News Headline
Asian economies reap rich dividends of World Cup in ad spends
World Cup soccer’s Asia debut has helped Asian economies in more ways than one.
Both India and China recorded a 33 per cent increase in ad spends for the period between April and June over the same period last year. According to Nielsen Media Research Asia Pacific, World Cup co host South Korea reaped the richest harvest with expenses on TV ads alone touching $ 526 million, the country’s highest ever for a quarter.
Even as the global ad industry continues to reel in the throes of recession, most Asian economies posted double digit growths in the wake of soccer mania. Television advertising, notably on cable television, was among the biggest winners with expenditures rising 58 per cent in India and 29 per cent in Hong Kong. South Korea’s biggest spender was World Cup sponsor Samsung Electronics which spent $66 million during the quarter.
The survey left out co hosts Japan, covering only China, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Philippines was the only country which posted single digit growth at seven per cent over last year, while Singapore continued to feel the impact of last year’s recession with an overall ad spend contraction by five per cent to $216 million.
In China, ad spends touched $3.841 billion, while south Korea recorded a 31 per cent increase to record ad spends of $1.374 billion. India, says the research, clocked ad spends of $1.099 billion, while Hong Kong registered a 13 per cent increase to end at $1.052 billion.
In the Philippines, it grew seven per cent to $384 million, 14 per cent in Thailand to $356 million, 42 per cent in Indonesia to $310 million and 17 per cent in Malaysia to $238 million. Nielsen Media Research offers an optimistic outlook for the region, saying that it does not expect any major contraction for this year, but adds that figures for the third quarter would determine whether the trend will continue and whether the bulk of the (second quarter) upturn was caused by the World Cup alone.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
