Great journeys are often defined by a shared passion for exploration, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of timeless experiences. This year, The Luxury Collection marked its 120th anniversary by joining forces with the iconic 1000 Miglia in Italy, a race long regarded as the most beautiful in the world.  

The 1000 Miglia is far more than a motoring event. Bringing together more than 400 historic vehicles across nearly 1,900 kilometres of breathtaking Italian landscapes, it stands as a celebration of heritage, culture, and the enduring spirit of discovery. These qualities have equally defined The Luxury Collection for more than a century, making the partnership a natural alignment of values.  

What made the collaboration especially meaningful was the opportunity to bring these ideals to life in tangible ways. From a dedicated presence in the 1000 Miglia Village in Brescia to the participation of The Luxury Collection’s own team in the race, the brand created moments that resonated with both tradition and innovation.  

Beyond the track, immersive experiences unfolded across The Luxury Collection’s Italian hotels. Guests were invited to engage with the brand through curated encounters that reflected the essence of discovery—whether through culinary journeys, cultural touchpoints, or bespoke hospitality moments. Each activation reinforced the idea that luxury is not simply about products, but about experiences that endure and inspire.  

As The Luxury Collection celebrates its milestone anniversary, the partnership with 1000 Miglia underscored a shared commitment to journeys that transcend time. It was a reminder that true luxury lies in the stories we collect along the way, and in the craftsmanship that makes those stories unforgettable.  

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Held at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre, the invitation-only event, titled Globalisation and the Sri Lankan Opportunity – From Recovery to Relevance: Sri Lanka’s Moment in the Evolving Global and Regional Economy, brought together approximately 200 senior business executives, investors and diplomatic leaders from across the United Arab Emirates. The gathering reflected a growing interest among Gulf businesses in exploring opportunities beyond their traditional markets and into one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

Organised jointly by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the Colombo Port City Economic Commission and CHEC Port City Colombo Pvt. Ltd., the forum served as a strategic platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s evolving economic narrative and strengthen ties with one of its most important international partners.

The calibre of attendees underscored the significance of the occasion. Senior representatives from major UAE and international organisations including Sobha Realty, Binghatti, Oracle, Emirates Airlines, First Abu Dhabi Bank, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, IFS, Danube and Samana Developers joined discussions on investment, connectivity and regional expansion. Their presence highlighted the growing attention being paid to Sri Lanka’s efforts to reposition itself as a destination for global capital.

Opening the forum, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE, Professor Arusha Cooray, reflected on the longstanding relationship between the two countries. Built on decades of trade, migration and economic cooperation, the partnership has matured alongside the rapid growth of the Gulf region. Yet the ambassador argued that a new chapter is emerging, one in which Sri Lanka can offer more than historical ties and tourism appeal. Instead, it can serve as a platform for UAE businesses seeking access to South Asia’s vast consumer markets and expanding economies.

That theme was reinforced throughout the event. Speakers repeatedly drew parallels between Dubai’s transformation into a global business hub and Sri Lanka’s aspirations for Port City Colombo. The message was clear: while Dubai serves as a gateway connecting businesses to the Middle East, Africa and beyond, Colombo can perform a similar role for South Asia.

One of the forum’s most closely watched addresses came from Ghanim Al Falasi, Chief Executive Officer of Falak Tayyeb Platinum and a senior executive associated with Dubai Silicon Oasis. Drawing on his extensive experience in the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, Al Falasi argued that future growth would increasingly depend on interconnected regional hubs rather than isolated markets.

He noted that Dubai’s strengths in logistics, finance and global connectivity complement Colombo’s strategic location along some of the world’s busiest maritime routes. Rather than competing, the two cities can function as mutually reinforcing platforms that enable businesses to expand across regions with greater efficiency and flexibility.

