Tag: Asia Pacific

Singapore – Mastercard has recently introduced Mastercard Pay Local, a global service that makes it easy for consumers to make card payments to merchants using local digital wallets. With Mastercard Pay Local, resident cardholders or international travelers can easily link their credit or debit cards to a digital wallet and immediately shop at participating merchants, without needing to set up or top up a prepaid account.

With this, residents can pay the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that do not accept traditional card payments through digital wallets, while tourists and international travelers can enjoy convenient, seamless payments across the destinations they’re visiting.

Moreover, hundreds of millions of MSMEs can experience increased reach with minimal infrastructure investment or disruptions to their operations.

Lastly, wallet operators can extend their customer base by attracting individuals who primarily use cards, providing a smooth consumer experience and achieving quicker time to market. Card issuers can also deliver more points of acceptance for the consumers they serve.

Leading wallets in Asia-Pacific, such as DANA in Indonesia, Touch ‘n Go in Malaysia, Bakong in Cambodia, and LankaPay in Sri Lanka, will use Mastercard Pay Local to facilitate payments for consumers at more than 35 million merchants in the region that accept these wallets. 

Beyond Asia-Pacific, the service is also geared towards regions where digital wallets are widely used for everyday purchases, such as Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Sandeep Malhotra, executive vice president, products & innovation for Asia-Pacific at Mastercard, said, “With Pay Local, Mastercard is extending its global network to partner wallets and expanding acceptance by making it possible for Asia’s digital wallets to process card-based payments. This creates a low-cost, simple, stable, and secure connection between over 35 million merchants in Asia Pacific and two billion Mastercard cardholders.”

He added, “Locals benefit from new payment options while tourists can use their cards as they do at home, making travel infinitely easier, with one less thing to worry about while on the road.”

Pay Local builds upon Mastercard’s existing collaborations with leading wallet providers, including Alipay and Weixin Pay in the Chinese Mainland and Octopus in Hong Kong SAR, to offer a convenient way for international visitors to pay like locals when traveling to these locations, regardless of where in the world their Mastercard card was issued.

In addition, a range of digital wallets across the region already accept Mastercard cards for funding, enabling easy payments at merchant locations that accept these wallets, including GrabPay in Southeast Asia, Maya in the Philippines, ShopBack in Singapore, and TrueMoney in Thailand.

Darrick Rochili, chief innovation officer at DANA, commented, “At DANA, we are committed to enhancing the accessibility and convenience of digital payments for all users. By collaborating with Mastercard, we are excited to offer international travelers a seamless way to register and bind their cards to DANA, furthering our mission of bridging financial inclusion across borders. This collaboration reflects our dedication to improving user experience and supporting global financial mobility as we anticipate increased international travel.”

Meanwhile, Alan Ni, CEO at TNG Digital, stated, “As Malaysia’s leading digital wallet and financial services provider, we are proud to have expanded our services beyond national borders, enabling users to travel cashless and make seamless payments internationally. Our collaboration with Mastercard underscores the strength of our open platform strategy, allowing us to extend cashless payment solutions to international travelers visiting Malaysia, contributing to the country’s tourism industry and economy. We are pleased to offer inbound tourists the convenience of cashless transactions via QR payment at over 2 million merchants, retail outlets, and service providers across Malaysia.”

Singapore – Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG) has unveiled a refreshed identity for Strategic DigitaLab (SDL), its dedicated creative services and digital content creation arm. SDL’s new identity reflects SPRG’s commitment to improving the integration of the group’s creative and digital services and sharing capabilities across markets to ensure a more seamless and cohesive regional delivery.

The year 2025 marks SPRG’s 30th anniversary, with the agency reflecting on how it built its success and reputation on the provision of strategic counsel and crafting compelling narratives in APAC. 

Looking ahead, SPRG stated that they remain passionate about expanding its creative and digital resources to maintain a competitive edge and attract top talent across the region.

Richard Tsang, founder and chairman of SPRG, said, “SDL will enhance SPRG’s offering by not only producing captivating stories, but also amplifying them across multiple platforms. This will enable our clients to effectively engage, inspire and educate their audiences through efficient and scalable content creation.”

He added, “By sharing our creative and digital capabilities, we are positioning ourselves to stay ahead of the curve and deliver more dynamic, integrated campaigns that meet the changing needs of our clients across the region.”

SDL was established in 2016 to provide dynamic, multimedia-driven campaigns that span the full spectrum of digital and creative services, including branding, creative production, digital marketing, content development, social media communications and video production.

SDL enables SPRG to maintain its trajectory by combining creative strengths of the offices with digital expertise. 

