Tag: Asia Pacific

In a competitive digital landscape, martech solutions such as automation, data analytics, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems allow brands to deliver personalised experiences at scale, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions. This helps brands not only increase efficiency but also foster deeper connections with their audience by delivering the right message at the right time. Ultimately, martech empowers brands to stay agile, innovate, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

To recognise such innovations making a difference to the marketing scene in APAC, MARKETECH APAC is excited to announce the finalists for its inaugural Marketing Technology Awards 2024, and marks the first time the publication has launched an awards ceremony recognising marketing technology platforms and their campaigns in the region.

How the judging process rolled out

For the publication’s first awards show dedicated to martech platforms, it ensured that the scoring and guidelines guaranteed comprehensive coverage for the submissions, allowing it to highlight specific specialisations within the marketing technology realm.

The judging criteria for the awards were as follows:

  • Brand Collaboration Categories: Results (50%), Tech Implementation (30%), Tech Selection Process (10%), Objective (10%)
  • Martech Categories: Case Studies (45%), Innovation (30%), Tech Capabilities (25%)
  • Industry Leaders Categories: Business Contributions (40%), Leadership (40%), Case Studies (20%)
  • Teams Categories: Team Performance (40%), Team Culture (30%), Business Innovation (30%)

With this in mind, the judging process was handled by a roster of 20 judges who are marketing leaders representing various industries across Asia-Pacific. The heads of jury include:

  • Neha Bhasin, regional director of marketing and communication at ZALORA (Brand Collaboration Categories)
  • Jason Huan, chief marketing officer at Endowus (MarTech Categories)
  • Jyane Quek, global head, marketing strategy for consumers, private and business banking at Standard Chartered Bank (Industry Leaders and Team Categories)

For those categories with only 1 or 2 finalists, the trophy to be awarded will be determined based on the scores received after judging, provided the entries meet the average scores of Bronze, Silver, or Gold winners from contested categories. 

For the ‘MarTech Category’, Netcore Cloud dominated the finalist list with 13 entries making the cut, followed by Quantcast with 8, as well as Rewardz and SEMRush tying with 4 nominations.

On the ‘Brand Collaboration Category’, Danone Indonesia led with five entries reaching the finals, while Fedex and Avida Land each secured three finalist spots. Over at the agency side, Eyden Indonesia, Mindshare, and VML each had three entries that made the cut, followed by Leverate Group with two entries advancing to the finals.

In terms of countries where the finalists originated, Singapore dominated with 24 nominations, followed by India (16), and the Philippines (11). In total, the entries came from eight markets across Asia-Pacific including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, and China.

Joven Barcenas, founder and CEO of MARKETECH APAC, said, “To the finalists of our inaugural ‘Marketing Technology Awards 2024’, your innovative use of martech exemplifies the cutting-edge strategies shaping the future of marketing. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and showcase the best practices that are driving success across the industry. Through your inspiring work, we aim to motivate other marketers in the region to embrace innovation, push boundaries, and elevate their marketing efforts to new heights. We look forward to revealing the winners of this first ‘Marketing Technology Awards’.”

Click here to view the full list of the finalists.

To book seats for our gala event for the awards on 28 November 2024 in Aloft Novena Singapore, register here. The deadline for booking tables for the event will be on 25 October. 

Singapore – A striking 87% of Generation Alpha and Generation Z in Asia-Pacific (APAC) actively shape family travel plans, now positioning them as key decision-makers in the travel process. Moreover, with 78% of these young travelers expecting to travel at least once a year, they view travel as both a reward and essential for their personal growth. These statistics are according to the latest data from Hilton.

In the Asia-Pacific region, family travel is increasingly shaped by the preferences of Gen Alpha and Gen Z, with 87% of young travelers actively participating in planning their family vacations. This trend is particularly prominent in China (98%) and India (93%), where over nine in ten young people are somewhat or very involved in organizing trips. Additionally, 69% of parents in the region choose vacation destinations based on their children’s interests.

