Tag: digital transformation

India – Havas India has named industry veteran Prashanth Challapalli as chief digital & innovation officer for Havas Creative Network India, a newly created role aimed at accelerating digital transformation and innovation across the agency’s operations.

In this newly created role, Challapalli will be responsible for integrating emerging technologies with creative strategy, with a focus on developing digital-first solutions and evolving brand storytelling across the network.

Challapalli brings over 25 years of experience across advertising, digital, entertainment, and consulting. His background spans digital transformation, content strategy, and brand innovation, having led teams, overseen business operations, and worked on campaigns for both local and global brands.

He was previously the founder and CEO of Gravity Integrated, a consultancy focused on business and marketing strategy, where he advised clients such as Amazon Pay, Google, and Tata Motors. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at agencies including Publicis, Leo Burnett Orchard, and iContract, where he led major digital initiatives.

Speaking on his appointment, Challapalli shared, “We live in the ‘Attention Economy’, where AI-driven content is reshaping brand narratives and business outcomes. While creativity remains key, innovation now extends beyond advertising. Havas’ integrated model fosters digital, media, culture, and creativity, with Converged, its AI-driven OS, further enhancing this synergy. I’m excited to join a network that pushes boundaries and sets new creative benchmarks, working with leadership to shape a fresh narrative for Havas, its brands, and its people.”

Challapalli will work closely with Sanchita Roy, chief strategy officer at Havas Media India, Rohan Chincholi, chief digital officer at Havas Media India, and other senior leaders across the network to support the adoption of Converged OS and its associated strategies within Havas Creative Network India.

Based in Mumbai, he will report to Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas India, SEA, and North Asia.

Barua commented, “Innovation is no longer an option; it is imperative. The creative industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by technology, data, and consumer behaviour. Prashant will work closely with network leaders to drive the convergence of creative, media, and health, powered by data-driven innovation and technology, while seamlessly integrating storytelling to enhance impact.”

Indonesia — Indonesian telecom provider Telkomsel has signed a mobile video advertising agreement with Novosol, a global mobile advertising platform, aiming to expand mobile ad revenue in Indonesia’s $20b advertising market.

The agreement is projected to generate $300m within three years, providing brands, advertisers, agencies, and resellers with access to over 270 million mobile users in Indonesia, including 170 million Telkomsel subscribers. It is also expected to strengthen Telkomsel’s position in the market, where it holds a 59% share by revenue.

Through this partnership, Telkomsel will benefit from Novosol’s ‘moLotus,’ a GSM-based platform that delivers 40-second video ads to mobile inboxes without requiring apps or data, supporting Android, iPhones, and feature phones.

Novosol is enhancing moLotus with AI-driven capabilities, including automated ad creation, campaign optimisation, and data-driven insights.

The platform offers scalability, personalisation, automation, and integration to support diverse advertising needs. Its online portal provides advertisers and agencies with business and operational tools.

With various interaction options, charging models, and ad formats like HQ Video and Slideshow, moLotus enables targeted campaigns to enhance visibility, engagement, and conversions. It also helps brands streamline processes, reducing telemarketing, training, and distribution costs. Advertisers benefit from AI-driven marketing and improved ROI, while agencies and resellers gain new revenue opportunities and better margins.

moLotus is expanding its presence in Indonesia’s growing ad market, leveraging its telco partnerships and high-margin potential. Already adopted by brands and telecom providers across Asia—including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam—it is also exploring opportunities in the US.

The platform is used across various industries, including banking, insurance, automotive, consumer goods, e-commerce, retail, and government, supporting businesses in enhancing customer engagement and revenue growth.

With the Telkomsel partnership, Novosol strengthens its presence in Asia and continues its expansion into Western markets. With the global mobile advertising market expected to surpass US$1t by 2032 (Statista, Fortune BI), moLotus aims to capture a share of this growth.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Axiata Group Berhad and Sinar Mas have jointly announced the signing of two Letters of Intent (LOIs) to explore and advance a series of strategic collaborations at a ceremony graced by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia, at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

The first LOI lays a robust foundation for progressing detailed discussions outlining specific projects and initiatives that drive further collaboration around potential synergies in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia. 

