Tapping into joy: The new cultural currency for brands

Finn Partners has acquired Singapore-based communications and PR consultancy Rice Communications, strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. With Rice joining Finn's APAC region, led by Howard Solomon, the Singapore office will become one of the agency's largest, expanding to nearly 250 staff and $15 million in revenue. The acquisition adds offices in Thailand and Myanmar and builds on Finn's presence in Hong Kong and the Philippines, aligning with the agency's global expansion strategy. Full...

Folk-rock musician Neil Young and his band Chrome Hearts will kick off their European tour with a free concert in Ukraine, as announced on his website. The details of the show, including the date and location, are still being finalized. The decision to hold the concert in Ukraine was made shortly after Young criticized US President Donald Trump, stating that the country had "lost its standing" under his leadership. Full Article

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's new sovereign investment fund, Danantara, aims to oversee a $20 billion fund for strategic projects, but faces skepticism due to recent scandals, including corruption within state energy company Pertamina and the collapse of major firms like Sritex and eFishery. Despite concerns about governance and oversight, Prabowo is pushing forward with plans to consolidate state-owned enterprises and invest in key areas like renewable energy. Anti-corruption activists fear potential misuse of funds and...

Chinese smart EV manufacturer XPENG has entered the Indonesian market with plans for local production by the second half of 2025, focusing on the X9 and G6 models tailored for the right-hand drive market. The company aims to leverage local supply chains and partnerships to establish a strong presence in Indonesia and other APAC markets, showcasing AI-driven innovation and high-performance driving in its product lineup. XPENG, known for its advanced driver-assistance system technology, is expanding...

On Saturday evening, the 364m long ONE Columba collided with the 6,600 teu Clifford Maersk in Hong Kong port, causing containers to fall off the Maersk ship. The accident occurred as the ONE vessel was approaching the berth, with its bow hitting the starboard bow of the Maersk ship, resulting in three containers falling overboard but being later retrieved. Local media suggested that the ONE vessel may have lost power as it entered the terminal....

When South Korean soccer player Son Jun-ho signed with a Chinese club, he symbolized China's ambition in the sport, but after being detained by Chinese police and pressured into signing a confession for bribery and match-fixing, he became a victim of China's legal system. Son, who maintained his innocence, was coerced into admitting guilt under duress, showcasing the use of plea leniency in China's justice system, which has been criticized for being unfair and lacking...