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Endemol Beyond expands global presence with first Asian hub
MUMBAI: Global content creator, producer and distributor, Endemol Shine Group has expanded its global presence with the launch of Endemol Beyond Asia.
Mindshare Singapore’s Christopher Smith has been appointed as the head of digital and branded content at Endemol Beyond Asia.
The new regional hub will produce local versions of the company’s global digital formats, premiering with ICON, the lifestyle channel creatively led by digital pioneer Michelle Phan. ICON launched simultaneously in the UK and U.S earlier this year and is the go-to destination for beauty, fashion and wellness.
Endemol Beyond Asia will also create original programming and bespoke branded content for the Asian market, as well as engaging leading digital talent.
The regional hub will be headquartered in Singapore, where Smith will be based, reporting to Endemol Shine Asia MD Fotini Paraskakis and working closely with Endemol Beyond International MD Georg Ramme.
As an experienced creative director and brand strategist, Smith has worked internationally with brands such as Nike, Apple, Quiksilver, Unilever and Disney. At Mindshare Singapore, Smith led the development of Mindshare Discovery, the experiential and branded content business unit working with MCNs across the region.
“Launching Endemol Beyond Asia is a significant move in our growth across the region. The synergy between our core business and this new division will allow us to deliver clients premium content on all platforms. Christopher’s extensive experience in MCNs and brand relationships makes him ideally suited to lead this important new area,” said Paraskakis.
“Endemol Beyond is a creative organization at its core and it’s exciting to leverage the years of experience and success in creatively led storytelling to the Asian market. There is a huge opportunity in Asia for both branded content and original digital programming. I look forward to adding to the success of Endemol Beyond in this region, and to develop our Asia based studios into one of the leading producers of outstanding content for both brands and viewers,” added Smith.
“Endemol Beyond continues to go from strength to strength and establishing this new hub in Asia reinforces our position as a truly global company. Audiences in Asia have a strong appetite for digital content and this region is key to Endemol Beyond’s growth. Christopher’s experience and innovation puts us in a great position to create fantastic programming, attract digital superstars and deliver bespoke content to leading brands,” said Ramme.
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.
