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Asia Pacific cities hold steady at the top amid global volatility, Kearney’s latest report finds

  • Top five APAC cities including Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai remained in the top ten of Global Cities Index, underscoring resilience amid global volatility.
  • Asian hubs such as Seoul and Singapore gained momentum on the Global Cities Outlook, through livability and innovation driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, and digital readiness.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2025 – Kearney’s 2025 Global Cities Report highlights the enduring strength of Asia Pacific (APAC) cities on the Global Cities Index (GCI), a ranking of the world’s most internationally connected and influential cities. Despite heightened global volatility and geopolitical fragmentation, APAC cities including Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai continued to rank among the top 10 spots of the GCI, reflecting how adaptability in digital infrastructure, climate resilience, and institutional agility has become the foundation of leadership.

Kearney’s report reveals that as the world enters the intelligence age, cities are not competing on size or legacy alone, but increasingly on readiness: the ability to align infrastructure, renewable energy, and talent to harness the opportunities of artificial intelligence while managing its risks.

Global Cities Index

The GCI evaluates cities across five dimensions: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement. With 31 indicators, the Index quantifies each city’s ability to attract, retain, and generate global flows of people, capital, and ideas.

The capital of Japan, Tokyo, remained steady at number four for the eleventh consecutive year, maintaining its strength in human capital and showing modest gains across business activity, cultural experience, and information exchange. Additionally, Singapore secured the fifth spot once again, matching last year’s ranking. This stability reflects modest gains in political engagement and human capital, driven by improvements in ease of entry. These are offset by slight declines in cultural experience and business activity.

Among the top-performing APAC cities, Hong Kong took the seventh position this year, rising from ninth place in last year’s GCI, while the other APAC cities retained their positions. Hong Kong posted an improvement in international travelers, and a strong performance in visual and performing art which led to gains in the cultural experience dimension.

The top 10 cities in the 2025 Global Cities Index include:

  1. New York
  2. London
  3. Paris
  4. Tokyo
  5. Singapore
  6. Beijing
  7. Hong Kong
  8. Shanghai
  9. Los Angeles
  10. Chicago

“This year’s Global Cities Index reiterates the resilience of legacy Asian hubs. Despite mounting global headwinds and technological disruptions, all the leading APAC cities remained at the top of the GCI, highlighting their enduring relevance and the region’s expanding global influence,” said Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair of Asia Pacific and Managing Director of Japan, Kearney. “This demonstrates the region’s ability to navigate evolving global dynamics through expanding digital infrastructure, prioritizing regulatory innovation, and investing in climate resilience. We are optimistic that APAC cities will not only accelerate the region’s economic growth, but also serve as critical connectors of the global economy.”

Regional catalysts of growth

Emerging Asian hubs are also gaining momentum on the GCI, driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, and digital readiness. Across the measured dimensions, business activity saw notable shifts this year, with Taipei and Kuala Lumpur achieving strong upward momentum, rising 13 and nine positions on the dimension respectively. In Jakarta’s case, the human capital dimension rose 13 positions in line with the city’s strong progress in strengthening its institutions and infrastructure.

The APAC region is also outperforming in information exchange, where scores rose across all regions – underscoring the growing importance of digital infrastructure and global integration in shaping urban competitiveness. Cities such as Shenyang, Osaka, Taipei, and Mumbai recorded significant improvements – each investing in connectivity and service-sector development.

Global Cities Outlook

Where the GCI captures current performance, the Global Cities Outlook (GCO) offers a forward-looking assessment, evaluating how effectively the world’s leading metros are creating conditions for future success. It seeks to measure future potential across four dimensions: personal well-being, economics, innovation, and governance.

This year’s GCO revealed meaningful shifts in both global and regional hierarchy, as Seoul and Singapore surged into the top five. For the first time in five years, Singapore returned to the top five, leaping from 20th to the third position. This sharp rise reflects gains in infrastructure, GDP per capita, and foreign investment, underscoring Singapore’s resilience and global appeal. Meanwhile, Seoul climbed to second place from the fifth position, building on consistent gains in innovation and governance.

Emerging Asian hubs such as Taipei and Jakarta also advanced, signaling a broader redistribution of global opportunity.