Singapore – Lexus Asia has announced their partnership with AR Asia Production to launch the gastronomy series ‘The Maverick Academy’ on Netflix. Said show is an innovative culinary competition that champions gastronomic talent in craft, and entrepreneurial spirit of aspiring chefs from across Asia. 

This marks the first partnership of its kind, where Lexus’ promise of creating experiences meets the artistry of culinary mastery, elevating luxury beyond vehicles. The show will air on November 8.

On the show, the contestants will be put to the ultimate test with exciting cooking challenges, fierce eliminations to showcase their cooking prowess, creativity, entrepreneurial potential and grit to survive The Maverick Academy. Each episode aims to uncover the sophistication of culinary craft that can transform a simple dish into an epicurean experience.

‘The Maverick Academy’ will be led by The Demon Chef Alvin Leung, and will see 8 contestants from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Hong Kong vie for the top spot in the competition. The winner of The Maverick Academy will be granted an invaluable opportunity as Chef Alvin’s apprentice and business partner.

Moreover, the show will also star chef entrepreneurs in Thailand as judges like Chef Tam who received the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award, and Chef Ton who runs one of the most popular kitchens in Bangkok, Le Du. Also joining the lineup is celebrity chef Michael Bonacini, co-founder of one of Canada’s leading fine dining restaurant companies Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants.

For Lexus, the brand has been underpinned by the dedication to craftsmanship and its human-centred mindset, and been driven by the commitment to provide amazing experiences. 

“The very essence of these values are mirrored in The Maverick Academy, which advocates the continuous refinement of skills, the boldness to defy culinary norms, and the determination to stay true to one’s cultural and inspirational roots,” the brand said in a press statement.

Lexus is the first automotive brand to partner with AR Asia Production for ‘The Maverick Academy.’ This collaboration is a unique opportunity to showcase how Lexus’ commitment to craft translates across different fields.

Preston Tan, vice president of Lexus Asia, said, “This partnership is a celebration of craftsmanship and excellence, and we’re excited to be a part of The Maverick Academy. The show aptly demonstrates the ethos of Lexus – the blending of passion, innovation, and exceptional customer-centric focus to create unforgettable elevated experiences.” 

He added, “Just as Lexus crafts exceptional experiences, the chefs are creating amazing sensory experiences.”

Singapore – Regional entertainment hub KC Global Media Asia has announced a series of key promotions within its leadership team, designed to enhance strategic capabilities and drive revenue growth across the region. 

The promotions include Shirlene Wu as vice president and general manager for Taiwan & Greater China, Edith Goh as vice president of revenue and head of media and sponsorship sales, Bhuvnesh Kanwar as vice president of revenue and head of FAST (free ad-supported streaming television), and Bonnie Wiryani as vice president of revenue and head of content sales.

These announcements comes alongside the departure of Avani Bhanchawat, vice president and head of revenue, who has left the organisation after a seven-year tenure. All new leaders will be reporting directly to George Chien, co-founder, CEO and president of KC Global Media.

Shirlene will oversee the company’s strategic operations and content development, enhancing the organisation’s presence across the region. She has been an integral part of the KC Global Media team for eight years and during her tenure, she has made significant contributions including collaborating with tourism boards and government agencies on various projects as well as establishing a dedicated advertising sales team for Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Edith will be responsible for developing and executing innovative media and sponsorship initiatives while identifying and cultivating new revenue streams. Having been with KC Global Media for more than five years, she secured major sponsorship deals with key partners including One Championship for The Apprentice Asia – One Championship Edition, Tourism Authority Of Thailand and Tourism Malaysia, significantly contributing to the organisation’s growth and success.

Bhuvnesh will drive revenue growth in the streaming sector and oversee monetisation strategies across Indonesia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He will also work to establish advertising sales opportunities in Singapore, Indonesia, and the pan-regional market. During his six-year tenure at KC Global Media, Kanwar was instrumental in creating branded IPs like Ultimate Challenge and AXN All Stars for both streaming and traditional TV, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia. 

He has also established linear and on-demand partnerships with various telcos, OTT platforms and DTH providers, including Amazon Prime Video, Telkomsel, Pt Link Net, MNC Sky Vision and many more. Additionally, he was the key architect in launching KCM, KC Global Media’s first FAST Channel, in India.

Lastly, Bonnie will be responsible for driving content sales in Asia, and strengthening partnerships with key partners in Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia excluding Indonesia. Her focus will be on maximising opportunities in both traditional and emerging markets. Wiryani has been with KC Global Media for four years and has expanded the channels portfolio with key clients such as Tonton, Unifi TV in Malaysia, and MeWatch in Singapore. She has also led on-ground activations to enhance brand awareness and has launched the firm’s channels in new markets like Mongolia and the Maldives.

