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Allison Worldwide and Stagwell Bolster APAC Capabilities in Naming Margaret Key as CEO, Allison Asia and Stagwell’s Executive Director, Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Allison Worldwide and Stagwell are turbocharging their Asia Pacific communications capabilities and client support with the appointment of industry veteran Margaret Key as Chief Executive Officer, Allison Asia and Stagwell’s Executive Director, Asia Pacific.

Joining Oct. 1, Key brings more than two decades of strategic expertise and visionary leadership to the dual role. She will be based in Singapore, reporting to Allison Worldwide CEO Jonathan Heit.

Most recently, she served as CEO for Publicis’ MSL Group, Asia Pacific, spearheading the transformation of a fragmented agency into a cohesive regional network and delivering significant business growth and expansion. Previously, Key worked at Edelman and Burson-Marsteller, Asia Pacific.

She has been recognized with multiple industry awards, including Campaign Asia’s Women to Watch, Campaign Asia’s APAC Regional Consultancy of the Year, and London International Awards: APAC Regional PR Network of the Year. Additionally, she is a board member at Verité, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to labor rights.

“Margaret is a proven force in our industry, and her appointment signals an exciting new chapter for our Asia Pacific clients and communications business,” said Ray Day, Executive Chair at Allison Worldwide and Vice Chair at Stagwell. “She also shares our dedication to every client’s success through a world-class team delivering world-class results.”

As CEO of Allison Asia, Key will oversee the growth of the organization in APAC, including expansion plans and business strategy. In her role as Stagwell’s Executive Director, Asia Pacific, she will steer regional market development and take engagement with clients to the next level through integration within the entire Stagwell network.

“I’m honored to take on these roles at such a pivotal time for both brands,” said Key. “Allison and Stagwell each have a very positive reputation in the marketing landscape, and I look forward to working with our talented teams across Asia to deepen our cultural relevance, accelerate innovation and drive sustained growth for our clients.”

About Allison Worldwide
Allison Worldwide is a global communications agency dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and positive change for clients, colleagues, and communities. With a diverse range of expertise and a forward-looking mindset, Allison delivers game-changing results that make a lasting impact. Allison is owned by Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), one of the fastest-growing and most influential marketing and communications networks in the world. Agency partners leverage Stagwell’s technology, data analytics, insights, and strategic consulting solutions to drive measurable results and optimize return on marketing investment for more than 1,700 clients worldwide. Learn more at www.allisonworldwide.com.

About Stagwell 
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 45+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shanna Brown shanna.brown@allisonworldwide.com

Industry veteran Margaret Key assumes the roles of Chief Executive Officer, Allison Asia and Stagwell’s Executive Director, Asia Pacific.
Industry veteran Margaret Key assumes the roles of Chief Executive Officer, Allison Asia and Stagwell’s Executive Director, Asia Pacific.

 

 

PB Tech NZ officially stocking ZOWIE products starting September 2025

SYDNEY, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BenQ Australia is proud to announce that starting from September 2025, PB Tech NZ will be officially stocking ZOWIE Esports Gaming Monitors, Mice, and Mousepads, bringing the best-in-class monitors and peripherals for competitive FPS gamers who are looking to improve their game and strive for perfection.

PB Tech NZ is the largest computing and I.T. Retailer in New Zealand, having served the New Zealand populace for over thirty years and expanded to over twenty stores that cover both the North and South Islands.

Products available include:

  • The XL series of gaming monitors, ranging from 240Hz refresh rate to 600Hz, the top choice of pros everywhere in VALORANT and CS2
  • The DW series of wireless gaming mice, created with performance, comfort, and endurance in mind with professional collaboration and sports science
  • The ZOWIE mousepads, designed for either those who prefer a more controlled slide or a middle ground between control and speed.

BenQ Australia’s B2C Head, Shawn Zheng, comments:

“We’re committed into ensuring that ZOWIE continues to grow globally, and to give competitive FPS players in New Zealand the ability to purchase the latest ZOWIE gaming gear that pros and top-tier tournaments internationally.”

PB Tech NZ’s Product Manager, Michael Li, says:

“We’re happy to be partnering with BenQ and ZOWIE in ensuring that as New Zealand’s largest computing retailer, we have everything available for the customer to choose from, including dedicated esports gaming gear that ZOWIE provides.

Secure Your ZOWIE Gear Today

Pre-orders are now available on PB Tech NZ’s website, with stock aimed to be dispatched within early September.

