Tag: Asia Pacific

Singapore – A new report from IDC has predicted that by 2028, consumers will spend $32b via AI agents that run independently on their smartphones to programmatically shop for goods, services, and considered purchases. It also highlighted that CX executives will adjust their business strategies based on such initiatives and seek to incorporate a more AI-infused approach in their campaigns.

It also highlighted that around 40% of CX vendors will shift to new, outcome-based, pricing models making the value exchange for their clients more transparent and improving the monetisation of their AI investment.

Moreover, as AI implementations scale, human-in-the-loop approaches will be eliminated, resulting in 25% of CX teams creating new, dedicated roles for the systemic governance of AI by 2028.

The report also predicts that seeing value in referral growth and in controlling costs, by 2028, 30% of A2000 companies will have restructured and aligned their customer-facing teams under a CRO to optimise CX outcomes.

Lastly, around 20% of B2C A2000 companies by 2028 will enable real-time IoT-product data to notify customers of future failures, issue resolution recommendations, and help customers self-solve proactively.

Abhishek Kumar, associate research director and head of AP Enterprise Applications & CX at IDC Asia-Pacific, said, “Tech-driven CX enhancements have always been AP retailers’ top go-to differentiator in a highly commoditised market with indistinguishable products and services. A key challenge for them is to refocus IT and digital initiatives to improve operational efficiencies. Many look to AI to modernise and unify their underlying data infrastructure, breaking down existing organisational silos, moving towards a holistic experience-orchestrated (X-O) approach that creates meaningful value for all key stakeholders and not just customers.”

Singapore – BMW Group Asia has announced the return of Preeti Gupta to the position of corporate affairs director, based in Singapore. Gupta is currently the director of sales channel and network development and has been in this role since June 2023.

During her previous role, Preeti and her team implemented the ‘Retail.Next’ concept across 19 dealerships and service centers in the BMW Group Asia region. She collaborated closely with the team in Indonesia to drive expansion efforts and support future growth for both the BMW and MINI networks. 

Additionally, she led her team through the business’s digital transformation. During this time, Preeti also served as the organisation’s sustainability lead, spearheading CSR initiatives, conveying ESG messages to key stakeholders, and overseeing the Polaris Award initiative for BMW Group Asia Dealer Partners.

Preeti joined BMW Group Asia in April 2016 as corporate affairs director. Before joining the organisation, she worked with various communications agencies in Singapore, India, and the United States, providing strategic consultancy to global B2B and B2C clients across diverse industries, including technology, logistics, and automotive.

Meanwhile, Lars Nielsen will assume interim responsibility for the sales channel and network development team until Preeti’s successor is announced.

Nielsen, currently serving as the managing director of BMW Group Asia, said, “2024 was a surprisingly successful year for both BMW and MINI across the Group Asia region, despite ongoing market challenges. However, we’re acutely aware that the automotive industry in our region will continue to evolve at a fast pace in 2025 and will bring with it new challenges. Whether it be new retail formats, market entrants, or the ever-changing media landscape, we need to address these head on.”

He added, “We firmly believe our corporate affairs strategy is essential to ensuring we keep a finger on the pulse of the market and stay one step ahead. Preeti brings with her a successful 7-year tenure of leading our Corporate Affairs team and nearly two years of experience working closely with our Dealer Partners across the region to develop and improve our sales channels and retail network. We are confident she is best placed to take us through this next phase as we relook at who our industry stakeholders are in this new environment, rethink what we want to communicate and to which audiences, and determine how best to deliver these messages to our growing target audience.”

Singapore – LiveScore Media has announced the appointment of Timothy Oh as regional director for Asia. This marks LiveScore’s first senior hire based in the region in its 25-year history, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in Asia and connecting with football fans across the continent.

With over 15 years of experience spanning marketing, business strategy, and commercial leadership, Timothy is a highly regarded leader known for driving growth and delivering impactful strategies. 

He has previously held dual roles at Microgaming as director of growth & marketing and general manager, where he spearheaded market expansion and strengthened the brand’s presence in Asia. 

Timothy’s career also includes campaigns for Sony Pictures TV Networks Asia, where he contributed to the success of iconic series such as Running Man and Death Note. 

