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AI-powered PR and communications agency, Alpha Story, has announced five new client wins in the first quarter of 2026.

The new roster includes automotive brands Audi Malaysia (PHS Automotive Malaysia) and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), digital travel platform Agoda, educational institute University of Reading Malaysia, and a renewed two-year retainer with climate-tech innovator GoRental Global across Malaysia and Singapore.

Founder and CEO of Alpha Story, Jeremy Foo, said: "As communications shifts from volume-driven output to precision-driven strategy, our approach enables organisations to respond faster, communicate with greater clarity, and focus efforts where it drives the most impact. Our focus is not just to help brands move faster, but to help them communicate smarter.

"Welcoming PHSAM, VPCM and Agoda, while deepening our partnerships with University of Reading Malaysia and GoRental Global, marks an important moment for us. These wins reflect the trust that leading organisations are placing in a new way of working, one that blends human judgement with AI to deliver sharper thinking, faster response and more meaningful storytelling."

Building on its client wins, Alpha Story is set to establish a presence in Indonesia in the second quarter of 2026. The agency states that the expansion will support existing clients with a footprint in Indonesia, enabling more integrated, on-the-ground communications while unlocking new opportunities for growth in the market. 

Vero has strengthened its Southeast Asia footprint by bringing Mad Hat Asia into its regional network.

The move enhances Vero's presence in Malaysia and broadens its capabilities in Singapore, combining its strengths in strategic communications, public affairs, and government relations with Mad Hat Asia's consumer lifestyle expertise and culture-led approach. In turn, Mad Hat Asia will gain access to Vero's regional capabilities, including data analytics, research, as well as its government relations arm, Vero Advocacy.

Vero's CEO, Brian Griffin (pictured front row, third from the right) will continue to oversee the group’s long-term direction, while Founder of Mad Hat Asia, Rengeeta Rendava (pictured front row, fourth from the right) takes on a regional strategic role. No redundancies are planned as part of the acquisition.

“Vero has built an exceptional reputation across Southeast Asia for its strength in corporate, public affairs, government relations and strategic communications,” said Rengeeta.

“Joining Vero gives us the opportunity to learn from that strength while contributing our own perspective on culture, digital-first audiences and strength in consumer storytelling into the mix. Together, we’re in a much stronger position to deliver integrated, insight-led communications that truly reflect how companies and brands need to operate today.”

Brian added: “Bringing Mad Hat Asia into Vero deepens our ability to combine PR and government relations in Malaysia. We believe it’s this combination of PR and government relations that helps clients grow and protect what they’ve built across this region. Ultimately, Mad Hat and Vero are fundamentally aligned on building an organisation where the most talented communicators in Southeast Asia thrive and want to build their careers.”

Thrive Communications + PR, has announced the launch of a modern corporate communications agency, Acuity. The agency is described as "human-centred", with a mission to help organisations and leaders communicate clearly to gain authority, build trust, and influence with impact.

As a sister agency to Thrive, Acuity will offer a suite of services that extends from thought leadership executive programs, stakeholder relations, and issues and crisis management, through to in-house content, social media, and B2B brand activations.

With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, the establishment of Acuity has been driven by founding Managing Director, Snezna Kerekovic, who has served in executive roles at Thrive for the past seven years.

She said: "Human skills are even more important when it comes to communications, curiosity and persuasion in an AI era. We are seeing a complete reset across the industry.

"Consolidation of respected marcomms agencies globally is happening at the same time, enterprise organisations and leaders are under more pressure than ever to communicate clearly, give their customers and teams confidence, and build trust. We are seeing the birth and momentum of independent agencies like Acuity, which are investing in smart talent and resources to deliver trusted communications advice. Acuity is the result of demand from clients who want stable, senior counsel and an in-depth understanding of the local market and local audiences.

"With experienced senior advisors and connected policy specialists, Acuity exists to meet this moment in time - to help organisations to communicate clearly and influence, when it matters most."

Acuity launches with a roster of foundation clients that includes BYD, Reddit, and global online education provider Pearson.

"We have a long history of helping brands amplify trusted voices to build authentic networks, strengthen leadership positioning, and build reputations that drive long-term growth," said Thrive Founder and CEO, Leilani Abels.

"Acuity is supercharged by Thrive’s connections to decision makers and media. We launch with experience managing very complex issues and nuanced environments for high-profile clients. Acuity is investing in local talent with corporate, technology and policy expertise. The agency will break the norms of what people think about a typical corporate communications agency."