The Global M Social Series Brings Sport, Wellness, Sustainability and Community
to Times Square, August 26–27
NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- M Social Collective arrives in New York City for its third global chapter, bringing together the worlds of tennis, hospitality, wellness and culture during US Open week with an immersive two-day celebration at M Social Hotel New York Times Square on August 26–27, 2026. Hosted at the hotel's signature rooftop destination, Beast & Butterflies, M Social Collective: New York Edition will unite guests, media, influencers and wellness enthusiasts through movement, meaningful conversation and unforgettable experiences overlooking Times Square.
Link to imagery: HERE
First introduced at M Social Resort Penang in September 2025 as a platform celebrating local talent, creativity and community, M Social Collective expanded internationally with its second edition at M Social Hotel Paris, spotlighting women driving meaningful change. The New York edition marks the next evolution of the series, bringing the spirit of M Social Collective to one of the world's most dynamic cities and one of its most anticipated sporting moments.
"M Social Collective is more than an event series; it is a global expression of what the M Social brand stands for," said Carolyn Wishnowski, Vice President Global, Branding, Marketing & Loyalty. "Across each chapter, from Penang to Paris and now New York, the platform brings together local culture, creativity and community through experiences that are relevant to the destination. With the New York edition taking place during US Open week, we are continuing to evolve M Social Collective as a lifestyle platform that connects guests, partners and communities through sport, wellness, music and meaningful social engagement."
The two-day celebration will explore the intersection of sport, wellness, sustainability and community through immersive programming featuring ATP players Yannick Hanfmann and Hamad Medjedovic, the founders of Coffee & Chill, M Social's resident trainer Keoni Hudoba, rooftop sustainability partner Alvéole, curated culinary experiences and thought-provoking panel discussions.
Throughout the two-day event, attendees will enjoy:
- The opening panel, 'The New Social Athlete: Where Sport Meets Culture,' featuring ATP players Yannick Hanfmann and Hamad Medjedovic; Coffee & Chill co-founders Liz Lindenmeier and Micah Lundstrom; and Kristen Rydberg, Northeast Territory Lead at Alvéole, moderated by M Social's resident trainer Keoni Hudoba
- Wellness workouts and agility sessions with athletes and M Social's resident trainer
- Coffee & Chill recovery experiences, cold plunges and community-driven wellness programming
- Sustainable rooftop beehive experiences with Alvéole, including honey tastings and educational sessions
- Signature food and beverage offerings inspired by recovery, nutrition and locally produced rooftop honey
- DJ sets, social mixers and immersive rooftop experiences overlooking Times Square
"The New York edition of M Social Collective demonstrates how our US hotels can activate around major cultural moments in ways that are both brand-building and commercially meaningful," said Vikram Sardana, Vice President of Operations, US, and General Manager of M Social Hotel New York Times Square. "By bringing together strategic partners, curated programming and the hotel's signature spaces during US Open week, this activation creates an opportunity to drive visibility, footfall and stronger engagement with both travellers and the local market."
The opening evening will feature a dynamic panel discussion exploring how sport influences culture, wellness and sustainability, followed by networking, rooftop activations and opportunities to meet participating athletes. The second day shifts its focus toward recovery and mindfulness with morning workouts, breakfast with the players, rooftop beekeeping experiences, sound bath meditation and wellness-focused programming designed to inspire healthier travel habits.
The event also highlights M Social's ongoing commitment to sustainability through its partnership with Alvéole, whose rooftop beehive initiative supports biodiversity while producing hyper-local honey incorporated into cocktails, mocktails and culinary offerings served throughout the event.
Located in the heart of Times Square, M Social Hotel New York Times Square continues to redefine the modern hotel experience by blending lifestyle programming, locally inspired partnerships and immersive guest experiences that celebrate the energy of New York City.
About M Social Hotel New York Times Square
Located in the heart of Times Square, M Social Hotel New York Times Square offers an energetic lifestyle experience inspired by New York City's creativity, culture and connection. Featuring contemporary accommodations, panoramic views, the vibrant Beast & Butterflies rooftop restaurant and bar, and year-round experiential programming, the hotel serves as a destination for travelers and locals alike seeking authentic experiences in one of the world's most iconic neighborhoods.
About M Social
Relax, work, eat, play, and get inspired. These are the mantras at M Social, the digital-led, experience-rich contemporary lifestyle hotel brand of Millennium Hotels and Resorts. More than just a place to sleep, M Social redefines modern hospitality with its commitment to sustainability, personalised service, and comfort—prevalent throughout its properties located in cosmopolitan hubs, from Singapore and Auckland to New York and Suzhou. No two stays are the same, with each hotel offering its own vibrant and creative atmosphere where guests can unwind, connect, and explore. Discover M Social and its extraordinary collection of hotels at www.msocial.com.
About Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR)
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) is a dynamic, global hospitality group with properties spanning four continents and 80 destinations. With a reputation for excellence, MHR owns, manages, and operates over 145 properties worldwide including in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Beijing, and Singapore. Its diverse portfolio spans brands including The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, M Social, Studio M, M Hotel, Copthorne, and Kingsgate, offering the perfect address for business and leisure travellers seeking hospitality experiences that go above and beyond. MHR is a Hong Leong Group subsidiary of Singapore-listed global real estate company City Developments Limited. For more information, visit www.millenniumhotels.com.
About MyMillennium
Explore the world and be rewarded with MyMillennium, the global loyalty programme from Millennium Hotels and Resorts. MyMillennium allows members to earn and redeem points at over 145 participating hotels across Asia-Pacific, the UK, USA, and the Middle East. Members can earn MyPoints on their stays and dining, and redeem them for rewards such as complimentary nights, room upgrades, dining discounts, and more.
The programme consists of three membership tiers - Classic, Silver, and Prestige - each offering exclusive perks as members progress. In addition, MyMillennium BIZ offers corporate bookers tailored rewards on their business travels and events, making MyMillennium a versatile and rewarding loyalty programme for both leisure and business travellers.
Sign up at www.millenniumhotels.com/en/programmes/my-millennium/.
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M SOCIAL COLLECTIVE ARRIVES IN NEW YORK FOR A TWO-DAY CELEBRATION DURING US OPEN WEEK
- MoU with Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy (EKRAF) signed at Southeast Asia Blockchain Week 2026 in Bangkok
- Cohort 9, the program's third Asia-wide batch, concludes its 12-week bootcamp with a Final Demo in Bali, Indonesia
- Applications for Cohort 10 now open, with a kickoff during EastPoint:Seoul 2026
SEOUL, South Korea and BALI, Indonesia, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ShardLab, the blockchain innovation arm of Hashed, will close Protocol Camp Cohort 9 with a Final Demo at Melasti Beach in Bali, Indonesia, on August 21. The program's third Asia-wide batch follows a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy (EKRAF), signed at Southeast Asia Blockchain Week (SEABW) 2026 in Bangkok.
Under the MoU, a joint effort to develop blockchain talent across Southeast Asia, six Indonesian participants joined Cohort 9 of ShardLab's 12-week builder bootcamp after an international screening process. For Indonesia, the placements are part of a broader push to build national capacity in decentralized technologies and digital assets.
At SEABW, Deputy Chairman for Digital and Technology Creativity (EKRAF) Muhammad Neil El Himam delivered a keynote on how blockchain and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization could turn Indonesian intellectual property into investment-grade assets.
"We see blockchain as an opportunity to grow the economic value of Indonesia's creative economy, and programs like Protocol Camp give our builders a direct path into the industry," said Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy Chairman for Digital and Technology Creativity, EKRAF.
"The government wants Indonesia to be not only a market, but a builder. We want more Indonesian founders, developers, creators, and entrepreneurs building world-class solutions, and bringing Indonesian IP from local heroes to national champions and global markets," said Teuku Riefky Harsya, Minister of Creative Economy, Indonesia.
The Minister also highlighted that blockchain has strong relevance to Indonesia's creative economy because of the country's substantial pool of creative talent and intellectual property. He noted that blockchain can strengthen IP management, increase productivity, and create new economic value for society.
Cohort 9 passed its Mid Demo checkpoint in Seoul in July 2026. Over 12 weeks, participants moved from concept to working product. All participants are fully sponsored, matched with a dedicated mentor each week, and finish the program with a product rather than a certificate. At the Final Demo in Bali, teams will present their products to mentors, partners, and the regional blockchain community.
The Protocol Camp model is already yielding tangible achievements. BeBridge won the grand prize at the SEABW 2026 AI Hackathon and launched DollarParking on Google Play, letting stablecoin holders across Asia use USDT to gain exposure to tokenized U.S. equities. ContentDAO now matches brand campaigns with creators in more than 30 countries.
Applications for Cohort 10 are open at protocolcamp.com through August 30, 2026. The 12-week program starts during EastPoint:Seoul 2026 in Seoul and is open to developers, designers, and product builders across Asia, covering both blockchain and AI. Protocol Camp has selected approximately 124 builders from roughly 500 applicants to date.