Such thinking reflects broader trends shaping the global economy. Geopolitical shifts, supply-chain diversification and the search for new investment destinations have encouraged companies to establish multiple regional bases. For Gulf businesses already operating successfully in the Middle East, South Asia represents an attractive frontier, with its large populations, growing middle classes and increasing demand for infrastructure, technology and services.

Sri Lanka’s Presidential Special Envoy for Foreign Investment, Hanif Yusoof, sought to place the country firmly within that conversation. Addressing the audience, he emphasised that Sri Lanka’s story should no longer be framed solely through the lens of recovery following recent economic challenges.

Instead, he presented the country as a transformation story, highlighting reforms, renewed investor confidence and the development of Port City Colombo as a long-term economic platform. According to Yusoof, Sri Lanka offers a rare combination of geographical proximity to major South Asian markets and a governance framework designed to meet international expectations.

His comparison between Colombo and Dubai was particularly striking. Just as businesses use Dubai as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa, he suggested, companies established in the Gulf could use Port City Colombo as a gateway into South Asia without having to build entirely new operational foundations.

The vision for Port City Colombo was explored in greater detail by Harsha Amarasekera, Chairman of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission. He highlighted the increasing momentum surrounding the project, pointing to growing investor interest and visible progress over the past 12 to 18 months.

Amarasekera stressed that the development is not intended to compete with established Gulf business centres. Instead, it is designed to complement them by providing companies with an additional regional base from which to pursue opportunities across South Asia. The emphasis on partnership rather than rivalry appeared to resonate strongly with the Dubai audience, many of whom already operate across multiple international markets.

Further insights into the project’s regulatory framework were provided by Revan Wickramasuriya, Director General of the Commission. He outlined the governance structures, investor protections and long-term tax incentives that underpin the Special Economic Zone.

For international investors, governance and regulatory certainty often matter as much as location. Wickramasuriya argued that Port City Colombo’s framework was specifically designed to satisfy the expectations of globally mobile capital, providing a transparent and rules-based environment capable of supporting long-term investment decisions.

The centrepiece of the forum was a panel discussion examining the broader relationship between the Gulf and South Asia. Moderated by Kris Wadia, the conversation featured experts from finance, governance, real estate and business development, including Aaron Russell-Davison, Skandan “Ramesh” Mahalingam, Bapsy Dastur and Thulci Aluwihare.

Together, they explored how changing economic realities are reshaping investment patterns and business strategies. Their discussions highlighted growing commercial interdependence between Gulf economies and South Asian markets, as well as the opportunities created by technological advancement, infrastructure development and demographic growth.

The audience response suggested that these themes struck a chord. Many UAE businesses are increasingly looking beyond traditional markets in search of diversification and long-term growth. Sri Lanka’s pitch as a stable, strategically located and investment-friendly platform appeared well aligned with those ambitions.

The forum also included a symbolic step towards deeper regional engagement with the announcement of Mujtaba Shaikhani as Strategic Partner and Director for GCC and Pakistan of CHEC Port City Colombo. Founder of MH Investments and Managing Director of Gulf O Flex, Shaikhani brings extensive business networks spanning the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.

His appointment reflects Port City Colombo’s strategy of building partnerships with influential business leaders capable of connecting the project with investors across the Gulf region. Such relationships are likely to play a crucial role in attracting capital and accelerating commercial activity within the development.

Closing the event, Consul General Alexi Gunasekera spoke of the untapped potential in UAE–Sri Lanka economic relations. He emphasised that Sri Lanka’s message in Dubai was not focused on its past achievements or challenges but on future possibilities.

The invitation extended to Gulf investors was straightforward: become part of a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s economic journey. In that narrative, UAE businesses are not merely observers but potential partners in shaping the country’s next phase of growth.

For CHEC Port City Colombo Managing Director Xiong Hongfeng, the strong turnout and engagement from major UAE firms demonstrated the growing international relevance of the project. He described Port City Colombo as more than a real-estate development, portraying it instead as a regional platform capable of connecting global capital with South Asian opportunities.

