Dow Jones futures rose modestly early Friday, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures. President Donald Trump says a U.S.-Iran ceasefire still holds, despite the two sides exchanging fire late Thursday. The April jobs report is due before the open. CoreWeave (CRWV), Rocket Lab (RKLB), Cloudflare (NET), Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI), IREN (IREN) and MP Materials (MP) were notable earnings… Copyright ©2026 Investor’s Business Daily, LLC. All rights reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 source

Chinese lemon tea brand Lam Heung Ling has partnered with Hong Kong-based craft brewery Young Master and its sub-brand HIGHERTHAN to launch a new line of three co-branded canned alcoholic beverages. This partnership marks Lam Heung Ling’s first large-scale expansion into major convenience store channels, including 7-Eleven and Circle K. The move showcases the brand’s robust capabilities in flavour research and development, alongside its increasingly sophisticated supply chain integration. During an interview with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Joshua Chan (pictured), marketing and business development director, Lam Heung Ling, said Young Master is a pioneer in the craft brewing industry, and its dedication to quality aligns perfectly with Lam Heung Ling’s DNA of “freshly-made” excellence.   “This partnership is built on ‘Artisanal synergy’ – combining our advanced tea-making technology with their world-class brewing expertise to explore the limitless possibilities of Hong Kong brands in the FMCG sector.”  Craft of zest: Bridging heritage and Gen Z The campaign, titled “Craft of zest: A fusion of heritage and craft spirits,” uses “craft” to emphasise an artisanal approach, while “zest” celebrates the signature perfume lemons that define the brand. This product innovation is a key pillar of the brand’s localisation strategy. Recognising that the younger generation seeks more than just a physical product, Lam Heung Ling aims to foster an emotional connection. By “thinking out of the box” and mixing tea with beer, the brand has carefully balanced tea aromatics and sweetness without overshadowing the character of the alcohol—a move designed to resonate with Gen Z’s preference for multifaceted experiences. “The younger generation doesn’t just care about how a product tastes; they want to understand the art and origin behind the manufacturing process,” Chan explained. The campaign is being promoted through a comprehensive B2C strategy, utilising YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and in-store posters to engage audiences. Unearthing insights  According to Chan, the concept stems from translating the “freshness” of street-side lemon tea into a premium canned experience. By infusing self-developed tea leaves and perfume lemon extracts into craft beer and vodka highballs, the brand aims to redefine the “industrial” perception of canned drinks. The initiative also signals a repositioning of Lam Heung Ling from a storefront-only model to an omnichannel supply chain brand. By defining a “Premium tea-spirits” niche, the brand hopes to elevate the consumer experience within the ready-to-drink market. Developed by Lam Heung Ling’s in-house team in direct technical collaboration with Young Master’s R&D and marketing departments, the project also seeks to promote synergy among local brands and boost pride in Hong Kong identities among younger consumers. The new products are currently available at 7-Eleven and Circle K across Hong Kong, with a series of in-store events planned for late May to coincide with Lam Heung Ling’s anniversary. The campaign highlights technical milestones such as “extracting only the heart of the tea” and achieving the “golden ratio” through high-design collaborative packaging and targeted digital ads. Point-of-sale materials (POSM), dedicated shelf displays, and cross-promotions within Lam Heung Ling’s physical stores are also being leveraged. “At Lam Heung Ling, we have always been driven by R&D and innovation. This partnership is more than a product launch; it is a tribute to Hong Kong’s creative spirit. By infusing our signature ‘Golden Ratio’ into a canned format through precision engineering, we want to show the market that high-quality traditional flavors can be infinitely extended through innovation,” Chan added.   Founded in 2019, the brand has aggressively expanded its footprint across APAC, including opening its first stores in Singapore and Malaysia over the past year. Moving forward, the brand will continue its Southeast Asian expansion, including the establishment of a new office in Kuala Lumpur later this year. Mark your calendars for 24 June! #Content360 Hong Kong returns with a dynamic, one-day event dedicated to pivotal trends—from the silver economies to breakthrough IP collaborations, sports, and beyond. Let’s dive into the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking and confidence! Related articles: VITA Lemon Tea asks audiences to enjoy every moment in latest campaignVita transforms mailboxes into giant lemon tea drinks across HK source

