Thailand’s marketing industry is gearing up for its biggest night of the year as MMA Global announces the official shortlist for the SMARTIES™ Thailand 2025 Awards—a showcase of the nation’s most innovative, data-driven, and impactful marketing campaigns.

The SMARTIES™ Awards, widely recognized as the world’s leading honors for modern marketing, celebrate creativity that doesn’t just dazzle—it delivers results. This year’s finalists cut across sectors, from retail and finance to tech and entertainment, underscoring Thailand’s growing influence in the global marketing ecosystem.

Raising the Bar for Results-Driven Creativity

“This year’s submissions are proof that Thai marketers aren’t just playing it safe—they’re rewriting the rules,” said Rohit Dadwal, CEO of MMA Global APAC & Global Head of SMARTIES™ Worldwide. “These campaigns combine creativity with effectiveness, grounded in a real understanding of consumer behavior and bold experimentation.”

That dual focus—art and analytics—is what sets SMARTIES™ apart. In a landscape where marketing performance is increasingly tied to measurable ROI, these campaigns represent a blueprint for balancing creative storytelling with strategic precision.

Judged by Industry’s Sharpest Minds

The finalists were chosen through a rigorous, multi-stage judging process, led by a panel of Thailand’s top marketing leaders and brand experts. Their evaluation went beyond aesthetics, rewarding campaigns that demonstrated strategic clarity, seamless execution, and tangible business outcomes.

More Than an Award: Global Recognition

Winning a SMARTIES™ trophy isn’t just a night of applause—it’s global validation. Victorious campaigns automatically earn placement in the WARC 100 and RECMA’s global media agency rankings, alongside a feature in the MMA SMARTIES Business Impact Index. For brands, that means measurable credibility on an international stage.

The Countdown to Gala Night

Winners will be revealed on November 3, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, during an evening that promises both celebration and connection. The gala offers a rare convergence of Thailand’s most influential marketing minds—an arena where competition turns into collaboration and recognition becomes inspiration.

As Thailand’s marketing landscape continues to evolve, the SMARTIES™ Awards stand as both a mirror and a milestone—reflecting where the industry is today and where it’s boldly headed next.

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The payroll industry—long viewed as a back-office formality—is getting a radical upgrade. Mercans, a global leader in payroll technology, has unveiled a sweeping suite of AI-powered capabilities that reimagine payroll as a strategic, data-driven business function rather than a monthly chore.

With this launch, Mercans isn’t merely adding AI to its platform—it’s becoming an AI-first company, embedding intelligence into every aspect of payroll, compliance, and support. The message is clear: the days of static spreadsheets and reactive reporting are numbered.

Payroll Enters the Real-Time Era

At the heart of the transformation is Instaroll™, Mercans’ new real-time payroll orchestration engine. It lets organizations simulate, calculate, and adjust payroll instantly, shifting payroll from a rigid monthly cycle to an agile, on-demand process.

Employees can view their earnings projections in real time, while finance leaders gain continuous visibility into workforce costs—a capability that turns payroll into a forecasting tool, not just a record keeper.

“Payroll has long been seen as a back-office necessity,” said Tatjana Domovits, Group CEO of Mercans. “We are turning it into a front-line strategic advantage. By putting AI at the center of our platform, we’re delivering accuracy, compliance, and insights at a scale and speed never before possible.”

Accuracy as a Built-In Standard

Among the standout innovations is I/O Validation, a built-in AI engine that continuously cross-checks inputs and outputs to ensure payroll accuracy. Unlike rule-based systems that can miss contextual errors, Mercans’ AI learns from past patterns to flag anomalies—before they reach employees or regulators.

This proactive model transforms payroll assurance from a manual task into an autonomous safeguard, saving time, cutting costs, and reducing compliance risk.

From Data to Decision Intelligence

Mercans’ Custom Reporting AI turns payroll data into live business intelligence. Executives can now ask natural-language questions like “Show overtime costs by region for the past three quarters” and instantly receive tailored, interactive reports.