The event marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s outreach to the Gulf investment community. It also reflected a broader shift in how the country is presenting itself to the world. Rather than focusing solely on tourism, exports or post-crisis recovery, Sri Lanka is increasingly promoting itself as a strategic hub positioned at the crossroads of major economic corridors.

Whether Port City Colombo ultimately fulfils its ambitious vision remains to be seen. Large-scale economic projects are often judged over decades rather than years. Yet the enthusiasm displayed in Dubai suggests that international investors are willing to listen to Sri Lanka’s new story.

In an era when businesses are seeking resilient, well-connected and investment-friendly platforms, Sri Lanka believes it has a compelling proposition. The message delivered at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC was one of confidence, partnership and opportunity: a declaration that the country sees itself not on the periphery of regional growth, but at its centre, ready to connect Gulf capital with the vast possibilities of South Asia.

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Kappa CULTR has secured a prestigious accolade at the Golden Award of Montreux 2026, taking home Gold in the Events (Consumer & Public Events) category. The recognition marks a significant milestone for Mathrubhumi’s initiative, which has consistently sought to push boundaries in the way consumer and public events are conceived and executed. The Golden Award of Montreux, widely regarded as the starting point of the global awards season for creative excellence, is judged by an international jury comprising CEOs of advertising agencies, Creative Directors, Global Marketing and Communication Managers, and Directors from 17 countries.  

The award is a testament to the originality and impact of Kappa CULTR, which has carved out a distinctive space in India’s cultural and creative landscape. By blending bold ideas with uncompromising execution, the initiative has resonated not only with audiences at home but also with global evaluators who recognise innovation and authenticity.  

Shreya Merin Mathew, sharing the news on LinkedIn, captured the spirit behind the win with a candid reflection: “No shortcuts. Just a team willing to question, push, and build something that actually lands. This one’s for the chaos behind the scenes, the uncomfortable ideas we didn’t dilute, and the people who chose impact over approval.” Her words underline the philosophy that has driven Kappa CULTR—an insistence on integrity, risk-taking, and a refusal to settle for safe or predictable choices.  

The Golden Award of Montreux is known for its rigorous standards and its role in spotlighting creative work that sets benchmarks for the industry. Winners and finalists across categories represent the best in advertising, media, and events worldwide, and Kappa CULTR’s victory places Indian creativity firmly on that map. For Mathrubhumi, the achievement is not just about recognition but about demonstrating how Indian initiatives can compete and triumph on international platforms.  

This win also reflects a broader narrative of India’s growing presence in global creative forums. Over the past decade, Indian agencies, brands, and cultural initiatives have increasingly been recognised for their originality and impact. Kappa CULTR’s success at Montreux adds to this momentum, reinforcing the idea that Indian creativity is not only thriving domestically but also shaping conversations globally.  

The accolade positions Kappa CULTR as a benchmark in consumer and public events, showing how bold ideas, rooted in cultural resonance and executed with precision, can achieve international acclaim. It is a reminder that creative excellence often emerges from discomfort, experimentation, and the courage to challenge conventions.  

As the Golden Award of Montreux continues to set the tone for the year in creative recognition, Kappa CULTR’s Gold win stands as a symbol of India’s creative confidence. It is a celebration of the people behind the scenes, the ideas that refused to be diluted, and the impact that comes from choosing authenticity over approval.  

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Microsoft’s latest Patch Tuesday update introduces a crucial new feature: your PC can now confirm whether it is Secure Boot-protected. Beyond addressing multiple vulnerabilities, the update adds a visual indicator within Windows Security to show the status of Secure Boot certificates, ensuring users know if their devices are fully protected against bootkit malware.

Secure Boot is designed to defend Windows PCs from malicious software that targets the boot process. With older certificates expiring in June, Microsoft has been racing to roll out newer 2023 certificates. The update now provides clarity by displaying your Secure Boot status directly in Windows.