It’s long been thought that the type-2 diabetes drug taken by an estimated 20 million Americans was doing its heavy lifting in the liver, suppressing the production of glucose to regulate blood sugar. But new research has uncovered it’s actually working its magic in the gut – which opens the door to the possibility of finding new compounds that perform the same function. Metformin has been increasingly studied for its health impacts beyond glucose regulation, including its use as a weight-maintenance tool for people discontinuing GLP-1 treatment, shielding cells from age-related inflammation, and even mimicking the biological benefits of exercise in men with prostate cancer who are unable to be physically active. Other studies have found signs that it can reduce osteoarthritic joint pain, protect the brain from cognitive decline and, overall, prolong overall health longevity and lifespan. While studies are in their early stages, it does seem to be associated with a wide range of health benefits, and much of the research aligns with an emerging body of evidence that the gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in our health and how we age. The new study adds to this, because metformin’s hard work takes place in the gut – where Northwestern University scientists found it slows down the cellular machinery powering energy production – the mitochondria – and in turn forces the gut to metabolize excess sugar, regulating glucose levels. “Metformin essentially helps the intestine suck the glucose out of the bloodstream, which further highlights that the gut plays a major role in regulating blood sugar levels,” says corresponding author Navdeep Chandel, a professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Corresponding study author Navdeep ChandelKristin Samuelson/Northwestern University In the study, the scientists used human metabolomic data and a mice model to uncover new mechanistic details about how the drug works in the gut, suppressing citrulline synthesis, which is a metabolite made only by mitochondria in the small intestine, and also increasing growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) – a stress-response hormone-like protein that, in its simplest terms, signals along the gut–brain axis to suppresses appetite and manage energy stability throughout the whole body. “Despite [metformin’s] extensive use, the mechanisms underlying many of its clinical effects, including attenuated postprandial glucose excursions, elevated intestinal glucose uptake, and increased production of lactate, Lac-Phe and GDF15, remain unclear,” the scientists write in the study, “Here, we map these and other clinical effects of metformin to intestine-specific mitochondrial complex I inhibition. “This inhibition co-opts the intestines to function as a glucose sink, driving uptake of excess glucose and converting it to lactate and Lac-Phe,” they continue. “Notably, the glucose-lowering effect of another biguanide, phenformin, and berberine, a structurally unrelated nutraceutical, similarly depends on intestine-specific mitochondrial complex I inhibition, underscoring a shared therapeutic mechanism.” Study author Colleen Reczek pipetting liquified metformin in the labKristin Samuelson/Northwestern University Ultimately, this all supports the evidence the scientists demonstrate in their work – that metformin works its power in the gut, opening the door not just to other existing drugs being used for intestinal blood-sugar regulation, but potentially to developing new compounds that focus on this part of the body’s energy production biochemistry. “We further determined that phenformin, another biguanide, and berberine, a natural compound used as an over-the-counter treatment for type 2 diabetes, lower blood glucose through the same mechanism,” the team writes. “Thus, we identify mitochondrial complex I in intestinal epithelium as a shared and essential therapeutic target for metformin, phenformin, and berberine.” The study was published in the journal Nature Metabolism Source: Northwestern University Fact-checked by Dr. Jaroslav Boublik. source

Redhill has appointed Anuroopa Pereira (pictured) as managing director for Singapore, as the agency looks to strengthen growth and regional collaboration across Southeast Asia. In a statement to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, the agency said Pereira, who is based in Singapore, will oversee Redhill’s operations across Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines. She will report to Manisha Seewal, group president of Redhill. In her new role, Pereira will be responsible for driving sustainable growth, strengthening Redhill’s market leadership and delivering financial performance across the Singapore business. Her remit also includes new business development, stakeholder engagement, revenue growth, client leadership, strategic advisory, and talent development. Don’t miss: Redhill opens new office in Mongolia, marking 34th global location Pereira joins Redhill with experience across both in-house and consultancy roles. Over the course of her career, she has held senior leadership positions at Applied Materials and Sabre, alongside agency roles at Archetype, Ruder Finn Asia and PRecious Communications. According to the company, Pereira has led high-profile communications campaigns across her career, helping clients strengthen visibility and market positioning. She is also recognised for building and mentoring teams across both corporate and agency environments. “I’m truly delighted to welcome Pereira to the Redhill team. We are operating in an increasingly dynamic and fast-evolving landscape, where clients look to us not only for execution, but for strategic counsel grounded in insight, foresight, and sound judgment,” said Seewal.  