A new whitepaper from BBG Intelligence titled Not in my backyard reveals that data centre developments across the Asia-Pacific region are facing an escalating public trust challenge as the demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure accelerates. The report examines how these facilities have transitioned from low-profile industrial structures into flashpoints for public debate, becoming proxy issues for broader anxieties around artificial intelligence, energy security, water scarcity, foreign investment, and economic sovereignty.The paper notes that public understanding is severely lagging behind the rapid pace of development. Because data centres lack the everyday consumer visibility of banks or supermarkets, operators are struggling to build confidence while communities grapple with what these facilities are and why they are needed. This information vacuum often breeds skepticism and opposition, particularly when local communities bear tangible burdens—such as industrial noise, construction disruption, and resource strain—while national economic benefits feel abstract and distant.Regional examples underscore the widespread nature of the issue:• In Batam, Indonesia, proposed data centres face heavy scrutiny over water security, with projects projected to consume roughly 32 million litres daily—enough to meet the needs of 320,000 people.• In New Zealand, data centres have ignited political debates regarding electricity constraints, prompting calls from the Green Party to pause AI-focused developments until stronger regulatory frameworks are enacted.• In Malaysia, rapid expansion in Johor has sparked environmental and community concerns over local infrastructure and power networks.• In Australia, local backlash is severe; a proposed development in Lane Cove, Sydney, drew 374 resident objections against only nine supporting submissions. Furthermore, recent polling cited in the report shows that 83 per cent of Australians would not want to live near an AI data centre, and 52 per cent distrust major tech companies regarding transparency over water and power usage.BBG Intelligence warns that communications alone cannot compensate for flawed planning or poor project siting. Communities increasingly demand concrete evidence, visible local benefits, and genuine involvement rather than polished corporate messaging and delayed consultation. To rebuild social licence, the whitepaper outlines six core lessons for organizations:• Start engagement before public positions harden.• Explicitly explain the underlying "why" behind a project.• Make local community benefits clearly visible.• Treat transparency as a fundamental operating principle.• Design infrastructure with community acceptance in mind, not just regulatory approval.• Assume that intense public scrutiny is permanent.

Publicis Groupe has appointed Nannette LaFond-Dufour as Chief Impact Officer. In this newly created global role, Nannette will be responsible for driving immediate impact across the Groupe?ÇÖs long-term ESG commitments. These include Publicis?ÇÖ ambitious SBTI-approved climate goals, its concrete diversity, equity and inclusion action plans, as well as its flagship initiatives like the Working with Cancer pledge and the Women?ÇÖs Forum for the Economy & Society. A leading industry figure over the course of her 30-year career, Nannette joins Publicis from McCann Worldgroup where she was Chief Client Officer and McCann?ÇÖs inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer, responsible for driving sustainability goals across its global environmental footprint. Nannette will head a centralized team in cultivating and partnering with the Groupe?ÇÖs ESG community around the world. Together, they will design and deploy a consistent strategy on impact, with clear and measurable KPIs, to enhance and expand Publicis?ÇÖ existing initiatives and implement new ones, at the service of its teams and its clients. Her appointment underscores Publicis?ÇÖ ongoing commitment to creating positive change through environmental and societal impact. Consistently ranked first in the industry by leading ESG rating agencies, in the past year Publicis was the only holding company in the sector to appear in the S&P Yearbook, which evaluates the sustainability efforts of global businesses. Through the Working with Cancer Pledge, over the last 18 months the Groupe has also rallied more than 1500 of the world?ÇÖs most iconic companies to commit to erasing the stigma of cancer in the workplace. Nannette will join the Groupe?ÇÖs Management Committee and report directly to Arthur Sadoun, Chairman & CEO. She will work hand in hand with Agathe Bousquet, President of Publicis France and Directoire+ sponsor for ESG. ?Ç£With the Directoire+ we are delighted to welcome Nannette to the Groupe?Ç¥ said Arthur Sadoun. ?Ç£Thanks to our transformation, we have been outperforming the industry on every business and financial KPI for the past four years. But we know that for our growth to be truly sustainable, on every front, it also needs to be responsible. That?ÇÖs why we have also worked to lead the way through our best-in-class ESG initiatives. With Nannette on board and her proven expertise in delivering impactful change with some of the world?ÇÖs biggest companies, we are confident we can take our ESG agenda even further, faster, for the good of our people, our clients, and our planet. ?Ç£ "I deeply admire the work that Publicis has done to transform itself, demonstrating both the ability to anticipate the future, and do the hard work required to prepare for it through tangible environmental and societal commitments. At this moment when evolution is the mandate on every front, I look forward to joining such a visionary, courageous and agile team" added Nannette LaFond-Dufour.

Rajalakshmi Azaraih has joined Lupin India & Global as the Vice President & Head of Communications. She started her career in Ramco Systems as a Corporate Communications Executive, later assuming the position of Senior Marketing Communications Executive at Tata Elxsi. She held the position of Senior Account Director at Avian We, besides serving in Mudra Communication, Genesis BCW, Professional Aptitude Council Inc, The PRactice. She was the Group Head at Adfactors PR and the General Manager, Corporate Communications at Himalaya Wellness Company. She worked in DIAGEO India as the Senior General Manager, Corporate & Brand Communications. She is an alumnus of Thiagarajar School of Management and has been contributing to the industry of Strategic Communications for more than two decades, working across sectors like pharma, healthcare, automotive, and technology. She has keen prowess in curating purpose-driven narratives that resonate, forging and sustaining reputation of the brand. Her expertise also lies in digital marketing, where she leverages full-funnel marketing approaches for driving measurable business results which add value to the world. She also oversees managing PR-related crises skillfully, advocating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) accomplishments and encouraging multicultural partnership. A mentor, she believes in the empowerment of teams for reaching their potential, and seeking collaborations where strategic communications can be fueling growth, making impactful change.