The Thai retail giant has unveiled NEXTOPIA at Siam Paragon, positioning the 15,000-square-metre project as the world’s first prototype for a global sustainability platform embedded within a retail environment.

The launch comes as shopping mall operators across Asia-Pacific face mounting pressure to reinvent physical retail beyond consumption alone. 

NEXTOPIA was formally introduced during The Economist Sustainability Week Asia, where Siam Piwat Chief Executive Officer Chadatip Chutrakul framed the initiative as a long-term business transformation rather than a corporate social responsibility exercise.

“Sustainability is no longer optional,” Chutrakul said. “We must accelerate and make a bold move. Real, lasting impact is never created alone. It requires co-creation across industries, united by purpose, in a place that captures the world’s attention and inspires change for the greater good.”

Opened in November 2025, NEXTOPIA sits inside Siam Paragon, one of Thailand’s highest-traffic retail destinations, which attracts more than 200,000 visitors daily, including large volumes of international tourists and regional luxury shoppers.

Rather than functioning as a standalone green showcase, the project attempts to integrate sustainability directly into the retail journey itself. 

Interactive installations allow visitors to generate electricity through kinetic flooring and bicycles, while recycled art exhibitions and environmentally-focused retail concepts are positioned alongside conventional shopping experiences.

At the centre of the development is ECOTOPIA, described by the company as Thailand’s largest eco-focused retail store, carrying more than 110,000 sustainable products sourced from roughly 300 Thai communities and small businesses.

The project was developed alongside more than 50 corporate and institutional partners, including B.Grimm, SCG, Indorama Ventures, and Kasikornbank. 

Global organisations including the World Wide Fund for Nature, World Food Programme, and United Nations Development Programme also participated in collaborative programming.

Siam Piwat said the site has already achieved zero waste to landfill while cutting energy consumption by 47%, reducing water usage by 34%, and lowering carbon emissions from construction materials by 59%.

The building has received EDGE Advanced certification and a two-star Fitwel rating, alongside the Best in Building Health Award 2026 from Fitwel.

Importantly, the sustainability framework extends to tenants themselves. Businesses operating within NEXTOPIA are required to comply with roughly 50 sustainability standards covering waste management, sourcing, and operational practices—a sign of how landlords across the region are beginning to push environmental requirements deeper into commercial ecosystems.

For Siam Piwat, NEXTOPIA is intended as both a showcase and exportable model.

The company said the platform is designed to function as a “living laboratory” that other retail and real estate operators globally could adapt as pressure intensifies on brands and property groups to demonstrate measurable sustainability action under evolving climate commitments.

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The initiative responds to overcrowded shelters in major cities, where Indonesia’s estimated 16 million dogs far outnumber available resources. It also addresses the country’s ranking as the top contributor of animal abuse content in the 2021 SMACC report.

Jeremy Randolph, representative of the Pawtective Siren movement from the Hope for Strays Community, emphasised the need for a technology-driven preventive approach to reach areas previously beyond oversight.

“For years, shelters and volunteers have worked extraordinarily hard, but most rescues happen after abuse has already occurred. Violence often takes place in isolated locations or at night without witnesses. Pawtective Siren is designed to provide on-site protection before abuse becomes fatal,” Jeremy explained. 

The collars use smart health technology to monitor dogs’ physiological responses to extreme fear. Testing by the development team showed a normal heart rate between 70 and 120 beats per minute (BPM), which can spike to 130–250 BPM during trauma or serious threat. 

When the heart rate exceeds 130 BPM, the collar activates a 100–110 dB siren and high-intensity flashing LEDs, alerting people within 100–300 metres in open areas, particularly at night. A Smart Off system automatically deactivates the alarm once the heart rate falls below 120 BPM, limiting additional stress.

“We do not want the device to sound when a dog is simply playing or running. That is why testing was conducted to ensure that detected spikes truly represent panic or serious threat conditions,” Jeremy said.