A look ahead: leadership in the intelligence age

Kearney’s Global Cities Report also concludes that cities’ long-term competitiveness will rest on three interdependent enablers: expanding energy capacity, embedding resiliency and livability into growth, and developing talent ready for AI adoption. Cities that act systemically, integrating these elements into a unified vision, will not only withstand disruption but shape the next era of global leadership.

“Cities are now at the frontline of the intelligence age. Their leadership will depend not only on capturing AI’s productivity gains, but also on how they govern its risks. Cities of the future would be those that can integrate energy security, renewable investment, and talent development into a single, coherent strategy, defining the next era of global competitiveness,” concluded Mr Sekinada.

Note to editor

The GCI assesses how globally engaged cities are across five dimensions: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement. The GCO, on the other hand, examines how cities are creating the conditions for future status as major global players. This analysis covers four dimensions—personal well-being, economics, innovation, and governance—which are the key determinants of a city’s ability to attract talented human capital, generate economic growth, increase competitiveness, and ensure stability and security.

While the GCI quantifies the current state of urban centers, the GCO is a measure of how these same cities are ensuring that they can retain – or augment – their global city status in the future. The GCO is designed to spotlight not only the well-established leaders, but also those cities that may be best positioned—thanks to strategic investments in future performance—to challenge their supremacy.
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About Kearney

Since 1926, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three-quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver—value, results, impact. To learn more about Kearney, please visit .

Laos to Upgrade National Road No. 9 in Savannakhet, Connecting Laos, Thailand, Vietnam.

Laos' National Road No. 9

Laos is set to upgrade National Road No. 9 in Savannakhet Province, a key route connecting Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

The signing ceremony for the rehabilitation and maintenance projects took place on 20 October. 

The project aims to improve road safety, durability, and regional connectivity, covering a 233-kilometers stretch from Dinosaur Roundabout in Kaysone Phomvihane City to the Laos-Vietnam border in Xepon district.

Originally constructed in 1988, National Road No. 9 has undergone four rounds of rehabilitation, most recently between 2015 and 2018, with a design capacity of 11 tons per axle. However, increasing traffic volumes and insufficient annual maintenance budgets have led to deteriorating road conditions.

To address these challenges, the Lao government approved a rehabilitation initiative proposed by the State Enterprise Road No. 8 Construction Company, under a hybrid model combining the Output and Performance-Based Road Contract (OPBRC) and Performance-Based Routine Maintenance Contract (PRTC) approaches.

Upon completion, revenue will be collected from tolls on trucks over 12 tons at four stations along the route.

The project will span a 10-year period, including three years of rehabilitation and seven years of maintenance, at an estimated cost of LAK 3.23 trillion (approximately USD 148.7 million). 

As one of the eight ASEAN Highways, National Road No. 9 serves as a critical regional transport artery, connecting Greater Mekong Subregion countries.

AISL Harrow Schools Calls for Applications for AISL Harrow Scholarships Y2026-28

Opportunity for Pupils Worldwide to Pursue a Two-Year Pre-University Programme at AISL Harrow Schools

HONG KONG, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The opening of applications for the 2026-28 AISL Harrow Scholarships starts from 20th October to 30th November 2025. Now in its sixth year, the Scholarship programme invites young people from across the globe to pursue a two-year pre-university education (equivalent to Years 12-13, Grades 11-12, or IB Diploma) at AISL Harrow Schools.

Each AISL Harrow Scholar will receive up to full payment of tuition and boarding fees from the Scholarships, settled by the AISL Foundation on his/her behalf to the AISL Harrow School during their studies.

Mr Daniel Tat-jung Chiu, Founder of Asia International School Limited (AISL) and Chairman of AISL Foundation, remarked, “AISL Harrow Schools have been dedicated to nurturing the exceptional academic attainment, non-academic achievements, and profound passion for knowledge among our pupils. Through the Scholarships, we are honoured to invite pupils from around the world to join our community, fostering an international education hub of young scholars committed to contribute to the world with their knowledge and passion.”

For the 2026-28 cohort, the scholarships will be offered at AISL Harrow Schools in Appi, Beijing, Bangkok Chongqing, Haikou, Hengqin, Hong Kong, Nanning, Shanghai, and Shenzhen Qianhai.

