KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Art Gallery of Malaysia, today officially launched the ASEAN Artpreneur Retreat 2026 (AAR 2026), bringing together emerging and established art entrepreneurs from across ASEAN to transform creative ideas into market-ready offerings and sustainable businesses.
Held from 5 to 19 October 2026 in Kuala Lumpur under the theme "Innovate and Elevate", the 15-day intensive programme strengthens entrepreneurial capabilities, encourages knowledge exchange and expands opportunities within the regional creative economy.
The programme was officially launched by The Honourable Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, at HEMISFERA Luxury Sky Hall, Menara Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Dato' Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of MOTAC; Dr. Jalaini bin Abu Hassan, Chairman of the National Visual Arts Development Board (NVADB); Amerrudin Ahmad, Director-General of the NVADB; along with ambassadors and representatives of ASEAN embassies in Malaysia.
AAR 2026 combines creative dialogue, mentorship and practical entrepreneurial development, focusing on product development, market readiness, commercialisation and sustainable business models. Participants will engage with industry experts and creative practitioners to refine their ideas, understand market needs and strengthen their business capabilities.
The retreat also features alumni of the Young Art Entrepreneur (YAE!) programme, an ongoing National Art Gallery initiative supporting entrepreneurship in Malaysia's visual arts and creative industries. Alumni contribute peer mentorship in market navigation, brand building and production scaling, connecting Malaysian and fellow ASEAN artpreneurs through shared experience.
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 Campaign, participants will develop a new product or service inspired by the campaign's theme, drawing on local cultural assets to create innovative offerings that enrich visitor experiences and generate opportunities for creative communities.
The programme will culminate in a commercial product showcase, presenting the outcomes developed during the retreat and highlighting participants' ability to translate artistic concepts into offerings with market potential.
Guided by the principles of Malaysia MADANI, AAR 2026 reflects MOTAC's commitment to empowering creative talent, strengthening regional collaboration and advancing inclusive, sustainable growth. Through this initiative, art and culture serve as foundations for shared identity, meaningful livelihoods and economic opportunity across ASEAN.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
ASEAN Artpreneur Retreat 2026 Empowers Creative Entrepreneurs and Connects Regional Talent
- Milo,Nescau and Nesquikwill become Official Partners of the National Basketball Association (NBA)
- The partnership will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms
- Multi-year agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and marks Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date
VEVEY, Switzerland, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestlé and the NBA are entering a new, multi‑year international marketing partnership making Milo, Nescau and Nesquik Official Partners of the NBA.
The agreement spans 21 markets across four continents and is designed to engage fans and inspire youth basketball participation around the world. Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date, the partnership reflects the company's strategy to focus on fewer, larger global marketing platforms that can be activated consistently across markets, ensuring local relevance. It will come into effect on 1 January 2027.
As part of the collaboration, Nestlé and the NBA will build on a shared commitment to youth participation in sport by creating more opportunities for young people and families to engage with basketball. This will include activations across select NBA youth basketball development programs and platforms, including Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, NBA Basketball School, Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Coaches Academies, Her Time To Play and NBA 3X, and will extend across select NBA events and fan engagement platforms, including NBA Global Games and NBA House.
"For decades, our brands have believed in the power of sport to bring out the best in people," said Liberato Milo, SVP Head of Confectionery & Snacking Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé. "From Milo and Nescau sports programs to Nesquik athlete partnerships and initiatives, we have seen how sport can energize people, build confidence and create healthy habits. Together with the NBA, we will use the power of basketball to connect with consumers at scale, create locally relevant experiences and inspire more young people and families to get active and enjoy the game."
The marketing partnership will also encompass retail programs and in-market fan experiences, including on-pack promotions featuring NBA branding and opportunities for consumers to win NBA tickets, merchandise and other prizes.
"Nestlé is one of the world's most recognizable brands and has a longstanding connection to consumers across the globe," said Julie Morris, NBA Senior Vice President of Commercial Development and Media. "We look forward to leveraging Nestlé's reach and local market presence to connect with fans in new ways and support the continued growth of basketball around the world."
The partnership will activate across: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam – with the Philippines joining from October 2027.
Contacts:
Nestlé: Chiara Valsangiacomo, +41 21 924 2200, mediarelations@nestle.com
NBA: Sam Postlethwaite, +44 7468 711407, spostlethwaite@nba.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Nestlé and NBA announce multi-year international marketing partnership
