Nova Renata has started a new role as Communications Manager at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu. Based in Malaysia, she leads public relations activities and media engagement for the hotel, in addition to managing events.

Nova joins from WWF Malaysia, where she served in a similar role.

Global consultancy, CT Group, has announced the appointment of Andrew Carswell as Senior Director in its Australian business. He will work across CT’s practices to strengthen client relationships and support both local and international companies in securing outcomes amid what the organisation describes as an increasingly fragmented and complex global environment.

Andrew's appointment follows 25 years' experience in federal politics, media and crisis management, and journalism. Most recently he was Managing Director of a boutique strategic communications firm servicing Australian and international clients. Prior to that, Andrew was Head of Media and Communications and Press Secretary to Scott Morrison, and a senior journalist at News Corp, including at The Daily Telegraph, where he served as Chief of Staff.

Managing Director of CT Group Australia, Catherine Douglas, said: "Andrew is one of the best media operators and campaigners in Australia with an exceptional ability to translate actionable insights into outcomes. We are delighted to welcome someone of Andrew’s calibre and character to our team in Australia."

The 2^nd edition of Public Relations in Asia Pacific: Communicating Across Cultures has been published by Emerald Publishing.

The book is co-authored by Mary Devereux, whose career includes senior roles at Burson, Ogilvy and SEC Newgate, and Anne Peirson-Smith, Professor and Subject Lead in the School of Design, Arts & Creative Industries at Northumbria University. Both authors have lived and worked in the Asia Pacific region for more than 30 years and bring experience from both practitioner and academic perspectives.

The book explores the strategies, challenges, and cultural contexts shaping communication across the region. From corporate reputation and crisis management to AI and measurement frameworks, it provides insights and methodologies for communicators operating across borders. It includes local expertise, case scenarios, and analysis from markets including Australia, Mainland China, India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

"Our book is both a map and a mirror. It captures the enduring principles and fast evolving realities of communication in the region. Charting the complexity of Asia Pacific public relations, it also reflects the urgency of doing it well," said Mary. "This second edition arrives at the perfect time, as the global spotlight shines on the fastest growing region in the world. We’re delighted to have the support of so many senior practitioners who have given their unique perspectives on both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of communications."

Anne commented, "Communicating across cultures is no longer optional. It is a critical form of corporate survival based on cultural intelligence, ethical clarity and practical agility when operating across the diverse and dynamic regions driving the global economy. Consequently, we have crafted a definitive resource equipping readers - PR professionals, global businesses and students - with the necessary core knowledge and skills to succeed in forging authentic and effective cross-border relationships through effective interaction to secure competitive advantage."