Apply Now

To be eligible for the AISL Harrow Scholars, an applicant must:

  • Be born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010.
  • Have completed GCSE/IGCSE study (or equivalent) before 1 September of the application year. Offers are conditional on at least eight (8) grades at 7 or above, including four (4) at 8-9 in A-level subjects (or equivalent).
  • Where boarding is available, enrol as a full boarding student for the two-year duration of the scholarship period;
  • Be academically outstanding and fluent English speaking, listening, reading and writing;
  • Meet the specific admissions eligibility of individual schools.

Apply Now

Process

Period

Submission of AISL Harrow Scholarships
Application form and School Admissions
Form

Deadline: Sunday 30 November 2025

 

Application Screening & Academic
Assessments

October 2025 to January 2026

Online Interview

January & February 2026

Selection Panel Review

February to March 2026

Awards Results and Notification

March 2026

Talent Collective Gala Dinner 2026

Sunday, 14 June 2026

Further details are available at the official website at www.aislfoundation.org/

About AISL Foundation

AISL Foundation brings together the vision of Asia International School Limited (AISL), to serve as a platform of Nurturing Talents for Good, in preparing our pupils to be committed, responsible, and leading citizens of the future.

The Foundation, formerly known as AISL Harrow Scholarship Limited, was founded in 2021 as an initiative to support exceptional pupils through scholarship grants. It has since evolved into a dynamic charitable organisation dedicated to unlocking the extraordinary potential of pupils worldwide through transformative scholarships that champion educational excellence. We aspire to nurture the diverse talents of our global pupil community. By uniting parents, alumni, and social partners, we seek to cultivate a vibrant network that empowers every pupil to grow, lead, and shape a brighter future for all.

The Foundation is a Hong Kong government-registered charitable arm of AISL.

Xtep Launches Inaugural X-RUN CAMP for The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi in Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the strategic technology partner and exclusive gear sponsor of The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi, Xtep proudly supported the official launch of the SCHM X-RUN CAMP, held on October 19, 2025. Co-hosted by Xtep and Standard Chartered, the camp commenced at 5:00 a.m. at Hoang Mai Stadium.

The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi X-RUN CAMP
The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi X-RUN CAMP

The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi has established itself as one of Vietnam’s premier running events, attracting nearly 2,000 international athletes from close to 60 countries annually. Known for its challenging course and humid conditions, the race demands a high level of endurance and pacing strategy—placing significant responsibility on its official pacers, who must maintain precise timing under variable circumstances. “The professionalism and reliability of pacers are crucial to the event’s integrity and every runner’s experience,” emphasized Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri–Chief Executive Officer, DHA Vietnam. “They are not just pace-setters; they are leaders on the course” Now in its seventh consecutive year as the event’s official apparel sponsor, Xtep was entrusted by the organizing committee to launch the inaugural SCHM X-RUN CAMP—a decision that underscores the brand’s proven commitment and expertise in advancing Vietnam’s running ecosystem. 

The Exciting Training Moments of the Pacers
The Exciting Training Moments of the Pacers

The SCHM X-RUN CAMP was designed specifically for the event’s official pacers and 50 elite runners, providing them with a comprehensive training experience. The camp equipped participants with professional coaching, race-simulated environments, and high-performance footwear from the 160X, 260X, and 360X series. Through tailored programs—including running form drills and 1,000-meter interval sessions—participants refined their rhythm control and energy management strategies. The camp’s intensive curriculum was designed to help pacers stabilize their pacing and build race-day confidence, enabling them to deliver more accurate and dependable guidance to the broader running community. By integrating cutting-edge equipment with specialized training, Xtep elevated the competency of the official pacing team, reinforcing the marathon’s international stature as a professionally driven event.

The training moments of the XRC runners in Haiphong, Vietnam
The training moments of the XRC runners in Haiphong, Vietnam

Throughout October, Xtep Vietnam is also collaborating with the XRC running community to host three joint routine training sessions across Vietnam’s key regions: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Haiphong. These sessions, integrated into the XRC’s regular training schedule, are open to all registered participants of The Standard Chartered Heritage Marathon Hanoi and feature professional guidance combined with experience in Xtep’s high-performance footwear, including the 160X 7.0. Designed to help runners build stamina, refine strategy, and push toward new personal bests, the initiative extends Xtep’s professional running support beyond specialized camps and into the community’s ongoing training rhythm.

