Monday Briefing: The French Far Right Appeared to Triumph

Tiffany Bloomquist, Asia-Pacific and Japan Head of Startups at AWS, discussed the company's commitment to supporting startups through initiatives like Activate Credits, which help startups experiment and disrupt industries. AWS assists startups in their go-to-market strategies and international expansion, offering platforms and tools like the marketplace and partner programs. Activities like the Unicorn Tank competition and collaboration with investors help create awareness in the startup community. Southeast Asian companies are focusing on building culturally aware...

Israel accuses UNRWA staff of involvement in a Hamas attack, leading to a war in Gaza. UN has fired nine staff members and confirmed Hamas commander had an UNRWA job. Amid destruction in Gaza, with millions facing hunger and death, calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid intensify. Full Article

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for broader use of Mandarin in China's border regions, sparking concerns about the impact on ethnic minority languages and cultures. Xi called for the comprehensive popularization of Mandarin and national textbooks in these regions to enhance recognition of Chinese culture and the Communist Party. This push for Mandarin assimilation has led to protests in Inner Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang, where minority groups fear the erosion of their native...

Cambodia and Thailand have a long-standing maritime border dispute dating back to 1973, with negotiations stalled due to political instability in Bangkok. Under the Pheu Thai-led government, there were hopes of resuming talks to unlock oil and gas reserves in the Gulf of Thailand. However, confusion and opposition within the Thai government have hindered progress, leading to a lack of policy clarity and potential nationalist backlash that threatens bilateral relations. Full Article

Manchester United, in collaboration with sponsor Apollo Tyres, brought six young football players from India, Nepal, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates to Old Trafford as part of the 'United We Play' initiative to support talent from underrepresented communities. The programme, overseen by former players Louis Saha and Gary Neville, aims to provide opportunities for young players to develop their skills and realize their potential. Republic of Ireland assistant coach John O'Shea commended the initiative,...

Neel Chhaya, managing partner and regional client director at DDB Group Asia in Singapore, is known for his kind and positive leadership style, as well as his strategic acumen and empathy. With 16 years of experience in global agencies, he has driven significant business growth, secured high-profile clients like Audi and McDonald's, and implemented operational improvements. Chhaya's focus on inclusion and employee wellbeing has led to initiatives like the DDB Transforms programme and the DDB...