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Chiang Mai Design Week’s 10th Anniversary: A Decade of Transforming a Creative City
Far from being a static event, Chiang Mai Design Week (CMDW) has continuously evolved, fostering diverse dynamics that have propelled Chiang Mai toward becoming a global City Branding icon as a hub of creativity. Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), Chiang Mai has also emerged as a center for design in Southeast Asia. The festival reflects the transformative power of design in driving societal, cultural, and economic development while promoting environmental sustainability. It has also inspired a significant homecoming movement, encouraging local talents to return and contribute to their hometown’s development. Over the past decade, Chiang Mai Design Week has undergone remarkable changes, creating a lasting impact across various dimensions:
1. From Local Festival to International Stage
Launched in 2014 through collaboration between the Thailand Creative and Design Center, or TCDC and local organizations, Chiang Mai Design Week began as a showcase for the city’s unique blend of traditional art and modern creativity. By 2015-2016, it introduced the creative market, workshops, and seminars, creating tangible networks and market opportunities.
From 2017 to 2019, the festival gained national and international recognition, featuring exhibitions by renowned designers and innovative integrations of technology with traditional craftsmanship. These efforts catered to global markets while preserving local cultural identity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), the festival adapted its format to emphasize sustainability and environmentally conscious design. Initiatives like the HomeComing Creator project encouraged local talents to return and contribute to their communities. Exhibits such as “En.Light.En” brought together artists with connections to Chiang Mai and northern Thailand, fostering collaborations that revitalized local areas like Chang Moi and the Lanna Folklife Museum.
The festival also embraced music and performing arts, as seen in the International Street Music and Performing Arts Festival, which transformed local spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. Other initiatives included the Thai Local Coffee Festival, promoting sustainability in the coffee industry, and LABBfest, a live music event blending art and international cultural exchange.
Since 2022, the festival has aligned its activities with Chiang Mai’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, forging partnerships with global creators and organizations. Notable initiatives include projects like “SANDBOX” from Moscow, which used film and animation as a developmental tool for children. The festival also featured lectures and workshops, alongside innovative events such as “MOSCOW EXPERTISE: VR/AR,” festivals and concerts in the Metaverse during and post-pandemic, presented by Russian VR artists, directors, producers, and festival curators. These initiatives underscore the festival’s role as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and innovation.
2. A Catalyst for Social, Economic, and Environmental Impact
Ms. Imhathai Kunjina, Director of the Creative Economy Agency (Chiang Mai Office), highlighted the significant positive impacts that Chiang Mai Design Week has generated across social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
“Over the past decade, Chiang Mai Design Week has driven meaningful change, raising awareness within local communities about the value of creativity and design in enhancing cultural assets. The festival has also established Chiang Mai as a destination for global travelers, showcasing vibrant creative spaces that go beyond traditional attractions. Today, Chiang Mai Design Week serves as the ‘mothership’ for annual creative events, inspiring other festivals to align their schedules, ensuring that the city becomes a hub of creative energy and diverse events during the same period. This synergy not only amplifies the city’s creative atmosphere but also offers tourists a truly unique and immersive experience.”
Economic Contributions: The festival’s economic impact has been profound, attracting increasing numbers of visitors from countries such as Taiwan, Japan, China, Singapore, Europe, and America. Over nine years, Chiang Mai Design Week has welcomed more than 1,022,869 attendees and generated over 5.36 billion THB in economic value for Northern Thailand (2018–2023). Additionally, it has revitalized historic buildings by drawing investors to renovate and repurpose them, transforming these spaces into thriving creative hubs and contributing to sustainable urban development.
Interdisciplinary Art Integration: The festival has fostered collaboration across disciplines, such as matching craft designers with emerging chefs to create unique and value-added products. Initiatives like the 2020 Homecoming Creator project have brought talented individuals back to their hometowns, reconnecting them with local communities. Moreover, events like the Chiang Mai Street Jazz Festival, featuring world-class jazz artist Igor Butman, have elevated the city’s reputation as a vibrant jazz hub. These achievements reflect the festival’s holistic approach to creative growth.
Environmental Sustainability: Chiang Mai Design Week has consistently prioritized sustainability, setting an example for eco-conscious practices. As Ms. Imhathai noted:
“The festival emphasizes ‘leading by example’ over ‘mandating actions.’ From the beginning, we encouraged creatives and architects to design reusable exhibition pavilions. In our 10th year, all pavilions are repurposed from the first festival. Informational signs are reused annually, and this year, over 95% of sign materials were replaced with recyclable options like corrugated cardboard instead of foam board, ensuring post-festival recyclability.”
