Malaysian communications advisor brings more than three decades of experience in strategic communications, reputation management, and crisis advisory
NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reputation Advisors International (RAI), a global network of esteemed communications professionals, announced today that Janitha Sukumaran, Founder of Rantau+, has joined as its newest member.
Sukumaran has spent more than 35 years working across journalism, strategic communications, reputation management, and crisis advisory. During her career, she has advised governments, multinational corporations, publicly traded companies, and purpose-driven organizations across Asia - often during times of significant change and uncertainty.
She founded Rantau+ in 1992 and continues to lead the Malaysia-based independent communications consultancy. Under her leadership, the firm has transformed into a purpose-driven, data-driven Communications Intelligence Advisory. She has also pioneered Narrative Intelligence, an approach that combines communications, sustainability, data, and AI to turn insights into action.
"Reputation is no longer built through communications alone; it is earned through how organizations behave and create value for society," Sukumaran said. "I look forward to contributing an Asian perspective while strengthening the collective intelligence we can offer clients across the market."
"We are pleased to welcome Janitha Sukumaran as our newest member," said James F. Haggerty, CEO of PRCG Haggerty LLC in New York and President of Reputation Advisors International. "Her extensive background in journalism, strategic communications, and reputation management provides exactly the expertise needed to strengthen our organization."
About Reputation Advisors International (RAI)
Reputation Advisors International is a global association of senior communications professionals specializing in high-stakes issues related to reputation management, brand positioning, legal and regulatory communications, crisis planning and response and related fields.
The network currently has members in 18 cities across 14 countries, including Abu Dhabi, Brasília, Brussels, Chiasso, Frankfurt, Geneva, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Munich, New York, Oslo, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto and Zurich.
To learn more about Reputation Advisors International, visit: www.reputationadvisors.net.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Janitha Sukumaran Joins Reputation Advisors International as Newest Member
GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the back-to-school shopping season gains momentum, demand for stationery, learning tools, and educational technology products is on the rise. As one of the most essential items in students' daily learning routines, writing instruments showcased at Canton Fair offer a unique lens for observing evolving back-to-school purchasing trends, from sustainability-focused designs to enhanced functionality and emerging smart features.
- Eco-Friendly Innovations in Material and Design
One of the notable developments was the growing adoption of environmentally conscious materials and designs. Several exhibitors showcased pens manufactured with PLA biobased materials derived from renewable plant resources such as corn. Under industrial composting conditions, these materials can biodegrade, offering an alternative to conventional plastics. Other exhibitors introduced ballpoint pens made from 100% recycled ocean plastic. Equipped with Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, these products significantly reduce carbon emissions compared with traditional alternatives while meeting rising demand for sustainable consumer goods.
Environmental innovation extended beyond materials to product design. Exhibitors showcased stationery made from recyclable resources, alongside refillable and wood-saving solutions that help reduce waste throughout a product's lifecycle. One sharpening-free pencil featured a rotating lead mechanism and replaceable refills, while erasable colored pens, friction pens, and refillable friction fountain pens improved usability by enabling smooth writing and easy corrections, enhancing everyday learning experiences while supporting more sustainable consumption.
- AI-powered Advancements in Functionality
The integration of artificial intelligence also demonstrated how traditional stationery is expanding beyond its conventional role. A new generation of smart translation pens combined the familiarity of handwriting with AI-powered functions such as multilingual translation, content organization, mind map generation, and information assistance.
For global buyers, successful seasonal sales campaigns often begin with sourcing decisions made months in advance. Whether supporting back-to-school demand, year-end shopping events, or future product launches, the Canton Fair continues to play an important role in helping buyers discover new products, connect with suppliers, and respond to evolving consumer trends. This October, the 140th Canton Fair will grandly open, celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founding. With a massive exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters, it will gather over 30,000 enterprises. Three phases will continue to pursue innovative, sustainable and intelligent development, and provide global buyers with a one-stop trading platform featuring complete exhibit variety, quality products with competitive price, and convenient, efficient and reliable services.
For pre-registration, please click:
https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Beyond Back-to-School, Canton Fair Helps Global Buyers Stay Ahead of Key Retail Seasons