On Windows 11, users can navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Device security, and scroll down to Secure Boot. On Windows 10, the path is Settings > Update & security > Windows Security > Device security. The Secure Boot icon will appear in one of three colours: green, yellow, or red. Green means protection is active with no recommended actions, yellow signals a pending safety recommendation, and red indicates urgent action is required.

Importantly, even a green icon may carry a cautionary message. For example, one test PC displayed a green icon but warned: “Secure Boot is on, but your device is using an older boot trust configuration that should be updated.” By contrast, a fully updated PC showed: “Secure Boot is on, and all required certificate updates have been applied.”

This new transparency ensures users can verify whether their system is genuinely secure, bridging the gap between technical updates and user awareness.

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FIFA has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with YouTube, naming the platform a Preferred Partner for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The agreement promises to transform how audiences experience the tournament, offering fans unprecedented access to premium content and interactive coverage across digital channels.

Through this collaboration, FIFA’s official YouTube channel will host exclusive content, while a global network of creators will gain unique access to the event. Media Partners will also be able to live stream the first 10 minutes of every match and broadcast a select number of full games on their own YouTube channels, ensuring wider reach and accessibility.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström hailed the partnership as a milestone in sports broadcasting. “FIFA is delighted to welcome YouTube as a Preferred Platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026. By spotlighting FIFA’s premium content and unlocking new opportunities for Media Partners and creators, this agreement will engage global fans in ways never seen before,” he said.

Grafström emphasised that as the world’s attention turns to Canada, Mexico and the United States, the collaboration underscores FIFA’s ambition to maximise the tournament’s impact across an evolving media landscape. Fans everywhere will be able to enjoy an immersive view of the world’s biggest single-sport event, reinforcing the World Cup’s status as a truly global spectacle.

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Havas Red has announced the global launch of CRed, its newly imagined creator and influence practice designed to help brands earn lasting cultural credibility in an increasingly creator-powered world. The initiative reflects the agency’s evolution in influencer and creator partnerships, consolidating years of expertise into a globally connected, culturally driven framework.  

CRed arrives at a pivotal moment when influence is no longer dictated by celebrity endorsements alone but shaped by subcultures, niche communities and creator-led storytelling across owned, earned and paid channels. The practice aims to move brands beyond transactional influencer campaigns, instead fostering sustained, trust-driven partnerships that deliver measurable business and reputational impact.  

What distinguishes CRed is its integrated approach, blending cultural fluency, human expertise and AI-enabled workflows into a single ecosystem. While automation and generative technologies are reshaping industries, Havas Red insists that influence remains fundamentally human. CRed combines advanced data intelligence, creator discovery technologies and AI-powered measurement tools with expert human curation, relationship building and strategic storytelling. This ensures that creators are selected not only for reach but for authentic brand alignment and cultural relevance.  

The agency describes this as “agency intelligence” – a model where AI enhances speed, scale and predictive insight, but human creativity and strategic thinking remain central to partnership development and storytelling innovation. By embedding cultural resonance into every stage of the process, CRed sets a new benchmark for creator-led influence.  

CRed integrates seamlessly across Havas Red’s PR, social, content and experiential capabilities, offering brands a smarter, more culturally attuned approach to creator collaboration. Its framework includes adaptive creator strategies grounded in authentic brand–creator alignment, long-term relationship programmes that build advocacy and trust, and creator-shaped creative development to ensure content feels native and credible. It also provides channel-optimised storytelling for emerging platforms, reputation and brand safety counsel with AI-informed guardrails, and measurement approaches that combine cultural intelligence with business performance metrics.  

For brands navigating a fragmented digital landscape, CRed offers a way to engage audiences meaningfully, ensuring that influence is not fleeting but enduring. By balancing the precision of AI with the nuance of human creativity, Havas Red positions CRed as a practice that can help brands earn cultural credibility while safeguarding reputation.  

