News Headline
Turner Asia Pacific strengthens distribution team
MUMBAI: In a move to strengthen their support to the growing demand in Southeast Asia, Australia and Pacific markets, Turner Asia Pacific has made a few management changes.
As a part of the expansion, Robi Stanton has been promoted to general manager – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific territories. She will oversee all of Turner’s commercial business relationships in these markets including ad sales, content sales and network distribution.
The move comes on the back of several new brand launches, including the addition of Oh!K and World Heritage Channel to Turner’s portfolio, and the re-launches of Warner TV and Boomerang.
Additionally, Voo Chih Yeong has been appointed as the vice president – Southeast Asia. He will assume responsibility for all affiliate partnerships in key markets such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Yeong joins Turner from Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia effective 3 June.
In addition, Vishal Dembla has been promoted to vice president – Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, with a remit that includes Hong Kong, Thailand and Indochina. Dembla recently spearheaded a number of initiatives including the launch of Toonami, Boomerang and Pogo in Thailand, and was part of the team that developed Oh!K, the region’s newest Korean entertainment channel.
“Turner’s rapid expansion across Southeast Asia and the significance of the Australia market has triggered this important change. We work with demanding, world-class partners and they deserve the best team to support their business. I’m confident that our outstanding brands and this new-look, high-caliber team can meet these growing needs,” said Turner managing director and SVP for North Asia and Southeast Asia pacific Phil Nelson.
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.