Meanwhile, the second LOI reaffirms Axiata’s and Sinar Mas’s various commitments set out in the definitive agreements jointly announced on 11 December 2024 to progress the proposed merger of PT XL Axiata Tbk, PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk, and PT Smart Telcom to form PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, to known as XLSmart in Indonesia.

Leveraging their respective telecommunications ecosystems, Axiata and Sinar Mas aim to explore opportunities to unlock value for stakeholders in several high-growth areas, including advanced 5G solutions, enterprise services, digital infrastructure, and fintech innovations. Ultimately, these potential advancements stand to support digital transformation initiatives across the region.

Under the scope of the first LOI, Axiata and Sinar Mas will jointly conduct detailed market analyses, evaluate competitive landscapes, and identify unmet demand across priority markets. Both companies will assess core competencies within their respective ecosystems to prioritise opportunities and define optimal operating models to effectively capture market potential. 

The parties also intend to facilitate strategic partnerships to incubate new businesses and solutions, ensuring alignment with national and regional digital economy agendas.

Meanwhile, the merger remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, as well as customary closing conditions. Assuming all approvals and conditions are met, completion is expected in the first half of 2025. All material updates regarding the merger will be communicated through official channels, including exchange announcements, regulatory disclosures, and respective company websites.

Vivek Sood, group chief executive officer at Axiata Group, said, “These Letters of Intent with Sinar Mas represent a pivotal step in advancing regional collaboration to shape Southeast Asia’s next wave of digital transformation and advance services in high-growth areas. By deepening and reaffirming our ongoing partnership with Sinar Mas, we aim to harness the transformative potential of 5G, enterprise solutions, and digital infrastructure to drive sustainable economic growth and bridge the digital divide across Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond.”

He added, “We deeply appreciate the steadfast support of the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia, whose forward-looking policies on connectivity and digital inclusion have set a strong foundation for such partnerships. By aligning our shared ambitions with national and regional digital economy agendas, we are laying the groundwork for a vibrant and inclusive digital ecosystem that delivers transformative services, empowers businesses, and enriches lives.”

Meanwhile, Franky Oesman Widjaja, chairman of Sinar Mas Telecommunications and Technology, commented: “These two Letters of Intent signed today with Axiata represent an exciting chapter in our shared mission to accelerate Malaysia and Indonesia’s digital transformation. We are confident in our ability to unlock synergies, deliver long-term value for stakeholders, and make a meaningful impact on the region’s digital economy by enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, and empowering businesses and communities.”

“Sinar Mas is keen to collaborate with Axiata to explore new innovative opportunities while supporting Malaysia and Indonesia’s vision of a thriving and inclusive digital economy. Together, we aim to set a benchmark for regional collaboration, creating a more interconnected and prosperous future.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), under the purview of the Ministry of Digital, has rolled out an intitiative to accelerate small medium enterprises (SMEs) digital transformation nationwide, starting with the northern state of Penang.

Said initiative is aimed at empowering SMEs with the tools, knowledge and support needed to embrace digitalisation and thrive in the digital economy

The programme was designed to address state industry-specific challenges faced by SMEs in adopting and scaling digital transformation. 

It also aimed to co-develop actionable solutions with stakeholders, to create a supportive ecosystem for digital enterprises to flourish, to facilitate dialogue sessions to share insights and best practices, while also nurturing and enhancing partnerships that accelerate digital adoption and innovation for the greater good of the SME community. 

It includes an engagement programme with Penang-based SME associations in the newly opened Ministry of Digital’s Zon Utara Office in George Town. In his address to the SME community present at the event, MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil said that SMEs should view technology as an investment for unlocking growth, enhancing competitiveness and future-proofing their businesses.