This appointment comes as LiveScore continues to build on its established success in the region. Asia accounts for millions of LiveScore users, with its passionate football fan base presenting significant opportunities for further growth and engagement. 

Commenting on his new role, Timothy said, “Joining LiveScore Media is an incredible opportunity to bring together everything I’ve learned throughout my career. I see this role as a chance to build on LiveScore’s strong foundation in Asia while broadening my own expertise in a region I’m deeply passionate about. I’m particularly excited about collaborating with partners to bring innovative experiences to football fans and help drive the next phase of growth for LiveScore in Asia.”

This appointment highlights LiveScore Media’s dedication to fueling fans’ passion for sport, further reinforcing its position as the go-to platform for real-time sports scores, updates, and content tailored to local audiences. 

Globally, LiveScore Media is trusted by leading advertisers, including Apple TV, Coca-Cola, Audible, Paramount, Unilever, Virgin Media, PlayStation, amongst others.

Singapore – W Communications has announced the appointment of Robin Chang as the general manager of its Asia-Pacific operations. Chang joined W Communications in January and will report to Warren Johnson, founder and CEO of the global agency. 

Chang brings with him 17 years of exceptional experience in public relations and integrated communications, with a proven track record spanning both the consumer & lifestyle and corporate sectors. 

Throughout his career, he has held influential regional leadership roles, based in Singapore, but operating effective campaigns across Asia. His strategic foresight and leadership were pivotal in driving growth at PRecious Communications and Allison Worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a transformative PR force in Asia.

Moreover, he has delivered highly regarded Asia wide consumer integrated, crisis and reputation management programmes via content, earned, paid, social & digital influencer campaigns.

Apart from reporting to Johnson, Chang will collaborate closely with W’s Chairman, Tim Sutton, former head of Weber Shandwick’s Asia-Pac network between 2007 to 2015, as well as W’s leadership teams across W Communications’ global offices in London, New York, the Middle East and the Nordics.

“I am honoured to be joining the W Communications family. I was hugely impressed by W’s ambitions in Asia. Working together, we will strengthen our global reach and foster deeper integration across Asia,” Chang said regarding his appointment.

Meanwhile, Johnson commented, “Robin is an exceptional talent. We are thrilled to have secured his leadership. This marks an exciting new chapter for our business in Asia. Robin brings a unique blend of results-oriented collaboration with unparalleled expertise in the seamless integration of communications services.”

He added, “His experience in driving cross market Asia campaigns will be an invaluable asset in meeting our clients’ growing cross border needs. This is the next stage in our already very impressive Asia success story.”

Singapore – Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has named Rochelle Chhaya as the CEO of Hearts & Science for APAC. As the network’s first APAC CEO, Chhaya, who has been with OMG for over 14 years and most recently served as CEO of OMG Thailand, will oversee the continued expansion of Hearts & Science in APAC, building on the momentum the brand has established in the region since launching in Australia and New Zealand in 2019. 

As one of her first duties as APAC CEO, Chhaya will oversee the launch of Hearts & Science’s operations in Malaysia and Taiwan, scheduled for Q1 2025. 

Chhaya’s appointment, reporting directly to Harradine, is effective immediately. Meanwhile, she will continue to oversee operations in Thailand, together with OMG Thailand COO Jinnarat Sampuntharat and the executive management team until her successor is named.

As COO of OMD APAC from 2018 to 2020, she scaled a client-centric, digitally-powered and data-led agency model across the region. Joining OMG Thailand in 2014 as a managing partner for its digital practice, Chhaya helped establish OMG’s data and analytics division, Annalect, in the market.

Commenting on her new role, Chhaya said, “Hearts & Science aims to revolutionise connections planning and drive our clients’ business ambitions by combining data-driven insights with the art of creative storytelling. Asia Pacific is brimming with opportunities, and we are committed to harnessing the strong demand for consultative, modular media strategies that align with our clients’ evolving needs.”

She added, “By going beyond traditional media KPIs and fostering strategic partnerships, we’re continuously refining our offerings to create meaningful impact. Together with our clients, we will unlock new possibilities for driving brand growth across the region.”