The successful launch of the first-ever SCHM X-RUN CAMP in Vietnam underscores the brand’s commitment to deepening its roots in the local running community. This initiative not only builds momentum for the Hanoi Marathon on November 9 but also reflects Xtep’s strategic focus on nurturing running culture at the grassroots level in key Southeast Asian markets. As more runners join the XRC training initiatives, the energy surrounding the event and the performance level of participants are expected to climb. The Xtep XRC community will continue to serve as a key platform for connection and growth among Vietnamese runners, pushing the sport toward a more performance-driven and community-focused future through structured training and shared resources.

As part of its continued engagement, Xtep invites all running enthusiasts to visit its booth at the Hanoi Marathon Expo from November 7 to 9, where the brand will showcase its professional running products and host interactive sessions with KOLs and athletes. Attendees can also participate in daily lucky draws to win practical accessories like socks and bags, with a chance to receive a pair of the high-performance 160X 7.0 running shoes. Stay updated on Xtep’s activities by following @Xtep Vietnam on Facebook.

About XTEP

XTEP Group, one of the leading sports brands in China, was founded in 1987 and officially established as the brand XTEP in 2001. The Group was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on June 3, 2008 (01368.hk). In 2019, the Group launched its global strategy, incorporating Saucony, Merrell, K•SWISS, and Palladium to become a leading international sports group with multiple sports brands. For more about XTEP, please visit https://www.globalxtep.com/

 

RedBox Storage Marks a Decade of Thought Leadership by Redefining Security with “Red Vault”, a Pioneering Solution for Hong Kong’s Most Valued Possessions

HONG KONG, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a city where space is the luxury, the security of one’s valuables is essential. Celebrating a decade of trust and innovation, RedBox Storage today announces the launch of “Red Vault”, a pioneering, professional-grade self-storage solution. This industry-first offering sets a new benchmark in security, engineered specifically for the uncompromising needs of discerning individuals, families and businesses in Hong Kong.

The Red Vault. Engineered for total peace of mind, providing unparalleled security for your most valued possessions.
The Red Vault. Engineered for total peace of mind, providing unparalleled security for your most valued possessions.

From Compliance to Confidence: A New Standard in Protection

For ten years, RedBox Storage has built its reputation on the foundation of safety, adherence and compliance to all Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) and Buildings Department (BD) safety regulations. “Red Vault” elevates this commitment to a new level.

Co-designed with Authorized Persons and Registered Structural Engineers, Red Vault is a fortress for your valuables.  Red Vault comprises of certified materials with 60 minutes of fire resistance — double the government requirement in terms of fire resistance duration at temperatures up to 1000°C.  This is not just a specification; it is the promise of sufficient time to protect what matters most during an emergency.

Furthermore, each Red Vault unit is equipped with independent heat detector and alarm system that signals directly to the Hong Kong Fire Services Communications Centre for immediate response.  As a fully self-contained unit, Red Vault is sealed with a dust-proof ceiling and equipped with dedicated lighting — creating a private, pristine yet functional environment engineered for total peace of mind.

A Philosophy of Protection

“We designed Red Vault with a profound understanding of what our customers entrust to us,” said Mr. Oliver Leung, Senior Director of Projects & Development. “It often goes beyond monetary value. It’s about a box of irreplaceable family photos, a lifetime’s collection of art, or the critical documents that form the backbone of a business. These are assets whose value cannot be quantified. Red Vault is a promise, engineered to the highest standards, to protect that legacy.”

Ms. KK Chan, Director of Marketing, added, “Our 10th anniversary isn’t just a milestone; it’s a moment to renew our promise to our customers. Red Vault is that promise made tangible. We wanted to give back in the most meaningful way possible, and that meant raising the bar for the entire industry. This is more than a product; it’s a testament to how professional and secure storage in Hong Kong can be.”

