SideQuest Worlds taps comms partner for SEA’s first Squid Game experience

Diah Siswandari has started a new role as Marketing Communications Manager at Anathera Resort Kuta in Indonesia.

In the role, she is responsible for the hotel’s external communications and corporate branding, press relations, social media and events. Diah moved from White Rock Beach Club where she served in a similar role.

Upcycle Communications has expanded its regional team with new hires in Kuala Lumpur and Manila, broadening its reach across Southeast Asia, while continuing to build from its Singapore headquarters.

The agency has also grown its client portfolio, adding new design, jewellery and wellness clients. These include Hong Kong-based interior architecture and design studio Deboss Collective, Singapore heritage brand B.P. de Silva Jewellers and classical Pilates studio Altum Pilates.

In addition, the team has renewed its partnership with Tourism New Zealand for FY27. The agency first won the account through a competitive pitch in 2025. Its work covers strategic communications, earned and paid media, and influencer campaigns across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, with a focus on world-class culinary experiences, considered travel and active escapes.

“We have continued to grow from strength to strength, ensuring meaningful growth is about more than scale,” said Jennifer Dembitz, Founder and Managing Director of Upcycle Communications. “We prioritise the people we choose to partner with and the quality of ideas we can create together. As the world evolves, we see an opportunity to keep challenging how communications, content and community can create meaning, relevance and lasting value.”

 Alongside its growing regional footprint, Upcycle Communications has unveiled a refreshed website and visual identity. The update is aimed at reflecting the agency’s ethos and evolving practice, placing its philosophy of “upcycling” at the heart of the brand - the belief that thoughtful transformation can create greater relevance, resonance and value. 

Independent public relations and content agency, Bud Communications, has secured several account wins in the first half of 2026.

The agency has added manufacturing company, Daikin, to its portfolio and has also been appointed to lead public relations across APAC for payments and fleet management solutions company, WEX.

“Australia has been one of our best growth stories these past two years,” said Oliver Budgen, CEO and Founder at Bud Communications.

“Going from a one-person outpost to a fast-growing team, and picking up accounts like Daikin and WEX, largely through word of mouth, comes down to how we work: focusing on building client believability, adopting and applying new technology, and nurturing a culture that lets us attract people who’d rather challenge how comms is done rather than repeat it.”

Bud has also added to its content team in Australia, bringing onboard former AdNews Deputy Editor, Ashley Regan, as the agency’s Senior Content Executive.

Richie Kenzie, Australia Lead, Bud Communications said: “We’re thrilled to have someone of Ash’s journalistic calibre join Bud’s Australia team. Not only does she expand our presence to Melbourne, she also brings a wealth of experience across industries where the majority of our clients do business. Her addition further demonstrates Bud’s ability to provide both best-in-class PR and genuinely impactful marketing content for our partners.

“Alongside the slate of new client wins we’ve had in the first half of the year, it’s been an extremely positive period overall for the business, and we’re excited to continue our upward momentum.”