[Original Feature] Squeezing the algorithm
Sharona Nicole Semilla
[Original Feature] Squeezing the algorithm
Marketing Featured Southeast Asia
Squeezing the algorithm? How Sharmaine and friends slipped ‘Brainrot marketing’ into Philippine advertising
June 4, 2026
Sharona Nicole Semilla
If you walked into a Manila supermarket this week expecting to just buy some fruit, you were probably met with a handwritten sign introducing you to “Sharmaine the Orange” and “Melanie...
CMAA 2026_Finalists FI
Marketing Featured APAC
MARKETECH APAC unveils finalists for Content Marketing Awards Asia Pacific 2026
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Marketing Featured Southeast Asia
Milestones: Techcombank’s Thai Minh Diem Tu on building a brand that empowers Vietnam to ‘Be Greater’
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Marketing Featured Southeast Asia
MARKETECH APAC unveils first jury panel for inaugural ‘NEXT Awards Thailand 2026’
| May 26, 2026
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MarketingSoutheast Asia

Athlete fandom nearly matches team loyalty among Malaysians, report shows

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 13, 2026
Asia leads growth in Muslim-friendly tourism as demand for inclusive travel rises
MarketingAPAC

Asia leads growth in Muslim-friendly tourism as demand for inclusive travel rises

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 15, 2026
Malaysia’s RTM to withdraw channels from Astro platform, ending nearly 30-year partnership
PlatformsSoutheast Asia

Malaysia’s RTM to withdraw channels from Astro platform, ending nearly 30-year partnership

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 14, 2026

Partner Articles

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MarketingPartnersGlobal

The Publicis’ $3bn Liveramp deal signals shift in AI ‘Intelligence Layer’ ownership

BY Tony Owens | May 26, 2026
Driving high-intent visibility: How foodpanda drove incremental reach during LNY with CTV
MarketingPartnersSoutheast Asia

Driving high-intent visibility: How foodpanda drove incremental reach during LNY with CTV

BY MARKETECH APAC | May 26, 2026
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The Smart Move: How First Standard Finance is rewriting the narrative around debt in the Philippines

BY Aliza Carmona | May 15, 2026

Recent Articles

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Marketing

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MarketingSoutheast Asia

AirAsia pushes back against ‘false’ claims over Philippines AirAsia operations

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 4, 2026
Manila, Philippines – AirAsia has denied reports claiming that Philippines AirAsia operations are being grounded, calling the allegations “entirely false” and part of what it described as a “coordinated smear campaign” targeting competition within the Philippine aviation sector. In a statement issued on June 4, the airline said all Philippines AirAsia flights remain fully operational...READ MORE
MarketingSoutheast Asia

Grab, UNIQLO are turning everyday Filipino app moments into fashion

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 4, 2026
MarketingEast Asia

Mainland cosmetics brand JudyDoll opens first physical store in Hong Kong

BY Aliza Carmona | June 4, 2026
MarketingGlobal

Hyundai Motor empowers integration of human potential, robotics innovation via new global campaign film

BY Julian Bartolome | June 4, 2026
MarketingSouth Asia

Sony MAX’s ‘Laalo’ hits Mumbai streets in moving autorickshaw campaign via MOMS Outdoor

BY Julian Bartolome | June 4, 2026
MarketingFeaturedSoutheast Asia

Squeezing the algorithm? How Sharmaine and friends slipped ‘Brainrot marketing’ into Philippine advertising

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 4, 2026

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Technology

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TechnologyGlobal

Sitecore strengthens AI content strategy with Scrunch acquisition

BY Aliza Carmona | June 4, 2026
USA – Sitecore has acquired Scrunch, an AI customer experience platform that helps brands understand and improve how they appear in AI-driven search, as it looks to strengthen its AI search visibility and digital experience capabilities. The acquisition comes as large language models and AI-generated answers increasingly shape how users research products, compare options and...READ MORE
TechnologySoutheast Asia

Singapore signs first MOU with OpenAI to launch “OpenAI for Singapore” initiative

BY Aliza Carmona | May 20, 2026
TechnologySoutheast Asia

Google, Singapore agencies launch expanded AI partnership to scale frontier AI across public services and economy

BY Aliza Carmona | May 20, 2026
RAMMP introduces AI-powered marketing diagnostic tool aimed at improving campaign decisions
TechnologyANZ

RAMMP introduces AI-powered marketing diagnostic tool aimed at improving campaign decisions

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 19, 2026
IAS expands Meta content block list optimisation to Threads feed
TechnologyGlobal

IAS expands Meta content block list optimisation to Threads feed

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 19, 2026
TrafficGuard introduces automated tool to protect SME Google Ads budgets from invalid traffic
TechnologySMEGlobal

TrafficGuard introduces automated tool to protect SME Google Ads budgets from invalid traffic

