breaking news | May 18, 2013

Australia – Mindshare promotes Katie-Rigg Smith and Sharb Farjami to the role of CEO and newly created role of COO, respectively.

Indonesia - Bates CHI&Partners Indonesia has been awarded the Relaxa business to help the hard candy brand regain and retain market leadership.

Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza is asking EQ diapers to pullout its TV commercial she declared as a "mockery" of one of the country's celebrated heroes.

Philippines - At the height of record-breaking heatwaves, not to mention business activity and optimism, Cold Stone Creamery has announced it will be entering the Philippine market as part of its Asian expansion.

Hong Kong - Dairy Farm's convenience stores, 7-Eleven is bringing celebrity cartoon figure Rilakkuma into stores to attract the young.

Hong Kong - Study finds social media is regarded by PR practitioners as equal if not more important than traditional media publicity.

Malaysia – Prince Hotel & Residence director of marketing communications Elisa Saw tells A+M how the travel industry is dealing with transformation, driven largely by budget travel.

Malaysia – Jeremy Carr (pictured), vice president of digital and advertising sales for Turner International, shares his take on digital integration for the younger audience.

Singapore - Has the Singapore government's take on social media marked the beginning of a more open communication strategy for the country?

Global – A new iPad application by a street artist is taking social issues global to a new global audience.

Hong Kong – Etymon secures a one-year PR and social media retainer for the “Fabulously British” label.

Regional - Following the recent buyout, Heineken has brought in its senior brand director of Heineken International as group marketing lead for Asia Pacific Breweries, moving Edmond Neo to a new role.

Singapore - Japanese sunscreen brand, Bioré UV Watery Essence has appointed Hakuhodo Singapore to launch a campaign for the product.

Singapore - Following its global brand revamp, Watsons is launching a major campaign to publicise its new image.

Singapore - The budget airline's witty approach on the popular gag site seems to be winning it points in the social media sphere.

Regional - Ahead of major expansion plans, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in India is set to strengthen its MICE revenue through a series of initiatives.

Global - Brisbane City Hall revamps events space, Pan Pacific Singapore and Marriott appoint plus more.

Global - Engaging the right audience with memorable experiences is key to any successful event, Rene de Monchy, head of marketing, Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore tells Marketing Events.

Regional - Launching its 2013 Tiger Street Football competition, Tiger Beer has roped in a tournament ambassador.

Singapore - Audi Singapore is throwing its weight behind the local art scene, sponsoring a new adaptation of Shakespeare's play, Othello.