Speaking on the leadership promotions, Chien said, “We are committed to fostering talent and building a strong leadership team and are thrilled to recognise these talented leaders for their hard work and dedication. We are confident they will excel in their new roles and continue to drive the company’s growth ambitions in this dynamic media landscape.”

He added, “We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Avani for her contributions and leadership during her time with us. Throughout her seven years with the company, she has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s revenue strategies and driving significant growth. We sincerely thank her for that and wish her continued success in her future pursuits.”

Singapore – Lotame has announced the promotion of Zuzana Urbanova to vice president of agency solutions for Asia-Pacific. In her new role, Urbanova will lead the company’s agency partnerships across the region, with a focus on accelerating growth through innovative data collaboration platform technology, trusted audiences, and strategic media curation.

Urbanova will also spearhead Lotame’s go-to-market strategy across major holding companies and independent agencies in APAC, leveraging Lotame’s interoperable tech and audiences to help clients maximise the value of their assets and deliver strategies informed by up-to-date and wide-reaching insights. 

She will also build off the strength of Lotame’s technology partnerships, including Teads, Criteo, and The Trade Desk.

Her promotion follows a successful five-year tenure as Lotame’s head of data solutions ssales for Agencies and Platforms, where she consistently drove double-digit year-on-year data revenue growth and secured vital partnerships with industry leaders like Publicis, Omnicom, and Dentsu.

Speaking on her new role, she said, “I’m thrilled to take on this challenge and continue the incredible momentum we’ve achieved at Lotame. Establishing and reinforcing enduring client relationships is my passion, and I look forward to strengthening our agency partnerships by helping them make the most of innovative solutions like Lotame’s Spherical platform and audiences, including the new Curation offering. I can’t wait to see APAC agencies maximise the value of data, whether it’s their own, their partners’, or the wider ecosystem’s.”

Meanwhile, Nishanth Raju, managing director for APAC at Lotame, commented, “Zuzana’s promotion arrives at a pivotal moment as we reinforce our support for agencies navigating a data ecosystem that grows more complex by the year. Her inimitable track record in guiding agencies through the daunting process of becoming truly Data Empowered makes her the ideal leader to spearhead our APAC partnerships.”

He added, “With more clients recognising the necessity of tech and earned data expertise, Zuzana’s deep industry experience and strong market knowledge will be key in accelerating growth and finding new homes for our most in-demand, forward-thinking data solutions.”

Singapore – Shoppers in the Asia Pacific region are increasingly prioritising flexible delivery options and real-time parcel tracking in their online purchases, according to a report by DHL eCommerce.

DHL’s report highlights the rising expectations for delivery times and real-time tracking among shoppers in the region, driven by the evolving online shopping landscape and the surge in social commerce.

According to the report, more than two in three online consumers in APAC consider next-day delivery essential, with 74% of respondents in Thailand and 72% in India echoing this sentiment. When it comes to delivery preferences, nine in 10 shoppers in India (89%), Malaysia (89%), and Thailand (94%) favour home delivery, reflecting a strong preference for convenience. 

However, there is also a growing demand for alternative delivery options, particularly once an item is out for delivery. Many online shoppers emphasise the importance of being able to redirect their parcels to a safe location, such as a neighbour’s home, a parcel locker, or a designated pick-up point, as well as the ability to change the delivery date. This flexibility significantly enhances the overall convenience of the shopping experience.

Moreover, 86% of APAC consumers anticipate end-to-end tracking for their international orders, highlighting the growing demand for real-time visibility and control throughout the delivery process. Respondents identified ‘quick delivery time’ and ‘real-time tracking’ as the two most critical factors for enhancing their overall delivery experience.

Aside from flexible delivery options, the report reveals that free returns are becoming a significant factor in purchase decisions for APAC shoppers, with 43% of consumers in the region indicating they will only shop with retailers that offer this option. 

Notably, India leads globally, with 67% of shoppers stating that free returns are a crucial criterion, influencing their choice of online retailers. Additionally, 67% of online shoppers in APAC prefer having a return label included with their parcels for easy returns. This expectation is particularly pronounced among Thai and Indian consumers, with 71% and 70%, respectively, expressing a strong desire for this convenience.

DHL emphasises that implementing flexible and cost-effective return policies is essential for businesses aiming to foster customer loyalty and drive repeat purchases.

