Tag: Asia Pacific

Singapore – Tiger Beer announced its collaboration with fashion designer Izzy Du to create the ‘TIGER Summer Puffer’, the world’s first puffer jacket with a beer-powered cooling system made specifically to keep its wearer cool in tropical heat.

Developed with Whatever Co., BBH Singapore, and LePub APAC, the jacket’s cooling system is powered by an ice-cold Tiger Beer, chilling the water that is pumped around the wearer’s body via a network of silicone tubes.

In terms of design, Du captured the boldness of Tiger Beer and incorporated a number of design cues inspired by the brand, paying homage to a tiger with design elements like a bold and bright orange hue, tiger ears, a pair of fangs, and a subtle striped pattern.

Talking about the product, Du said, “Making a puffer for the summer is an external expression of how refreshing and cool it feels to drink a Tiger. I started with the feeling of opening an ice-cold can of beer, and playing with the colours of the brand, before imbuing the aesthetics of the puffer with a new function.”

Sean O’Donnell, global brand director at Tiger Beer, also commented, “ This idea is highly innovative and it resonates with our target consumers in a new and exciting way. The puffer jacket is one of fashion’s hottest items amongst Gen Z and millennials across Asia but there’s one challenge: it can’t be worn in the heat of the tropics.”

“At Tiger, we have been defying the odds since 1932 by brewing beer in tropical weather when others said it couldn’t be done. Tiger Crystal refreshes you when you’re on fire, so why not make a puffer jacket with a beer-powered cooling system that does just that?”, he added. 

Meanwhile, Sascha Kuntze, chief creative officer of BBH Singapore, mentioned, “It’s always a joy to work with brands bold enough to play in pop culture. And with refreshment so intrinsic to Tiger Beer, it’s only natural for them to refresh puffer jackets for drinkers in Asia.”  

Lastly, Cyril Louis, regional executive creative director at LePub APAC, added, “At LePub, we believe the only way for brands to win is to resonate in culture at scale, and it is a pleasure to work with the Tiger Beer global team in bringing this piece to APAC and the rest of the world. Izzy has also been an amazing collaborator, uniting the worlds of Tiger Beer and fashion in the most stunning, memorable way.”

The TIGER Summer Puffer follows the brand’s recent ‘Brewed For Your Fire’ campaign for Tiger Crystal which brought to life on-fire moments and crystal-cold refreshment together through a dynamic mash-up of fun live-action footage and Gen-Z-inspired animations. The jacket will also be experienced first-hand during the upcoming Paris Fashion Week.

Singapore – Global unified adtech platform Nexxen has announced that it is expanding the offering of its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) solutions for advertisers in Asia-Pacific. This will allow clients to run campaigns across this increasingly popular channel, in and beyond the region.

The company is working to ensure advertisers’ campaigns reach their target audiences, no matter the environment through a single destination for CTV inventory – including broadcaster video on demand (BVOD), advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) and FAST channels.

Further, Nexxen is updating its demand-side platform (DSP) to include a new storefront, focused on displaying broadcasters, FAST channels and additional premium publisher inventory. 

The storefront aims to provide brands and agencies with more direct and easier access to premium supply, thus streamlining digital campaigns. It also delivers increased visibility, transparency and control of inventory to publishers and broadcasters, enhancing their monetisation potential. The storefront is set to launch in 2024. 

Adam Hunt, vice president of business development and partnerships for APAC at Nexxen, said, “FAST channels have skyrocketed in popularity worldwide. As they continue to gain traction – particularly in APAC – we want to ensure our partners on both the buy- and sell-sides are empowered to make well-informed decisions regarding their inventory needs and capitalise on the highest yielding opportunities.”

He added, “We believe the storefront will be a welcome solution for agencies, brands and publishers alike, providing all parties with greater visibility and control as they navigate this ever-changing ecosystem.”