Efforts to minimize environmental impact extend to reducing printed materials, utilizing solar-powered LED screens, and promoting green transportation. Since 2020, printed materials have been reduced by 30%—from 30,000 brochures and 150 booklets to 20,000 brochures in 2024—using eco-friendly paper. The festival also features electric tram shuttles and walkable event spaces, with bicycle services provided by Anywheel Co., encouraging sustainable mobility.
For vendors, we’ve organized training sessions on eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices, encouraging responsibility and adaptability for future sustainable business operations.”
Chiang Mai Design Week 2024, “SCALING LOCAL – Transforming Local to Global through Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability”
This year, Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 is set to take place under the theme “SCALING LOCAL: Creativity, Technology, and Sustainability – For Reviving Recovery.” The festival aims to elevate cultural assets and community resources to achieve global recognition while maintaining a focus on resilient community spaces that have thrived despite the challenges of COVID-19.
“Chiang Mai’s creative industries have grown significantly, showcasing the potential of local assets and talents nurtured over the years. To scale local creativity to the international stage, it is essential to integrate Creativity, Technology, And Sustainability—the three pillars that set the standard for festivals locally and globally. This year, we’re excited to welcome creators from neighboring northern provinces like Phrae, Nan, Lampang, and Sukhothai, demonstrating the festival’s decade-long influence in attracting regional creative talent,” explained Ms. Imhathai.
Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 will feature 6 activity categories with over 150 programs. Key highlights include:
- Lanna Gastronomy Tourism Economy Exhibition: A sustainable culinary tourism showcase exploring Lanna cuisine while creating income opportunities for local communities.
- Ready Set Old Exhibition: Reimagining Chiang Mai becoming the world’s 7th “Blue Zone” city for healthy aging, following in the footsteps of Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (USA), and Singapore.
- Super Slow Exhibition: Immerse yourself in the beauty of slowness through innovative art that promotes sustainable and mindful living in a fast-paced world.
- Floral Wonders Exhibition: Showcase the potential of the local floral industry by merging creativity with technology, driving economic growth and job creation.
- LABB.Fest 2024: Enjoy live music performances blending Thai and international artists. This platform facilitates creative exchanges between artists, music entrepreneurs, and promoters from Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea.
The Next Chapter for “Chiang Mai Design Week”: Towards Sustainable Global Recognition
The future vision for Chiang Mai Design Week is to elevate its global prominence by fostering collaboration among designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and local and international networks. The festival aims to maintain high standards while adapting to urban trends and contexts to craft remarkable experiences for attendees and tourists. At the same time, it seeks to sustain interest among investors and sponsors for continued support.
“Chiang Mai Design Week is evolving towards a new standard that prioritizes not just aesthetics but the integration of creativity and environmental responsibility. This approach sets a benchmark for other creative festivals in Thailand, as seen in Chiang Rai and Phitsanulok, which have leveraged knowledge gained from the festival with support from CEA Chiang Mai. Looking ahead, the festival will shift its focus from audience quantity to quality, targeting visitors who actively engage and carry forward ideas inspired by the event,” explained Ms. Imhathai.
The ultimate goal is to establish Chiang Mai Design Week as a globally renowned festival that grows alongside the city’s holistic development. As a member of the World Design Week network, the festival reflects a decade of progress and potential. To secure a lasting global presence, the festival must uphold international standards, strengthen networks, and expand global outreach. Achieving this vision would position Chiang Mai Design Week as a cultural hallmark, akin to Milan Design Week, capable of attracting 100% investor interest.
Experience the transformative power of design at Chiang Mai Design Week 2024 (CMDW2024) under the theme “SCALING LOCAL” from December 7-15, 2024, across Chiang Mai’s old city areas, including the Three Kings Monument, Chang Moi, TCDC Chiang Mai, Thapae, and nearby districts like Hang Dong and San Kamphaeng.