Meanwhile, Tony Harradine, CEO at OMG APAC, commented, “Expanding the Hearts & Science footprint across a region that is an epicentre for economic expansion, technological innovation, and digital commerce demands a seasoned leader who possess operational experience with a deep understanding of the modern consumer’s priorities and behaviours.”

He added, “Combined with the digital and data expertise needed to help brands effectively engage with their customers across an increasingly complex media ecosystem, we have found that leader in Rochelle, someone who can bring both the ‘heart’ and the ‘science’ to the business.”

Hearts & Science APAC has built a client roster that includes many of the world’s best known global brands including Jaguar Land Rover, Popeye’s, Sanofi, Sony Pictures, Twinnings Teas, and Versuni; as well as regional powerhouse brands such as Bank of New Zealand, the Hoyts cinema chain, DBS Bank, Mamy Poko, Marigold, Rebsico, Hyphens Pharma, and Double Dragon Properties.

Singapore – Global payments platform, Airwallex has announced the appointment of Andrew Balint as vice president of marketing for APAC (ex-China). Based in Sydney, his appointment takes effect immediately.

With 25 years of experience, Balint has held senior roles at Afterpay, amaysim, Ola and Optus. Most recently he was the vice president of marketing for ANZ & APAC at Afterpay for four years, leading the buy-now-pay-later platform’s marketing efforts across brand, growth marketing, product marketing and customer experience.

His remit includes overseeing brand strategy, growth marketing, integrated campaigns, content and partnerships across key markets including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. 

He will be reporting directly to Arnold Chan, general manager for APAC and work alongside a global marketing team headed by Jon Stona, vice president for global marketing.

Speaking on his new role, Balint said, “I’ve been watching Airwallex’s incredible growth and innovation and I’m thrilled to now be part of the journey. The global payments landscape is evolving rapidly and Airwallex is at the forefront of that change. With innovation and customer experience driving everything we do, I’m excited to help expand our presence and make a real impact across the APAC region.”

Meanwhile, Chan commented, “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to our team at Airwallex. As we approach our 10-year milestone and expand our offerings into new products and markets, we’re privileged to have someone of Andrew’s calibre to lead our next phase of marketing across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Singapore – TikTok has announced launch of Messaging Ads in Asia Pacific, aimed at empowering businesses to connect directly with customers through seamless, interactive conversations. For TikTok, these innovative ad solutions open up new opportunities for advertisers to engage meaningfully with TikTok’s dynamic community and beyond.

TikTok’s Messaging Ads are now available in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

The platform now offers two distinct options: Direct Messaging Ads and Instant Messaging Ads. 

Direct Messaging Ads allow users to engage with businesses directly within the TikTok app, making it simple to start conversations without leaving the platform. Meanwhile, Instant Messaging Ads redirect users to third-party messaging services like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, enabling businesses to connect with customers on their preferred apps for a smooth and personalised interaction. 

TikTok Messaging Ads are also tailored to help businesses achieve essential goals by leveraging the platform’s unique capabilities. These ads enable companies to reach new customers by tapping into TikTok’s vibrant and diverse community, expanding their audience and customer base. They also shorten the path-to-action by facilitating two-way communication that empowers customers to make informed decisions and act quickly. 

Additionally, businesses can instantly qualify leads by identifying high-quality prospects ready to convert through real-time conversations. By engaging with customers where they are, these ads help foster stronger relationships, placing customers at the center and driving long-term value and loyalty.

Brands in the region who have already tested out Messaging Ads include beauty brand Clyn Thailand, beauty clinic Phương Đông, and home cleaning SMB HydroClean Indonesia.

“The launch of Messaging Ads in APAC marks a new chapter for businesses looking to engage with TikTok’s diverse audience. With the power to reach new customers, streamline interactions, and build deeper connections, TikTok Messaging Ads provide the tools advertisers need to succeed in today’s digital landscape,” TikTok said in a press statement.

Singapore – IPG Mediabrands has confirmed the appointment of James Hawkins to the newly-created position of chief client officer at IPG Mediabrands APAC.