Singapore – Coca-Cola has recently announced the launch of Coca-Cola ‘Y3000 Zero Sugar’, a new limited-edition flavor accompanied by an AI-powered experience from Coca-Cola Creations. This flavor marks the first futuristic flavor co-created with human and artificial intelligence from Coca-Cola, aiming to celebrate an optimistic future.

The unique item offers consumers and fans a refreshing taste and a glimpse of what the future could look like by scanning the can and going through the Coca-Cola Creations Hub, where they can use the customized Y3000 AI lens to imagine what the world could look like in the future. 

Coca-Cola created the Y3000 experience by tapping into human and artificial intelligence to understand how fans envision the future through emotions, aspirations, colors, flavors, and more. Fan’s perspectives from around the world, combined with insights gathered from artificial intelligence, helped inspire Coca-Cola to create the taste of Y3000.

The product features a futuristic packaging design including light and optimistic tones, a Coca-Cola Creations logo composed of effervescent bubbles, and the Coca-Cola Spencerian Script with fluid dot clusters that merge to represent the human connections of our future planet. Co-created with artificial intelligence, the design showcases liquid in a morphing, evolving state, communicated through form and color changes that emphasize a positive future.

Coca-Cola Y3000 Zero Sugar is available in select markets around the world, dropping soon  in ASEAN & South Pacific with Australia rolling the new Creations first. The Coca-Cola Y3000 Zero Sugar drink follows the recently released Coca-Cola Ultimate Zero Sugar created for League of Legends players, which was made available in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia early this year; and is currently available nationwide in the Philippines.

Oana Vlad, senior director, global strategy at The Coca-Cola Company, said, “Inspired by the timelessness of Coca-Cola, we want to celebrate everyone’s idea of what the future might look like. With the help of AI-powered technology, Coca-Cola Y3000 Zero Sugar imagines how a Coca-Cola from the future could taste and introduces innovative experiences to explore the future.”

Meanwhile, Tee Jae Sonza, trademark category head, Coca-Cola ASEAN and South Pacific Operating Unit, commented, “We’re excited to bring to life this latest innovation from our Coca-Cola Creations platform here in ASEAN & South Pacific as we continuously explore new ways to resonate with our consumers. The launch of Coca-Cola Y3000 Zero Sugar opens up the possibility of a world where humanity and technology can collaborate in harmony to create Real Magic.”

Singapore – Global sports marketing company rEvolution has announced the establishment of a strategic base in Singapore. This will serve as the company’s point of operations in Asia-Pacific, enhancing global brand visibility and activation for both existing and potential clients in the region.

The move comes in response to the growing client demand for rEvolution’s integrated services in sports marketing, brand consulting, creative strategy, content, gaming and esports marketing, and sponsorship activation. 

With the immense popularity of gaming and esports in Asia and China’s upcoming inclusion in the Formula 1 calendar for 2024, the new office taps into the region’s growing influence in the global sports industry.

John Rowady, CEO of rEvolution, said, “Establishing our strategic base in Singapore represents the next step towards our global vision to immerse ourselves in one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world. We’re scaling our expertise to accelerate brand and rights holder value to the Asia-Pacific sports landscape.”

He added, “We create partnerships that not only elevate brands but also contribute meaningfully to the vibrant sports culture in the region. This is a landmark moment for us, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the story of rEvolution.”

Meanwhile, Claire Ritchie, executive vice president for international at rEvolution, commented, “Fortifying our reach into Asia-Pacific aligns perfectly with our global strategy. Our strategic base in Singapore strengthens rEvolution’s ability to offer 24/7, innovative solutions to our clients, wherever they are. We look forward to enhancing and broadening our talent roster in Asia-Pacific, which includes both our experienced team members and new, exceptional talent who will be joining us.”

Some of its partners include industry leaders such as NetApp, Hyundai, Amazon Web Services, Capgemini, Lamborghini, Continental Tire, Tata Communications, to name a few. The office brings rEvolution’s vast expertise in areas like motorsports, football, rugby, equestrian events, golf, basketball, baseball, sailing, esports, and gaming.

