Winners announced for PRHK's Cannes Young Lions Hong Kong Competition 2026

APAC strategic communications consultancy, The PR Group (PRG), has strengthened its partnership with Australian AI healthcare company, Heidi, expanding its remit across APAC. The agency has been working with Heidi since its early scale-up phase, including leading global communications for the company's funding round in 2025.

Under the expanded remit, PRG will now lead communications across Southeast Asia and North Asia from its Singapore hub, while continuing support in Australia and New Zealand. The scope includes strategic communications, executive profiling, earned media, reputation and issues management, and narrative positioning to support global expansion and growth.

CEO of The PR Group, Caroline Shawyer, said:

"We've worked with Heidi since its early days, and it's been a privilege to support the company at every stage of its growth. As the business has scaled, so has the complexity of its communications. This expanded regional remit reflects the trust built between our teams."

"In an environment of constant scrutiny, AI disruption, and an evolving news cycle, reputation can’t be managed reactively. It needs to be built, protected, and governed at the highest level. That’s where we see strategic communications adding value, embedded in leadership and enabling board-level decision-making. PRG is well equipped to support high-growth companies through reputation milestones, including market entry, stakeholder engagement, and trust-building."

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking has elevated Kathryn Ward to Director, Communications, Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, she oversees external and internal communications, media relations, and content strategy for the region.

Kathryn moved in-house to the financial services firm in 2024. Prior to that, she served roles agency-side at FleishmanHillard, BCW and Kreab. 

NanoVision Medical Technology, a tech company focusing on R&D, production, sales and service of the Phased Array CT system, has welcomed Weitao Li as Director of Corporate Communications.

Based in Shanghai, he leads the strategy for shaping and maintaining the company's overall brand image and reputation. His remit also includes managing relationships with external stakeholders across corporate communications, PR, government relations, marketing events, and strategic content marketing.

Weitao moved from Novartis, where he was most recently Head of External Engagement. He brings over 25 years of experience to his latest appointment, including senior comms roles both in-house and agency-side. Before pivoting into comms at Bright Public Relations Shanghai in 2010, Weitao was Assistant Editor-in-Chief at China Daily in Beijing, where he served in its editorial department for over a decade.