The launch underscores Havas Red’s commitment to shaping the future of influence, recognising that creators are no longer peripheral but central to how culture is formed and shared. In doing so, CRed provides a blueprint for brands to collaborate with creators in ways that are authentic, strategic and impactful – setting a new standard for influence in the creator economy.  

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Coca-Cola has appointed Ogilvy Paris to lead the global creative account for its Fuze Tea brand, with additional support from the agency’s Turkey and Spain offices. In Australia, WPP will take charge of the local creative mandate, marking a significant shift in the brand’s communications strategy.  

The incumbent, McCann, had worked with Fuze Tea since 2022. The latest appointment follows a competitive pitch involving only Ogilvy and McCann, underscoring Coca-Cola’s confidence in Ogilvy’s global network and creative approach.  

Fuze Tea was officially launched in Australia in 2016, and the brand has since sought to strengthen its presence in the ready-to-drink tea category. While Coca-Cola did not disclose Fuze Tea’s net profit, the company reported overall net profit growth of 2% to $47.9 billion for the full year. Organic revenues rose 5%, driven by a 4% increase in price/mix and a 1% rise in concentrate sales.  

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PROPER is shaking up the savoury snacking aisle with the launch of the UK’s first-ever Pop-Up Microwave Popcorn Box, a packaging innovation designed to add theatre and convenience to the microwave popcorn moment. In just two minutes, the flat pack transforms into a box-fresh container, eliminating the need for a separate bowl and delivering a premium, cinema-style experience at home.  

Microwave popcorn remains one of the most experiential segments in snacking, with 56% of shoppers in this category not purchasing other popcorn formats. Despite its loyal base, the segment has seen little innovation in recent years. PROPER’s new format aims to reinvigorate the category, offering retailers incremental growth opportunities while enhancing consumer enjoyment.  

The launch also marks the arrival of PROPER’s number one flavour, Sweet & Salty, into its microwave collection for the first time. Already the UK’s leading Sweet & Salty popcorn across all formats, selling over 38 million packs annually, it is joined by Sea Salt, the brand’s original variant, giving shoppers access to PROPER’s two best-selling flavours in the new format.  

Available exclusively in Tesco stores this week in a 90g format priced at £2.25, the roll-out is supported by a dedicated in-store campaign across digital screens and point-of-sale, alongside content on PROPER’s owned channels to educate shoppers about the new pop-up design. The launch will also coincide with PROPER’s latest Practice PROPER Snacking masterbrand campaign, going live on 20th April across out-of-home, digital, sampling and in-store activity.  

Sandie Dilger, Chief Marketing Officer at PROPER SNACKS, said: “Microwave popcorn should be the most exciting part of the CSN aisle. It’s hot and fresh, it’s sensory, and it’s got built-in theatre, but the segment hasn’t kept up.”  

With its Pop-Up Box, PROPER is positioning itself to redefine the microwave popcorn experience, bringing fresh energy to a category long overdue for innovation.

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From a casual pub conversation to a global creative powerhouse, Handsome Frank has redefined the role of illustration in contemporary culture. Founded in 2010 by cousins Jon and Tom, the UK-based agency began with a simple idea: to represent illustrators in a way that was personable, professional and globally ambitious. Sixteen years later, Handsome Frank represents more than 40 illustrators across five continents, collaborating with some of the biggest brands and agencies in the world.  

The agency’s ethos is clear—championing the finest contemporary artists and ensuring their work reaches audiences far beyond traditional boundaries. Handsome Frank’s roster is diverse, spanning bold geometric stylists, whimsical character creators and textured nostalgists. Each illustrator brings a distinctive voice, and the agency’s role is to amplify that voice, connecting artists with projects that showcase their strengths while expanding their reach.  