The Complete RedBox Experience

Red Vault clients also benefit from the full range of premium features available across RedBox facilities, ensuring a seamless and secure experience from start to finish:

  • Pristine Environment: 24/7 climate and humidity control protects personal and document archives from Hong Kong’s challenging climate.
  • Fortified Access: The entire facility is under 24/7 CCTV surveillance and governed by a smart access system, ensuring only authorized customers can gain entry.
  • Unmatched Convenience: From personal lockers to expansive 300 sq. ft. units, flexible terms, dedicated parking, and on-site packing supplies, every detail is tailored to the customer’s needs.

An Invitation to Experience the Gold Standard

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, RedBox Storage invites new customers to experience this new paradigm of security. From now until November 30, 2025, experience Red Vault with an exclusive 50% off anniversary offer.

To learn more about the Red Vault and the 10th-anniversary offer, visit https://www.redboxstorage.com.hk/en/storage-solution/redvault or contact the customer service team at +852 2687 3288.

About RedBox Storage

Acquired by global investment giant Brookfield Asset Management in 2022, RedBox Storage has established itself as a premier storage specialist, offering innovative and flexible solutions for individuals and businesses. With a focus on innovation, unmatched quality, and customer-centric service, RedBox Storage helps our customers make space for what truly matters in life.

For more information about RedBox Storage Hong Kong, visit www.redboxstorage.com.hk.

Media Contact
KK Chan
Director of Marketing
RedBox Storage
kk.chan@redboxstorage.com.hk 

MMA Global Launches Bold New Era as the Marketing + Media Alliance, Advancing Marketers’ Ability to Create Value

MMA’s next chapter outlines what it means to lead proven marketing transformation, powered by groundbreaking, award-winning, CMO-validated models, frameworks, and knowledge

SINGAPORE, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MMA Global, Inc., the global non-profit industry body, today ushered in a new era as the Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA), crystallizing its evolution into a foremost global community of Chief Marketing Officers and senior marketing leaders. The repositioning signals the organization’s foundational commitment to advancing marketers’ ability to create value by uniting CMOs worldwide to shape the future of marketing, brands, and business.  MMA is the only association that encompasses all parts of the marketing ecosystem at the governance level – including brand marketers, media, adtech, martech, agencies, and consultants – all working together, in support of CMOs.

New Visual Identity

Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) New Visual Identity
Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) New Visual Identity

“MMA is for CMOs, directed by CMOs, but supported by the whole marketing industry,” said Rohit Dadwal , MMA Global. “We are committed to adding new knowledge to address CMOs’ and marketing’s greatest unanswered questions and unlock its biggest opportunities. Our members aren’t just talking about change — they’re driving it. This new positioning makes it clear that we are an alliance for leaders who push marketing to deliver proven, enterprise-level impact.  We believe that if a marketer were to implement all that MMA’s Think Tanks and Labs have discovered, their company could raise its market valuation. We’re proving that marketing can and does matter!”

New Mission and Purpose

With the mission to advance marketers’ ability to create value, the non-profit Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) develops revolutionary and award-winning models, frameworks, thought-leadership, and initiatives — many spanning several years and millions of dollars — to help CMOs confidently tackle their biggest challenges. All MMA Labs experiments and explorations provide proprietary and powerful insights and models.

Dadwal said, “This rebranding is simply catching up to who MMA has already become.” Founded in 2003 as the Mobile Marketing Association, the organization expanded its mission to broader marketing transformation in 2018 and formally changed its legal name to MMA Global, Inc. in 2022. Today’s announcement cements that evolution. The repositioning includes a new purpose & mission, a complete brand message house, a naming hierarchy, a new logo, and brand guidelines. 

With more than 825 corporate members worldwide, representing hundreds of thousands of marketers, and $10’s of billions in marketing spend, MMA’s alliance is powered by action-oriented leaders who collaborate to take on the toughest challenges on the CMO agenda. For a list of MMA Global Board members, see below.

