Media OutReach
Carlsberg Asia and Meituan Elevate Strategic Partnership with First-Time Black Pearl Collaboration
From premium dining collaborations to seamless quick‑commerce, Carlsberg Asia is ushering a new era of beer enjoyment in Asia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – Carlsberg Asia is taking its partnership with Meituan, a globally leading quick-commerce platform, to exciting new heights through a first-of-its-kind collaboration that bridges premium dining and digital accessibility.
The partnership features a first-time collaboration with Meituan’s Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, China’s premier dining authority, placing premiumisation at the forefront of Carlsberg’s digital innovation and online-to-offline (O2O) strategy. As part of the multi-faceted collaboration, Carlsberg and Meituan rolled out the Carlsberg Drinking Roadmap, featured under Dianping’s Must-Eat List 2025. This curated list of restaurants will offer Carlsberg’s beer portfolio via on-premise dining and on-demand delivery, seamlessly connecting unique dining experiences with everyday consumer convenience.
Leveraging Meituan’s ecosystem of advanced technology, quick-commerce capabilities, and behavioural insights, the partnership makes it effortless for consumers to enjoy Carlsberg products. Together, the partners will jointly deliver real-time, occasion-based food-and-beer experiences, ranging from delivery to personalised promotions, as well as curated product selections tailored to diverse consumer preferences.
Arindam Varanasi, Commercial Vice President, Carlsberg Asia, said, “Our collaboration with Black Pearl and Meituan is more than a campaign; it is a clear statement of building unique bonds that draw on each other’s brand values and ethos. It showcases the power of partnership – where our brewing heritage and R&D excellence meets China’s most prestigious dining guides and its largest lifestyle platform. Together, we are setting a new premium standard and creating unmatched value for consumers across the ecosystem.”
Advancing Premiumisation Through Culinary Excellence
With the inception of the partnership with Meituan’s Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, Carlsberg is redefining modern beer occasions through curated culinary experiences in key Chinese Mainland cities, including Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with regional expansion planned across Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, and Malaysia.
To mark the launch, Carlsberg’s Master Brewer, Zoran Gojkovic, travelled to China to lead a series of exclusive food and beer pairing events in collaboration with star chefs. From modern Cantonese cuisine Yue Restaurant, Yun Jing at Raffles Shenzhen, to 1996 Sichuan Cuisine, Beijing, each partnership showcased innovative dishes meticulously paired with Carlsberg’s wide beverage portfolio, giving consumers a new perspective on beer tasting.
The pairings are designed to complement the artistry and heritage found in Black Pearl-selected restaurants. At the heart of these dining experiences is the Carlsberg premium portfolio featuring the signature Alchemy line – curated by the Carlsberg Brew Master. This exclusive collection showcases three of its most distinctive varieties: the Wheat Lager, the Vinous Beer and The Rubedo. Developed and perfected at the Carlsberg Research Laboratory, the Alchemy brews embody the incredible diversity of what beer can be. The Laboratory – home to more than 100 scientists – has long been a hub of innovation, dedicated not only to brewing better beer but to ‘brewing’ a better world. From inventing the pH scale in 1909, and winning a Nobel Prize for click chemistry in 2022, to pioneering climate-tolerant plant types for future generations, Carlsberg continues to push the boundaries of science and sustainability.
Making Every Meal a Beer Occasion: The Must-Eat Connection
To complement the prestige of Black Pearl dining, Carlsberg and Meituan will be extending premium beer experiences to everyday tables through Dianping’s Must-Eat List 2025. This initiative partners with China’s most popular and highly recommended eateries in Foshan and Beijing to create diverse beer occasions, from casual dining to celebratory gatherings, where Carlsberg’s full portfolio takes centre stage.
By integrating the complete range of brews into these trending venues, the partnership positions beer as a natural part of authentic food culture. From classic Carlsberg and refreshing lagers to the Alchemy line, consumers can explore the breadth of Carlsberg’s craftsmanship in settings that fit with their lifestyle. This approach bridges aspiration and accessibility, driving trial across categories and reinforcing Carlsberg’s presence in every occasion, turning everyday meals into memorable beer moments.