She added, “Pereira brings with her a wealth of experience and a deeply thoughtful approach to leadership that will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support our clients’ ambitions. I am very much looking forward to partnering with Pereira, and I am confident that, together, we will achieve many meaningful successes in the years ahead.” Speaking on her new role, Pereira said, “I’m incredibly excited to join the Redhill team in Singapore and be part of such a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation. Redhill’s strong reputation for integrated communications and regional expertise makes this an inspiring next chapter for me. I’m deeply grateful to Jacob Puthenparambil (founder and CEO of Redhill) and Seewal for the opportunity, and I look forward to contributing and growing alongside the team.”  The appointment comes as Redhill continues to expand its international footprint and regional partnerships. In March, Redhill partnered with BHM Holdings to establish a communications bridge between Asia and Africa. The partnership brought together more than 300 communications professionals across 20 markets across Asia, Africa, the UK and the US, while giving clients access to services spanning brand and corporate communications, media relations, digital marketing, creative services, reputation management, stakeholder engagement and government relations. Related articles: Zeno Group appoints new managing director for Singapore   FleishmanHillard Singapore managing director Mei Lee exits   72andSunny names Singapore managing director source

Another fiberglass “egg” camper badge hits the ground rolling into the thriving off-grid camping market. Following the first-ever off-road camper in Scamp’s 50-year history, fellow rounded, white composite trailer builder Oliver Travel Trailers is launching an off-grid-ready caravan of its own. Like Scamp, the company leverages its reputation for building rock-solid, long-lasting campers toward offering an even tougher breed of trailer, built for adventures that carry well beyond organized campgrounds. Founded in 2008, Oliver Travel Trailers doesn’t have quite the same depth of history as the Scamps and Casitas of the world, but in its two decades on the market, it has cemented both a glowing reputation for building solid high-end trailers and a passionate and loyal following. Expensive but dependable. Oliver currently has two trailer models in its lineup: the 18.5-foot (5.6-m) single-axle Legacy Elite and the 23-foot (7-m) dual-axle Legacy Elite II. Both are built with the same durable double-hull construction and specced for year-round use with everything needed to be comfortable in the wild, season after season, year after year. With the all-new Apex 23X, Oliver veers off the highway to offer a more rugged, all terrain-ready alternative to the Legacy Elite series. Not exactly a raging river crossing, but the Oliver Apex 23X cruises through a little waterOliver Travel Trailers “Built for the roads that don’t have names, designed for the places that don’t have reservations. Oliver’s first off-grid-inspired travel trailer — built bolder, finished differently, capable of going further than anything we’ve ever built. This is not just a new model. This is a new direction,” Oliver says in teasing the new trailer. The Tennessee company hasn’t yet released too much concrete information, holding back for a fuller world premiere. It does say that the 23X will come equipped with a 48-V electrical system that’s the most capable it’s ever offered. That sounds to us like a foundation of lithium batteries, an option Oliver already offers on its Legacy models, and likely a few solar panels slapped on the roof. In fact, we can see what appears to be a flat solar panel peeking out from the rooftop, mounted in front of the air conditioner. As for the interior, Oliver says only that it’s reimagined the 23-footer’s space for the purpose of off-grid travel. The Legacy Elite II that measures the same 23 feet sleeps three people and seats up to seven via two convertible dining lounge areas. It comes in two separate floor plans, both of which include a wet bathroom. Oliver’s signature double-hull construction: Employees lower the upper outer shell atop the insulated upper inner shell, which will all be bonded to the dual lower shellOliver Travel Trailers We can’t imagine Oliver abandoning its signature double-hull construction for what needs to be its toughest trailer yet. That construction process involves sliding insulation between separate inner and outer fiberglass hulls for all/four-season comfort and journey-weathering toughness. Oliver technically uses four molded shell pieces crafted from a combination of chopped and hand-laid fiberglass. The upper pair is set atop the lower pair and bonded together at the visible overlay around the waistline. It’s similar to the process that startup Awaken RV uses, albeit with a visible central seam. In place of wood framing, Oliver’s zero-wood construction relies on a lightweight carbon-core honeycomb composite to deliver strength and reinforcement in critical zones without worry of the mold or decay that can affect wood. Here’s a good three-minute walkthrough of exactly how Oliver builds each trailer. Why Oliver’s Double-Hulled Fiberglass Trailers Are a Game-Changer | Oliver Travel Trailers Anything else we write about the Apex 23X at this moment will be hollow speculation, except for the quartet of knobby all-terrain tires that sits below 4×4-style contrast