“Technology is a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. By adopting digital tools and innovative solutions, SMEs can significantly improve their efficiency, reach and resilience in the global market – while also realising greater productivity and operational efficiencies,” Fariz said.

He added, “At MDEC, we are dedicated to providing SMEs with practical digital solutions to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. We look forward to welcoming more companies to achieve MD status, fostering greater innovation and creating a clear pathway for driving growth and competitiveness.”

This engagement programme reflects the Ministry’s and MDEC’s commitment to building a thriving digital economy that benefits the entire nation, from businesses to the rakyat. To date, RM30.96 million has been awarded to Malaysia Digital (MD) grant recipients in Penang, with 173 companies in the state already achieving MD status. 

The MD status aims to support businesses involved in digital and technological activities, fostering growth and cultivating a more dynamic and supportive environment for digital enterprises. It offers a variety of benefits to companies with the MD status, including tax incentives, grants and funding, business matching and access to networks. 

To further encourage more companies to embark on the MD status and enjoy its benefits, an initiative will be unveiled by the Ministry in the near future. It aims to help SMEs enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs by up to 20% through customised digital solutions that address their specific business needs and challenges. 

Indonesia – Telkomsel Enterprise, in collaboration with creative agency Allheart, has unveiled the next phase of its #PastiAdaSolusi campaign, forging impactful new partnerships with Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) and PT Putra Perkasa Abadi (PPA) to accelerate digital transformation across diverse industries.

The #PastiAdaSolusi Berani Jadi Lebih campaign began with partnerships with Gojek and Samsung, addressing critical business needs through tailored digital tools and innovative solutions. 

With Gojek, Telkomsel Enterprise introduced Paket Gojek Swadaya and communication platform as a service (CPaaS) solutions to boost productivity and streamline communication for drivers and employees. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Samsung leveraged advanced messaging tools to enhance audience engagement and optimise workflows for businesses.

These collaborations demonstrated Telkomsel Enterprise’s focus on empowering businesses and individuals to overcome challenges with confidence and efficiency.

As the campaign expands, Telkomsel Enterprise has partnered with BRI to integrate advanced connectivity with the bank’s financial solutions, empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The collaboration aims to digitise services, enhancing accessibility and efficiency for entrepreneurs in Indonesia’s competitive digital economy.

Additionally, Telkomsel Enterprise is also partnering with mining and asset management firm PPA to enhance operational efficiency. By leveraging Telkomsel’s digital solutions, PPA aims to streamline heavy equipment rental, earthmoving, and mining services, driving sustainable growth in Indonesia’s mining sector.

Conceptualised by Allheart, part of the 1Hati network under FAB Indonesia, the #PastiAdaSolusi campaign highlights Telkomsel Enterprise’s mission to drive change through technology. Allheart ensures the campaign resonates with diverse audiences, bridging innovation and real-world impact to showcase each partnership’s role in Indonesia’s digital transformation.

Faiz Fashridjal, co-founder and business director of Allheart, said, “Allheart is proud to support Telkomsel Enterprise in creating a unified vision for Indonesia’s future. The #PastiAdaSolusi campaign represents more than just business solutions; it’s a movement toward a more innovative, inclusive, and connected Indonesia.”

Hong Kong – Swire Coca-Cola, a beverage company serving Greater China and Southeast Asia, has implemented SAP S/4HANA to streamline its operations in Hong Kong, marking a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey.

With support from SAP Customer Services and Delivery, Swire Coca-Cola’s implementation of SAP S/4HANA aims to maintain its competitive edge while addressing operational challenges in Hong Kong.

Swire Coca-Cola operates on a vast scale, producing, bottling, and distributing a diverse portfolio of 60 beverage brands to a franchise population exceeding 956 million customers.