Locations: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/stores

Find the entire ZOWIE range at: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/Zowie-Gaming-Gear

CONTACT: Kevin Zhu, kevin.zhu@benq.com

Thank You—- We Create a Wonderland in Chengdu Together

CHENGDU, China, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to Hongxing News, the 12th World Games concluded in Chengdu on August 17. We gathered in Chengdu and created countless wonderful moments together. Though the World Games have drawn its curtain, the brilliance will never bow out.


Thank You—— We Create a Wonderland in Chengdu Together

In this scorching summer,

we gathered beneath the Grand Eaves,

where the limitless World Games

found a perfect match in boundless Chengdu.

Hand in hand,

we inspired unforgettable moments that lit up the world.

You brought carefree joyfulness,

regardless of winning or losing.

Familiar events have unheard-of twists,

quirky yet utterly charming.

The delight of playing

surpassed the thrill of competition,

and even those who didn’t compete

joined in the shared happiness.

The World Games opened our eyes

to the vastness of the world.

A Latvian Latin dance judge

with a striking statuesquefigure stole the spotlight,

an Aruban flag-bearer’s dashing charm captured hearts,

and the Chinese torchbearer Xu Lu shone brightly,

while “Blossoming in the Rain”.

Exotic flair and the local charm of Sichuan

blended in perfect harmony,

harmony in diversity, beauty in unity.

Born from sport, sustained with joy

this was a grand celebration without boundaries.

Beneath these eaves, we found a shared home.

A sporting extravaganza right at our doorstep,

worthy of an open, inclusive, and boundless heart.

Tradition and modernity bonded here,

the ancient and the youthful flourished freely.

Though the World Games have drawn its curtain,

the brilliance will never bow out.

YouTube Link:https://youtube.com/shorts/Qfst-l4F-zc

Clean Energy for All: BLUETTI and UN-Habitat Strengthen Partnership to Expand Access to Clean Energy in Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global clean energy leader BLUETTI has deepened its partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to accelerate access to sustainable clean energy across Africa. Building on the ongoing ‘Lighting An African Family’ (LAAF) initiative in Kenya, now in its fourth year, the program continues to benefit 500 families and more than 2,000 residents in urban and peri-urban underserved communities, the majority from women-led households.

BLUETTI and UN-Habitat carry out the LAAF program in Muhoroni, Kenya, providing renewable energy aid and clean energy training to support local communities.
BLUETTI and UN-Habitat carry out the LAAF program in Muhoroni, Kenya, providing renewable energy aid and clean energy training to support local communities.

As part of the partnership, BLUETTI attended the 2025 Devolution Conference (12–15 August), Kenya’s premier policy forum, to showcase how clean, affordable energy solutions support housing, urban resilience, and intelligent urban solutions. The conference reinforced the shared commitment of parties, institutions and the Kenyan Government that clean energy is critical to foster a sustainable future for all.

Building on this momentum, the partnership engaged communities in two urban areas: Muhoroni, a rapidly growing peri-urban area in Kisumu County, and EX-Grogon and Mathare, informal settlements in central Nairobi. Through training and technology transfer, BLUETTI donated 500 E60 Solar Lighting and Storage kits, benefiting over 2,000 residents. Over five years, the initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 337.5 tons, while enhancing urban resilience and environmental awareness in the communities.

“Partnership with BLUETTI brings renewable energy to vulnerable families in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially for women led households, showcasing a UN- private sector partnership model,” Mr Oumar Sylla, Director of the Regional Office for Africa at UN-Habitat said while meeting the representatives of BLUETTI at the UN offices in Nairobi.

“We are proud to strengthen our joint effort with UN-Habitat, embracing the mission and responsibility of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals,” said James Ray, BLUETTI spokesperson.

Following the Kenya launch, BLUETTI and UN-Habitat plan to expand related programs to other African countries, reaffirming their commitment to sustainability and energy equity.

About BLUETTI

As a technology pioneer in clean energy, BLUETTI delivers reliable solutions ranging from home battery backup systems to portable power stations for outdoor adventures. Trusted by over 3.5 billion users across 110+ countries and regions, BLUETTI remains committed to long-term sustainability and responsible innovation.

About UN-Habitat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the UN’s focal point on urbanization, promoting socially and environmentally sustainable cities and communities, and working globally with partners to foster inclusive, resilient development while reducing inequality, discrimination, and poverty.