Stay updated with the latest news and activities at: Website: www.chiangmaidesignweek.com Facebook: Chiang Mai Design Week, Instagram: ChiangMaiDesignWeek
Hashtag: #chiangmaidesignweek #CMDW2024 #scalinglocal
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Chiang Mai Design Week
Chiang Mai Design Week is an annual design festival hosted in Chiang Mai by the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), celebrating its 10th year (2015–2024). The festival serves as a dynamic platform for exchanging perspectives, experiences, and knowledge in design and creativity. It also fosters engagement through design, offering meaningful experiences to children, youth, communities, tourists, and enthusiasts alike. The festival features diverse activities, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, arts programs, and live performances, aimed at enhancing quality of life while infusing Chiang Mai with a vibrant, creative atmosphere. Events span iconic areas like Klang Wiang, rich in culture and local traditions, and Chang Moi–Tha Phae, home to TCDC Chiang Mai, a modern hub of design knowledge. In addition to these key districts, Chiang Mai Design Week also hosts programs in other significant areas throughout the city, offering visitors a fresh perspective on Chiang Mai and the chance to experience its unique creative spirit up close.
About Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization)
The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA was established on August 14, 2018, as an organization under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office to promote and develop the potential of the creative economy as a driving force towards a balanced and sustainable economy in the long term. One of CEA’s key missions is to establish creative economy districts by promoting and developing areas that foster a creative environment and encourage the growth of new businesses as well as aims to strengthen connections with surrounding communities. Additionally, CEA is responsible for promoting the growth of the creative industries by developing capabilities and linking networks, utilizing creativity as a tool to enhance businesses and improve the quality of life for the Thai people.
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MarsLab Introduces Singapore-Based AI Inference Infrastructure Roadmap for Enterprise and Edge Deployment
MarsLab outlines a system-first approach to AI inference infrastructure for enterprise and edge deployment scenarios.
Hashtag: #AIInfrastructure #AIInference #EdgeAI #EnterpriseAI #Singapore
https://www.marslabai.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/marslab-ai/
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About MarsLab Pte Ltd
MarsLab Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based AI inference infrastructure company focused on enterprise and edge AI deployment scenarios. The company works across hardware systems, software stack integration, workload validation, and deployment economics, with a system-first approach to practical AI infrastructure.
Under the agreement, ACx and ALMI will share methodologies and best practices in mall asset operations, leasing strategy and project development to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience and maximize the long-term value of CP AXTRA’s land and assets, initially focusing on seven key stores of Makro. The parties will also explore future investment opportunities related to mall and asset development in Thailand, alongside collaborative initiatives for the development of new sites and the redevelopment of existing CP AXTRA sites across the country. This is the third agreement signed between CP AXTRA and Ayala, underscoring the strong partnership and continued collaboration between the two groups, following their previous agreements to operate Makro in the Philippines and expand regional business opportunities.
“This agreement with Ayala allows us to combine CP AXTRA’s deep understanding of the Thai retail market with Ayala’s decades of experience in developing and leasing shopping mall spaces. By applying proven methodologies to our Makro mall, we aim to elevate the standards of the retail environment we offer, not only improving the experience for our shoppers and tenants, but also fostering sustainable growth and creating long-term value for our asset and the surrounding community,” said Tanit Chearavanont, Group Chief Wholesale Business Officer, CP AXTRA Public Company Limited.”
“This is another milestone in our growing relationship and collaboration with the CP Group. Through this partnership, we intend to leverage the complementary strengths of two leading conglomerates to create world-class retail and real estate developments across markets. This also marks Ayala’s entry into the Thailand market, giving us a strong opportunity not only to share our expertise, but also to gain valuable insights from one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and developed retail markets. More broadly, this partnership aligns with Ayala’s strategy of bringing the best of the world to the Philippines while showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world,” said Mark Uy, Managing Director and Group Head of Strategy and Business Development, Ayala Corporation.
“Makro’s nationwide footprint gives it a meaningful role in the everyday lives of Thai consumers. Our opportunity is to help turn that everyday relevance into places people choose to stay, explore, and return to. By combining CP AXTRA’s market knowledge with Ayala Malls’ experience in curating retail partners, improving customer journeys, and building community-oriented retail destinations, we believe these sites can become stronger platforms for shoppers, merchant partners, and long-term asset growth,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Managing Director and Group Head of Leasing and Hospitality of Ayala Land.
The collaboration brings two complementary strengths together. CP AXTRA is one of ASEAN’s leading wholesale and retail operators, with more than 2,700 Makro and Lotus’s stores. The company is a regional leader in multi-format, omnichannel retail platforms across Southeast Asia and is advancing toward retail-tech company. ALMI, is one of the Philippines’ leading mall operators, managing 34 shopping centers recognized for their strong retail planning, curated tenant mix, and enhanced customer experience across Southeast Asia. With extensive expertise in leasing, mall operations, facility management, and mixed-use development, ALMI is well positioned to support CP AXTRA in maximizing the value and potential of its Makro mall assets in Thailand. Ayala Corporation also brings a broader consumer and enterprise ecosystem that can complement CP AXTRA’s regional retail expansion, while ACx, its consumer retail unit, adds perspective on evolving customer behavior, format innovation, and retail partnerships.