The system doesn’t just retrieve numbers—it interprets trends, identifies anomalies, and presents insights in executive-ready visualizations, positioning payroll data as a strategic decision-making engine.

Compliance Without Borders

For global organizations, Mercans introduces the AI Compliance Hub, which monitors regulatory changes worldwide in real time. It not only interprets updates but proactively guides businesses to remain compliant.

Paired with the Statutory Filing Status & Summary Assistant, the system delivers instant visibility into cross-border filing obligations, turning compliance from a reactive burden into predictive assurance.

24/7 Intelligent Support

Mercans also extends AI to client experience. The company’s AI Support Agents for technical and product issues resolve inquiries instantly, escalating complex cases intelligently to reduce downtime and boost satisfaction.

The Broader Impact

The result is a payroll system that feels less like software and more like a strategic copilot—a system that learns, predicts, and acts. For managed clients, it means lower costs and fewer errors; for SaaS users, it unlocks true self-service with intelligent insights baked in.

“Payroll has always been about compliance and accuracy,” said Domovits. “Today, it’s about intelligence, foresight, and empowerment. Mercans is leading the charge to make payroll the most intelligent business function of the future.”

As competitors rush to adopt AI-driven efficiencies, Mercans’ shift to an AI-first architecture sets a new benchmark for the industry—one where payroll moves from a transactional back-end process to a strategic intelligence layer at the heart of enterprise operations.

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Procurement is getting its own tech summit. Global spend management leader Ivalua has announced the launch of Ivalua TechX, a new event designed to bring together procurement and technology leaders. The event takes place on October 14 in Paris, and aims to redefine how organizations harness data, AI, and innovation to strengthen procurement strategies amid economic uncertainty.

In a climate where volatility is the new normal, procurement’s role has evolved from cost control to strategic command center. Ivalua TechX is set to explore how technology can help procurement leaders balance performance, agility, and sustainability—three pillars shaping the next decade of business resilience.

Where Procurement Meets Intelligence

TechX’s agenda centers on how data and AI can unlock strategic advantages. Attendees can expect deep dives into generative AI for decision-making, the use of analytics for risk mitigation, and emerging best practices in responsible and sustainable procurement.

Confirmed speakers include executives from Vallourec, Covéa, Eiffage, Fnac Darty, and Hutchinson, who will share how technology is transforming procurement within their organizations.

A Convergence of Ecosystems

The event also doubles as a showcase for Ivalua’s expanding ecosystem. Partners such as Altares Dun & Bradstreet, Amazon Business, EcoVadis, IntegrityNext, Moody’s, Prewave, and Trustpair will demonstrate innovations spanning supplier risk management, ESG tracking, compliance automation, and fraud prevention.

“Ivalua TechX is designed to encourage collaboration and spark new ideas,” said Sébastien Gavgani, Technology Alliances Director at Ivalua. “It’s a chance for procurement and technology leaders to explore emerging solutions, identify opportunities to leverage their ecosystem, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of the industry.”

Why It Matters

The launch of Ivalua TechX underscores a broader trend: procurement is no longer a back-office function—it’s a strategic data hub. As AI and automation take center stage, companies are realizing that smarter spend management directly translates into agility, sustainability, and competitive edge.

By turning Paris into the crossroads of procurement innovation, Ivalua is signaling where the future of the function lies—at the intersection of intelligence, responsibility, and technology.

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WiMi Hologram Cloud (NASDAQ: WiMi) is taking a bold leap into the future of cybersecurity. The global augmented reality technology company announced that it is conducting deep research on QryptGen, a quantum crypt generator that leverages quantum machine learning to produce highly secure encryption keys.

The move signals WiMi’s growing ambition to position itself at the intersection of quantum computing and data security, two fields increasingly vital to protecting digital assets in a post-quantum world.

Quantum Meets Machine Learning

At the core of QryptGen is a hybrid training algorithm that merges quantum algorithms with traditional stochastic gradient descent methods. This approach takes advantage of quantum computing’s strength in global optimization while retaining the precision and efficiency of classical learning in local optimization.

