Media OutReach
Smart Design Global Awards 2026 Call for Final Applications Introducing Dual Incentive Scheme to Empower Local Talents to Go Global
Updated Format Grants Finalists with Exhibition Opportunities to Fuel Creativity
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – The “Hong Kong Smart Design Awards” has officially been renamed “Smart Design Global” (SDG), marking a new start to Hong Kong’s annual flagship design event as it enters its fifteenth year running. The name change signifies the convergence of local design talents, with the competition serving as a gateway to the world. Organised by the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the program has been instrumental in taking Hong Kong’s original design global since its inception in 2012.
This year’s rebranding represents a strategic transformation to further establish a holistic design ecosystem, with the goal to shape creativity as a new economic driver for Hong Kong. SDG will implement an incentive scheme which merges creativity with business to help winners connect with international markets. The program will consist of two key phases: the “Smart Design Global Awards 2026” competition, followed by a series of overseas trade shows.
Upgraded Perks: Shortlisted Participants to Secure Exhibition Spots
This year’s “Smart Design Global” comes with an upgraded suite of rewards for participants, and particularly those who qualify for the Corporate Group in order to reward SMEs and local designers that invest in creativity. All shortlisted participants will be allocated a dedicated display space at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, where they can showcase their competition entries and other company products. This provides a comprehensive platform for participants to interact with thousands of international buyers, boosting brand exposure and fostering collaboration. The final judging will also take place on the first day of the Gifts & Premium Fair, allowing participants to present their design concepts directly to the jury panel. This face-to-face interaction enables contestants to gather professional feedback and gain deeper insights into their product’s strengths and weaknesses.
Furthermore, award winners will be given the opportunity to take their winning products abroad for touring exhibitions. By taking part in major global trade shows, homegrown designs will shine on an international stage. The SDG Awards also offers a prototype subsidy, which grants crucial early-stage funding to help top winners transform innovative concepts into market-ready products for the world, maximizing value for all participants who enter.
Four Categories: Showcasing Hong Kong’s Unique Charm
“Smart Design Global Awards 2026” is now open for application. This edition focuses not only on the aesthetic appeal of products, but also the market potential, calling for entries from innovative products across four categories:
- Live: Designs that elevate living spaces and personal style, such as distinctive furniture and home décor.
- Dine: Kitchen innovations, tableware, and dining decorations that redefine culinary aesthetics and experience.
- Gift: Exquisite, personalized gifts designed to create lasting memories, including festive products, personal collectibles, and corporate gifts.
- Play: Nostalgic recreational items or educational games with pedagogical design, such as figures, STEM games, and cross-generational collectibles.
| Smart Design Global 2026 Submission Details | |
| Corporate Group | |
| Application Deadline: | 10 March 2026 (Tues) |
| Application Fee: | HK$600 per product category |
| Exhibition Fee*: | HK$3,500 per product category |
| Conceptual Group | |
| Application Deadline: | 10 March 2026 (Tues) |
| Application Fee: | HK$300 per product category (Waived for students) |
| Exhibition Fee*: | Waived |
* Shortlisted entries will enjoy an HK$600 registration fee waiver, bringing the actual exhibition fee to HK$2,900.
**For details, please visit the Smart Design Global website: https://www.sdawards.org.hk
Hashtag: #HongKongSmartDesignAwards #SmartDesignGlobal #SDG
https://www.sdawards.org.hk
https://www.sdawards.org.hk
About The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association
Founded in 1955, The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (The HKEA) is a non-profit making trade association registered under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance as a company limited by guarantee. The HKEA is committed to creating new business opportunities and enhancing market value for Hong Kong exporters, aiming to position Hong Kong as a premier trading hub. The HKEA focuses on serving the industry and taking export trade as its core value, helping members expand their business by closely liaising with the government, initiating different projects, and organizing seminars, business gatherings, business delegation trips and exhibitions. The HKEA also disseminate the latest local and international trade information and provides online product display and search services for additional publicity, to further promote Hong Kong’s export trade and enhance market competitiveness.
The HKEA website: www.exporters.org.hk
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
CCIDA’s website: www.ccidahk.gov.hk
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
Media OutReach
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/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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.
Media OutReach
CP AXTRA Partners with Ayala to Strengthen Mall Development and Asset Management
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.
Media OutReach
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.
Follow Aon on newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
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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