Home Blog Page 1502

Infobip strengthens leadership to drive growth and innovation

Infobip announces key leadership changes with promotions of internal executives, effective 1 January 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global cloud communications platform Infobip, announced a series of key leadership changes, effective 1 January 2026, supporting the company’s rapid growth and innovation agenda. These appointments promote experienced leaders from within the company, reflecting Infobip’s commitment to nurture internal talent and aligning leadership with strategic goals to deliver greater value to customers and partners.

Infobip announces key leadership changes
Infobip announces key leadership changes

Krešo Žmak has been appointed as Chief Innovation Officer (CINO), a new position in which he will lead company-wide change initiatives ensuring that innovation efforts are tightly aligned with business goals. As AI is the driving force of innovation, a big focus will be on enabling and accelerating AI adoption across Infobip’s product portfolio and steering the organization’s broader transformation into an AI-first company. 

Ante Pamuković has been named Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In his new role as CRO, Ante Pamuković is the strategic architect for revenue driving sustainable growth through global alignment, innovation, and operational excellence. One of the key priorities will be leveraging automation through AI and Go-To-Market strategies to enhance the value and experience delivered to Infobip’s customers worldwide.

In addition, Veselin Vuković is joining the Board of Directors as Chief Alliances Officer. Veselin, who joined Infobip in 2010, has been Chief Alliances Officer since January 2025 and now takes on responsibilities as new Board member overseeing Infobip’s business operations and is responsible for approving key governance, strategic, and operational decisions.

Furthermore, Igor Dvoršak has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing all VP General Managers to streamline organizational structure and enhancing regional coordination. Igor also takes responsibility for Strategy Development and Market Intelligence, enabling a more integrated approach to leveraging insights that drive operational excellence and support for regional teams.

Silvio Kutić, CEO and founder of Infobip, said: “By appointing these senior executives from within the company, we are strengthening our leadership framework to seize the opportunities ahead. Having grown with Infobip for many years, these leaders embody our company’s journey. This year, we celebrate our 20th anniversary, marking two decades of innovation and growth. To support our long-term strategy and maintain our lead, we must be prepared to continually restart and evolve, consistently adapting to the needs of our customers and the market.”

ENDS   

About Infobip 

Infobip is a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected experiences across all stages of the customer journey. Accessed through a single platform, Infobip’s omnichannel engagement, identity, user authentication and contact centre solutions help businesses and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications to grow business and increase loyalty. It offers natively built technology with the capacity to reach over seven billion mobile devices and ‘things’ in 6 continents connected to 10k+ connections of which 800+ are direct operator connections. Infobip was established in 2006 and is led by its co-founders, CEO Silvio Kutić and Izabel Jelenić. 

Recent award wins include:

  • Infobip ranked as the number one Established Leader in the Juniper Research Mobile Messaging Fraud Prevention Market report (Sept 2025)
  • Infobip named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) for the third consecutive year. In 2025, positioned furthest in Completeness of Vision (July 2025)
  • Infobip named among Top 75 in Fortune’s Europe’s Most Innovative Companies 2025, placing it in the top 25% of all listed organizations (June 2025)
  • Infobip ranked as a Leader in the Omdia CPaaS Universe Report for the third time (April 2025)
  • Infobip ranked an Established Leader in the Juniper Research Conversational AI Leaderboard (Feb 2025)
  • Infobip named a CPaaS Leader for the third time in the IDC MarketScape (Feb 2025)
  • Infobip named one of the top CPaaS providers in Metrigy’s CPaaS MetriRank Report (Dec 2024)
  • Infobip named number one among Established Leaders in RCS Business Messaging in Juniper Research’s RCS Business Messaging Competitor Leaderboard 2024 (Nov 2024)
  • Infobip recognized as the number one provider in the AIT Fraud Prevention market by Juniper Research (Oct 2024)
  • Infobip named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies (March 2024)

TVBS and Disney+ Achieve Record-Breaking Success with 40th Golden Disc Awards in Taiwan


TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – TVBS, Taiwan’s leading media brand, successfully concluded its exclusive broadcast partnership with Disney+ for the 40th Golden Disc Awards (GDA).