The solution allows Swire Coca-Cola to streamline its complex operations with greater flexibility, speed, and insights, helping it address current challenges and seize future opportunities in Hong Kong. By optimising processes such as manufacturing, sourcing, financing, customer ordering, pricing, warehousing, and delivery, the company ensures seamless service and gains real-time visibility into automated pricing and offerings.

Matthew C.M. Wong, general manager of digital & IT for SEA, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Swire Coca-Cola Limited, said, “At Swire Coca-Cola, we strive for collective success by consistently supporting our employees, partners, community, and the planet. Having the right partner to deliver exceptional results is imperative as they strive to understand our unique needs, provide innovative solutions, and consistently exceed our expectations. We found these impressive qualities with the SAP Customer Services & Delivery Greater China team, who seamlessly integrated its solutions into our organisation’s system to deliver only the best to both our internal and external stakeholders.”

Yee-Ching Wang, head of customer services and delivery for SAP Greater China, added, “We are delighted to take the lead to transition Swire Coca-Cola’s ERP to SAP S/4HANA. SAP S/4HANA is the ideal platform to support such a complex and vast operation while minimising disruption, maximising efficiency, and providing cross-functional visibility to better serve Swire Coca-Cola’s customer base and seize new opportunities in Hong Kong.”

She further shared, “SAP Customer Services & Delivery’s mission is to support our customers in their transformation journeys through the adoption of SAP solutions and innovations and to help address the challenges across multiple business units, processes, and technical architectures by providing key outcomes for their strategies, thereby maximising their business values.” 

Swire Coca-Cola’s implementation required managing multiple end-to-end operations simultaneously. Following extensive discussions, the SAP Customer Services & Delivery team outlined key deployment milestones and stationed on-site consultants to refine and implement hundreds of system enhancements, ensuring a smooth and successful rollout.

Esmond Tong, managing director of SAP Hong Kong and Macau, explained, “Companies seeking to improve operations and efficiency should leverage SAP S/4HANA to accelerate their business transformation. With SAP S/4HANA’s comprehensive capabilities and scalability, companies can adjust the scope and pace of their transformation to align with business strategies and adapt to fast-changing market conditions. We look forward to helping more companies adopt SAP’s latest innovations and unlock new business potential.”

Indonesia – The Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) and multi-asset investment firm Granite Asia (formerly GGV Capital Asia) have formed a strategic partnership to drive digital transformation and stimulate growth within Indonesia’s rapidly expanding technology ecosystem. 

In a joint statement, INA and Granite Asia announced that their partnership has been formalised through an Investment Framework Agreement (IFA), enabling both firms to deploy up to US$1.2b into targeted investment opportunities that align with their shared strategic priorities.

The investments will include both equity and hybrid capital solutions, with a strong focus on Indonesian businesses and companies with deep connections to Indonesia—either through established operations or by introducing technologies designed for long-term benefit to the local market.

Additionally, this multi-asset approach allows INA and Granite Asia to provide customised financing solutions for businesses at different stages of growth, fostering innovation while maximising risk-adjusted returns for investors.

Leveraging both equity and hybrid capital, the partnership seeks to meet financing needs that extend beyond conventional bank loans—particularly for tech-driven companies requiring flexible, customised capital solutions, as well as traditional businesses navigating technological transformation and sustainable growth initiatives.

The partnership between INA and Granite Asia highlights their mutual commitment to fortify Indonesia’s tech sector by equipping businesses across various industries with the capital and resources needed to facilitate digital integration and introduce advanced technologies into the country.

Ridha Wirakusumah, CEO of INA, expressed, “Engaging in partnership with Granite Asia, a prominent investor with a distinguished 24-year track record at the forefront of technology investing, aligns with our strategic sector focus in digitalisation and digital infrastructure. Their deep expertise in both technology and tech-enabled businesses aligns closely with INA’s strategic priorities of fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth within Indonesia.”