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 19, 2026

Platforms

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PlatformsAPAC

Nexxen launches programmatic Smart TV home screen advertising across APAC

BY Aliza Carmona | May 28, 2026
Singapore – Nexxen, the advertising technology platform powered by data and media, has launched its “first-to-market” capability to programmatically activate native Smart TV inventory.  Through the Nexxen TV Home Screen, advertisers can access Smart TV home screen placements on VIDAA-powered devices in APAC and select global markets. VIDAA OS, developed by V, powers more than...READ MORE
PlatformsSoutheast Asia

Superbank to be fully consolidated into Grab’s financial services segment from May 2026

BY Aliza Carmona | May 26, 2026
PlatformsAPAC

Grayling expands AI search monitoring with GEO Radar rollout in APAC

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | May 25, 2026
PlatformsAPAC

ShengShu Technology launches ‘Vidu Claw’ AI CMO to turn marketing briefs into finished ads

BY Aliza Carmona | May 22, 2026
PlatformsSoutheast Asia

TBWA\SMP, Planet Water Foundation launch Chrome extension to offset water footprint from genAI use

BY Lyene Marie Darang | May 22, 2026
PlatformsSoutheast Asia

Samsung Ads Southeast Asia partners Eyeota to enhance Connected TV audience targeting

BY Aliza Carmona | May 21, 2026

SME

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SMESoutheast Asia

Umasenso launches ‘Integrated Marketing System’ for Philippine service businesses

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 1, 2026
Manila, Philippines – Philippine business growth platform Umasenso has launched a new integrated marketing system aimed at helping service businesses improve online visibility and better track which marketing efforts are actually driving customer inquiries and bookings. The new system combines websites, sales funnels, campaign management, and real-time performance tracking into a single platform, allowing businesses...READ MORE
SMESoutheast Asia

GCash named official partner for 48th ASEAN Summit, promotes digital financial inclusion

BY Lyene Marie Darang | May 20, 2026
TrafficGuard introduces automated tool to protect SME Google Ads budgets from invalid traffic
TechnologySMEGlobal

TrafficGuard introduces automated tool to protect SME Google Ads budgets from invalid traffic

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 19, 2026
SMESoutheast Asia

Globe Business partners Felipe & Sons to support digital growth in Philippine grooming market

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | April 30, 2026
New SEEK campaign underscores importance of hiring the right candidate for small businesses
MarketingSMEANZ

New SEEK campaign underscores importance of hiring the right candidate for small businesses

BY Teddy Cambosa | April 16, 2026
SMESoutheast Asia

ADB, Fuse Financing sign USD$30m agreement to expand MSME credit access

BY Lyene Marie Darang | February 10, 2026

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Spotify Podcast
In this episode of What’s NEXT in Marketing: Interviews 2025, we sat down with Sam Pattison – Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Teads – to talk about the future of digital advertising in a post-merger era with Outbrain.
In this episode of What’s NEXT in Marketing: Interviews 2025, we spoke to Asnawi Jufrie – VP and General Manager, SEA at SleekFlow – about how conversational AI is redefining customer engagement across Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia

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MarketingSoutheast Asia

AirAsia pushes back against ‘false’ claims over Philippines AirAsia operations

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 4, 2026
Manila, Philippines – AirAsia has denied reports claiming that Philippines AirAsia operations are being grounded, calling the allegations “entirely false” and part of what it described as a “coordinated smear campaign” targeting competition within the Philippine aviation sector. In a statement issued on June 4, the airline said all Philippines AirAsia flights remain fully operational...READ MORE
MarketingSoutheast Asia

Grab, UNIQLO are turning everyday Filipino app moments into fashion

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 4, 2026
MarketingFeaturedSoutheast Asia

Squeezing the algorithm? How Sharmaine and friends slipped ‘Brainrot marketing’ into Philippine advertising

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 4, 2026
MarketingSoutheast Asia

TikTok Shop launches 6.6 Birthday Sale campaign spotlighting ‘Shop’ button feature

BY Aliza Carmona | June 4, 2026

East Asia

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MarketingEast Asia

Mainland cosmetics brand JudyDoll opens first physical store in Hong Kong

BY Aliza Carmona | June 4, 2026
Hong Kong – Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) has announced that Mainland cosmetics brand JudyDoll has opened its first physical store in Hong Kong, using the city as a launchpad for its broader expansion into overseas markets. Founded in 2017 by Shanghai-based Joy Group, JudyDoll targets younger consumers with its colour-driven product offerings and focus on...READ MORE
MarketingEast Asia

Omnicom Media elevates Joey Zhao to CEO role in China

BY Aliza Carmona | June 4, 2026
MarketingEast Asia

HKMWA, FUJIFILM leverage instant photography to challenge social media perfection culture

BY Aliza Carmona | June 4, 2026
MarketingEast Asia

Yong Yuan takes helm as CEO of Ogilvy Group China

BY Aliza Carmona | June 3, 2026

ANZ

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MarketingANZ

Dirt builds new digital wellness platform for Move With Nicole

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 4, 2026
Sydney, Australia – Dirt has unveiled the creative and digital ecosystem behind ‘Bace’, a new global wellness platform launched with Fitness Creator Nicole McPherson and Performance Coach Bodie Larden. The project marks the first major launch from Dirt since the female-led creative collective formally entered the market last month, while also signalling how creator-led fitness...READ MORE
MarketingANZ