Co-Creating the Next Wave of Beer Occasions Through Digital Innovation
Carlsberg’s expanded partnership with Meituan goes beyond distribution, it’s about creating smarter, data-driven beer occasions for consumers. By tapping into Meituan’s powerful ecosystem, including quick-commerce capabilities and curated beer-led experiences, Carlsberg is unlocking new ways to connect with consumers both online and offline.
This collaboration strengthens Carlsberg’s brand differentiation in an increasingly digital marketplace while giving Meituan a unique opportunity to enrich its lifestyle offerings with beer knowledge and premium experiences. Through real-time analytics and consumer behavioural insights, both partners will deliver the right product from Carlsberg’s diverse portfolio, from premium lagers to speciality brews, and reach consumers at the right moment, offering tailored beer experiences that elevate everyday enjoyment.
This flagship initiative forms a cornerstone of Carlsberg Asia’s digital acceleration program and reflects a shared ambition: to co-create next-generation beer moments by blending brewing expertise with platform innovation. Together, Carlsberg and Meituan are setting a new standard for personalisation, convenience, and premiumisation across Asia.
Hashtag: #CarlsbergAsia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Carlsberg Asia
Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37.000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society.
Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 34 breweries and some 12,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong.
Media OutReach
Novum Studio Secures New Funding to Launch Ahoy Project, an AI-Native Enterprise Transformation Platform, Building on Its 20-Million-User Gen Z App Frog
- Novum Studio has raised a new round of funding to launch Ahoy Project, its enterprise AI solution, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.
- Ahoy Project is positioned as the infrastructure for AI-native enterprise transformation – an AI-native communication platform serving as the underlying system, delivered as an end-to-end tailored solution.
- The launch expands the company beyond Frog, its Gen Z consumer social app that has reached 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe.
- Novum Studio said it is applying lessons from operating high-frequency social platforms at scale to workplace communication and knowledge systems.
NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Novum Studio, the company behind Frog – a Gen Z social app often described as a “new-generation Snapchat” – said it has raised a new round of funding and will use the proceeds to launch Ahoy Project, an AI-native enterprise communication and collaboration platform, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.
Unlike conventional workplace software, Ahoy Project will not be sold as a standalone software subscription, the company said. Novum Studio provides the infrastructure and a full tailored solution for enterprises undergoing AI-native transformation, with the communication platform serving as the underlying system on which that transformation is built.
Founded as a consumer social company, Novum Studio has reached more than 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe. Frog gained traction among younger users through spontaneous, real-time sharing designed around authenticity and low-pressure interaction. The company said its experience building large-scale social “spaces” – where millions of people communicate, form groups and coordinate in real time — directly informs its approach to enterprise collaboration.
The new funding will support the launch and international expansion of the enterprise business as artificial intelligence reshapes how organizations communicate, collaborate and operate, the company said.
Novum Studio was founded by Anna Danyi, who graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 2018 and began her career in consulting and technology. Before founding Novum Studio, she built multiple consumer applications and exited through an acquisition. In 2025, Forbes China recognized her among the Top 100 most influential global Chinese figures in AI digital products area.
“We spent years understanding how millions of users communicate online,” Anna Danyi said. “In the AI era, communication itself is becoming intelligent. We believe the next generation of platforms will not only connect people — they will understand workflows, collaboration and organizational behavior.”
From Consumer Social to Enterprise AI
Modern organizations face growing challenges as critical knowledge, decisions and workflows become fragmented across chats, meetings and disconnected tools, the company said. Ahoy Project addresses this as a conversation-driven, AI-native collaboration layer: it captures context from day-to-day communication to build a searchable enterprise knowledge base and support workflow coordination.