Singapore – Retail e-commerce has largely continued its strong growth in Asia Pacific in the wake of the pandemic, driven by merchant digitalisation and consumer habit persistence. With this, new data from Euromonitor has listed the fastest growing retailers in the region, all have differing strategic priorities and initiatives in Asia-Pacific that provided the e-commerce market with unique growth opportunities.

According to the data, Indonesia’s GoTo Gojek Tokopedia PT and Singapore’s Sea Ltd emerged as standout performers, achieving retail sales growth rates of 44% and 43%, respectively.

It is worth noting that Shopee’s hyper-localisation, competitive pricing, and extensive product range, coupled with engaging features like livestreaming and interactive games, fostered continued consumer engagement for the platform in the region.

Meanwhile, Nitori, a leading Japanese home products specialist, showcased exceptional expansion beyond Japan into mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. With 77 new outlets in the pipeline, Nitori remained at the forefront of regional growth.

In addition, Watsons’ ‘The Grand Store’ in the Philippines embraced the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) in its in-store tools. These cutting-edge technologies have enabled shoppers to analyse their skin conditions and virtually try on cosmetics, facilitating personalised and confident purchase decisions.

In other local platforms, SSG.COM, South Korea’s retail giant Shinsegae’s e-commerce portal, implemented a ‘premium strategy’ by introducing luxury brands like Gucci, Ferragamo, Burberry, and Montblanc on its platform. Another South Korean e-commerce player, Naver Shopping, is redefining consumers’ delivery expectations by launching its ‘Naver Guaranteed Delivery Programme’ with CJ Logistics to provide overnight delivery to over 90% of South Korea’s region.

Quan Yao Peh, senior analyst at Euromonitor International, said, “The retail industry witnessed a dynamic transformation fuelled by the post-pandemic shifts towards experiential retail and social e-commerce. Supported by the two powerful engines of increased social media usage and integration of new technologies, the post-pandemic Asia-Pacific retail landscape remains competitive.”

He added, “There has never been a greater variety of choices across physical and digital channels, and technology and digital tools will continue to transform the way retailers engage and sell to consumers. Retailers are facing new and unprecedented challenges, and those able to turn this into an opportunity are well placed to remain the preferred shopping destination of consumers.”

Australia – Havas today announces the acquisition of strategic communications consultancy Australian Public Affairs (APA). 

This acquisition will integrate APA within H/Advisors, Havas’s global strategic communications advisory network. This will be H/Advisors’ first owned operation in Australia, with the firm being renamed as ‘H/Advisors APA’.

In line with the continued investment in Havas’ capability across strategic communications and regulated environments, H/Advisors APA’s leading, insight-driven strategic counsel aims to add expertise and geographic reach to the network’s global clients as they continue expansion. It will also further strengthen Havas’ presence in Australia, adding new capabilities to better serve its clients.

The local leadership team from APA that includes CEO Tracey Cain, deputy CEO Phil McCall, and CFO Kathryn Higgs will continue in their roles. H/Advisors APA will be reporting to group CEO of Havas Creative Network Australia, James Wright, while leveraging global connections and opportunities through the H/Advisors network and its leadership.

Speaking on the acquisition, Wright said,  “As the Australian consulting landscape reforms amid recent crises, opportunity is emerging for strong, capable and values-driven global challengers that bring local knowledge and smart thinking.” 

“With complementary skills and alignment, H/Advisors APA will be perfectly positioned to fulfil requirements of corporates, governments and NFPs in need of a new approach. We look forward to integrating Tracey and her team into the Havas Village in the coming months,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Tracey Cain, now the chief executive officer H/Advisors APA, commented,  “For nearly three decades, we have built APA as a high quality, evidence-based firm with expertise in regulated sectors and complex stakeholder environments.” 