JENNIE (BLACKPINK) at the 40th GDA at the Taipei Dome, Taiwan(TVBS)
JENNIE (BLACKPINK) at the 40th GDA at the Taipei Dome, Taiwan(TVBS)

Technical Excellence at Taipei Dome Widely recognized as the “Korean Grammys,” the GDA made its historic Taiwan debut on January 10 at the Taipei Dome. To ensure a premium experience for fans worldwide, the TVBS professional team deployed top-tier engineering services, successfully reducing transmission delay to nearly zero. With only a one-minute difference from the live event, TVBS provided a seamless, high-definition broadcast that captured every moment of the prestigious ceremony.

Industry Praise and Strategic Success TVBS’s technical precision and comprehensive coverage earned high praise from both the South Korean organizers and the Taiwanese host, Super Dome. Beyond the live broadcast, TVBS leveraged its cross-platform strength to produce real-time news features and viral fan-focused content, including highlights featuring Jolin Tsai and Greg Hsu. This achievement reflects TVBS’s core values of “Truth, Trust, and Technology,” reinforcing its position as the preferred partner for large-scale international events.

Actor Greg Hsu and LE SSERAFIM taking on the "OVERDRIVE" challenge(HLL / Super Dome/TVBS)
Actor Greg Hsu and LE SSERAFIM taking on the “OVERDRIVE” challenge(HLL / Super Dome/TVBS)

Record-Breaking Performance and Strategic Success The broadcast delivered historic results across both television and OTT platforms. According to ACNielsen reports, the ceremony was exceptionally well-received by female audiences on the TVBS Entertainment Channel, a success mirrored on Disney+ through impressive engagement. This milestone achievement combined TVBS’s industry-leading engineering excellence with Disney+’s global reach, effectively demonstrating the massive appeal and strategic success of this world-class viewing experience.

The night’s highlights featured global icons such as JENNIE and Stray Kids, alongside high-energy performances by BOYNEXTDOOR and Rookie Award winners CORTIS and ALLDAY PROJECT. As Taiwan’s most-used broadcast media brand for consecutive years, TVBS continues to lead the industry in bringing international cultural milestones to a global audience.
Hashtag: #TVBS

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About TVBS

TVBS, the leading media brand in Taiwan, was established in 1993. As the first Taiwanese satellite TV station, TVBS starts a new era of media industry in Taiwan with delivering various values and latest knowledge to local audience.

Monport Laser Introduces Mega S CO2 Laser Engraver, Bringing Intelligent Precision and Automation to Small Businesses

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As winter months prompt many small businesses to streamline operations and prepare for the year ahead, demand continues to grow for laser engraving solutions that balance precision, automation, and ease of use. Building on the Mega and Mega Lite CO2 laser series, and closely aligned with the popular Monport Reno Series, already used by Monport Laser customers, the Mega S desktop CO2 laser engraver represents the next step in the company’s desktop-to-workshop laser lineup, introducing enhanced automation, refined precision, and workflow-focused design for small businesses and professional workshops.

Developed as a brand-new addition to Monport Laser’s lineup, the Mega S is a 70W CO2 laser engraver and cutter designed to support efficient, small-batch production. Available now in its pre-sale phase, this laser engraving machine helps workshops reduce manual setup, improve consistency, and maintain productivity during slower operating seasons.

Small businesses are using this season to improve how they work, not just how much they produce, said the Monport CEO. Their goal with the Mega S was to remove unnecessary complexity and give workshops a machine that delivers professional precision with automation they can rely on every day.

Mega S and the Reno Series: A Trusted Laser Engraving Machines

The Monport Reno Series has long been recognized for pushing the boundaries of desktop CO₂ laser engraving, offering up to 65W cutting power and a large engraving area of 24″ × 16″. Designed for hobbyists, creators, and small business owners, the Reno series combines ease of use, reliability, and versatility at a competitive price. The Mega S builds on this foundation, offering slightly higher power (70W), advanced optical focusing, and smart automation features like Smart Batch Fill, auto-focus, and high-precision vision recognition.

While the Reno Series remains ideal for a wide range of engraving and cutting projects—from custom gifts and home décor to small business production—the Mega S takes the workflow a step further. Its automation and calibration improvements make it particularly suited for small businesses looking to save time, reduce errors, and maintain consistent output during slower seasons or high-demand periods.

A High-Performance CO2 Laser Engraver for Modern Workshops

The Mega S desktop laser engraver is powered by a 70W CO2 laser tube capable of cutting up to 20mm acrylic and 18mm basswood boards. This performance supports a wide range of applications, including signage, décor, packaging prototypes, and customized products. Optional upgrades, such as a telephoto focusing lens and an external booster pump, can increase cutting performance by up to 25 percent.