“This partnership will enable us to introduce transformative technologies to Indonesia, facilitating the digital transformation of key sectors and strengthening the broader technology ecosystem. Together, we aim to lay a strong foundation for Indonesia’s future by bringing forward the best global innovations that will contribute to the country’s long-term economic development,” Wirakusumah added. 

Also speaking on the partnership, Jenny Lee, senior managing partner of Granite Asia, said, “This collaboration with INA presents a unique opportunity for us to combine Granite Asia’s global expertise in technology investing with INA’s deep local insights and strategic vision for Indonesia. We recognise the immense potential of Indonesia’s rapidly evolving economy and technology ecosystem and are excited to partner with INA to help accelerate this transformation.”

“By leveraging both equity and hybrid capital solutions, we can offer tailored financing that meets the diverse needs of businesses at various stages of their technology journey. Together, we will drive innovation, foster sustainable growth, and unlock long-term value for Indonesia’s economy, helping to position the country as a leader in the region’s technology-driven future,” Lee further elaborated. 

This strategic collaboration demonstrates INA’s commitment to driving innovation and digitalisation by partnering with global investors to sustainably meet Indonesia’s capital needs. It reflects both firms’ dedication to unlocking the potential of Indonesia’s economy, ensuring the country remains competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global landscape.

Philippines – RLC Residences, the residential arm of Robinsons Land, has partnered with Salesforce, supported by Appistoki, to drive its digital transformation and enhance customer experience through AI-powered, data-driven solutions.

Through this partnership, RLC Residences will harness the combined expertise of Salesforce and Appistoki to streamline operations and elevate the customer experience. By integrating Salesforce’s Data Cloud, Customer 360, and AI technology (Einstein), along with Appistoki’s digital infrastructure, RLC Residences will enhance its customer-focused approach, creating seamless, personalised journeys for homebuyers, owners, and investors at every touchpoint.

“This partnership started with one vision in our minds—delivering a customer-first approach across all touchpoints, ensuring that every encounter—from the first inquiry to long after move-in—is a delightful experience,” said Chad Sotelo, SVP and business unit general manager of RLC Residences and chief marketing officer of Robinsons Land. 

“This partnership with Salesforce and Appistoki brings us closer to our vision of creating homes and experiences that resonate deeply with today’s discerning homebuyers,” he added. 

RLC Residences will use Data Cloud to unify customer data in real time, enabling personalised experiences, real-time analytics, and data-driven actions. This integration will also power AI across all Salesforce applications, enhancing overall efficiency and personalisation.

This approach ensures seamless and memorable interactions at every stage, from inquiry to after-sales support. By anticipating needs and addressing pain points, RLC Residences enhances customer satisfaction and delivers a more personalised, efficient homeownership experience. This commitment to innovation positions the brand to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Speaking on the partnership, Sujith Abraham, senior vice president and general manager at Salesforce ASEAN, stated, “RLC Residences is redefining the residential property market through elevating their customer experience with the power of the Salesforce Platform.” 

“RLC Residences is using our data meshing capability to unify their customer data across Salesforce and other data sources, through zero copy, to build a more unified view of their customer. This sets the foundation for personalised journeys at scale underpinned by AI. We look forward to a close partnership with RLC Residences on their customer-centric transformation journey,” Abraham further explained. 

“RLC Residences’ leadership team has a clear vision on how it wants to elevate the customer experience at every moment. Our firm has been fortunate to experience the amazing innovation in the Salesforce ecosystem with data cloud and AI. We are excited to play our part and see it take shape at RLC Residences. We look forward to making this initiative a landmark project in the industry,” Abhijeet Kulkarni, co-founder and CEO of Appistoki, added. 

This digital transformation will improve customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and cut costs. By automating processes and integrating data, RLC Residences expects faster service and stronger brand loyalty. With Salesforce’s technology, it is future-proofing operations to meet rising customer expectations and deliver greater value.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Amazon, through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) arm, has announced the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region. With this, various sectors in the country will have greater choice for running their applications and serving end users from AWS data centres located in Malaysia.