“The logical next step for us is to partner with Havas and H/Advisors to expand the services offered and the reach of our client base.  We have ambitious plans and are excited to take the next step with H/Advisors and the broader Havas Group,” she concluded. 

This announcement follows Havas’ November 2022 acquisition of health and pharmaceutical specialist Bastion Brands as part of a strategy to expand capability and increase the group’s specialist advertising and communications offering in the Australian market.

Jakarta, Indonesia – South Korean advertising agency INNOCEAN has established its regional headquarters for Asia-Pacific in the city of Jakarta in Indonesia. The new headquarters is designed to strengthen the integrated marketing services offered to their clients throughout the region.

The regional headquarters embodies 10 specialised departments with over 100 experts in integrated marketing and creative solutions, social & digital communications, data analysis and management, full-funnel media integrations, and brand & space experience. 

The regional management team, led by James SangSeok Lee, APAC regional CEO at INNOCEAN; stands resolutely committed to delivering not only creative excellence but also efficient solutions. This new endeavour signifies the agency’s dedication to providing integrated services that transcend conventional boundaries.

“While we address our clients’ daily marketing needs, we consistently explore beyond conventional communications. Other services, such as targeted marketing, content creation, as well as brand and space experiences, represent just a few of the expertise services we offer,” he said.

Lee added, “At present, we have established 3 entities and 1 office across the region – Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and the Philippines. In the coming year, we plan to open 2 additional entities, specifically in Thailand and Malaysia.”

The INNOCEAN APAC regional headquarters has forged close collaborations with esteemed brands, including Hyundai, Kia, LG, Yong Ma (Rice Cooker), Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), and numerous others across the Asia-Pacific region.

Sydney, Australia – Global entertainment company VA Media has appointed Organic Pacific and Havas to support its ambitions to grow within the APAC region and internationally. 

Organic Pacific and Havas’ area of responsibility includes the development of a global strategy, international brand profiling, and an industry event approach for VA Media. 

The win for the Havas-owned agencies is another in a string of recent wins for the Group.

VA Media is an Australian-based, ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) network and an enterprise partner of YouTube in the APAC region. Its flagship YouTube channels include Movie Central, True Crime Central, Horror Central, We Are Pride, and Documentary Central.

Partnering with leading studios, major film companies, and distribution businesses, VA Media connects content creators with audiences to monetise their content across YouTube, Facebook, SNAP and other AVOD streaming platforms. 

The agency appointments follow a series of high-profile internal hires, with Isabella Ronzel, previously working as network partnerships manager at News Corp Australia, now joining as head of brand marketing and commercial partnerships. Kristen Bedno was also onboarded as the head of content partnerships  and acquisitions for North America in March this year to expand the footprint in the US. Lastly, Hannah Barnes, a former Foxtel executive who joined in 2021 as Director of Unscripted, is now also managing VA’s newly created original production arm. 

Mark Ashbridge, CEO at VA Media, said, “VA Media works side by side with the best creative talent to create, curate and optimise great content, achieving proven and quantifiable results. We’re excited to appoint Organic and the Havas Network to assist our ambitious growth plans and inform the industry about VA Media in the Asia Pacific region and globally.”  

Meanwhile, Annabelle Gigliotti, managing partner at Organic Pacific, said, “VA Media is enjoying exceptional success in the evolving AVOD landscape and team Organic are looking forward to working with VA Media on promoting its global brands. This space is growing exponentially and with watch-time hours on owned and operated channels of over 270 million hours in the last 365 days, equal to over 30,000 years of content consumption, the opportunities are endless.”

Singapore – Global advertising agency Havas has announced the promotion of Darrell Nelson as the CEO of Havas Japan, and Aga Giedroyc as the CEO of Havas Thailand, taking over former Havas Thailand CEO, Santiphong Pimolsaengsuriya.

These appointments follow Havas’ recent leadership appointments in Malaysia and Cambodia, moving towards its growth plan in the involved regions.