“IPG Mediabrands remain focused on delivering innovative and exceptional client experiences in a rapidly evolving media landscape. We are excited to deploy James’ in-depth knowledge and transformative experience across the Asia-Pacific region,” Leigh Terry, CEO at IPG Mediabrands APAC said.

Hawkins was most recently the chief executive officer of PHD in Asia-Pacific, and held the role from October 2018 to October 2024, when he recently stepped down.

He was also previously the managing director of dentsu X in Asia-Pacific, and also held other C-Suite positions for dentsu across Asia-Pacific.

His appointment comes after Omnicom Group has confirmed that its board of directors have unanimously approved a definitive agreement pursuant to which Omnicom will acquire Interpublic Group (IPG) in a stock-for-stock transaction.

Singapore – LUXASIA has unveiled a long-term extension of its collaboration with the House of Amouage, marking a substantial expansion in geographic coverage across the Asia-Pacific region and a broader penetration into diverse distribution channels. 

As the premier omni-distribution platform for luxury beauty in Asia Pacific, LUXASIA aims to excel in luxury retail, e-commerce, consumer marketing, analytics, and comprehensive distribution solutions.

The collaboration between these two leading entities aims to introduce high perfumery to clients across multiple Asia-Pacific markets, including Australia, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. While the House of Amouage already has a curated presence in ‘escentials’ and select department stores, the partnership will extend its reach into additional channels and formats, such as standalone mono-brand retail stores. 

This agreement also includes increased investments in brand-building initiatives across all shared markets to enhance the House’s visibility and connection with local consumers.

Marco Parsiegla, CEO of Amouage, and Patrick Chong, chairman and founder of LUXASIA, represented their respective companies at a signing ceremony that honored their shared history and showcased their vision for a promising future. 

The event was further commemorated with the attendance of Karim Nagaty, chief business officer, and Hussein Nehme, chief sales officer of Amouage.

Amouage is a luxury fragrance house renowned for its high-quality, artisanal perfumes that combine traditional Middle Eastern craftsmanship with modern innovation. Founded in Oman in 1983 by the Sultan of Oman, Amouage is celebrated for its opulent, long-lasting scents that feature rare and exotic ingredients sourced from around the world. 

Manila, Philippines – Industry veteran Merlee Jayme has announced the establishment of its new creative agency Jayme Headquarters, which focuses on embracing uniqueness in ideas and talent development, as well as commitment in building a diverse and inclusive team. 

Recognising that ‘great minds think unalike’ and that the more diverse the thinking, the more amazing the ideas, the agency values neurodiversity and actively seeks and develops talent from underrepresented communities.

Jayme, who was the former chief creative officer for Dentsu Asia Pacific, founder of DM9 Jayme Syfu, and founder of creatives training camp The Misfits Camp, will be leading the new creative agency. Following this, Sam Alapan, a professor at The Mint College, will assume the head of The Misfits Camp role, continuing its mission to empower and train neurodiverse creatives.

Other creatives joining Jayme Headquarters include Edg Samson, a strategic client lead with a distinguished career at Dentsu and Saatchi; Nikki Golez, an award-winning creative director recognized as one of the 4As 2024 Next Gen Creative winners; JR Ignacio, a digital and innovation expert with a proven track record at Dentsu and BBDO Singapore, Kheng Masangkay, an experienced finance manager and Alex Cataluña, an up-and-coming young art director.

Jayme HQ has already made significant strides by welcoming its first neurodiverse concept team, composed of Cesca Atienza and Kylie Milanes, both graduates of The Misfits Camp. Cesca, a talented graphic artist with autism, made a speech at this year’s Spikes Asia, and Kylie, a gifted poet of the best-selling book “Echoes,” brings unique perspectives and creative flair to the agency.

The Misfits Camp has also taken a significant step in transitioning one of its graduates, Igi Rollan, to an administrative assistant and social media manager position.

By embracing diversity and empowering neurodiverse talent, Jayme HQ is poised to become a leading force in the creative industry, pushing the boundaries of innovation and inspiring future generations.

Speaking about the agency launch, Samson said, “JHQ and TMC is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that champions and showcases global standards of creativity, and diversity in thinking that in turn, fuel creative opportunities for the neurodivergent. It is an intimate set-up that allows for hands-on expertise minus the red tape.”