While young travelers play a significant role in selecting activities and destinations, logistical decisions such as dining (39%), transportation (38%), accommodation (32%), budgeting (20%), and trip duration (18%) remain primarily under parental control. This growing involvement highlights a shift in family travel dynamics, with younger generations taking the lead in creating memorable experiences, while still relying on their parents for practical planning aspects.

For Gen Alpha and Gen Z in APAC, travel serves as a path to self-discovery and personal growth, with 75% of young travelers expressing pride in the region’s global cultural influence and 73% eager to explore their heritage through travel.

APAC families also use travel to reconnect with their cultural roots, with 61% of parents choosing destinations that reflect their traditions and values. Beyond cultural exploration, 68% of young travelers view travel as an opportunity to enhance their education and personal development, a sentiment shared by 60% of parents who prioritize culturally significant destinations for their children’s growth.

Entertainment, sports, adventure, and meaningful family connections are top priorities for young travelers in APAC. Major sporting events, such as the Women’s ODI World Cup, Table Tennis World Championships, and the FIFA Club World Cup, are among the most sought-after in 2025, with 35% of young travelers planning trips around these events.

Close behind are nature events and camps (34%) like cherry blossom festivals and ski trips, as well as music concerts and festivals (26%), with K-pop concerts being particularly popular.

Young travelers across Asia-Pacific are enthusiastic about travel, with 92% having taken at least one trip in the past year. In countries like China, India, and Singapore, this trend is especially pronounced, with young travelers averaging two to three trips in the same period.

“This passion for travel is reflected in their future plans, with 88% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z in APAC likely to travel in the next year. Additionally, 72% take pride in exploring new destinations. These findings underscore the growing demand for travel among younger generations,” Hilton said in a press release.

The report also emphasizes the importance of technology in enhancing the travel experience for Gen Alpha and Gen Z. In APAC, families remain connected during their trips, with both parents and children spending up to four hours daily on their devices. Gen Z tends to be more engaged, averaging three hours online per day, compared to two hours for Gen Alpha.

Smartphones (64%), digital tablets (38%), and smartwatches (33%) are essential travel companions for these young adventurers, who primarily use their devices for streaming videos (55%), gaming (45%), and staying connected with loved ones through messaging apps (44%). Additionally, 42% use their devices for listening to music, and 30% share their travel experiences on social media.

Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director for Asia-Pacific at Hilton, said, “The growing influence of Generation Alpha on family travel signals a transformative shift in the travel industry – one that Hilton is excited to embrace. As these trends accelerate, we recognize the importance of adapting to evolving preferences. Hilton is set to exceed 1,000 hotels in APAC by 2025, and we’re focused on creating new experiences to capture the imagination of this emerging generation and their families.” 

Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president of brand management for Asia-Pacific at Hilton, commented, “As Generation Alpha and Z step into the role of key influencers in family travel decisions, they are redefining the landscape of travel. Their evolving preferences are driving the industry to innovate, creating opportunities for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences that align with their value.”

She added, “As Generation Alpha and Z step into the role of key influencers in family travel decisions, they are redefining the landscape of travel. Their evolving preferences are driving the industry to innovate, creating opportunities for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences that align with their value.”

Singapore – Rob Gilby is stepping down from his role as chief executive officer for Asia-Pacific at dentsu, the agency has confirmed to MARKETECH APAC when reached out to. According to dentsu, Rob stepped down to pursue ‘new ventures’.

“Rob Gilby has stepped down from his position as CEO, APAC, dentsu to pursue new opportunities. Rob has provided significant leadership across our markets, brands and practices in the region and as a member of the group executive management team as we transition to One dentsu,” the agency stated.

Dentsu also highlighted that during his tenure, Rob has fortified the leadership team, enhanced core capabilities and aligned with the new Group strategy to offer integrated, client-centric growth solutions from across dentsu’s practices. 

For the time being, APAC will be headed with the help of its leaders in the cluster markets through its Group Strategy Unit.

