people’s lives through happiness, relationships, and connection with nature, ultimately fostering lasting well-being. In addition, we will leverage our expertise as the country’s leading hypermarket operator to curate only the finest products for consumers, while preparing to launch a new concept marketplace that brings together high-quality goods carefully sourced from leading producers both in Thailand and abroad.
Happitat is also driven by a team of experts in Destination Creation and Experiential Marketing, dedicated to designing and delivering unique and distinctive experiences. We are confident that Happitat will become a powerful economic engine for the Bangna district, reinforcing its growth as a major hub.” Mr. Sompong Added
Mr. Visit Udomkitchote, Executive Vice President of Happitat, said, “The highlight of Happitat is its Destination of Happiness, comprising 3 buildings with distinct concepts that are harmoniously interconnected. Inspired by nature, the architecture and interior design bring this vision to life, offering visitors experiences that are both close to nature and enriched with imagination. For the architectural and building design, We have engaged Foster + Partners, one of the world’s leading design firms, in collaboration with F&P (Thailand) Co., Ltd., to serve as design, master planning, and architectural consultants for the project. Their expertise ensures that our buildings embody cutting-edge standards while aligning with principles of sustainability. On the interior, visitors will experience spaces inspired by the beauty of nature, with each floor offering a unique design. This vision has been masterfully crafted in collaboration with BUG Studio, creating a truly seamless blend of creativity and wonder.
Another defining feature of Happitat is its Journey & Experience Design, developed together with Mr. Bill Coan, the visionary behind world-renowned theme park planning. As Happitat’s Journey Designer, he ensures that every part of Happitat truly delivers happiness to everyone. From the moment visitors arrive, they will encounter an atmosphere and vibe unlike anywhere else. At opening, we target 85% rental occupancy rate in its first year of operation, with the official launch scheduled for April 2026. With its prime location and unique offerings, Happitat expects to welcome no fewer than 19 million visitors annually comprising 60% families, 30% working professionals, and 10% active young-old (YOLD).” Mr. Visit added.
Happitat is a landmark project under Axtra Happitat Co., Ltd., covering more than 200,000 sq.m., the development features 3 iconic buildings.
1. Bloominas – A premium community of lifestyle, destination of happiness, featuring unique retail and dining concepts, along with a new marketplace of quality products carefully sourced from leading producers in Thailand and abroad.
Fashion & Lifestyle / Dining & Cafe: From Pocket Gardens to Rooftop Restaurants.
Health & Wellness: Introducing Wellbe Fitness, an international fitness and wellness brand debuting in Thailand, with an all-new holistic wellness concept designed for the entire family.
Grand Stairs Digital Screen: A world-class immersive digital landmark showcasing global content on a spectacular scale.
2. Wonderwild – Places for Families, envisioned as a “ultimate destination for family activities”, combining educational play spaces for children, creative workshops, premium office space, and a vibrant Lotus’s Eatery. Key highlights include:
Whimsical Market: A fantasy landmark of happiness, highlighted by a three-story-tall tree, illuminated with light, color, and sound, and adorned with moving sculptures that feel alive, evoking the wonder of a theme park.
Daily Delicious: A Michelin-level food hall featuring curated restaurants that cater to all generations.
Family Play Time: A sky-high playground and creative activity space for joyful family moments.
Edutainment Zone: The largest and most advanced edutainment center in Bangna, offering workshops, skill-enhancement programs, and interactive learning activities for both children and adults, in classrooms and outdoor natural spaces.
The Hilltop Offices – The Premium Office with Nature View: A 10-floor office tower (floors 6–15) designed to global standards, balancing workplace well-being with natural surroundings, certified to LEED Gold and WELL Gold standards.
3. Festie Town – Happening Space for All, a center of celebration and entertainment, offering year-round events, live performances, exhibitions, and showcases, ensuring every day feels like a festival of happiness. The semi-outdoor design welcomes natural light and features Duplex and Triplex flagship stores that highlight each brand’s unique identity. Highlights include:
Lumis Theater Hall: A performance hall with a capacity of up to 400 people, designed for theatrical productions, live shows, events, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and special celebrations.
Signature Retail Concepts: Including bookstores, floral shops, cafes, dining venues ranging from quick dine-in options to a Rooftop Urban Farm.
Lotus’s Prive’ Lifestyle Supermarket alongside a 7-11 convenience store.
Pet Destination: A comprehensive premium pet hub offering healthcare services, wellness, and lifestyle products for beloved companions.
“Beyond being The Magical Destination of Happiness, where every element is purposefully designed to create experiences for people of all ages, the activities at Happitat are envisioned as ‘Together Activities’—moments that families can truly enjoy side by side. Moreover, the fun and excitement are not limited to the physical layer alone. Happitat integrates a Multi-Layer of Happiness, offering visitors new discoveries across both the real and virtual worlds through phygital gamification, including Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and AI Assistance.
Happitat is also the first project in Thailand to adopt happiness as its KPI. Here, happiness is not viewed as an abstract idea, but as something tangible. Using AI Camera technology, we apply a Happiness Index that measures visitors’ smiles as indicators of emotion, satisfaction, and feedback. These insights are then analyzed and transformed into meaningful data to benefit our partners and customers, helping us continuously enhance our services and elevate Happitat into a destination that delivers greater joy and unforgettable experiences. At Happitat, the magic of happiness comes to life every day.” Mr. Visit concluded.
For more information, please visit https://www.happitatthailand.com/th For leasing inquiries from tenants, retailers, or organizations, please contact: contact@happitatthailand.com
Hashtag: #Happitat
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