Invested Millions to Improve Marketing’s Impact

Over the past several years, MMA has invested millions of dollars that have redefined marketing science and knowledge, operating across four global think tanks — Measurement & Attribution (MATT), Marketing Org Strategy (MOSTT), AI Leadership (ALTT), and Data & Customer Experience (DATT):

  • Created the first-ever research method to measure the long-term sales contribution of brand marketing — revealing a 7x incremental lift versus short-term campaign sales. (This alone was 5+ years and $3.5 million.)
  • Developed a breakthrough ‘growth framework’ that appears to double campaign impact, outperforming every other known segmentation model measured.
  • Conducted over two dozen AI-driven ad personalization experiments, yielding an average performance lift of +160% — with an upper achievement of +272% in machine learning optimization. 
  • Built the first organizational team measurement model that identifies which internal changes drive sales growth — and which changes reduce sales. 
  • Designed a financial formula for CMOs that directly connects marketing activity to enterprise value (now in final validation).
  • Disproved long-held myths through neuroscience research that time has zero relationship to advertising effectiveness (an otherwise commonly held belief).
  • And more

“Our new branding reflects a truth we’ve demonstrated for years: we are an organization driven by and for the industry’s leaders, committed to unlocking and proving marketing’s biggest opportunities” said Rohit Dadwal, CEO of MMA APAC and Global Head of SMARTIES Worldwide. “We’re not just talking about change; we’re committed to adding proprietary knowledge and delivering revolutionary models that address the biggest, unanswered questions. This positioning makes it clear that we are an alliance for those who push the entire enterprise to deliver proven, business-level impact. We know that when our partners implement the strategies and insights we provide, their companies will thrive. This rebranding is simply catching up to who we have already become.“

MMA runs more than 62 conferences worldwide annually in 16+ countries. Its flagship CMO & CEO Summit, now in its 15th year, achieved an 86% Net Promoter Score and drew more than 110 CMOs.

In this new chapter, MMA is issuing a bold call to action to the industry:

A Final Call to Action

“If you have ideas or are doing work that can revolutionize how marketers create value, bring it to MMA,” said Dadwal. “We’ll test it, refine it, and make it real through our Think Tanks and Labs. This is your invitation to shape the next generation of marketing impact. This alliance is where breakthroughs begin.

To learn more and join the Marketing + Media Alliance, visit https://mmaglobal.com/

About the Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA)

The Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) is the global, non-profit community of Chief Marketing Officers and senior marketing leaders advancing marketers’ ability to create value. Led by CMOs and supported by the entire ecosystem at the governance level — including brands, media, agencies, consultancies, AdTech, and MarTech — MMA develops evidence-based models, frameworks, and tools validated through multi-year, multi-million-dollar Think Tanks and Labs.

Operating currently across four global think tanks — Marketing Attribution (MATT), Marketing Org Strategy (MOSTT), AI Leadership (ALTT), Data & CX (DATT), and more to come; MMA tackles marketing’s most challenging unanswered questions and translates findings into applied practices that are guaranteed to increase enterprise value. Headquartered in New York City, with operations in 16 countries across APAC, Europe, MEA, LATAM, and North America, MMA has more than 825 corporate members who gather at 62+ MMA conferences worldwide, and flagship gatherings in the APAC, including MMA Innovate, CEO&CMO Summit, MMA Executive Dialogues, SMARTIES Unplugged, MMA IMPACT and MMA SMARTIES. Learn more at https://mmaglobal.com/ 

The Marketing + Media includes the world’s most influential marketers and partners, including Unilever, P&G, Grab, McDonalds, Coca Coala, Google, TikTok, Facebook, Diageo, Mondelez, Heineken, Pepsi, Perfetti, Affle, Emtek Group Indonesia, GoTo Gojek Tokopedia, Mayora, Godrej, Reliance – and many more.

About Lafayette American

Lafayette American is a Cannes Lion, D&AD, and Gold EFFIE award-winning independent ad and design agency based in Detroit, MI. L|A specializes in creative strategy, design, and content for ambitious brands. The agency has worked with Ford, Netflix, Amazon, Google, Mazda, Deel, iHeartMedia, Chewy, Merrell, StockX, Spotify, Owens Corning, Borg Warner, McClures, Kodiak, Goldbug, and more. It recently launched a specialized cultural marketing arm called GLAM Ar

MMA APAC Board of Directors: 

Regional Executive Committee
China: Bessie Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China, JLL
India: Amit Jain, MMA India Board Chair; Chairman, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare
Vietnam: Venus Teoh Kim Wei, Executive Vice President Marketing & MMA Co-Chairs, Suntory Pepsico Vietnam
Indonesia: Catherine Hindra Sutjahyo, Vice President Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, GoTo
Chair Emeritus: Ashutosh Srivastava, Founder and Chairman, Veros Ventures Pte Ltd
MMA: Rohit Dadwal, CEO, Marketing + Media Alliance APAC | Global Head of SMARTIES WW and BOD Asia Pacific, MMA APAC