The result: a more effectively trained quantum generator and discriminator, capable of producing encryption keys with exceptional randomness and security.

Why It Matters

Today’s most widely used encryption systems—RSA and AES—remain secure but face growing threats as computing power advances. Quantum computing could eventually render these algorithms vulnerable, as its superior processing capabilities can theoretically break conventional encryption faster.

Quantum-based encryption, by contrast, relies on the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics, where observing a quantum state inherently alters it—making any attempt at eavesdropping detectable. WiMi’s QryptGen aims to harness this property to produce virtually uncrackable keys.

The Challenges Ahead

While promising, quantum encryption is still a work in progress. The technology faces hurdles, including the stability and scalability of quantum hardware and the continued refinement of quantum algorithms. WiMi acknowledges these obstacles but believes ongoing progress in quantum computing performance will pave the way for real-world deployment.

The Bigger Picture

WiMi’s investment in quantum research marks a strategic expansion beyond its AR roots, aligning the company with a fast-emerging trend: the fusion of AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. As data breaches become more sophisticated, the need for quantum-grade protection could redefine how enterprises secure information across networks, IoT systems, and metaverse environments.

“Quantum encryption isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift,” WiMi noted in its announcement. “Our goal is to accelerate the development of a secure digital ecosystem built on the foundations of quantum intelligence.”

If successful, WiMi’s QryptGen could position the company as an early innovator in the quantum data security race, a field attracting global attention from tech giants, defense sectors, and research institutions alike.

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Fujitsu has expanded its strategic collaboration with NVIDIA to co-develop a full-stack AI infrastructure integrating advanced AI agents — a move designed to help enterprises harness AI innovation while maintaining operational autonomy.

The partnership will focus on creating an AI agent platform and an AI computing infrastructure that merge the FUJITSU-MONAKA CPU series with NVIDIA GPUs through NVIDIA NVLink Fusion. This fusion aims to deliver industry-specific AI solutions in healthcare, manufacturing, and robotics, enabling continuous learning and self-evolving AI systems that transcend the limits of traditional computing.

Fujitsu CEO Takahito Tokita said the collaboration marks a pivotal moment in enterprise AI transformation.

“By combining the cutting-edge technologies of both companies, we will develop and provide full-stack AI infrastructure, starting with sectors such as manufacturing where Japan is a global leader,” Tokita said. “We will also expand into high-performance computing and quantum to support growing AI infrastructure needs.”

NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang echoed this vision, calling the initiative a foundational step for the global AI industrial revolution.

“Fujitsu is a true pioneer in computing and Japan’s trusted leader in supercomputing, quantum research, and enterprise systems,” Huang noted. “Together, NVIDIA and Fujitsu are connecting and extending our ecosystems to forge a powerful partnership for the era of AI.”

The companies envision a human–AI co-creation cycle, integrating rapid AI computing with human creativity to accelerate innovation. Key applications include digital twins for manufacturing, robotic automation to offset labor shortages, and cross-industry AI systems capable of adaptive learning.

Through this initiative, Fujitsu aims to position Japan as a catalyst for global AI adoption, driving industrial competitiveness and sustainability.

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Premier Sotheby’s International Realty is sharpening its regional marketing playbook with the appointment of Kayla Fleeman as Senior Regional Marketing Director for its Sarasota region—a move that underscores the brokerage’s focus on marrying global sophistication with local strategy.

Fleeman, a seasoned marketing professional with over a decade of real estate experience, joins from Michael Saunders & Company, where she helped shape brand and listing strategies across the luxury sector. Her expertise in market-specific campaigns and agent support aligns with Premier Sotheby’s mission to amplify advisor success through tailored, data-driven marketing initiatives.

The hire marks the latest chapter in Premier Sotheby’s enhanced regional service model, which blends global brand prestige with on-the-ground execution across Florida and North Carolina. Under the direction of Chief Marketing Officer Kathy Forrester, the company has built a robust internal agency of nearly thirty experts specializing in digital strategy, design, content, and market analytics.