Ellen Lee
PR Specialist
ellenlee@bluetti.com

MyDriveHero Raises Capital to Accelerate Growth and Save More Lives

SYDNEY, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MyDriveHero, Australia’s #1 safe driving app, is raising fresh capital to accelerate growth and continue its mission to reduce road incidents across the country.

MyDriveHero
MyDriveHero

Since launching in 2022, MyDriveHero has paid everyday Aussies cash for every trip, with bigger rewards for safe driving. In just three years, the app has recorded more than 190 million kilometres, 155 million minutes of engagement, and helped drive a 24% increase in safe driving habits across every state and territory.

Within the first 24 hours of this investment round, MyDriveHero locked in a lead investor securing their valuation goal of $16 million pre-money. The company continues to deliver exceptional results for their shareholders, achieving over 300% ROI in under 24 months and increasing its valuation from $4 million in October 2023.

“Our goal is simple,” said Founder Blake Robinson. “We want to save lives by rewarding safe driving, while at the same time building a business that delivers meaningful returns for shareholders.”

In addition to incentivising safer roads, MyDriveHero is reshaping digital advertising. Each recorded trip generates real-time telematics data that powers premium, geo-targeted campaigns. This has created a new, high-value channel for major brand partners including Kayo Sports, Suzuki Australia, Melbourne Storm, and HelloFresh. With no direct competitors and 100% ownership of its technology, MyDriveHero holds a unique first-mover advantage in a rapidly expanding global market.

The company highlights a critical opportunity. Since 2021, the road toll has risen by 18.5%, costing Australians not only lives but more than $27 billion annually. Traditional road safety campaigns have failed to create lasting change. MyDriveHero flips the model by directly rewarding drivers for positive behaviour, creating measurable improvements in safety while unlocking scalable value for advertisers and investors.

With momentum building, MyDriveHero plans to scale to 200,000 active users over the next two years, launch a telematics insights monetisation entity, and roll out major app upgrades including a B2B platform for gig workers and transport companies plus a family-focused version for parents.

“MyDriveHero is more than an app,” concludes Joshua Wong, Founder, MyDriveHero . “It’s a movement that rewards safer roads, delivers innovative advertising, and builds real shareholder value.”

To register investment interest, visit www.venturecrowd.com.au/s/lp/mydrivehero-eoi

State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. Utilizes Digital Intelligence Technology to Conduct Grid Load Actual Measurement for 2025

URUMQI, China, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On August 20, State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. successfully completed the theoretical line loss calculation and load actual measurement for the representative day of 2025. This effort provided strong support for the safe and stable operation of the power grid, as well as for energy conservation and loss reduction.

The load actual measurement work aims to prevent and address various grid and equipment accidents that may occur during periods of extreme heat, cold, and high load. By conducting in-depth analysis of load change trends, studying regional development conditions and load growth characteristics, and comprehensively inspecting weak points in the grid, the company can issue early warnings for potential overloads in lines and distribution transformers during peak summer and winter periods. This ensures safe, reliable, and high-quality power supply while providing decision-making references for formulating energy-saving and loss-reduction measures and implementing lean management.

Starting with the simulation calculation of theoretical line loss, State Grid Xinjiang Information & Telecommunication Company measured the operational load and loss conditions at various levels and for various types of equipment in the grid. The analysis focused on comparing comprehensive line loss rates, zonal line loss rates, and voltage-level line loss rates. Compared to the representative day of the previous year, the technical line loss for 35 kV and above grids decreased by 0.08%, for 10 kV grids by 0.69%, and for 400 V grids by 0.37%. Based on the diagnostic results of the grid simulation theoretical line loss calculation and the load actual measurement, the company implemented appropriate adjustment measures during both off-peak and peak electricity consumption seasons to mitigate peak-valley phenomena, improve the load rate of line power supply, and reduce the grid’s line loss rate. Additionally, by adjusting grid operation modes, implementing real-time monitoring, and managing reactive power, the company reduced grid losses and improved voltage operation quality.

The successful completion of this work marks a significant breakthrough in grid operation management for State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. It not only enhances the safety and stability of the grid but also further reduces grid losses and improves energy utilization efficiency, providing a solid power guarantee for the economic development and social stability of the Xinjiang region. In the next step, State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co., Ltd. will continue to strengthen technological innovation and management optimization, elevate grid operation standards, and contribute more to the region’s development.