Animal protection activist Melanie Subono noted that preventing violence requires more than regulation or rescue.

“Volunteers have mostly been rescuing after incidents occur, not preventing them. Regulation alone is not enough. We need collaboration from all parties—from education at home and social media engagement to public oversight. Most importantly, society must truly recognise that animals are living beings. They can feel fear, experience trauma, and lose trust in humans,” she explained.

She added that shelter overcapacity demonstrates that shelter-only strategies cannot solve the problem.

“If we rely solely on shelters, the problem will never be solved. Prevention must be strengthened, and the broader public must become a key target of education,” she said.

The first phase will see 500 Pawtective Siren units deployed on stray dogs in high-risk areas of Jakarta, with GPS functionality allowing volunteers to monitor locations and device status.

Jeremy stressed that the movement extends beyond a technology project, aiming to set a new standard for animal protection in Indonesia.

“Through Pawtective Siren, we want to ensure that every cry of fear from an animal no longer ends in silence. When they are threatened, the public can immediately become aware. This is not just an accessory—it is a tangible form of protection for those who cannot speak,” he said.

The initiative plans to expand to other cities through fundraising and cross-community collaboration, aiming to create a more responsive, participatory, and technology-driven animal protection system nationwide.

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Launched at the ASEAN Tourism Forum, the Impact Lab is positioned as a platform for public and private sector stakeholders to collaborate on the design, testing, and scaling of practical solutions for the travel and tourism industry. Its focus areas include storytelling, industry upskilling, and capacity building, with an emphasis on travel and technology-related developments.

Agoda said the initiative will draw on its capabilities in eCommerce, technology, marketing, and analytics through a mix of reports, knowledge-sharing efforts, and training programmes aimed at supporting industry standards.

Under the Impact Lab, the company plans to roll out hands-on eCommerce training programmes for accommodation providers across ASEAN, as well as executive masterclasses conducted with government, industry, and academic partners on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence. Agoda will also convene a joint working group with ASEAN and WWF-Singapore to support regional discussions on protecting the long-term ecological and economic value of emerging destinations.

In addition, the Impact Lab will support the Sustainable Tourism Academy, a digital training platform developed with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which offers free, self-paced sustainability courses aligned with GSTC standards. Agoda also plans to publish data-driven reports to inform industry decision-making on areas such as traveller demand, technology adoption, and localisation.

Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, shared, “With Agoda Impact Lab, we’re not just imagining the future of travel and technology in Asia; we’re actively shaping it. The lab will serve as a hub for collaboration, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore innovative solutions and strategies. Agoda is committed to leading the charge in creating more sustainable and intelligent solutions that benefit both the industry and travellers alike.”

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The initiative, called ‘Inclusion Matters’, centres on the launch of the Inclusion Hub, an online resource outlining 25 practical measures that businesses can adopt to create calmer and more welcoming environments. The measures range from operational changes such as quiet hours to staff training and clearer communication, with guidance designed to help businesses integrate these practices into daily operations.

The Inclusion Hub was co-designed with Autism CRC, Australia’s national source of evidence-based best practice in autism. Autism CRC works with autistic people, families and professionals to develop tools and improve equity and participation across all stages of life.

As part of the initiative, Mastercard is also piloting Sensory Notes, a new restaurant menu format intended to help diners better understand dishes through sensory descriptions. Rather than listing ingredients alone, Sensory Notes describe a dish’s appearance, preparation, texture and taste. The framework includes tiered guidance to support hospitality venues of different sizes in adopting the system.

Sensory Notes will be trialled at the Australian Open’s Wonder Pies and Peach Melbourne venues, as well as The Mulberry Group’s Hazel Melbourne.

Kerry Tavrou, head of inclusion & diversity at Tennis Australia, said, “We’re committed to making the Australian Open the benchmark of sporting inclusivity. By featuring Sensory Notes on our Accessible page, introducing QR signage at Wonder Pies and Peach Melbourne, and promoting them within the BallPark sensory room, we’re giving neurodiverse fans the tools they need to feel informed and supported throughout their AO experience.”