“As we search for a new APAC CEO, our leaders in the established cluster markets, powered by a strong regional clients, business and function team will work through the Group Strategy Unit, under the leadership of Yoshiki Ishihara, Global Chief Strategy Officer, with the full support of Global President & CEO, Hiro Igarashi, ensuring a continued client-centric approach and progress of the One dentsu performance and growth agenda. We thank Rob for his dedication and commitment to our organisation and wish him success in his future endeavours,” the agency added.

Rob joined dentsu in 2022 following his stint from Nielsen as its president for APAC for almost a year. Prior to that, Rob also held senior leadership roles for The Walt Disney Company and Turner. Outside of that, he also held advisory roles for the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).

Moreover, Rob is also the founder and CEO of consumer and media tech consultancy Blue Hat Ventures, as well as a founding partner of venture capital firm Reaction.

Singapore – Global advertising and marketing technology company Epsilon has announced that it has added industry-veteran Simrat Sawhney to its leadership team as vice president of sales and client growth at Asia.

Based in Singapore, Sawhney will oversee the development of Epsilon’s sales team in the Asia-Pacific region as it solidifies itself as the leading technology partner for marketers seeking growth and customer loyalty. 

Reporting to regional CEO Alban Villani who oversees India, Southeast Asia and Europe, Sawhney will also be responsible for Epsilon’s commercial strategy, sales and client partnerships across Asia, with a focus on India and Southeast Asia. 

She brings more than 15 years of commercial leadership in the Asia-Pacific region and a proven track record of building billion-dollar businesses and driving transformative growth. 

Prior to joining Epsilon, she led ad sales for global gaming as the head of sales for the vertical’s Asia-Pacific Growth business at Meta. In that role, Sawhney was responsible for client partnerships, business development, and account management across Greater China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. 

Speaking on her new role, Sawhney said, “Epsilon offers marketers the most comprehensive approach to marketing technology, and the company’s ability to connect data, insights and identity across the entire customer journey is a game-changer. I’m energised by the opportunity to contribute through a perfect blend of people and commercial leadership as I lead a talented team to drive growth for our clients and solidify Epsilon’s position as a market leader.”

She added, “I understand the evolving needs of marketers throughout the customer lifecycle, from user acquisition and onsite personalisation to retention and cross-platform measurement. I’ve consistently delivered results by maintaining a client-centric approach and leveraging targeted strategies, which aligns perfectly with Epsilon’s focus on personalised consumer journeys and measurable business outcomes.” 

Meanwhile, Villani commented, “Simrat brings a wealth of experience, personal development coaching and an energy that perfectly align with our ambitious goals. As we continue to tell the story of Epsilon around the world, we’re eager to bring on strong leaders such as Simrat to introduce our team and industry-leading capabilities to the market.” 

Many recent technology developments such as generative AI and enhanced customer engagement strategies. are greatly improving the marketing and advertising environment and providing several advantages in a variety of fields. For instance, businesses are analysing customer data in a new way thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which allows for accurate targeting and personalised content distribution. 

With the use of these technologies, marketers can better target their ads to specific audiences, anticipate their behaviour, and increase engagement and conversion rates. Large data sets must be swiftly processed and interpreted in order for marketing tactics to be both more successful and flexible enough to respond to shifting consumer patterns.

Moreover, as these technologies develop further, they give marketers strong tools to design dynamic, captivating, and tailored campaigns that increase consumer loyalty to brands and broaden their consumer base. In the future, incorporating these state-of-the-art technologies is expected to further enhance the efficacy and originality of marketing campaigns, establishing new benchmarks for success in the sector.

To further explore more industry insights on the future of marketing and advertising this 2024 and beyond, MARKETECH APAC has announced new updates to its industry-leading What’s NEXT series, with more expanded plans targeted to reach more marketers in the Asia-Pacific region, giving industry leaders a platform to highlight their insights and advice on the latest trends in marketing and advertising.