An industry-first optical focusing solution significantly enhances spot quality, achieving a minimum spot size as small as 0.03mm with a 1.5-inch focusing lens. The system supports engraving resolutions of up to 1000 DPI, enabling clean, detailed results for fine text and complex graphics.

Smart Automation to Improve Production Efficiency

Designed with small businesses in mind, the Mega S desktop CO2 laser integrates intelligent automation features that help reduce repetitive tasks. Smart Batch Fill automatically detects identical shapes and applies the same design across matching materials, while high-precision vision recognition supports batch engraving and curved surface processing.

A 5-minute alignment system using a low-power visible laser beam allows operators to quickly calibrate the optical path. Built-in auto-focus sensors measure material thickness and adjust the laser head to the optimal height, helping ensure consistent engraving and cutting results.

Built for Safety, Comfort, and Long-Term Reliability

The Mega S desktop laser engraver includes an advanced air duct system with more than 500 CFM exhaust capacity to efficiently remove smoke and debris, supporting a cleaner working environment. Operating noise remains below 65dB, making it suitable for shared or enclosed workspaces. An enclosed track design helps prevent dust buildup and extends the lifespan of key components.

The system complies with IEC 60825 Class 1 laser safety standards and features six door detection sensors for enhanced operational safety. Expansion engraving accessories, including cylindrical engraving rotary attachments and built-in drawers for curved and cylindrical items, allow businesses to expand production capabilities without additional equipment.

Preparing Small Businesses for the Seasons Ahead

According to Monport Laser, winter presents an opportunity for small businesses to refine workflows and invest in technology that supports long-term growth. The Mega S desktop laser engraver builds on the foundations of the first Mega and Mega Lite series, while drawing on features from the closely related Reno Series, offering intelligent automation, precision, and reliability in a desktop laser engraver. By combining the best elements of these earlier models, the Mega S is positioned as a practical solution for workshops preparing for increased demand in the coming seasons.

Pre-Sale Opportunity: Secure Your Mega S Today

Monport Laser is offering the Mega S in a limited pre-sale, giving early adopters the chance to lock in the lowest available price and receive an exclusive free gift. Customers who purchase during this period can enjoy an 11% discount using the Monport discount code PRE-MEGAS, ensuring maximum value while supplies last.

This pre-sale is designed for small businesses and creative workshops looking to upgrade their equipment ahead of peak demand. By acting now, customers not only secure early access to the brand-new Mega S laser engraving machine but also gain the advantages of improved workflow, intelligent automation, and professional-grade precision—before the machine becomes widely available.

Learn more and see full details about the Mega S pre-sale here.

About Monport Laser

Monport Laser is a laser technology company providing CO2 laser and fiber laser engraving and cutting machines for small businesses, professional workshops, and creators, with a focus on intelligent automation, safety, and precision.

For more information, visit the official website of Monport Laser.

Media Contact:
Company: Monport Laser
Email: official@monportlaser.com
Website:
 https://www.monportlaser.com

ZWIE and The Education University of Hong Kong Sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Promote Exchange and Deepen Collaboration

GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On January 14, 2026, Guangzhou Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students (ZWIS) and Foshan Zhongshan Whampoa Star-raise School for Hong Kong and Macao Students (ZWSS)—both established by ZWIE—formally signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), marking the launch of several substantive collaborative initiatives. The two ZWIE schools will introduce EdUHK’s “Mainland Secondary School Principals’ Recommendation Scheme” and provide outstanding EdUHK students with opportunities for school visits, immersive on-campus experiences, and internships. The partners will also jointly organize admission seminars and parent engagement activities to offer families cutting-edge educational guidance.

Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK(Left), and Dr. Peggy Zhai, Principal of Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students(Right), completed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation.
Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK(Left), and Dr. Peggy Zhai, Principal of Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students(Right), completed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation.

Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK, said that the signing of the memorandum marks a significant and solid step forward in promoting educational innovation and deepening exchanges between both parties. This collaboration covers multiple areas, which will enhance students’ practical abilities, foster professional exchanges among teachers, and further strengthen the cooperation between the educational sectors of the two regions.

Dr. Peggy Zhai, Principal of Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students, said that this collaboration represents a profound integration of academia and practice. It not only creates a fast track to quality education for students and injects new vitality into teacher development and teaching research advancement, but also provides a high-end, quality career platform for outstanding students of EdUHK, further promoting the integration of education in the Greater Bay Area.