Core capabilities include conversation-based knowledge organization, AI-assisted collaboration and workflow support integrated directly into team communication. Because the platform sits at the layer where work is discussed and decided, it can serve as the foundation for a broader AI-native operating model – with Novum Studio designing and delivering the surrounding transformation solution for each enterprise client.
A New Direction for Social Technology
Novum Studio said its expansion reflects a broader shift across the technology industry. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram defined how content was distributed and consumed in the mobile social era; as AI becomes embedded in digital products, the company believes the next stage will center less on feeds and more on intelligent systems that understand communication and coordination.
“We are no longer just building products where people post content,” Anna Danyi said. “We are building systems that understand how humans communicate and operate together.”
Hashtag: #NovumStudio #AhoyProject #Frog
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Novum Studio
Novum Studio is the technology company behind Frog, a Gen Z social app with more than 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe. The company is expanding into enterprise AI with Ahoy Project, providing the infrastructure and tailored solutions that enable organizations to become AI-native.
Media OutReach
Shorter Trips, More Meaningful Experiences: OZO Taps into the Rise of Micro-trips Across Asia-Pacific
From spontaneous seaside escapes to culture-filled city breaks, OZO makes it easier for travellers to recharge, explore and enjoy more of what they love—even when time is limited
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – As travellers across Asia-Pacific increasingly look for greater flexibility and balance in the way they travel, shorter and more frequent getaways are becoming a popular alternative to waiting for one long annual holiday. Enabled by convenient regional connections and destinations within easy reach of major cities, these micro-trips allow travellers to recharge, reconnect and discover somewhere new without the need for extensive planning.
Rather than rushing between attractions or following packed itineraries, many travellers are choosing to experience a destination at their own pace—exploring local neighbourhoods, cafés, food, culture and communities. Even a few days away can offer a meaningful change of scenery and the opportunity to return home feeling refreshed.
Responding to this evolving travel mindset, OZO, the upper-midscale hotel and resort brand under ONYX Hospitality Group, invites travellers to embrace micro-trips through its “Unpack. Good. Vibes.” philosophy. Combining quality sleep, convenient locations and an easy-going atmosphere, OZO provides a comfortable base from which guests can rest well, step out and make the most of every destination.
Designed around the belief that a rewarding journey begins with feeling well rested, OZO places equal importance on restorative sleep and destination discovery. Thoughtfully designed guestrooms, welcoming hospitality and locations close to beaches, cultural attractions, shopping districts and local neighbourhoods mean guests can spend less time getting around and more time enjoying what they love.
Across Thailand and Malaysia, each OZO property offers a distinctive starting point for a micro-trip.
For a seaside escape that combines relaxation with the lively atmosphere of Phuket, OZO Phuket is located just 150 metres from Kata Beach. Guests can begin the day by the sea before discovering neighbourhood cafés, Kata Night Market and scenic viewpoints nearby. Back at the hotel, SPLASH swimming pool, Prego Italian restaurant, EAT and THIRST Pool Bar make it easy to continue enjoying the day without having to venture far.
At OZO Chaweng Samui, travellers can slow down and embrace island life from a beachfront location on Chaweng Beach. Mornings can begin with a walk along the shore, followed by visits to Fisherman’s Village, waterfront cafés and local markets. At the end of the day, guests can return to the Beach Bar for sunset drinks before enjoying a restful night in a guestroom designed around quality sleep.
Within easy reach of Bangkok, OZO North Pattaya offers a convenient coastal break for travellers seeking a mix of beach time, local food, shopping and shared experiences. The hotel connects guests with North Pattaya Beach, Terminal 21 Pattaya, the Naklua community and Lan Pho Market. After exploring the city, they can cool off at SPLASH swimming pool, spend time together at BIG CHILL or relax over food and drinks at EAT and THIRST Pool Bar.
In Malaysia, OZO George Town Penang provides an ideal base for a culture-filled city break. Guests can explore the UNESCO World Heritage streets of George Town, discover street art and local cafés, sample Penang’s renowned food and visit landmarks including Armenian Street, Chew Jetty and Penang Hill. Back at the hotel, the rooftop swimming pool offers a relaxing setting overlooking the city skyline.