To integrate Sensory Notes into existing dining experiences, an icon has been developed to sit alongside standard dietary symbols such as Gluten Free, Vegan and Pescatarian, signalling that additional sensory information is available for a dish.

Mastercard said dining was identified as a practical starting point for advancing inclusion, given the role hospitality plays in everyday social participation. The company framed the initiative as part of its broader mission to support participation in the digital economy.

Julie Nestor, executive vice president, marketing and communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, commented, “As a global leader in digital-first innovation and inclusion by design, Mastercard set out to introduce practices that go beyond what’s already available. Through the Inclusion Matters initiative, we’re making it easier for businesses to build environments where everyone feels considered and welcome. We look forward to refining the hub with ongoing feedback, because a world designed for everyone is priceless.”

The development of Sensory Notes involved collaboration with chefs and autistic Australians to ensure the framework could be implemented in real-world hospitality settings. A tool to help restaurants create their own Sensory Notes has been made available through the Inclusion Hub.

MasterChef Australia judge Jean-Christophe Novelli, who contributed to the framework, stated, “Through my experiences dining out with my son Valentino, I’ve come to understand just how complex and overwhelming restaurant experiences can be for autistic individuals and their caregivers. Dining should be a moment of joy, comfort, and connection, yet uncertainty around food often creates unnecessary barriers. Sensory Notes offers clarity and confidence so everyone can enjoy what should be a simple pleasure of sharing a meal together.”

Dr Olivia Gatfield, Autism CRC’s research and community engagement manager, said, “Our role is to listen to and learn from the autistic community, working together through research and co-design. We have focused on what truly matters to them and hope these new innovations are beneficial and can continue to be refined with community feedback.”

As the initiative expands, participating businesses will be listed in a consumer directory to help families and individuals identify venues offering inclusive environments.

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Titled ‘Tokyo Calling’, the campaign features UltraSuperNew’s logo projected onto the night sky above iconic landmarks in the cities where its offices are located, alongside logos of past clients including Red Bull and Puma. The visual nods to the Batman “bat-signal”, turning the agency’s emblem into a beacon for talent.

The initiative comes as a response to recent large-scale layoffs that have left thousands in the creative industry uncertain about their futures. Through the campaign, UltraSuperNew, with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, and Amsterdam, is signalling an openness to new talent, offering a fresh opportunity for creatives affected by the upheaval.

In a statement, the agency said, “And while the holding companies may be bankrupt (morally or otherwise), UltraSuperNew doesn’t think the industry actually is. It’s simply disseminating—scattering into new shapes, new places, new possibilities.”

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The initiative sees Colonel Sanders reimagined as “Sanders Claus” and includes a donation-driven activity, “KFC Spreads Care With Bucket Ware to Say Thanks”, which invites the public to contribute essential supplies in exchange for limited-edition festive merchandise. 

Donations will be collected on 30 November at KFC Samyan Mitrtown and delivered through partner organisation Recyclese.

Suhayl Limbada, market lead and chief marketing officer for KFC Thailand, said, “As we head into the festive season, we know that moments of togetherness and joy matter more than ever to our Thai community.”

He added that this year’s campaign aims to offer “a fresh, fun way to celebrate with our limited-edition Bucket Ware”, calling it “a playful keepsake and a thoughtful gift, something new, something joyful, and something that brings the spirit of KFC into the season of giving.”

A festive parade, led by “Sanders Claus” and entertainment creator Joke iScream, will move through central Bangkok on December 3, spreading Christmas cheer from Samyan Mitrtown to Asoke. 

KFC has also rolled out three special year-end menu items and reinstated its sought-after “KFC Festive Bucket Ware”, redeemable at 99 baht with qualifying purchases until December 10. 