The partnership is founded on the alignment of educational philosophies and mutual high regard for each other’s strengths. EdUHK is a government-funded higher education institution dedicated to advancing learning and teaching through the provision of teacher education programs, as well as diverse academic and research programs in social sciences and humanities. In the March-released “2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject” in education, EdUHK ranked 12th globally, fourth in Asia, and second in Hong Kong. Additionally, it was rated as a “5-Star Institution” in the “QS Stars University Ratings.” The Zhongshan Whampoa Schools for Hong Kong and Macao Students, established in Guangzhou and Foshan by ZWIE based on over two decades of experience, have grown into leading force in educating Hong Kong and Macao students in the Greater Bay Area. The Guangzhou campus has obtained authorization for the IB MYP-DP continuum and Cognia accreditation, and was listed among the “Hurun Education•Top 100 International Schools in China 2025.”

As a pioneer in the integration of Eastern and Western holistic education, ZWIE has been deeply rooted in the Greater Bay Area for over 23 years and has established and supported multiple IB World Schools. Grounded in local educational characteristics and integrated with the IB curriculum framework, ZWIE actively promotes the fusion and innovation of IB and Chinese education, constructing a coherent 15-year IB holistic education ecosystem from kindergarten through high school. It was elected as the founding chair unit of Chong Wa International Baccalaureate Schools Association (CISA), officially recognized by the IB in Greater China. This achievement is underpinned by an educational legacy spanning a century.

ZWIE’s approach to integrated education traces back to the great-grandfather of Mr. James Wong, Chairman of ZWIE—Mr. Wu Shangshi, a pioneering figure in Chinese hydrogeography and a master of modern geography in Lingnan. Mr. Wu Shangshi graduated from the English Department of Sun Yat-sen University, pursued advanced studies in France under renowned French geographers, and upon returning to China, taught at Sun Yat-sen University where he later served as head of the Geography Department.

Mr. Wu Shangshi was proficient in English, French, and German. His translation of Hydrology of Rivers was the first French monograph translated in the Chinese geographical community. His published Research on the Topography of the Eastern Foothills of Baiyun Mountain was one of China’s earliest true topographical papers. The “Pearl River Delta” geographical theory was finalized and matured under his research, and the “Seven Star Hill Ancient Marine Abrasion Relics” he discovered are now listed as a key Guangzhou cultural relics protection unit. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, he led teachers and students on a walking survey of the mountains and rivers of northern Guangdong, holding steadfastly to his lectures amidst the fires of war, integrating a sense of national and familial commitment into the educational ethos.

Many of Mr. Wu Shangshi’s descendants have dedicated themselves to education, and this educational ideal of “rooting in China, looking to the world” has been passed down through generations. In 2003, Mr. James Wong was entrusted by his family to return from Hong Kong to Guangzhou, the place where Mr. Wu Shangshi studied and taught, to explore integrated Chinese and Western education for the new era. The name “Zhonghuang” (中黃) is derived from “Zhonghua Yanhuang” (中華炎黃), and from its inception, its mission has been to inherit and promote Chinese culture.

For over two decades, ZWIE has driven curriculum innovation as its core, developing an integrated curriculum system with both local roots and international perspective. In recent years, ZWIE has continually advanced curriculum evolution, deeply integrating AI-enabled teaching while strengthening science and innovation education. It has explored joint programs with several century-old prestigious schools in the Greater Bay Area to cultivate top innovative talents among Hong Kong and Macao students. As a rising star among schools for Hong Kong and Macao students in the region, ZWIE achieved remarkable results in its inaugural 2025 DSE cohort: at the Guangzhou campus, 46.6% of graduates received offers from top three universities in Hong Kong, 73.3% from top five, including four admitted to the University of Hong Kong (covering flagship programs in Medicine and International Business and Global Management). At the Foshan campus, all inaugural DSE graduates received offers from top five Hong Kong universities or mainland 985/211 institutions, achieving outcomes comparable to Hong Kong Band 1 schools. All graduates from the ZWIE American Curriculum Department gained admission to top 100 world universities.