What’s NEXT in Marketing: Indonesia 2024

Kicking off this year’s instalment is MARKETECH APAC’s debut conference in Indonesia with its What’s NEXT in Marketing: Indonesia 2024 which will be held on November 7 at Pullman Jakarta Indonesia. This inaugural flagship event will offer industry leaders with a platform to exchange experiences, knowledge, and foresights that will shape the future of marketing in Indonesia.

Our initial roster of speakers include:

  • Bharat Buxani, Senior Vice President, Marketing at 99 Group Indonesia
  • Kelvin Hong, Director of Brand Marketing at A&W Restaurants Inc
  • Gita Rostika, Group Head of Marketing at bank bjb
  • Mediko Azwar, Chief Marketing Officer at Blue Bird Group
  • Ilham Pratama, Head of Marketing at Chery Motor
  • Irfansyah Kurnia Putra, Country Head of Marketing at IKEA
  • Rajesh Grover, Group VP – Digital and Omnichannel at Kanmo Group
  • Yosua Tanuwiria, VP of Marketing at Pluang
  • Ryan Dawa, Head of Marketing at Reku
  • Asnawi Jufrie, VP & GM of Southeast Asia at SleekFlow

What’s NEXT in Marketing: Malaysia 2024

Later this year, What’s NEXT in Marketing: Malaysia 2024 will also kick-off on December 3-4 at Sheraton Petaling Jaya. This conference is the second time a What’s NEXT conference has been held in Malaysia following the successful launch of the 2023 conference back in December 5, 2023.

Our initial roster of speakers for this 2024 conference includes:

  • Andrea Chuang, Campaign Marketing Head at AirAsia MOVE
  • Huey Ying Leong, Head of Marketing at Burger King
  • Xing Jun Khoo, Head of Digital, Media & Insights at Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad
  • Evelyn Lee, Head of Marketing at Secret Recipe Cakes & Cafe
  • Asnawi Jufrie, VP and GM of Southeast Asia at SleekFlow 
  • Mun Yee Lau, Head of Branded Content and Social at TIME dotCom
  • Jason Yong, CEO and Founder of Unicom Marketing
  • Alyaa Ramlan, Head of Social at Unifi

What’s NEXT in Marketing: Singapore 2025

Kicking off in 2025 as well is our What’s NEXT in Marketing: Singapore 2025 which will be held from February 19-20. This is the second What’s NEXT conference in Singapore following the 2024 edition on March 7 and saw an attendance of 150 delegates.

What’s NEXT in Marketing: Philippines 2025

For 2025, MARKETECH APAC kicks off its first What’s NEXT conference of that year with What’s NEXT in Marketing: Philippines 2025 which will be held on March 26 to 27, 2025 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. This is the third time What’s NEXT will cater to the Philippine market following huge success on its first instalment of the conference in 2023 with more than 200 in-person attendees, while the second one earlier this year had 219 in-person attendees.

What’s NEXT in Marketing: Hong Kong 2025

For the first time ever, MARKETECH APAC will also be bringing the What’s NEXT conference in Hong Kong with its What’s NEXT in Marketing: Hong Kong 2025 happening in April 24, 2025. More details will be announced.

Joven Barceñas, founder and CEO of MARKETECH APAC, said, “Since its launch, What’s NEXT has always set its vision to ignite powerful conversations that will shape the future of marketing in Asia-Pacific. From emerging technologies to shifting consumer behaviours, What’s NEXT is where industry leaders, visionaries, and trendsetters will come together to explore new frontiers, redefine strategies, and inspire groundbreaking ideas. These conferences are more than just events—they are catalysts for change, empowering us to stay ahead of the curve, anticipate trends, and lead the charge in transforming the way we connect with consumers. We are thrilled that this year’s series, we are expanding the conversations in Indonesia and Hong Kong.”

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joven Barceñas at [email protected].

For speaking opportunities for these conferences, contact Katherine Sy at [email protected]; and for registrations, reach out to Hans Policarpio at [email protected].