International online shopping is on the rise, fuelled by the evolution of digital payments that enable a more seamless cross-border shopping experience for consumers. In the APAC region, nearly four in five shoppers (76%) make purchases from online retailers in other countries at least once a month, with 30% engaging in cross-border shopping on a weekly basis.

The report reveals that India is at the forefront of global cross-border purchases, with 38% of Indian shoppers making international purchases at least once a week. This trend is mirrored in Malaysia and Thailand, where 80% of consumers shop from overseas at least once a month, followed closely by 75% in both China and Australia.

Looking ahead, the report further notes that 37% of respondents anticipate increasing their online purchases from non-local retailers over the next 12 months.

The report highlights that to capitalise on this demand, businesses must prioritise security and transparency to reassure customers. Despite the growing enthusiasm for cross-border shopping, fear of fraud persists for at least one in two APAC shoppers, with Malaysians expressing the highest concerns about seller authenticity and transaction security.

Concerns about fraud and transaction security hinder consumers from increasing their international purchases. The report emphasises that businesses need to prioritise secure payment systems, transparent shipping information, and dependable delivery processes to build trust and foster repeat purchases.

Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, said, “Asia Pacific consumers are driving demand for cross-border shopping like never before. This means that there is a tremendous opportunity for businesses to grow internationally if they sell and engage effectively. Specifically, with the rise of on-demand business models influencing today’s digital shoppers, ‘speed’ and ‘choice’ are everything. By addressing key consumer concerns such as transparent delivery times, flexible returns, and fear of fraud, retailers can capture the growing market.” 

Singapore – Coffee shops in Asia are increasingly turning to social media to boost customer loyalty, particularly among younger consumers who are drawn to personalized marketing and interactive experiences. According to GlobalData, a data and analytics firm, leveraging social media platforms has become crucial for coffee shops looking to foster a sense of community, drive repeat visits, and build brand loyalty in an intensely competitive market.

The survey found that 82% of consumers are influenced by how well a product or service is tailored to their needs and preferences, underscoring the growing importance of personalised marketing.

Parthasaradhi Reddy, consumer lead analyst at GlobalData, highlighted the role of social media in keeping customers engaged and informed. 

“Social media not only makes in-store visits more seamless but also keeps customers updated on special offers and new products. Encouraging interactions, like asking for feedback or running polls, helps customers feel involved and valued,” Reddy said. 

He also pointed to Starbucks as an example, noting that the coffee giant has used platforms like Instagram to connect with younger, digitally savvy customers. For instance, Starbucks launched a social media campaign in several Southeast Asian countries to celebrate International Coffee Day on October 1, offering new recipes and exclusive souvenirs.

Meanwhile, Deepak Nautiyal, consumer and retail commercial director for APAC and the Middle East at GlobalData, emphasised the importance of loyalty programs integrated with social media. 

“Starbucks’ rewards program, which allows customers to earn points through purchases and redeem them for rewards, fosters a community of repeat customers who feel valued,” Nautiyal said. 

He also noted that Asian consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that promote social responsibility and ethical practices, a trend amplified by social media. “Brands that align with consumers’ values, like social inclusion and environmental sustainability, are more likely to win their loyalty,” he added.

As the market continues to evolve, experts believe coffee shops must adapt their digital strategies to stay competitive. Reddy concluded, “By integrating social media strategies effectively, coffee shops can enhance customer loyalty and maintain their relevance in the fast-changing industry.”

Singapore – GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, today announced a series of leadership changes to accelerate business growth and further the implementation of the company’s simplified operating model in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. 

The changes expand the remits of Mindshare, Wavemaker, and EssenceMediacom’s regional agency leaders to include responsibility for critical GroupM-wide functions and capabilities.

First off, in addition to her Mindshare leadership duties in APAC, Helen McRae will oversee GroupM’s growth and business development teams in the region. McRae will work closely with regional leadership and GroupM’s recently appointed global chief growth officer, Hamish Davies, to ensure teams responding to new business opportunities benefit from shared knowledge, best practices, tools, and processes in all markets and across all GroupM agencies. 

Meanwhile, Sindhuja Rai, Wavemaker’s regional lead for Asia-Pacific, will take on the additional responsibility for overseeing GroupM’s client leadership communities in the region. Rai will partner with GroupM and agency leaders throughout APAC, including CEOs Prasanth Kumar (South Asia), Rupert McPetrie (China), Michael Beecroft (North Asia), Himanshu Shekhar (Southeast Asia), Aimee Buchanan (Australia/New Zealand), and Arshan Saha (Singapore), to implement GroupM-wide best practices for client service and experience across all accounts and in all markets. 