Mr. James Wong, Chairman of ZWIE, expressed that ZWIE originated in Hong Kong and has accumulated 23 years of practical experience in integrated education within the Greater Bay Area. This in-depth collaboration with EdUHK not only signifies high recognition of ZWIE’s educational practices but also provides strong support for ZWIE’s return to Hong Kong to extend its operations. Mr. Wong mentioned that ZWIE is actively promoting the launch of a new Hong Kong project, “Zhongshan Whampoa Academy,” dedicated to exploring Sino-foreign integrated international curricula with Chinese characteristics, cultivating innovative talents with both noble character and global competence. He looks forward to this as a new starting point—based in the Greater Bay Area, facing the “Belt and Road”—to contribute the wisdom of Chinese education to the world.

Guangzhou Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students
Guangzhou Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students

Foshan Zhongshan Whampoa Star-raise School for HongKong and Macao Students
Foshan Zhongshan Whampoa Star-raise School for HongKong and Macao Students

Point Hope Announces Launch of the Anchor Generational Assets Fund


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – As disruption accelerates and business models grow increasingly fragile, Point Hope today announced the launch of the Anchor Generational Assets Fund, a long-only global equities strategy designed for investors with multi-decade investment horizons.

The Fund is informed by Point Hope’s research into business longevity — shaped by studying how companies sustain economic relevance through competition, market cycles, and technological change.

That research highlights a persistent challenge: many companies struggle to maintain their competitive position as industries evolve. The Anchor Generational Assets Fund is therefore structured to invest in a small group of businesses with the durability to compete and compound value across cycles — rather than pursue short-term, momentum-driven strategies.

“Over the years, we have run a range of different strategies, but once we began viewing investing through the lens of generational durability — asking which businesses could survive and thrive not just this cycle, but across generations — everything changed,” said Guan Zhen Tan, Chief Investment Officer of Point Hope. “That shift materially improved our investment performance and ultimately clarified our focus as a firm: to think in decades, not months, and to prioritise durability over short-term results.”

The Fund invests in a select group of the world’s highest-quality businesses — companies with wide moats, strong pricing power, dominant market positions, conservative balance sheets, and proven management teams. The portfolio focuses primarily on companies in the United States and China, markets that shape global technological leadership and capital formation.

The strategy centres on long-term ownership of these rare businesses with exceptional competitive advantages and sustainable, recurring cash flows. The investment process emphasises deep research, disciplined capital allocation, and patience, resulting in a concentrated portfolio with low turnover and long holding periods.

Point Hope manages capital with an institutional mindset, prioritising risk management, alignment of interests, and long-term survivability. The firm’s principals are the largest investors in the Fund, reinforcing alignment with clients.

The Anchor Generational Assets Fund is intended for family offices and accredited investors. Further information is available upon request.
Hashtag: #fund #newfund #finance #investing #fundlaunch



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Point Hope

Point Hope is a boutique investment management firm with offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The firm is guided by the principles of Performance, Partnership, and Integrity, and is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under a Capital Markets Services Licence for Fund Management.

Agoda Shares Where to Travel Each Month in 2026 Across Asia

SINGAPORE, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda today released a month-by-month guide to help travelers plan their 2026 journeys across Asia. From heritage cities to island breaks, the list highlights destinations and unique cultural festivities that align with seasonal weather and local calendars, offering a curated itinerary of the best destinations for each month of the year.

As travelers plan ahead for their 2026 adventures, Asia presents a calendar filled with well-timed reasons to travel. From festivals rooted in local tradition to landscapes shaped by seasonal weather, choosing when to go becomes as meaningful as choosing where. Planning trips around these moments allows travel to follow the rhythm of place rather than the rush of convenience.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “Planning travel month by month changes how people think about trips. Instead of asking where to go, they ask when a place comes alive. With the right timing, you can enjoy immersive cultural festivals, better weather, and a deeper sense of place. Agoda is here to help every traveler make the most of 2026 with everything they need to plan the perfect trip, including flights, accommodation and activities all in one platform.”

January – Hampi, India

January’s cooler temperatures make walking between Hampi’s ancient temples and boulder-strewn landscapes more comfortable. The dry season also reveals the scale of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history and nature sit side by side.

February – Takayama, Japan

Takayama’s winter setting gives the town a quiet, postcard look, with snow settling on traditional wooden houses. February travel also allows easy access to nearby Shirakawa-go, where traditional thatched roof gassho-style farmhouses stand against alpine scenery.

March – Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam

March aligns with the Ban Flower Festival, when blooms cover the surrounding hills and cultural performances fill public spaces. The timing offers a chance to experience local life during one of the area’s most celebrated periods.