wheel arches. We can see those clearly in the initial video footage and images. Of course, price is part of that big chunk of missing information for which we’ll have to wait, but we will point out that the Legacy Elite II 23-footer starts at US$85,000. We expect the Apex X23 to start somewhere north of there. How much north will depend on exactly how much extra off-grid power and equipment with which it rolls out of the factory. The quick preview below shows the Apex X23 in action. It’s taking some heat from YouTube viewers for showing little more than the trailer towing over rather smooth dirt road and through a couple of inches of calm, flat-bottom water, but it’s all they’re putting out for now. More to come. Introducing the Oliver Apex X23 | Built for the Road That Ends | Oliver Travel Trailers Source: Oliver Travel Trailers source

Singapore may be globally recognised for efficiency, finance and business, but according to Lynette Pang, that reputation has also overshadowed another reality: a thriving and deeply layered arts ecosystem. Speaking on Marketing Connected’s “In Conversation”, Pang said one of the biggest misconceptions she continues to encounter is the idea that Singapore lacks creativity or a vibrant arts culture. “That is a massive misperception,” she said, pointing to the breadth of Singapore’s arts scene, from poetry slams in neighbourhood venues and street dance performances at MRT stations to large-scale exhibitions at the National Gallery Singapore and performances by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss: In Conversation: Are we forgetting what makes marketing work? “What people think of Singapore is really a factor of how successful we’ve been in certain areas,” Pang explained. “Singapore is a very well-known corporate brand. We are well known for business, not that we are weak in creativity or the arts, it’s just that we’re very well known for something.” For Pang, the arts are not just cultural expressions but social infrastructure. Under the National Arts Council’s SG Arts Plan 2.0, the organisation is focused on three pillars: connected society, distinctive city and creative economy. A key priority for the council, is also embedding the arts into everyday life. Through initiatives such as ArtsEverywhere and public transport activations, NAC has been bringing performances, poetry and visual arts directly into community spaces. “The arts is really part of your lifestyle and entertainment,” Pang said. It’s that music you love, that book, that comic. That is art. The council is also taking a more audience-first approach to arts engagement. NAC recently developed 12 audience personas based on life stages, attitudes and behaviours to help artists and organisers better understand how to market and programme for different communities. “It’s classical marketing, audience segmentation,” Pang said. “A lot of artists produce work from inspiration and artistic passion, but we also need to apply business thinking, who is your audience and how do you communicate that to them?” Looking ahead, Pang remains optimistic about Singapore’s artistic future, pointing to a new generation of confident creatives making their mark globally. “We see very diverse young talent who have a point of view and a new way of thinking about Singapore,” she said. Tomorrow is a very exciting possibility. Also tune in to the full conversation on Spotify Tune into the rest of this conversation on your favourite podcast platforms, by searching up Marketing Connected. For all the visual people out there, we’ve got your back as well, with our vodcasts on YouTube. Related articles: In conversation: How Airwallex channels sports energy into B2B impact Agency agenda: TSLA’s Eunice Tan on doing the best work of their careers Women who lead: Love, Bonito’s Dione Song on redefining Asian fashion leadership  source

The Walt Disney Company is bringing its flagship fan convention, to Singapore in 2027. This marks the first time the event will be staged in the country, creating a major milestone in the expansion of Disney’s global fan celebrations across the Asia Pacific region. The move goes beyond fanfare. “D23 Asia: The ultimate Disney fan event” will gather fans from across the region for exclusive previews, live presentations, talent appearances and immersive experiences built around Disney’s stories and characters. The event has traditionally served as Disney’s main global fan gathering, offering early looks at upcoming films, streaming titles and franchise plans, alongside curated merchandise and stage showcases. Its expansion into Singapore underscores the growing importance of Asia Pacific in Disney’s global fan ecosystem, as well as Singapore’s positioning as a destination for large-scale entertainment events. Don’t miss: Is Formula 1 the right track for Disney’s Gen Z ambitions? “Bringing D23 to Singapore reflects the incredible passion of Disney fans across Asia Pacific and our desire to meet them where they are,” said Asad Ayaz, chief marketing and brand officer, The Walt Disney Company.  “D23 Asia will bring these fans together as a community to celebrate the powerful connection they have with our stories, characters, and experiences, and to get an exciting look at what lies ahead,” he added. Launched in 2009 through “D23: The official Disney Fan Club”, the event has grown into Disney’s flagship global fan moment, combining major announcements, exclusive content drops, merchandise and immersive activations into a single branded ecosystem. For marketers, its significance lies in how neatly it collapses the gap between entertainment and marketing, turning fandom into a distribution channel in its own right. That strategy is also increasingly tied to Disney’s regional content ambitions. Carol Choi, executive vice president, integrated marketing and APAC original strategy said D23 Asia will serve as a platform to spotlight local storytelling. “Disney has an extraordinary and growing fan base across Asia Pacific and bringing D23 to Singapore marks a natural evolution in our journey to bringing unforgettable fan experiences to audiences across this diverse region in new and meaningful ways. D23 Asia will offer fans a truly distinctive experience, with exclusive previews of our APAC Originals for Disney+ and the opportunity to hear directly from the creative talent behind our shows,” she said.  In tandem, Jean Ng, assistant chief executive, experience development group, Singapore Tourism Board said, “We are excited to bring D23 to Southeast Asia for the very first time. Together with Disney, we will be creating memorable experiences that resonate with fans across the region and beyond.” “This milestone further strengthens our partnership and adds to our vibrant and dynamic calendar of events and experiences that positions Singapore as the premier destination for memorable experiences,” added Ng.  MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information.  The move also builds on Disney’s deepening experiential footprint in Singapore. Earlier this year, Disney Adventure, the first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia, has been used as a platform for large-scale destination marketing in the city-state. Following which, UOB, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Tourism Board partnered with Disney Cruise Line on “Adventure begins: A magical bay celebration with Disney Cruise Line”, a two-month activation across Marina Bay that combined themed experiences, retail tie-ins and a signature sky show. The activation ran from February to April this year.  Related articles:    Monks Film takes World Cup storytelling global with Disney+ documentary  Disney puts Minnie and Daisy in the driver’s seat with F1 Academy partnership  Stitch invades SEA in Disney’s latest activation blitz  source

Singapore will not be banning blind boxes, including trading card game (TCG) products, even as it moves ahead with planned regulations to address gambling-related risks. In a written parliamentary reply on 7 May 2026, coordinating minister for national security and minister for home affairs K. Shanmugam said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will introduce details of proposed blind box regulations later this year. The upcoming rules will also cover trading card games, with the ministry currently engaging industry stakeholders. Don’t miss: Loyalty marketing gets cute with plushie strategy  While confirming that the regulations aim to mitigate the gambling inducement risk associated with blind boxes, Shanmugam was clear that authorities do not intend to require retailers to open sealed packs and sell contents as individually identified items. “That would effectively ban blind boxes,” he said in response to a parliamentary question, adding that any safeguards introduced will need to be proportionate to the level of risk posed by the product. In a February this year, Singapore had already been moving towards tighter oversight of blind box sales, with regulators studying issues such as disclosure of odds for “gacha”-style products (referring to a virtual ‘pull’ mechanism). At the time, Shanmugam said the regulations were being drafted after review by the ministry and the Gambling Regulatory Authority, with concerns centred on how chance-based mechanics could encourage risk-taking behaviour among younger consumers if left unchecked. The broader market context reflects why scrutiny is rising. Blind boxes have become a major cultural and commercial force across Asia Pacific, with China accounting for more than 60% of global blind box toy demand and a large majority of young consumers having purchased them at least once. Similar traction has been seen in Japan and South Korea, where anime-driven intellectual property and vending machine culture have fuelled adoption. Against this backdrop, industry players MARKETING-INTERACTIVE spoke to then, had warned that while blind boxes remain a powerful engagement tool for marketers, their reliance on chance, scarcity and surprise requires careful calibration. The challenge, they noted, is preserving the appeal of discovery without crossing into mechanics that could raise consumer protection concerns or dilute long-term brand trust. Related articles: MY LITTLE PONY trots into blind box plushie trend  Mastercard and AEON Credit Service bring blind box gamification to cardholder rewards   Inside Scoop celebrates 12 sweet years with blind box plushies source

Dow Jones futures edged lower early Tuesday, while S&P 500 futures and especially Nasdaq futures fell. Crude oil topped $100 a barrel while South Korea’s memory-dominated Kospi tumbled as a top presidential adviser discussed giving excess AI profits to citizens. The CPI inflation report is due early Tuesday, with energy prices in focus. The stock market eked out slim gains… Copyright ©2026 Investor’s Business Daily, LLC. All rights reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8 source