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Greetings 👋 

Hi, how was your weekend? 

As we step into the second week of December, there’s a little more warmth in the air and a bit of holiday sparkle in the everyday rush. Even in the busy moments, something reminds us that we’re growing and moving forward.

Maybe this week brings a small win, a new idea, or a spark you didn’t see coming. Whatever it is, we hope it finds you with a bit of holiday magic.

If you find this newsletter interesting, refer it to your friends by sharing this link and receive amazing gifts from AHN!

Azy Intara to Lead Invincinal’s New Film ‘INVESENCE: MORAL RUIN’

Casting for Additional Leads & Cross-Border Southeast Asian Talent Underway

Azy Intara will star as the lead in its upcoming U.S. production, with auditions and final selections for additional lead roles currently in progress.

Set in a visually driven world where fashion collides with myth, the film follows a young production assistant whose buried identity resurfaces in the middle of a high-stakes runway show—igniting a fierce battle between destiny and self-determination.

Azy Intara is a former member of Thai pop girl group MIRA MIR with screen credits across Thai TV and streaming. Her upcoming U.S. debut projects in 2026 include leading the web series When The Sun Sets and co-creating and starring in the festival-oriented short ENTICED.  She is also known for blending cinematic elegance with action, having trained in East Asian martial arts and traditional dances.

About Invincinal

Invincinal is a development company focused on growth through arts, athletics, and innovation. With a strong commitment to cultural inclusivity, the company uplifts Southeast Asian talent and creates pathways for emerging creatives.

Invincinal has partnered with a wide range of arts and fashion organizations, including Vincent Rodriguez III, Ardyanna Ducusin, Los Angeles Kids Fashion Show, Asian Fashion Week LA, ForeverHers Pageant, and Pacific Festival Ballet. Its media and development teams support productions, workshops, and talent pipelines that champion multicultural storytelling.

Casting for INVESENCE: MORAL RUIN is open to Southeast Asian actors internationally, with updates to be shared on Invincinal’s official platforms.

Follow @invincinal @invesences @invincinalvoice on Instagram.

Invincinal Website: https://www.invincinal.com/

MC Jin, NE-YO, and Sonu Nigam Launch New Music Label to Spotlight Asian Artists Globally

NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, MC Jin, and music executive Jonathan Serbin have launched Pacific Music Group in Hong Kong to help Asian artists reach global audiences. They also want to give international artists a stronger path into Asia’s fast-growing music scene.

The label plans to find new talent across Asia, support their growth, and release music in genres like pop, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic. With Asia’s influence rising through K-pop, Bollywood, and viral hits from Southeast Asia, Serbin says this is the right moment for a global label built in Asia.

Read the full article here.

NYC Teen Miles Wu Uses Origami to Create Award-Winning Disaster Relief Innovation

Fourteen-year-old Miles Wu from New York City won the $25,000 top prize at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge for an origami-inspired disaster relief design. His project used Miura-ori folds—pleated patterns that collapse and expand in a single motion—to show how they can support more than 9,000 times their own weight.

Wu said he was inspired by recent natural disasters and by research showing how origami helps solve problems in engineering and medicine. After testing different fold variations at home, he found Miura-ori offered the strength, lightness, and compactness needed to improve deployable emergency shelters.

Read the full article here.

PODCAST SPOTLIGHT 🎙️

Mark Espinoza, S3 Ep 214: Building Lasting Relationships Through Walmart Open Call

In this episode of the Asian Hustle Network Podcast, Mark Espinoza, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Walmart, shares how strong partnerships and community relationships can open new doors for small businesses.

As part of U.S. Manufacturing Month, AHN teamed up with Walmart for a social-first interview series featuring small business owners, Walmart leaders, and community advocates who are working to strengthen U.S.-based manufacturing.

With more than two decades of experience, Mark offers practical advice, real stories, and a closer look at programs like Walmart Open Call and the ways they support entrepreneurs across the country. It’s an inspiring episode for anyone who wants to see how thoughtful collaboration can create lasting impact.

🎧 Listen now on asianhustlenetwork.com and follow AHN for more stories from founders and creators.

LAST WEEK, ASIAN LEADERS DID 🎉

🚀 Dee Lestari, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated authors, has officially sealed her partnership with Netflix. The agreement brings her best-selling novels—Rapi Jali, Aroma Karsa, and Perahu Kertas—to life as new original series, opening the door for beloved Asian literature to reach a global streaming audience.

🚀 At just nine years old, Ivory Chia, made history as the youngest actress to win a Best Supporting Actress award at the AACA for her role in Emerald Hill: The Little Nonya Story.

🚀 Ian Chew of Singapore, the CEO of Greenie Web, received the Rising Star in Tech Award at the Asia Tech x Singapore Enterprise Tech Awards, celebrated for his standout achievements and innovative leadership under 30.

🚀 Yudara Kularathne of Sri Lanka, Co-Founder and CEO of HeHealth, was honored as the Tech Leader of the Year at the Asia Tech x Singapore Enterprise Tech Awards, recognizing his vision, leadership, and commitment to driving innovation and building strong teams.

Boost Your Brand Engagement Through Simple Holiday Content Ideas

The holiday season is a prime window for increasing audience interaction, as consumers are more receptive to seasonal storytelling and themed touchpoints. Simple holiday elements—such as favorite traditions, gift preferences, or quick holiday “this or that” prompts—can make your content more relatable and help strengthen your brand during this busy period.

Here are a few easy tactics to sustain engagement:

• Share one holiday-themed micro-prompt each day.

• Run a short seasonal poll to encourage quick participation.

• Invite your audience to share what they’re looking forward to this holiday season.

Start by posting one simple holiday prompt today, track the response, and repeat tomorrow. Small daily actions can build major seasonal momentum—so take the first step now and watch your engagement grow.

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COMPANIES DISCOVERED ✅

Pickupp

Pickupp is a tech-driven logistics platform offering flexible, on-demand delivery services. Founded to solve the pain points of traditional couriers, Pickupp uses route optimization, real-time tracking, and a network of freelance delivery partners to provide fast, affordable, and scalable solutions for businesses. From same-day parcels to bulk shipments, the company aims to reshape urban delivery with greater transparency and efficiency.

Learn more about Pickupp’s delivery solutions here.

Kalibrr

Kalibrr is a recruitment technology company that helps match job seekers with employers more efficiently. Its platform uses data-driven tools to streamline hiring—from posting job listings to screening and assessing candidates. Built with both user experience and talent discovery in mind, Kalibrr supports companies across Southeast Asia in finding qualified applicants while giving job seekers a smoother path to opportunities.

Discover more about Kalibrr’s hiring and talent services here.

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Find customers on Roku this holiday season

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