April – Taitung, Taiwan

Mild spring weather makes April a comfortable time to explore Taitung’s coastline and rural landscapes. The start of the Taitung Balloon Festival adds color to the sky and draws visitors beyond the city center.

May – Colombo, Sri Lanka

Wesak Day brings communities together through lantern displays, temple visits, and evening processions. Traveling during this period offers insight into Buddhist traditions that shape daily life across the market.

June – Hangzhou, China

June marks the Dragon Boat Festival, when rivers become racecourses and spectators line the banks. The festival also centers on sharing zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), tying food traditions closely to the celebration.

July – Boryeong, South Korea

Held at Daecheon Beach, the Boryeong Mud Festival turns the coastline into a playground of mud-based activities. July’s warm weather suits the event’s outdoor focus, mixing humor and shared participation.

August – Ipoh, Malaysia

August offers conditions suited for exploring Ipoh’s cave temples, heritage buildings, and street art lanes. The city’s food scene also makes it easy to structure days around markets and local cafes.

September – Luang Prabang, Laos

As the rainy season eases, September reveals green hills and full waterfalls around Luang Prabang. The timing supports slower travel, with space to explore temples and riverbanks without peak-season crowds.

October – Chiang Mai, Thailand

October coincides with Yi Peng, when lanterns lift into the night sky across Chiang Mai. The festival creates a temporary transformation of the city, blending ritual with visual spectacle.

November – Jaipur, India

The November Diwali festival fills streets and homes with lamps, fireworks, and shared meals. Visiting during the Festival of Lights places travelers in the center of celebrations that emphasize renewal and connection.

December – Koh Lanta, Thailand

December brings steady weather and calm seas to Koh Lanta, making it suitable for beach days and boat trips. The island’s quieter pace offers a relaxed way to close out the year with beautiful sunsets and serene nature.

These destinations reflect how travel planning can match experiences with the right time of year, and Agoda helps bring those plans together. With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking, travelers can plan each month of 2026 with flexibility in mind. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more.

NIA Highlights Key Innovation Trends for 2026, Spotlighting Innovation Policies Driving Thailand’s Economy and Society

BANGKOK , THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), is encouraging Thai entrepreneurs to keep a close eye on three key innovation trends for 2026: technology trends, market trends, and consumer trends. NIA also unveiled four major innovation policy directions: promoting investment in innovative businesses, strengthening innovation linkages across sectors, advancing regional innovation development, and enhancing national innovation competencies. These policies aim to accelerate the growth, capability development, and diffusion of innovative businesses, positioning them as key drivers of Thailand’s sustainable economic and social development.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, said that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, escalating geopolitical tensions across multiple regions, trade decoupling and reciprocal tariff measures that create uncertainty in the global economy and value chains, as well as environmental issues and natural disasters, were major forces shaping change in 2025. ‘Innovation’ remains a critical tool for coping with these disruptions and uncertainties.

Looking ahead to 2026, Thai entrepreneurs will need to continue closely monitoring and adapting to change. Key innovation trends present both opportunities and challenges, starting with technology trends that help reduce costs and build long-term competitiveness. Notable technologies include Agentic AI, which can autonomously perform tasks such as customer chat responses, sales closure, order management, queue booking, price comparison, and automated purchasing; Hyper-Automation, which integrates bots and systems to reduce repetitive tasks, improve efficiency and accuracy, and enable real-time data-driven decision-making; and Carbon Accounting, which is becoming essential for SMEs involved in exports or global supply chains. Businesses are increasingly required to measure carbon footprints across energy use, production, logistics, and waste, in response to stricter global regulations such as the EU’s CBAM and Thailand’s forthcoming Climate Change Act.

Business trends highlight growth opportunities across several sectors. These include Health and Wellness, covering not only treatment but also prevention and therapy, particularly for working-age populations facing stress, office syndrome, and sleep disorders. Opportunities span physical therapy clinics, aromatherapy and sleep-aid products, herbal supplements, wellness tourism, yoga, and meditation. Another fast-growing area is the Pet Economy, as the Thai pet market continues to expand despite economic headwinds. This sector now includes holistic and organic pet food, fresh pet meals, fashion apparel, multifunctional pet furniture, and premium services such as pet spas, hotels, and condominiums. Additionally, Green and Circular Businesses are gaining traction, with upcycling and recycling ventures transforming waste and local materials into higher-value products. Although costs may be higher, sustainability-driven products can command premium prices, creating opportunities for community-based SMEs through innovative design aligned with environmental and fashion trends.

