The marketing landscape in APAC is undergoing a profound transformation, fuelled by rapid digitisation, shifting consumer expectations, and a relentless push toward innovation. In a region defined by both diversity and momentum, marketers are reassessing long-held approaches, integrating emerging technologies, and building deeper, culturally resonant relationships with audiences across multiple touchpoints.
This evolution highlights the industry’s adaptability and its ability to turn complexity into possibility. It reflects a commitment to staying ahead in a constantly changing environment—one where creativity, data, and technology work in harmony to drive more powerful, relevant, and future-ready marketing across some of the world’s most dynamic markets.
With this, MARKETECH APAC is proud to announce the second edition of the NEXT Awards happening in 2026, which will continue to celebrate and recognise outstanding achievement, innovation, and creativity in the rapidly evolving marketing landscape. Moreover, the awards will honour the remarkable contributions of individuals, teams, agencies, and organisations that are driving the industry forward and shaping its future.
For NEXT Awards 2026, the awards are not only rolling out to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, but also making its debut in Hong Kong and Thailand.
- NEXT Awards Hong Kong – April 2026
- NEXT Awards Philippines – June 2026
- NEXT Awards Indonesia – August 2026
- NEXT Awards Thailand – September 2026
- NEXT Awards Malaysia – October 2026
- NEXT Awards Asia-Pacific (Singapore) – November 2026
The launch of the NEXT Awards 2026 is built on the success of the NEXT Awards 2025, which saw the awards series being rolled out in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines–which finally culminated at the NEXT Awards Asia-Pacific held recently at The Shangri-la The Fort, Manila on 27 November. FCB SHOUT/The Shout Group emerged as the Agency of the Year award, securing a total of 14 trophies. Meanwhile, Grab Indonesia was recognised as the Brand of the Year and Adobe as MarTech of the Year.
At the NEXT Awards Indonesia 2025 held on September 18 at the Pullman Jakarta Central Park, Eyden Indonesia and Danone clinched the Grand Prix titles for Agency and Brand of the Year respectively, while Glance and PT Media Innity Indonesia shared the honours for MarTech of the Year.
Meanwhile at the NEXT Awards Malaysia 2025 held on October 22 at Sheraton Petaling Jaya, MR DIY, FCB SHOUT/The Shout Group and CULT CREATIVE have emerged as the top winners, nabbing the Brand, Agency, and MarTech of the Years awards respectively.
At the NEXT Awards Philippines 2025, which happened at The Shangri-La The Fort, Manila on November 27, PJ Lhuillier got the Brand of the Year Grand Prix Award, with OMD getting the Agency of the Year award. Meanwhile, the MarTech of the Year award was shared by both TikTok Philippines and Google Philippines.
“Following the strong momentum of our inaugural awards, the launch of NEXT Awards 2026 reinforces our commitment to recognising the bold ideas, breakthrough strategies, and marketing innovations shaping Asia-Pacific. As the industry continues to evolve at speed, NEXT Awards will remain a platform that not only celebrates what has been achieved, but also spotlights the work and leaders pushing marketing forward into what’s next,” Joven Barceñas, CEO and founder of MARKETECH APAC, said.
Learn more about how you can be a part of the NEXT Awards 2026 by reaching out to us at [email protected].