Lastly, EssenceMediacom’s chief operating officer for APAC, Josh Gallagher, is promoted to client president for the agency in the region. In this new role, Gallagher will oversee GroupM’s client strategy capability and talent communities in the region, applying best practices and implementing cutting edge strategic planning tools and technologies across all agencies and APAC markets. He will also manage EssenceMediacom’s portfolio of clients across APAC, succeeding Rupert McPetrie who was appointed into a new role as CEO for GroupM in China in February.

Speaking about the leadership changes, Brian Lesser, global CEO at GroupM said “GroupM’s depth of talent in Asia Pacific is well known, both in the region and around the world. In Helen, Sindhuja, and Josh, we have some of the most outstanding leaders in the industry working to make sure GroupM keeps raising the bar for client service and marketing innovation. I’m excited to see the positive impact I know they will have on the way we leverage our collective intelligence and technology to deliver value for our clients and give our teams every opportunity to collaborate, grow, and win together.” 

Singapore – PubMatic has announced the appointment of Laura Greally as marketing director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. In this role, Greally will lead the development and execution of marketing strategies to increase awareness, consideration, and adoption of PubMatic’s innovative solutions across publishers, broadcasters, media buyers, and commerce partners.

With nearly two decades of experience in B2B marketing and deep expertise in the digital advertising and publishing industries, Greally brings a wealth of knowledge to PubMatic. 

She has previously held senior leadership positions at Thunderdome Marketing, CNN International, IAB Southeast Asia + India, and BBC Worldwide, where she played pivotal roles in driving programmatic advertising adoption, enhancing market penetration, and fostering industry collaborations across the APAC region.

At PubMatic, Greally will oversee the execution of regional marketing campaigns across digital, paid media, and account-based marketing strategies to drive product adoption and brand visibility. She will also lead PubMatic’s participation in high-impact industry events and product launches across the APAC region. 

Additionally, she will be responsible for managing the marketing teams in both Northern and Southern APAC, working closely with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives. 

Greally will report to Emily Yri, vice president of international marketing at PubMatic.

Speaking on her new role, Greally said, “I’m thrilled to join PubMatic at such an exciting time for the APAC digital advertising market. With the dynamic evolution of programmatic advertising and increasing opportunities across media formats, I look forward to driving impactful marketing campaigns that further establish PubMatic as a leader in this space.”

Meanwhile, Yri commented, “We are delighted to welcome Laura to the team. Her comprehensive experience in strategic marketing and extensive knowledge of the digital advertising ecosystem will be instrumental in driving PubMatic’s continued growth and innovation across the APAC region.”

Asia-Pacific – Dentsu has appointed Dan Pantumsinchai as managing director of gaming for the Asia-Pacific region. With his new position, Pantumsinchai will lead the planning and execution of dentsu’s gaming strategies.

Throughout over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry, Pantumsinchai has driven success for top brands on different platforms, including premium console, PC, and mobile games.

In his previous at Google, Pantumsinchai led revenue growth for its mobile gaming partners Garena Free Fire and Bloons TD 6. He also held leadership roles at Riot Games and Twitch.

Pantumsinchai’s early career at Capcom and Bandai also led him to work with iconic brands such as Street Fighter, Dragon Ball, Power Rangers, and Kamen Rider.

With his experience in both digital and traditional entertainment, Pantumsinchai is expected to contribute to dentsu’s gaming strategy. 

Pantumsinchai’s appointment is effective immediately. He will be based in Singapore.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dan, whose deep expertise in the gaming landscape make him an invaluable asset to our growing Gaming unit. Under his leadership, dentsu is set to elevate its regional strategy, drive unparalleled growth for brands, and solidify our status as a powerhouse in the gaming industry. We’re poised for an exciting transformation, and Dan’s vision will be key to offering best-in-class gaming services across the region,” Yusuke Kasahara, chief business officer at dentsu APAC, said.

Pantumsinchai commented, “As a key player in shaping the future of gaming, dentsu has built a reputation as a thought leader and innovator in this field. I look forward to working closely with the team in leveraging our expertise in the gaming industry to help brands connect with digital-native audiences in engaging and impactful ways.”

“As we continue to expand dentsu’s gaming capabilities worldwide, close collaboration between our global and regional teams is essential. APAC represents one of the fastest-growing – and largest – gaming markets, and Dan’s appointment is a key step in harnessing these unique opportunities across APAC. His leadership and deep expertise in the gaming landscape will be instrumental in driving innovation and delivering growth that resonate across both APAC and the global gaming ecosystem,” Brent Koning, executive vice president of global gaming lead at dentsu, added.

The appointment follows dentsu’s recent House of Creators initiative for Roblox content creators.