In his new role, Nelson will collaborate closely with his teams to drive new business and local client strategies, focusing on leveraging Havas’ integrated capabilities for growth. He will also continue to serve as the APAC head of cultural strategy.

Meanwhile, Giedroyc is now tasked with leading Havas Thailand’s business operations and implementing comprehensive plans for growth. Her experience with Havas has played a crucial role in catalyzing the agency’s transformation, forging trusted relationships with clients, and spearheading digital capabilities across the network. She will also be continuing her current role as the EVP of corporate development for Havas SEA, Japan, and Korea. 

Speaking on his appointment, Nelson said, “I am thrilled to take on the leadership role and contribute to Havas’ ongoing expansion in Japan. I feel incredibly fortunate to already have an amazing and diverse team in place, dedicated to driving impactful and creative work for a great roster of clients here in Japan.”

“Our integrated Village model, which seamlessly combines creative and media efforts while collaborating with our Vivendi partners, continues to be the driving force for growth. As we continue to expand with new offerings in market, we are in a great place to continue the momentum we have in Japan and across the region right now”, he added. 

Also sharing her thoughts on her promotion, Giedroyc mentioned, I am eagerly anticipating this journey, where I’ll work alongside a remarkable team to infuse Thailand’s unique creativity into Havas’ ethos, ensuring we continue to shape meaningful brands that truly matter through a synergy of creativity, media, and entertainment.”

Meanwhile, Alberto Canteli, CEO/chairman Havas, Nordics, CEE & Middle East, SEA, Korea & Japan, commented, “The new leadership structure aims to accelerate the development of the collaborative Village model and strengthen our position in the crucial Southeast Asian and North Asian markets. Darrell has consistently demonstrated his commercial acumen and ability to grow our business in Japan. Aga’s proven ability to build and enhance capabilities in the region will augment our value proposition in Thailand and reinforce our commitment to creative excellence and smart media accountability for growth and momentum.”

Singapore – Despite a softening in direct consumer gaming spend overall, mobile gaming is still the most significant market opportunity for video games in 2023, according to the ‘Gaming Spotlight’ 2023 report by mobile data analytics provider data.ai, and market research agency IDC.

Data from data.ai and IDC suggests that while mobile gaming is expected to have a slight decrease of 2% in spend, the platform is still set to surpass $108 billion worldwide in 2023 — maintaining its lead over PC/Mac.

The report also revealed that APAC saw the most significant growth in market share for global consumer spend across Mobile, PC and Mac gaming. It is also worth mentioning that South Korea significantly accounted for the gains in market share for mobile spending in APAC, whilst Brazil, Turkey and Mexico led growth outside of it. 

The top played and spent on mobile games which defined H1 2023 are notably, Monopoly GO, Honkai: Star Rail, Royal Match, and FIFA Soccer, which all saw success in H1 2023, signaling that publishers who capitalize on strong IP, market momentum and in-game events can succeed in a down market. Furthermore, cloud-streamed gaming (CSG) on smartphones and tablets projected a worldwide usage rate of 26% this year, up from 16% in 2019.

The given data also specifically mentioned that in Singapore, mobile gaming consumer spend grew up to nearly USD $100 Million in Q1 2023, compared to $82.3 Million the year prior, accounting for around 5.7% of total gains in revenue for the APAC Region, putting  Singapore at 19th place for the largest mobile gaming market by revenue in SEA, above other higher population markets such as Malaysia (20), Indonesia (22) and Vietnam (25). 

Commenting on the data, Lexi Sydow, head of insights at data.ai., said, “Mobile continues to level the playing field for gaming. Now more than ever, publishers can target consumers in niche areas, and many markets are primed for growth.” 

“The ‘new gamer’ is one of the most diverse and inclusive cohorts yet. Especially in a market that’s slowed by headwinds, having the right data is critical to staying ahead in this fast-changing landscape in order to streamline acquisition and optimize monetisation opportunities,” he added.