Taipei, Taiwan – Global dairy company Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new campaign to inspire dairy manufacturers to create innovative high-protein products. At the heart of the campaign is a new virtual protein seminar, featuring presentations from expert speakers and a ‘Test your protein knowledge’ quiz.

Said campaign, titled ‘Go High in Protein’ showcases the Arla Foods Ingredients Nutrilac® ProteinBoost range of patented microparticulated whey proteins, which are rich in all the essential amino acids. It also demonstrates how they can be used to overcome technical challenges and create high-protein dairy products with appealing taste and texture.

Through the initiative, visitors can also explore five concepts featuring Nutrilac® ProteinBoost. They include two new recipes – an ambient spoonable yoghurt, and an ambient drinking yoghurt which recently won a World Dairy Innovation award for best manufacturing/technology innovation.

Moreover, the brand also demonstrates the potential for high-protein dairy products that do not require refrigeration, creating opportunities for convenience, long shelf life and easier transportation.

Claus Bukbjerg Andersen, senior category manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, said, “The high-protein trend is as powerful as ever, but it’s evolving. Consumers now want high-quality, complete proteins – and they want them in products with masses of appeal. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for manufacturers to meet these dual needs.”

He added, “The ‘Go High in Protein’ demonstrates how our Nutrilac® ProteinBoost solutions can help you overcome technical challenges and create high-protein dairy products that stand out in an increasingly crowded market.”

Singapore – Ahead of the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, which will happen on September 20 to 22–and the racing series’ only night race–new data from digital travel platform Agoda has documented which country has more fans attending the highly-anticipated race for F1 this year.

According to data, travelers from Indonesia took the checkered flag with the highest accommodation searches for race weekend, followed by the Philippines and Japan. Following on the grid are Malaysia (#4), Thailand (#5), South Korea (#6), Taiwan (#7), India (#8), Hong Kong (#9), and Australia (#10).

Agoda notes that the influx of international visitors for the night race demonstrates the sporting event’s widespread popularity. Mega events like the night race attract a varied audience, eager to immerse themselves in the experience and enjoy the surrounding festivities. 

Moreover, this pattern of travel interest showcases the enduring allure of major sporting events on a global scale.

Andrew Smith, senior vice president of supply at Agoda shared, “In the past year, we’ve seen a lot of people traveling for experiences, such as concerts, festivals, sports and other big events. The night race in Singapore is one of the key mega events in the region. It’s exciting to see such a wide array of travelers coming together to experience the thrill of the race and the vibrant atmosphere of Singapore.”

Singapore – Vistar Media has announced the expansion of its Vistar Academy education platform across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This strategic growth introduces new, complementary courses designed to equip both industry veterans and newcomers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly evolving digital out-of-home (DOOH) landscape.

Vistar Academy stands as a dynamic learning platform offering interactive training courses and certifications that delve into the core tools, tips and best practices of DOOH advertising. Catering to everyone from seasoned experts to those new to the industry, Vistar Academy provides a comprehensive educational experience tailored to meet the needs of a diverse user base.

Since launching in August 2023, the academy has welcomed nearly 2,500 members, seeing over 1,300 Accelerate certifications granted, showcasing that there is a strong appetite within the industry for knowledge and learning.

Vistar Academy enables participants to deepen their understanding of the DOOH landscape through a variety of learning modules. The platform offers insights into the foundations of programmatic technology and its revolutionary impact on the out-of-home industry. Learners are equipped with critical strategies for targeting, creative development and campaign measurement, all of which drive success in OOH advertising. 

Additionally, users gain access to real-world tools and best practices that enhance their ability to plan and execute highly effective OOH campaigns.

Moreover, the educational content at Vistar Academy also explores how DOOH can amplify the impact of other media channels, helping advertisers create more cohesive and powerful campaigns. Participants will learn proven strategies for selling programmatic DOOH, supported by success metrics such as consumer behaviour insights, DOOH performance data and ROI statistics that highlight the strength of the channel. 