Australia Post appoints Accenture Song to leverage marketing capabilities via AI-powered media solutions 

BY Julian Bartolome | June 2, 2026
MarketingANZ

ACRF taps 303, Mediahub for new fundraising campaign to boost cancer research awareness

BY Julian Bartolome | June 2, 2026
MarketingANZ

Allianz expands ‘Care You Can Count On’ platform with new claims-focused campaign

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 2, 2026

South Asia

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MarketingSouth Asia

Sony MAX’s ‘Laalo’ hits Mumbai streets in moving autorickshaw campaign via MOMS Outdoor

BY Julian Bartolome | June 4, 2026
Mumbai, India — MOMS Outdoor brought the Gujarati spirit of Sony MAX’s film ‘Laalo’ to life through a unique moving brand campaign in the streets of Mumbai, designed to drive excitement and celebrate the film’s television premiere!  The campaign ditched traditional marketing as MOMS Outdoor gave one of Mumbai’s humble autorickshaws a complete makeover, wrapping...READ MORE
MarketingSouth Asia

Smokers urged to rethink tobacco use in new World No Tobacco Day campaign in India

BY Julian Bartolome | June 2, 2026
MarketingSouth Asia

Ankur Damani joins Tupperware as Commercial Director to accelerate brand’s growth in India

BY Julian Bartolome | June 2, 2026
MarketingSouth Asia

Hakuhodo wins creative mandate for Jindal Stainless as brand expands consumer push

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | June 1, 2026

APAC

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MarketingFeaturedAPAC

MARKETECH APAC unveils finalists for Content Marketing Awards Asia Pacific 2026

BY Aliza Carmona | June 1, 2026
Malaysia – MARKETECH APAC has officially announced the finalists for the inaugural Content Marketing Awards Asia Pacific (CMAA) 2026, highlighting standout campaigns, brands, agencies, and individuals shaping the future of content-led storytelling across the region. Positioned as a celebration of dynamic and impactful content marketing, the CMAA 2026 programme recognises work that goes beyond creative...READ MORE
PlatformsAPAC

Nexxen launches programmatic Smart TV home screen advertising across APAC

BY Aliza Carmona | May 28, 2026
Visa’s new campaign film with Laufey highlights brand’s goal of making travel effortless
MarketingFeaturedAPAC

Visa’s new campaign film with Laufey highlights brand’s goal of making travel effortless

BY Teddy Cambosa | May 25, 2026
PlatformsAPAC

Grayling expands AI search monitoring with GEO Radar rollout in APAC

BY Sharona Nicole Semilla | May 25, 2026

Global

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MarketingGlobal

Hyundai Motor empowers integration of human potential, robotics innovation via new global campaign film

BY Julian Bartolome | June 4, 2026
Seoul, South Korea — Hyundai Motor is putting human potential and robotics innovation in the spotlight with the launch of its new global campaign film “Next Starts Now,” featuring South Korean football star Son Heung-min and Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot. As part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ platform, at the heart of the campaign...READ MORE
TechnologyGlobal

Sitecore strengthens AI content strategy with Scrunch acquisition

BY Aliza Carmona | June 4, 2026
MarketingGlobal

Football culture takes centre stage in Samsung’s latest TV campaign via BBH Singapore 

BY Julian Bartolome | June 4, 2026
MarketingGlobal

Apple brings online trackers to life in new global privacy campaign for Safari

BY Julian Bartolome | June 4, 2026

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EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS


NEXT Awards Philippines 2025 & NEXT Awards Asia Pacific 2025

The NEXT Awards 2025 by MARKETECH APAC brought together the region’s leading brands, agencies, and tech innovators celebrating innovation, strategic excellence, and digital transformation across Asia Pacific..

Watch


Marketing Technology Awards 2025

The Marketing Technology Awards 2025 by MARKETECH APAC celebrated the trailblazers redefining marketing through technology and innovation.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS


NEXT Awards 2025 | Interview with THE SHOUT GROUP/FCB SHOUT

At the NEXT Awards Asia Pacific 2025 by MARKETECH APAC, Rei Fortes speaks with Shaun Tay, Co-Owner and CEO of The Shout Group / FCB SHOUT, whose agency won the Grand Prix – Agency of the Year at the NEXT Awards Asia Pacific 2025, along with several other accolades including Most Innovative Agency Team of the Year.

Watch

NEXT Awards 2025 | Interview with Beeline Now Consulting Services, Inc.

At the NEXT Awards Philippines 2025 and NEXT Awards Asia Pacific 2025 by MARKETECH APAC, we catch up with Issa Palo-Aviles, Co-founder and COO of Beeline Now Consulting Services, Inc. The agency earned Bronze for Most Innovative B2B Marketing Agency of the Year at the NEXT Awards Asia Pacific 2025 and clinched a couple more awards at the NEXT PH 2025, underscoring their excellence and growing influence.

Watch