The campaign extends nationwide across all KFC outlets, with festive menus available until January 4, 2026. 

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The initiative allows teenagers aged 13 to under 17 to open a DANA Premium account through an electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) process using a Child Identity Card (KIA) with parental consent.

DANA Premium Mini accounts have a maximum balance limit of IDR 2,000,000 and support balance top-ups, QRIS payments, and transfers between users. Activation requires digital approval from parents, who can monitor transactions and guide spending through the “Send Money” feature, promoting financial learning within families.

The launch aims to expand access to inclusive and educational digital finance while fostering financial literacy and mindful transaction habits from an early age. It is the result of collaboration between DANA, the Civil Registration Agency (Dukcapil), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), supporting the national Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). KIA-based e-KYC ensures that young users’ identities can be verified quickly, securely, and in accordance with national data protection regulations.

The development of DANA Premium Mini is informed by the 2025 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion (SNLIK) from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), which highlighted gaps in access to financial services among teenagers. At DANA, demand from teens for digital financial services and parental interest in safe usage guided the introduction of the feature.

The initiative also aligns with Government Regulation (PP) Number 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Implementation in Child Protection (PP TUNAS), reinforcing a safe and healthy digital payment ecosystem.

The launch complements the government’s agenda to increase financial literacy and inclusion among Indonesian teenagers, aiming for a 93 percent financial inclusion rate by 2029 as outlined in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan.

Vince Iswara, CEO and co-founder of DANA Indonesia, shared, “DANA is committed to being a bridge for financial inclusion and helping Indonesians build healthy financial habits. This commitment is the foundation of every innovation we develop—ensuring that access to digital financial services is inclusive and secure for everyone, including the younger generation. Through DANA Premium Mini (Premini), teenagers can learn to manage digital finances safely.”

“DANA also extends its appreciation to the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) of the Ministry of Home Affairs for its collaboration in implementing electronic identity verification (e-KYC). Since our establishment and until now, this synergy has enabled broader e-KYC coverage, including for youth through DANA Premini, which uses the Child ID (KIA) as an official verification document suited to teenagers. With this, we invite the public to nurture Indonesia’s young generation to grow into financially responsible and digitally savvy individuals in today’s digital era,” he added. 

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The reappointment marks another win for IPG Mediabrands’ network in the region, coming shortly after another major account success. The renewed partnership is centered on continued collaboration to strengthen KFC’s cultural presence and brand connection among Thai consumers.

Suhayl Limbada, KFC Thailand Market Lead and Chief Marketing Officer, said, “I’m thrilled that KFC will continue its journey with the best media agency in Thailand. Retaining a client as an incumbent is a massive challenge and it requires more effort than others in a pitch. Initiative didn’t take anything for granted, they came into this pitch hungry, focused, and with a clear intent to be true business partners.”

They added, “That mindset, along with their energy, creativity, and deep passion for our brand, is ultimately what won them the opportunity. We’ve done great things together, but what excites us most is where we’re going next.”

Meanwhile, Sora Kaitkanarat, CEO of Initiative Thailand, commented, “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with KFC Thailand. This win is testament not only to Initiative’s competitiveness in market, but also to the strong collaboration, creativity, and trust we have built together over the past four years. Our team is deeply passionate about KFC, and we look forward to unlocking more growth opportunities in bold, culture-driven ways.”

Lastly, Tharaputh Charuvatana, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Thailand, said, “KFC is one of the most iconic and loved brands in Thailand, and we are honoured to continue this journey alongside them. This decision reflects the strength of our talent, our differentiated approach, and our ability to deliver meaningful business outcomes. We remain passionate and committed to pushing the boundaries of media innovation to fuel KFC’s continued success in the market.”

Initiative’s appointment as agency of record for KFC Thailand takes effect immediately.

