MAM
Volkswagen drives AXN’s ‘The Apprentice Asia’
MUMBAI: Volkswagen Malaysia has announced that it is the ‘Official Car‘ of AXN‘s local production, ‘The Apprentice Asia‘ premiering on 24 May at 9 pm.
Volkswagen adds that its The Apprentice Asia‘s quest to identify the best talent aligns with its core focus on its human capital efforts both in Germany and throughout the world, which have resulted in the company being recognised as a preferred employer.
In The Apprentice Asia, 12 candidates are picked from the cream of the crop across Asia. Representing seven countries across the region, they are an ambitious lot driven by their thirst for success and their common desire to work for Asia‘s aviation tycoon, Tony Fernandes. Filmed in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the series also stars Tony‘s advisors – Tune Hotels Group CEO Mark Lankester and Expedia Asia CEO Kathleen Tan. They play a role by being on the ground to observe each team complete their task, and their opinions influence who Tony hires at the end of the day.
Volkswagen Group Malaysia MD Zeno Kerschbaumer said, “‘The Apprentice Asia‘ gives us an opportunity to feature the character of our products for a fitting partnership that encourages competition. Our cars offer fun driving and a sense of competition through the use of technologies like TSI and DSG so, The Apprentice Asia is a right fit for the brand”.
Volkswagen has cemented the relationship by providing three of its models – Passat, Sharan and Touareg – to support and provide mobility requirements for contestants and the show‘s advisors throughout the 11 episodes.
“This partnership will also inspire and drive the show‘s contestants to give their best in quality, innovation and leadership. Much like our business, we believe that healthy competition will unearth talent and skills; and we are confident that our brand will contribute towards producing the next successful and potentially iconic entrepreneur in Asia. We are proud to extend this relationship to AXN,” he added.
Brands
Hiili names Sanjay Hemady as country manager India
Media veteran to drive digital decarbonisation push
MUMBAI: Climate tech firm Hiili has announced its entry into India, appointing industry veteran Sanjay Hemady as India country manager to steer its growth in one of the world’s fastest-expanding digital markets.
Hemady, a familiar name across India’s media and consulting circles, will lead Hiili’s India operations from Mumbai. His mandate is clear: help Indian companies measure, manage and reduce the carbon emissions generated by their digital services.
Hiili offers a scientifically validated platform, certified by the UC3M-Santander Big Data Institute, that enables businesses to improve the efficiency of their digital infrastructure while cutting emissions. As organisations race to meet ESG targets, the company positions itself as a practical bridge between climate pledges and measurable action.
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as country manager, India at Hiili,” Hemady said in a LinkedIn post, adding that the company aims to move beyond broad sustainability promises towards precise, science-based decarbonisation.
Hemady brings more than three decades of experience spanning print, television, radio and digital media. He has previously served as chief executive officer at HIT 95 FM, assistant general manager at CNBC TV18, and held leadership roles at MTV India and The Indian Express, among others. Most recently, he worked as an independent business consultant advising firms across media and technology.
With India’s digital economy expanding at pace, the environmental cost of data, streaming and online services is climbing quietly in the background. Hiili’s bet is that carbon efficiency will soon sit alongside cost efficiency in boardroom conversations.
For Hemady, the move marks a shift from selling airtime and ad inventory to championing climate accountability. If successful, Hiili’s India play could make digital growth not just faster, but cleaner too.