The platform also addresses common challenges and misconceptions about programmatic DOOH, equipping users with the knowledge to overcome obstacles and maximise the effectiveness of their campaigns.

Ben Baker, managing director for APAC at Vistar Media, said, “The expansion of Vistar Academy into the APAC region underscores our commitment to empowering all levels of the advertising community with the resources they need to succeed. Whether you’re aiming to become an expert in programmatic OOH or seeking to enhance your current knowledge, Vistar Academy offers the guidance and training to unlock new opportunities and accelerate your goals.”

Singapore – Omnicom Media Group agency PHD today announced the appointment of Eileen Ooi as CEO for Asia-Pacific. With over 19 years of industry experience, Ooi was most recently CEO at OMG Malaysia. Prior to that, she spent four years with PHD Malaysia as its managing director. 

In her new role, Ooi will lead PHD business operations across APAC and work with clients from many of the world’s most well-known and successful brands, including Volkswagen Group, CHANEL, Diageo and Singapore Airlines. Ooi will report directly to Tony Harradine, CEO, Omnicom Media Group, APAC, and Guy Marks, CEO, PHD Worldwide.

With Ooi’s successor expected to be named in Q4, she will continue to oversee OMG Malaysia as CEO in the interim, ensuring a seamless transition and sustained momentum.  

An avid advocate of talent development, Ooi actively contributes to the broader advertising industry by participating in local and regional speaking engagements. Additionally, Ooi was recently re-elected as President for the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA).

Tony Harradine, CEO at OMG Asia Pacific, said, “Eileen has a unique ability to identify strategic opportunities and effectively converting them into tangible results. Under her visionary leadership, OMG Malaysia has undergone a remarkable transformation, achieving significant business growth, with client and employee confidence at an all-time high.”

He added, “With her cumulative experience as well as her understanding of the business needs at PHD and at the group-level, Eileen will successfully steer PHD Asia Pacific towards a new era of growth.”

Meanwhile, Guy Marks, CEO at PHD Worldwide, commented, “PHD promises our clients that we will help them outthink, outpace and outgrow the market. With her record of driving growth for her clients and her agency alike, Eileen is the ideal choice to ensure that PHD APAC delivers on that ambition.”

He added, “She’s a practitioner with an eye for detail, she moves at pace and is a fierce collaborator – all things that will make her a great partner to our clients in Asia Pacific. I am excited to work with Eileen to make PHD’s new proposition, “Intelligence. Connected.” a reality in the region, delivering a competitive advantage for our people and our clients.

This appointment underscores OMG’s commitment to promote from within the organisation. It is also a testament of Ooi’s stellar track record for building businesses that are powered by strong client relationships and an unwavering commitment to drive growth and innovation. 

Singapore – Sitecore, a digital experience software, has announced the appointment of Stuart O’Neill as area vice president for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and Zac Lin as area vice president for Asia. The latest appointments aim to strengthen the company’s operations in the Asia-Pacific.

Focusing on ANZ, O’Neill’s position entails ensuring and delivering high-quality digital experiences to its customers. He is responsible for spearheading the expansion of Sitecore’s digital experience platform solutions for businesses. Meanwhile, Lin’s post widens his duty to the company’s business in all of Asia. 

Both executives have previously held senior roles in other companies. O’Neill has worked with Nortel Networks, Cisco, Fujitsu, hybris, SAP, Coupa, and Digital River while Lin was with PingCAP, Lark, Tibco, Tableau, and Salesforce.

“Sitecore has long been committed to serving customers in Asia-Pacific. The region is home to many of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing organisations. We’re rapidly innovating our DXP and continuously scaling to give these brands’ marketers the power to build digital experiences based on their evolving business needs,” Dave O’Flanagan, chief executive officer of Sitecore, said.

“Global brands trust the Sitecore digital experience platform to bring their vision to life. Stuart and Zac will work with our world-class partner ecosystem to support organizations building powerful, differentiated digital customer experiences,” Joey Lim, president for Asia Pacific and Japan at Sitecore, commented.