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Titled “Your Voice, Our Future” (“Suaramu Penentu Langkah Kami”), the program introduces a design voting competition that enables Indonesian consumers to share their input on the next generation of VinFast EVs. The initiative aims to align future vehicle designs with local market preferences and everyday driving needs.

Carrying the message “Vote for the design that moves you forward and drives Indonesia further”, the campaign invites the public to participate in the creative process by selecting their preferred concepts and contributing feedback.

The showcase features new design concepts for the VF 5, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9, developed by VinFast’s in-house creative teams in collaboration with international design studios. Each concept highlights the brand’s focus on innovation, modernity, and local identity.

Participants can view detailed sketches of the exterior and interior concepts and vote for their favourite designs for each model. In addition to voting, citizens are encouraged to submit their design ideas in image format, which could serve as inspiration for future production models.

The competition also offers prizes with full details available on the official contest website. The voting phase runs from October 7 to 18, 2025, and the award ceremony is on October 26, 2025.

To encourage broad participation, VinFast is hosting both online and offline activities. Votes and design feedback can be submitted via myvoiceforvinfast.com, or at VinFast showrooms, shopping malls, and major exhibitions nationwide.

A jury panel composed of notable figures from Indonesian media, culture, and motorsports will oversee the process alongside Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, CEO of VinFast Indonesia, ensuring transparency and diversity in evaluation.

“Guided by our ‘Customer-Centricity’ philosophy, VinFast intends for the people of Indonesia to become the true co-creators of our electric vehicle future. We firmly believe that every idea, every choice from the community, holds intrinsic value and the power to shape groundbreaking designs,” Hardjosoemarto said. 

“’Your Voice, Our Future’ is a powerful affirmation that VinFast is committed to listening and empowering the Indonesian community to directly contribute to the green transformation journey. This initiative will establish a solid platform for VinFast and Indonesia to collectively break boundaries, reach further, and make a significant mark in the global green revolution,” he added. 

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Griffiths brings more than a decade of client-side experience at Bunnings, where she held senior roles spanning brand, digital transformation, loyalty and, most recently, growth strategy in the retailer’s B2B commercial division. 

Her tenure also included integrating Bunnings’ acquisition of Beaumont Tiles and steering major brand platforms that grew market share and customer loyalty. 

Megan Davey, head of Melbourne at Initiative, said, “Kathryn’s rare combination of retail, loyalty and transformation expertise, grounded in years of client-side responsibility, will give our clients fresh, pragmatic insight into growth strategies. Her perspective will immediately add value across our superannuation and retail accounts.”

A UK-native who has called Melbourne home for 13 years, Griffiths previously held public-sector policy roles in Brussels, Cardiff and Manchester, experience that sharpens her strategic perspective and stakeholder management skills. 

In her new role she will lead Initiative’s ISF portfolio (Cbus, Hostplus, ISA) alongside Crown Resorts and Repco.

Griffiths said, “I am genuinely excited to be joining Megan and her team and look forward to guiding our clients through their next stage of growth, ensuring they remain relevant in our fast-changing world and connected to their audiences. 

“Initiative’s strong people culture fits perfectly with my passion to create environments where my team don’t just thrive, they grow, evolve, and achieve their ambitions. I’m looking forward to being a part of the agency’s successful growth evolution moving forward.”

Dawson, who joined Initiative more than six years ago, is promoted from senior account director to group business director. A former investment specialist, known for his ability to align commercial discipline with creative media thinking, Dawson will now lead the high-profile Officeworks and DuluxGroup accounts. 

Davey added, “Mark is the epitome of a trusted partner. His investment background means he considers the clients’ every dollar, while his leadership acumen consistently earns client trust. This promotion recognises the breadth of his contribution and his role in mentoring our next generation of talent.”

The leadership changes come as Initiative Melbourne continues to scale. Davey noted the appointments “set us up for the next chapter of client growth and innovation in Victoria.”

Both Griffiths and Dawson report directly to Davey and take up their new roles effective immediately.

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