 

BenQ Australia partners with PB Tech NZ, New Zealand’s largest computing and I.T. Retailer

An exciting opportunity for all New Zealanders to access our BenQ catalogue, both online and offline!

SYDNEY, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BenQ, the global leader in displays innovation, has announced that PB Tech NZ will officially stock a wide range of BenQ consumer electronics – bringing premium display technology and lifestyle solutions to households and professionals across the country, starting from September 2025.

As one of Australasia’s leading I.T. and electronics retailer, PB Tech has built a strong presence with decades of trusted service and continues to grow across both New Zealand and Australia, offering customers quality products and exceptional support.

Shawn Zheng, B2C Head for BenQ Australia and New Zealand states, “Our recent partnership with PB Tech NZ marks a new chapter in BenQ’s mission to bring innovative, user-focused technology to New Zealanders nationwide.”

“PB Tech is proud to be New Zealand’s number one destination for monitors, and we are excited to welcome BenQ as an excellent addition to our range. BenQ’s innovative and high-quality monitors perfectly complement our commitment to providing Kiwi customers with the best technology solutions available. We look forward to a successful partnership with BenQ and are confident that our customers will be thrilled to experience these exciting new products”, states Richard Elstob, General Manager of Marketing for PB Tech.

Products available include:

  • BenQ Professional Design Monitors – Factory-calibrated for precision, these monitors offer a wide colour gamut, Calman and Pantone Validated colour accuracy, and HDR support. The PD-series is ideal for CAD/CAM, animation, and 3D modeling professionals.
  • BenQ Photo Editing Monitors – Built for photographers and editors, SW-series provides factory-calibrated colour accuracy, 99% AdobeRGB, Delta E ≤ 2 and hardware calibration support for lasting colour excellence.
  •  BenQ Monitors for Mac – Seamlessly compatible with macOS, the MA-series for Mac offers USB-C connectivity, P3 colour support, and sleek aesthetics to match the Apple ecosystem.
  • BenQ Home & Office Monitors – From eye-care technology to daisy chain compatibility, the GW-series is ideal for work-from-home setups, entry-level creators, and everyday users seeking comfort and performance.
  • BenQ LED Desk Lamps – Created with eye comfort and style in mind, it is the perfect lighting solution for students, professionals, and anyone who values Eye-Care within their workspace.

See the full range on PB Tech NZ

Pre-orders are now available on PB Tech NZ’s website, with orders estimated to be fulfilled in early September. 

Store Locations: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/stores  

View the full catalogue at: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/brand/benq

Thailand Requests Cambodia to Reduce Athlete Delegation for 33rd SEA Games Amid Safety Concerns

33rd SEA GAMES Thailand 2025. This photo is for representational purpose only. (Photo credit: SEA GAMES Thailand 2025)

Thailand, host of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, requested Cambodia to limit its athlete delegation to no more than 200 due to safety concerns.

On 21 August, during the Chefs de Mission Seminar in Bangkok, a preparatory meeting for the Games, Chaiyapak Siriwat, CEO of the SEA Games Federation and Vice President of Thailand’s National Olympic Committee, explained that the measure aims to safeguard Cambodian athletes amid ongoing border tensions and uncertainties.

According to Chaiyapak, Cambodia had originally submitted a delegation of 600 athletes and more than 100 officials. 

Moreover, prior to the recent clashes on 24 July, Cambodia’s preliminary entry listed 1,515 athletes, highlighting the significant reduction requested.

Thailand is set to host the 33rd SEA Games from 9 to 20 December across three provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla.

The deadline for submitting the named entry list of SEA Games athletes is 15 September.

The border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated on 24 July, resulting in at least 43 deaths and displacing over 300,000 civilians on both sides. This followed an earlier skirmish on 28 May, which killed a Cambodian soldier

Consequently, a ceasefire was brokered on 28 July after pressure from the United States, which warned that continued hostilities could affect future trade agreements.

On 7 August, both countries agreed to a ceasefire covering all types of weapons and prohibiting attacks on civilians, civilian objects, and military targets. 

The agreement was reached at the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as ASEAN chair 2025.

Therefore, for security reasons, the opening and closing ceremonies have been relocated from Sanam Luang (Royal Plaza) to Rajamangala National Stadium. Nevertheless, Sanam Luang will still host the SEA Games torch-lighting ceremony and other supplementary activities.