The MoC builds on the two groups’ existing strategic partnership, which began in 2025 with the formation of CP AXTRA AC CORPORATION to operate Makro stores in the Philippines and was expanded to include a wider range of collaborative opportunities. This new agreement deepens that partnership further, marking the first time Ayala will bring its mall development and leasing expertise directly to CP AXTRA’s operations in Thailand.
Hashtag: #CPAXTRA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CP AXTRA
CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, is an operator of Asia’s leading wholesaler and retailer, Makro and Lotus’s. The Company is based in Thailand, with operation across 10 countries. CP AXTRA is committed to fulfilling people’s lives with good health, love, joy, and well-being, by providing solutions and meeting customers’ daily needs with technology, innovation, and operational excellence. With over 30 years of retail experience, CP AXTRA is a trusted partner for both B2B and B2C customers, offering a comprehensive range of products and services. Today, it manages over 2,700 offline stores in Thailand and Asia, with strong online presence.
About Ayala Corporation
For more than 190 years, Ayala Corporation has been building businesses that enable people to thrive.
Ayala, currently one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, has meaningful presence in real estate, banking, digital services and telecommunications, and renewable energy. It likewise has a growing presence in healthcare, mobility, and logistics as well as investments in industrial technologies, education, and other ventures. Ayala manages its corporate social responsibility initiatives through Ayala Foundation.
About Ayala Malls
Ayala Malls is the premier lifestyle mall network in the Philippines, known for creating vibrant, well-curated destinations that bring together shopping, dining, culture, and community experiences. With 34 malls nationwide, Ayala Malls continues to lead in elevating the Filipino retail experience by offering a diverse mix of global and local brands, innovative spaces, and enriching events that celebrate local creativity and inclusivity. As part of Ayala Land, the country’s leading real estate developer, Ayala Malls is committed to building dynamic, sustainable spaces where people can connect, thrive, and enjoy life’s everyday moments.
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Aon Brings Leadership Forum to Manila to Help Organisations Navigate Risks and Drive Growth
The event is expected to convene more than 70 C-suite and senior business leaders from top organisations across the Philippines for a closed-door exchange on managing economic, workforce, climate and operational pressures. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the forum aims to foster practical insights and strategies that help organisations navigate uncertainty, protect their businesses and drive sustainable growth.
The program will be officially opened by Karl Hamann, CEO of Philippines for Aon, followed by a keynote from Andrew Jeffries, country director for the Asian Development Bank on the macroeconomic and geopolitical trends shaping the business environment.
Notable speakers include Terence Williams, head of Commercial Risk in Asia Pacific for Aon, and other firm executives alongside external regional leaders, including Annacel Natividad, chief risk officer and sustainability head for Aboitiz Foods Group, and Raymond Martin Aguilar, vice president and head of risk and property management for Globe Telecom, Inc.
“This forum reflects a fundamental shift in how organisations are evolving their approach to risk,” said Williams. “Across Asia Pacific, we are seeing a growing focus on using data and analytics to understand trade-offs, test scenarios and act with greater confidence. Bringing leaders together to share practical experience is critical to strengthening resilience while continuing to drive growth.”
A central feature of the forum will be a C-suite panel on adaptive leadership in a digital world, where senior leaders will share how they are balancing risk, resilience and growth, and the decisions shaping their organisations today. The session will be moderated by Irma Gaviola, head of Commercial Risk, Philippines for Aon.
The program will include risk masterclasses focused on key enterprise exposures, including cyber and climate risks, exploring how organisations can quantify risk, strengthen resilience and design more effective risk transfer strategies.
Participants will also be introduced to Aon’s Risk Analyzers, an interactive environment where clients can experience a suite of analytics-led tools that support scenario testing and supports better risk capital decisions. The tools are designed to help organisations assess exposures and evaluate strategic choices in real time.
“The Philippines sits at the intersection of strong economic growth and increasing risk complexity, said Hamann. “This forum creates a space for candid dialogue and practical insights to help organisations navigate risk with greater clarity and confidence.”
The Better Decisions Leadership Forum is part of Aon’s ongoing commitment to helping organisations turn insight into action – enabling more informed decision-making to protect and grow their business.
Hashtag: #Aon
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
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