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The voice of Central Asia
Whether you're a strategist in Ulaanbaatar, a creative in Bishkek, a media planner in Almaty, or a digital nomad in Tashkent—your voice matters here.
Editor’s Pick
Events
MAD STARS 2026 Day Two: Reimagining Marketing in the Age of AI
BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA — August 27, 2026 If Day One of MAD STARS 2026 asked whether artificial intelligence can transform creativity, Day Two moved the conversation one step further: what happens when the transformation reaches the very foundations of marketing? On the second day of the three-day festival in Busan, the conversation shifted from the capabilities of AI to the future of brands, consumer relationships, culture and creativity. Under this year’s theme, “AMPLIFY,” globa
Munkhtamir
23 hours ago5 min read
Moving From Message to Real-World Impact: MAD STARS Executive Jury Reveals the WorkThat Stayed With Them
- Taking the stage on opening day, five global creative leaders spotlighted the entries that left a lasting impression during this year's judging. - Their selections reflected a broader shift in creativity, highlighting campaigns driven by cultural empathy, proactive problem-solving, and invisible technology. 26 August 2026 MAD STARS 2026 officially opened today in Busan, hosting the "Conversation with the Executive Jury" as a key highlight of its opening day. Taking the st
Enkhjin Batbayar
3 days ago3 min read
MAD STARS 2026 Day One: When AI Becomes the Question, Not the Answer
BUSAN SOUTH KOREA |August 26, 2026 The global creative and marketing industry converged in Busan today as MAD STARS 2026 officially opened at SIGNIEL BUSAN, bringing together creative leaders, marketers, technologists, agencies, and emerging talent from across the world. Running from August 26 to 28 under the theme “AMPLIFY,” this year’s festival is exploring how technology can expand the possibilities of creativity while keeping human intelligence, curiosity, and cultural un
Munkhtamir
3 days ago5 min read
MAD STARS 2026 Young Stars and New Stars CompetitionsKick Off in Busan
- Emerging creatives from around the world take on a 30-hour live brief, receiving mentorship and direct feedback from global industry leaders. 25 August 2026 Ahead of the official opening of MAD STARS 2026, the Young Stars and New Stars MAD Competitions kicked off on 25 August at SIGNIEL BUSAN. Running through 28 August, the competitions challenge emerging creatives to build complete campaigns under real-world time constraints while receiving direct guidance from active in
Enkhjin Batbayar
3 days ago2 min read
MAD STARS 2026 Unveils Eight Creativity-Focused Sessions
- Eight sessions featuring creative leaders from AKQA, Publicis, Ogilvy, ADK, Digitas, Cheil, O Escritório, and MONKS explore creativity in a rapidly changing industry. 13 August 2026 MAD STARS 2026 has unveiled details of eight conference sessions centered on creativity. Together, they explore how creative work is evolving as AI, technology, culture, and changing audience behavior reshape the industry. Under its 2026 theme, AMPLIFY, MAD STARS will present approximately 40 se
Enkhjin Batbayar
Aug 192 min read
MAD STARS 2026 Unveils Global Juries for YOUNG STARS and NEW STARS Competitions
MAD STARS expands its 2026 program with the announcement of global jury panels for its YOUNG STARS and NEW STARS competitions, bringing together senior creative leaders to evaluate and mentor emerging talent in real-world creative challenges held in Busan. MAD STARS 2026 has unveiled the jury lineups for its YOUNG STARS and NEW STARS MAD Competitions, two global programs designed to identify and develop the next generation of creative talent under live, real-world conditions.
Adjournal
May 224 min read
Interviews
MAD STARS 2026: Asia’s Creative Future Starts Now
The global creative spotlight is turning toward Busan once again as MAD STARS 2026 officially opens its call for entries. As Asia’s only international festival celebrating creativity powered by technology and innovation, MAD STARS continues to position itself as a forward-looking platform where ideas meet impact. This year’s edition builds on the festival’s growing global influence, bringing together industry leaders, agencies, production houses, tech innovators, students, a
Advertising Journal
Feb 152 min read
Vinzo on the Spikes Asia Jury: Why Creative B2B Is Mongolia’s Next Frontier
Dec 21, 2025: On a late December Sunday afternoon, Ulaanbaatar seems to be holding its breath before the holidays. One of the upper floors in the city center office remains busy, with people working and visitors coming and going. In the office behind glass walls, a TV runs constantly, news, noise, and motion fill the space, as if the room refuses silence. Ganzorig Vanchig , affectionately called Vinzo , welcomes me in a comfortable hoodie and a beanie. Relaxed and friendly, V
Khandsuren Lkhamsuren
Dec 23, 20255 min read
Enkhbayasgalan Tungalag, Mongolia’s First Cannes Lions Jury Member
Founder of Adjournal Asia reflects on his Cannes Lions Jury experience and why 2025 marked Mongolia’s breakthrough year on the global creative stage. When did it hit you emotionally that you’re the first Mongolian Cannes Lions Jury Member, and what did that moment mean to you personally? It didn’t hit me immediately. The realisation came quietly, late at night, while reviewing entries from all over the world. Spring is a peak season for Mongolian creatives after a long, cold
Advertising Journal
Oct 30, 20252 min read
Bilguun Munkhjargal: “Creativity is clarity, meaning, and soul.”
Founder & Managing Director, WHYZE Agency | Spikes Asia 2025 & Mad Stars 2025 Jury Member | Brand Strategy & Creative Communications Leader
Khandsuren Lkhamsuren
Aug 8, 20253 min read
From 21‑Year‑Old Dreamer to Regional Visionary: Sabina Reingold and the Rise of Jolbors Festival
When Sabina Reingold co‑founded the Jolbors Festival, she was just 21 and at the very start of her communications career. Kyrgyzstan had no real advertising industry, and creative festivals were unknown.
Khandsuren Lkhamsuren
Aug 7, 20253 min read
Rise of Asia's Voice: Inside MAD STARS with Chairperson Hwanjin Choi
In this Creative Nomads interview, we speak with Mr. Hwanjin Choi , Chairperson of MAD STARS, about how the festival is challenging...
Enkhbayasgalan Tungalag
Jul 17, 20255 min read
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About Us
Adjournal is an independent creative and marketing platform amplifying the voice of Central Asia. Founded in Mongolia, we cover the region’s most exciting stories in branding, advertising, digital transformation, and creative innovation. We interview game-changing CMOs, showcase bold campaigns, and connect emerging talent with leading agencies.
From Cannes Lions to grassroots studios, we champion creativity with purpose. Adjournal is building a home for bold ideas, real insight, and creative leadership across Central Asia. We’re always looking for new contributors to help shape conversations around branding, marketing, creativity, and innovation.
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