Board of Directors
Rishi Bedi, Managing Director, APAC, Ogury
Lex Bradshaw-Zanger, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, SAPMENA Region, L’Oréal Groupe
Dhiren Amin, Chief Customer Officer, Income Insurance APAC
Sapna Chadha, MMA India Board Member; Vice President, Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google Asia Pacific
Sean Cheng, Managing Director (E-Commerce) and Chief Omnichannel Officer, FairPrice Group
Richa Goswami, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Fidelity International Singapore
Benjamin Joe, Vice President, Southeast Asia and Emerging Markets, Meta
Ken Mandel, Regional Managing Director & Head of GrabAds and Enterprise, GrabAds
Vishnu Mohan, Chairman, Avyan Holdings – Partner & Chief Executive Officer, DEPT
Josephine Tan VP, APAC Digital Hub, Diageo
Simon Morgan, Vice President, Client Development, APAC, The Trade Desk
Dirk E.G van Motman, Founder & Chair, UN:ventures
Julie Nestor, Executive Vice President, Head of Marketing and Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard
Margot Torres, Managing Director, McDonald’s Philippines
Amrita Randhawa, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore & Southeast Asia, Publicis Groupe
Venkatram Pattabhiraman (Venkat), Senior Vice President – Analytics & Insights| Digital Marketing & Media | Commercial Leader, Procter & Gamble Asia
Sindhuja Rai, Chief Client Officer, APMEA, WPP Media
Joe Nguyen, Senior Strategic Advisor, H+
D Shivakumar, Operating Partner, Advent International

PORTMAG Secures Patents in 25 Countries with Magnetic Connector Technology — Leading the Next Generation of Charging Solutions

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Korean tech company PORTMAG Co., Ltd. is gaining global recognition for its proprietary magnetic connector technology.

Building on its core innovation, the company has completed patent registrations not only in Korea, the U.S., Japan, and China but also across 21 European Union countries, positioning itself as a key player in the global charging device market.

Founded in 2019, PORTMAG has steadily advanced its R&D efforts to introduce “Spider Jack,” a charging device utilizing its magnetic connector system.

This technology addresses common problems in traditional charging — such as port wear, cable damage, and accidental device drops — while allowing users to charge multiple devices with a single cable by simply switching connectors.

The company has completed development of smartphone, mouse, and portable battery products and is preparing for commercial release.

Additionally, PORTMAG recently secured a patent for electric vehicle (EV) charging technology and is developing an EV charger based on that innovation.

A PORTMAG representative stated, “We plan to expand into home robot and EV charging markets using our patented technology. Our goal is to drive global innovation in charging infrastructure with homegrown Korean technology.”

Biomom Partners with Kolmar BNH to Enhance “Biomom Snow” — Upgrading Both Quality and Taste

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Health supplement brand Biomom has renewed its flagship children’s probiotic, “Biomom Snow,” with enhanced quality and improved flavor.

As part of the renewal, Biomom selected Kolmar BNH Co., Ltd. as its new manufacturing partner, reinforcing its commitment to consumer satisfaction and product innovation

Biomom Snow contains 10 billion CFU probiotics per stick, using 19 strains certified by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).

It also includes essential nutrients such as Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, folic acid, biotin, and selenium, providing comprehensive nutritional support so that children do not need separate vitamin supplements.

The renewal focuses on improving both functionality and taste — key factors identified through consumer feedback.

By partnering with Kolmar BNH, a leading manufacturer recognized for advanced probiotic technology and strict quality control, Biomom has significantly elevated the product’s overall reliability and palatability.

A Biomom representative stated, “We changed our manufacturing partner to make a product that children genuinely enjoy while maintaining our strict ingredient standards. The result is a safer, more flavorful, and more convenient probiotic for kids.”

Moving forward, Biomom plans to continue pursuing quality innovation and consumer-driven improvements to strengthen its position as a leading children’s probiotic brand in Korea.