"Asia is no longer just adopting global technology; it is actively shaping its future. We are deeply grateful to Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy (EKRAF) for their forward-looking vision and support in empowering local talent. As Web3 and AI rapidly integrate across the region, we aim to make Protocol Camp the premier launchpad where top builders from Indonesia and across Asia connect, build, and scale real-world innovation," said Hojin Kim, CEO of ShardLab.
ABOUT SHARDLAB
ShardLab is the innovation arm of Hashed, a leading global digital asset venture capital firm. Established through the strategic partnership between Hashed and SCBX, Thailand's leading financial technology group and the parent company of Siam Commercial Bank, ShardLab researches, builds, and scales frontier technologies through R&D, venture building, and ecosystem development.
By connecting founders, enterprises, researchers, and institutions, we transform bold ideas into real-world innovation. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of AI, digital assets, and emerging technologies while building a more connected and innovative future across Asia.
MEDIA CONTACT
Rachel Kim • Head of Marketing • rachel@shardlab.com
SEOUL, South Korea and BALI, Indonesia, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ShardLab, the blockchain innovation arm of Hashed, will close Protocol Camp Cohort 9 with a Final Demo at Melasti Beach in Bali, Indonesia, on August 21. The program's third Asia-wide batch follows a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy (EKRAF), signed at Southeast Asia Blockchain Week (SEABW) 2026 in Bangkok.
Under the MoU, a joint effort to develop blockchain talent across Southeast Asia, six Indonesian participants joined Cohort 9 of ShardLab's 12-week builder bootcamp after an international screening process. For Indonesia, the placements are part of a broader push to build national capacity in decentralized technologies and digital assets.
At SEABW, Deputy Chairman for Digital and Technology Creativity (EKRAF) Muhammad Neil El Himam delivered a keynote on how blockchain and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization could turn Indonesian intellectual property into investment-grade assets.
"We see blockchain as an opportunity to grow the economic value of Indonesia's creative economy, and programs like Protocol Camp give our builders a direct path into the industry," said Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy Chairman for Digital and Technology Creativity, EKRAF.
"The government wants Indonesia to be not only a market, but a builder. We want more Indonesian founders, developers, creators, and entrepreneurs building world-class solutions, and bringing Indonesian IP from local heroes to national champions and global markets," said Teuku Riefky Harsya, Minister of Creative Economy, Indonesia.
The Minister also highlighted that blockchain has strong relevance to Indonesia's creative economy because of the country's substantial pool of creative talent and intellectual property. He noted that blockchain can strengthen IP management, increase productivity, and create new economic value for society.
Cohort 9 passed its Mid Demo checkpoint in Seoul in July 2026. Over 12 weeks, participants moved from concept to working product. All participants are fully sponsored, matched with a dedicated mentor each week, and finish the program with a product rather than a certificate. At the Final Demo in Bali, teams will present their products to mentors, partners, and the regional blockchain community.
The Protocol Camp model is already yielding tangible achievements. BeBridge won the grand prize at the SEABW 2026 AI Hackathon and launched DollarParking on Google Play, letting stablecoin holders across Asia use USDT to gain exposure to tokenized U.S. equities. ContentDAO now matches brand campaigns with creators in more than 30 countries.
Applications for Cohort 10 are open at protocolcamp.com through August 30, 2026. The 12-week program starts during EastPoint:Seoul 2026 in Seoul and is open to developers, designers, and product builders across Asia, covering both blockchain and AI. Protocol Camp has selected approximately 124 builders from roughly 500 applicants to date.
"Asia is no longer just adopting global technology; it is actively shaping its future. We are deeply grateful to Indonesia's Ministry of Creative Economy (EKRAF) for their forward-looking vision and support in empowering local talent. As Web3 and AI rapidly integrate across the region, we aim to make Protocol Camp the premier launchpad where top builders from Indonesia and across Asia connect, build, and scale real-world innovation," said Hojin Kim, CEO of ShardLab.
ABOUT SHARDLAB
ShardLab is the innovation arm of Hashed, a leading global digital asset venture capital firm. Established through the strategic partnership between Hashed and SCBX, Thailand's leading financial technology group and the parent company of Siam Commercial Bank, ShardLab researches, builds, and scales frontier technologies through R&D, venture building, and ecosystem development.
By connecting founders, enterprises, researchers, and institutions, we transform bold ideas into real-world innovation. Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of AI, digital assets, and emerging technologies while building a more connected and innovative future across Asia.
MEDIA CONTACT
Rachel Kim • Head of Marketing • rachel@shardlab.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
ShardLab and Indonesia's EKRAF Expand Blockchain Talent Partnership as Protocol Camp Cohort 9 Closes in Bali