For families, OZO Medini makes it easier to turn a few days away into quality time together. Located close to LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort, Puteri Harbour and X Park, the hotel places guests within convenient reach of Johor’s leading family attractions. After a full day out, families can unwind by the swimming pool, enjoy a meal at EAT or return to comfortable guestrooms designed to help everyone recharge.
Together, these destinations demonstrate that meaningful travel is not defined by the length of a holiday, but by how travellers choose to experience it. A micro-trip might mean walking along the beach at sunrise, discovering a neighbourhood restaurant, exploring heritage streets or simply spending uninterrupted time with family and friends.
This approach reflects ONYX Hospitality Group’s wider brand platform, “More of What You Love”, which encourages guests to create journeys shaped by their individual interests. Across its portfolio, the Group continues to connect accommodation with dining, local culture and destination experiences, giving travellers more ways to enjoy the things that matter most to them.
Supported by ONYX Rewards, the Group’s loyalty programme, members can also enjoy exclusive benefits at participating properties, making frequent regional getaways even more rewarding.
Whether it is a spontaneous weekend by the sea, a food-focused city break or a few fun-filled days with the family, OZO demonstrates that travellers do not need a lengthy holiday to create lasting memories. Sometimes, all it takes is a few days away, a good night’s sleep and the freedom to discover more of what they love.
Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
More information: 
www.onyx-hospitality.com
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https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/
Follow us on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
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Media OutReach
From Mexico to Hong Kong, Jose Manuel Cervantes Sanchez is Building Bridges Through Media at CUHK
Hong Kong: A Strategic Hub for Global Media
Currently enrolled in CUHK’s Global Communication programme, Jose is part of a growing wave of international students choosing Hong Kong for its strategic role as a cultural and commercial gateway between East and West. Long fascinated by Asian culture and influenced by family ties to the city, he was drawn to its unique position as a bridge between cultures. “I wanted to become a local with time and create bridges between Mexico and Hong Kong,” he said.
A school adviser first introduced him to CUHK as a strong option, and while he also considered universities in Canada and the United Kingdom, Hong Kong remained his first choice. Receiving the CUHK University Admission Scholarship confirmed his decision.
Academic Excellence and Creative Exploration
Jose’s experience in the Global Communication programme has met his expectations and more. What stands out most to him are the creative courses, which give students hands-on access to professional media equipment and the freedom to experiment. “Being encouraged to explore creativity by some professors has led me to discover new sides of myself,” he noted.
Outside the classroom, Jose has embraced life in Hong Kong with enthusiasm. From cultural events and student society gatherings to exploring local food streets, he has found the city lively and inspiring. The campus MTR station also makes it easy to travel to Shatin, Hong Kong Island, and even the Shenzhen border, adding to the convenience of student life.
A Creative Career Taking Shape in Hong Kong
Looking ahead, Jose hopes to take part in a semester exchange and a media production internship to further strengthen his practical skills. His post-graduation plans remain open, with possibilities in both Mexico’s rapidly growing entertainment industry and Hong Kong’s dynamic market.
For international students considering their options, Jose’s message is clear: CUHK offers academic quality, financial support, and a valuable foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
CUHK’s Global Communication Programme
CUHK’s Global Communication programme prepares students for an evolving media landscape by combining communication studies with a guaranteed overseas exchange and a curriculum built around real-world experience.
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access to a 4K-UHD Virtual Set Studio, Digital Radio Studio, and VR Lab.
- Guaranteed Global Exchange: One semester at a partner university in Asia, Europe, or North America.
- Hands-On Learning: Real-world experience through journalism projects and overseas study tours.
- International Classroom: A 1:1 ratio of international to local students with all courses taught in English.
For more information about CUHK’s Global Communication programme, visit https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/programme/gcomn/
Hashtag: #CUHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