As part of the launch, Amazon has also stated that it is planning to invest an estimated US$6.2b (approximately MYR 29.2b) in Malaysia through 2038, as well as support an average of more than 3,500 full-time equivalent jobs annually in Malaysia.

The construction and operation of the new AWS Region is estimated to add approximately US$12.1b (MYR 57.3b) to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and will support an average of more than 3,500 full-time equivalent jobs at external businesses annually through 2038. 

These jobs, including construction, facility maintenance, engineering, telecommunications, and others within the country’s broader economy, will be part of the AWS supply chain in Malaysia.

Tengku Zafrul, Minister of Investment Trade & Industry (MITI), said, “The launch of an AWS infrastructure Region in Malaysia provides access to new and emerging technology for Malaysian entities and businesses of all sizes, boosting our country’s capabilities for digital innovation. “This milestone is a significant step towards fulfilling the vision of Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 to build a highly-skilled, innovative, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable economy.”

He added, “We recognise the transformative power of digitalisation, cloud computing and AI as key drivers in Malaysia’s effort to become a manufacturing and services hub within Asia. As the largest investment made by an international technology company in Malaysia, the AWS infrastructure Region will help ensure Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage.”

Meanwhile, Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWS, commented, “The new AWS Region in Malaysia enables organisations across Asia Pacific to unlock the full potential of the world’s most extensive and reliable cloud, helping customers deploy advanced applications with a broad set of AWS technologies like AI and ML.”

He added, “Malaysia’s rapidly growing digital economy requires access to secure, resilient, and sustainable cloud infrastructure. With today’s launch, AWS is proud to support Malaysia’s digital transformation and help accelerate its role as a regional hub for AI.”

Singapore – Omnicom Media Group Singapore (OMG Singapore) has promoted Jourdan Tan to general manager of digital capabilities and transformation, tasking him with spearheading the company’s digital evolution and enhancing its SEO, programmatic, performance hub, and planning and supply capabilities.

Tan was most recently OMG Singapore’s head of digital transformation and capabilities, and prior to that, he was head of performance. Under his leadership, his team doubled in size while maintaining strong retention and succession rates, showcasing his ability to attract, develop, and advance top talent in the digital landscape.

He also established a task force to foster the growth of OMG Singapore’s digital community and leads quarterly digital sessions to keep teams updated with the latest industry insights.

In his new role, Tan will leverage his vast experience to oversee OMG Singapore’s digital capabilities, driving best practices, talent expansion, and knowledge development.

Tan is part of the OMG Singapore executive committee, comprising CEO Chloe Neo, CFO Reynold Seah, head of investments and commercial Anita Yeong, OMD Singapore CEO Sadhan Mishra, and PHD Singapore MD Sumiati Hashim, and will continue working with them to steer the Singapore operations.

Commenting on the promotion, Neo said, “Jourdan’s ability to harness the power of digital capabilities across a diversified group of thriving talent, innovative products, and solutions reflects his comprehensive understanding of the digital ecosystem as well as his future forward leadership. His leadership and generative mindset have been instrumental in the organisation’s digital transformation.” 

Neo added, “OMG Singapore is riding on the wave of success, having risen a notch to #2 in both COMvergence and RECMA 2023 Billings Rankings, with a significant share in non-traditional billings. This is a testament to OMG’s suite of advanced capabilities and future-facing solutions, which we have continually invested in and established over the years. I congratulate Jourdan on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to working with him and the Singapore executive committee to take OMG to greater heights.”

Also speaking on his promotion, Tan shared, “I am honoured to take on the role of General Manager of Digital Transformation and Capabilities. As we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, our growth mindset will be our compass, guiding us to adapt and innovate for the future. Our focus is on delivering robust capabilities with cutting-edge technology and data, ensuring operational excellence at every step. But at the heart of this transformation journey is our commitment to nurturing our people and talents, as they are the true drivers of our success.”