40 Under 40 2024: Alison Costello, OMD | Analysis

Ava Lee, a seasoned advertising professional, has spearheaded the success of Society in Hong Kong since its inception in 2017, securing major clients like Pizza Hut and BMW and earning accolades like "The Best Newcomers" and "Integrated Agency of the Year." Through innovative media planning strategies and a focus on fostering a transparent and inclusive agency culture, Lee has driven sustained business growth and high levels of employee satisfaction, while also championing community engagement initiatives...

South Korea faces acute labour shortages in its shipbuilding industry and has turned to Uzbekistan to recruit 280 workers who will be paid the minimum wage. This marks the first time a local government is directly involved in the recruitment process, with Ulsan providing shipbuilding training facilities in Uzbekistan. The pilot program will be evaluated for further expansion as South Korea seeks to address its ongoing manpower shortage by increasing skilled worker visas and forming...

Intel named Lip-Bu Tan, a former board member and chip industry veteran, as its CEO, signaling the company's commitment to keeping its chip-design and manufacturing operations together. Tan, known for his experience in the industry and as a technology investor, aims to restore Intel's position as a world-class products company and foundry. The announcement led to a 12% surge in Intel shares, providing hope for stability as the company navigates a significant transition. Full Article

On March 12, 2025, global markets experienced a rollercoaster ride due to shifting narratives around tariff measures and deteriorating trade relations, highlighted by President Trump's threat to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. This led to a market selloff, with US indices sliding and European markets reflecting unease. Despite this, Chinese markets rose as investors bet on Beijing's ability to cushion the impact. Additionally, a significant development was the US government's bold step into...

Parents facing limited parental leave and work responsibilities often turn to group childcare for their newborns, with a recent study by Tohoku University in Japan revealing that kids in center-based childcare show advanced overall development compared to those raised at home. The researchers utilized data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study to analyze the impact of early childcare enrollment on children between six months and three years, finding that toddlers in daycare exhibited improvements...

The Dalai Lama declared that his successor would be born in the "free world" outside China, prompting Beijing to assert control over the selection process in Tibetan Buddhism. China's occupation of Tibet since 1950 has led to tension and resistance, with the Dalai Lama fleeing to India in 1959. Despite China's claims, the Dalai Lama vows that any successor chosen by China will not be respected and continues to advocate for Tibetan rights amid accusations...