Consumer trends reveal a shift toward value-for-money and self-care. Hyper-Personalization is increasingly important, as consumers seek products tailored to individual needs, supported by advanced data analytics—such as supplements based on blood test results or skincare customized to personal skin conditions. Silver Solutions address the needs of Thailand’s aging society, with services focused on convenience, safety, and quality of life, including home modifications, slow-life travel programs, and assisted healthcare services. Meanwhile, Muketing or the Magic Economy reflects the enduring role of belief, spirituality, and cultural traditions in Thai society, creating economic value through religious tourism, spiritually inspired products, and design-driven items that blend art with faith.

Dr. Krithpaka added that NIA’s long-term mission is to transform Thailand into an innovation-driven economy, with startups and innovation-based entrepreneurs at its core. This requires the creation of new industries to drive growth and position Thailand as an “Innovation Nation” through three key objectives: developing innovations based on advanced and deep technologies that are difficult to replicate; creating high-value products and services rooted in creativity and cultural capital; and preparing a highly skilled workforce capable of keeping pace with rapid technological change and evolving demographic and labor market structures. NIA works closely with domestic and international partners in its role as a Focal Conductor of Innovation, supporting innovative businesses through the 4G framework: Groom (incubation and capability building), Grant (funding support), Growth (market expansion and access to capital), and Global (international market entry). In 2026, NIA will drive Thailand’s economy and society through four key innovation policy pillars.

The first focuses on promoting investment in innovative businesses, offering a range of financial mechanisms including grants for early-stage ventures and co-investment schemes for growth-stage firms, such as corporate co-funding, public venture mechanisms (NIA Venture), global investment link programs, and capital gains tax exemptions to support startup fundraising. The second pillar emphasizes innovation linkages, strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to translate research into real-world applications through acceleration programs, innovation hubs, ecosystem platforms, tax incentives, and future mechanisms such as intellectual property financing. The third pillar supports regional innovation development, enhancing local economies and quality of life through Social Innovation Driving units (SID), Open Innovation programs, City and Community Challenge, Social Innovation Villages, and Ninmungkornth The Reality, which inspires new or small entrepreneurs to become local economic champions. The final pillar aims to enhance national innovation competencies, cultivating innovation mindsets, technological and business skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and global readiness across youth, startups, SMEs, and organizations. Key initiatives include STEAM4INNOVATOR, Startup Thailand League, NIA Academy training programs, and productivity-focused projects such as INNOProductivity for SMEs, aligned with international innovation management standards like ISO 56001.

Through these integrated efforts, NIA seeks to strengthen Thailand’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that innovative businesses can grow resiliently and compete on the global stage.

Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Panduit Strengthens Commitment to Customer Excellence with Appointment of Holly Garcia to Chief Commercial Officer

SINGAPORE, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Panduit, a global leader in electrical and network infrastructure solutions, announced the promotion of Holly Garcia to Chief Commercial Officer on 13 January 2026. In this role, Garcia will lead the company’s global commercial strategy, focusing on the company’s commitment to innovation and delivering a best-in-class experience for customers. Garcia will report directly to Panduit President, Marc Naese.

“Holly has the vision and expertise to position our company for continued growth and success while deepening our customer relationships,” said Naese. “Holly’s leadership as Chief Commercial Officer will be instrumental in strengthening the customer experience and delivering the value our markets expect.”

In her most recent role as Vice President of Panduit’s Data Center business unit, Garcia spearheaded global growth and innovation initiatives. She led the development of business strategy and directed new product introductions to strengthen Panduit’s position in the rapidly evolving data center market. With more than 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business unit leadership, Garcia brings a proven track record of driving commercial success and transformative growth.

“I’m honored to take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer and excited to lead our commercial strategy during this time of growth,” explained Garcia. “Our team’s commitment to innovation and customer success has positioned us as a trusted partner globally, and I look forward to driving even greater value for our customers and stakeholders.”

About Panduit

Panduit is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electrical and network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. Operating from our headquarters in Tinley Park, Ill., USA, and across 112 worldwide locations, we drive innovation through strategic R&D investments and breakthrough product development while providing seamless global support and service. Since 1955, our commitment to our customers and partners has remained constant. And together, with them, we create exceptional solutions that support their businesses in a way that’s good for them and good for the world. Panduit is making the connections that matter. For more information, visit www.panduit.com.