“Kayla’s appointment reinforces our commitment to advancing advisor support and brand visibility in the Sarasota region,” said Forrester. “Her deep understanding of the luxury market and strategic mindset will help our teams thrive amid intensifying competition.”

Fleeman’s background gives her a unique perspective on balancing local insight with high-end appeal—a crucial asset as the Gulf Coast continues to attract global real estate investment. Originally from Philadelphia, she relocated to Sarasota in 2015 after graduating from Limestone College, where she played Division II field hockey.

Her arrival signals not just a personnel change, but a strategic evolution in how Premier Sotheby’s approaches marketing in key growth markets—anchoring its global brand strength in community-level expertise and execution.

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The race to make biologic therapies more accessible in Europe just gained momentum. Advanz Pharma and Alvotech announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for AVT23, a proposed biosimilar to Xolair® (omalizumab)—a key step toward regulatory approval.

Xolair, used to treat severe allergic asthma and chronic skin and sinus conditions, has long been one of the most recognized biologics in respiratory and immunological care. A biosimilar alternative could significantly lower costs and expand patient access across Europe’s healthcare systems.

A Strategic Collaboration
Developed by Alvotech in collaboration with Kashiv BioSciences LLC, AVT23 is the latest in a growing pipeline of biosimilars designed to challenge blockbuster biologics. Advanz Pharma, which has licensed commercial rights for the European Economic Area, UK, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, will handle market distribution once approval is secured.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) had already accepted an MAA for AVT23 earlier this year, positioning the therapy for potential multi-market rollout in the near future.

Industry Momentum
“The EMA’s acceptance marks an important milestone in our mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable biologic medicines,” said Nick Warwick, Chief Medical Officer at Advanz Pharma.

Joseph McClellan, Chief Scientific and Technical Officer at Alvotech, echoed the sentiment, noting that the milestone “brings us a step closer to offering this important therapy in respiratory disease more broadly.”

Why It Matters
The global biosimilars market continues to surge as pharmaceutical companies and healthcare systems look for cost-efficient alternatives to branded biologics. For Advanz and Alvotech, AVT23 represents not just a commercial opportunity but a statement on the evolving balance between innovation, affordability, and patient access.

If approved, AVT23 could mark another significant entry in Europe’s biosimilar landscape—potentially intensifying competition for biologics manufacturers while advancing broader availability of life-improving therapies.

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Remington Industries, a leading distributor of industrial wire, has upgraded its online store to BigCommerce B2B Edition, enhancing the digital purchasing experience for businesses across the U.S. and internationally. The move aligns with Remington’s ongoing commitment to efficiency, customer service, and scalable ordering.

“Our customers rely on us for precision, high quality, and customer service. By upgrading to BigCommerce B2B Edition, we’re making it easier than ever for businesses to source the wire and value-added services they need, quickly, securely, and at scale,” said Josh Hagen, President of Remington Industries.

Streamlined B2B Features

The new platform provides professional buyers with features designed to simplify complex procurement:

• Company Accounts & User Roles: Multi-user accounts with custom permissions, approvals, and purchasing controls.

• Custom Pricing & Catalogs: Access negotiated pricing, volume discounts, and industry-specific product catalogs.

• Streamlined Ordering: Faster reorders, saved shopping lists, and quick bulk order functionality.

• Quoting Tools: Easy request-for-quote options with direct sales team support for complex orders.

• Self-Service Portals: Manage orders, invoices, and account information on demand.

Personalized Service Meets Technology

The upgrade complements Remington’s value-added services, including custom wire cutting, stripping, and termination, as well as coil winding, cable assemblies, and 3D printing services.

“Similarly to our custom services, we see this upgrade as more than just technology; it’s about empowering our customers to do business with us on their terms,” Hagen added.

With this upgrade, Remington Industries combines cutting-edge digital tools with hands-on expertise, enabling customers to streamline operations while maintaining access to the company’s signature precision and reliability.

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