One such illustrator is Dundee-based Molly McCammon, whose work exemplifies Handsome Frank’s commitment to artistry and innovation. Inspired by mid-century design and printing methods, McCammon’s illustrations balance structure and simplicity with warmth and geometry. Her process begins with pencil sketches—an essential stage for clearing away “bad ideas”—before moving into Procreate, where flat layers of colour replicate the screen-printing techniques of the 1950s and 60s. The result is a nostalgic yet contemporary aesthetic, with subtle nods to cubism and a distinctly personal touch.  

This St. Patrick’s Day, McCammon’s talent has been celebrated through a commission for Jameson Irish Whiskey. Her troupe of green-clad figures, full of energy, character and a playful slice of lime, captures the spirit of the day perfectly. The piece is joyful, vibrant and unmistakably hers, embodying both the festive cheer of the occasion and the timeless appeal of her style.  

The celebration continues on McCammon’s freshly updated portfolio page, which now features this St. Patrick’s Day piece alongside a host of new work. For those seeking a springtime pick-me-up, her art offers more than seasonal charm—it provides a reminder that creativity, not luck, is what truly brightens the season. Handsome Frank’s representation ensures that her work, and that of their other illustrators, reaches audiences who value originality and craft.  

Beyond her commissions, McCammon remains deeply connected to her surroundings. When not drawing, she can often be found exploring Dundee’s second-hand bookshops or walking along the North Sea, pursuits that feed her imagination and ground her work in both vintage charm and natural rhythm. Her collaboration with Jameson Irish Whiskey is not just a festive commission but a testament to her artistic journey, one that Handsome Frank has helped nurture and elevate.  

As Handsome Frank continues to grow, its legacy is defined not only by the scale of its global reach but by the individuality of the artists it represents. From pub talk beginnings to international acclaim, the agency has proven that illustration is more than decoration—it is storytelling, branding and cultural resonance. And in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day through Molly McCammon’s vibrant lens, Handsome Frank has once again shown how art can capture the spirit of a moment while building a lasting legacy.  

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The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition is set to transform Somerset House into a global hub of visual storytelling this spring, bringing together some of the most compelling photographic works from across the world. Running from 17 April to 4 May, the exhibition will occupy both the West and East Wings of the historic venue, offering visitors a sweeping view of contemporary photography.

With more than 300 images on display, the showcase presents a diverse and expansive survey of the past year in photography. From striking documentary work to intimate portraiture, and from dramatic wildlife captures to architectural precision, the exhibition reflects the breadth and depth of the medium today. It also provides a rare opportunity to see all winning and shortlisted entries gathered under one roof, making it one of the most comprehensive photography exhibitions of its kind.

At its core, the exhibition serves as a window into the evolving practices of photographers working across the globe. Each image contributes to a broader narrative about culture, environment, identity and human experience, underscoring photography’s enduring role as both art and documentation.

A highlight of this year’s edition is the special showcase dedicated to Joel Meyerowitz, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award. Widely regarded as a pioneer of colour photography and a defining figure in street photography, Meyerowitz’s work is presented through an immersive mixed-media installation. Combining photographs with video and soundscapes, the display invites audiences to engage with his imagery in new and dynamic ways, transporting them to urban streetscapes across Europe and beyond.

The exhibition also offers an enhanced experience for visitors seeking deeper engagement. A special combo ticket provides access not only to the exhibition but also to an exclusive artist talk by Meyerowitz, scheduled for 21 April at Logan Hall. The session promises a rare opportunity to hear directly from the acclaimed photographer about his career, creative process and the stories behind his work.

As one of the most anticipated events in the global photography calendar, the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition continues to draw audiences ranging from industry professionals to casual enthusiasts. Its return to London reinforces the city’s status as a major centre for arts and culture, while offering visitors a chance to engage with powerful visual narratives from around the world.

For just over two weeks, Somerset House will become a meeting point for images that inform, challenge and inspire, capturing moments that define our times through the lens of some of the world’s most talented photographers.

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