Tag: East Asia

Japan – TotallyAwesome, the largest kids-safe digital advertising and content platform in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, has announced that it will be expanding its market presence in Japan to further reach the hard-to-get audiences.

Following this endeavor, the business has also hired Mikio Kudo, former country president of toy brand Mattel, to be its new country manager in Japan. He will be supported by new senior appointments at TotallyAwesome in the coming months.

Kudo brings with him 20 years of experience in marketing and media. He has previously worked as the executive director for commercial broadcasting company Turner Japan KK and media sales manager for financial software giant Bloomberg LP. Kudo specializes in managing licensing deals, original content sales, and advertising sales.

Commenting on Kudo’s appointment, Will Anstee, the CEO of TotallyAwesome, said that this is a huge strategic win for TotallyAwesome as Kudo is a rare talent who understands both the client and publisher sides in a complex market like Japan, enabling the business to execute superior engagement strategies for our clients’ competitive edge. 

“I couldn’t be more excited and optimistic for the future of the business, but more importantly, our continued ambition to make the internet safe and compliant for brands and Japanese youth online,” added Anstee.

The digital platform is an advanced forum for kids, teens, co-viewing families, and brands to safely interact across thousands of apps, games, and websites, enabling a youth-safe ecosystem across APAC. In Japan, TotallyAwesome has an audience of 17 million internet users aged six to 18 years old, as well as two million families that view the internet as a family unit.

Shanghai, China – UM, the media agency arm of media marketing network Mediabrands, has appointed Lawrence Wan, former managing director, team intel, and head of integrated solutions and growth at Dentsu International China, to be its new chief executive officer (CEO) for China.

The new appointment will see Wan leading the China team to drive digital transformation and growth, and to provide clients with best-in-class offerings across data, strategy and analytics, performance, and planning, as well as to help them navigate the evolving media ecosystem, and future-proof their business. Starting April 2021, Wan will report directly to Chris Chen, the CEO of Mediabrands China, and Kasper Aakerlund, the regional president of UM APAC.

Wan brings with him 20 years of experience in marketing and digital media across the greater China region, working with companies such as dentsu, media investment company GroupM, and media network Omnicom Media Group. He specializes in productizing, operationalizing, and evangelizing, as well as integrating new digital media innovations into global brands’ marketing strategies. He has been exploring digital transformation from the internet boom to ad tech to data-driven AI. 

Commenting on the new appointment, Aakerlund said, “I am very excited to welcome Lawrence to UM China. Lawrence has the qualities that matter to our clients – entrepreneurial spirit, focus on growth, and passion for driving digital transformation. I have no doubt that Lawrence will make great strides for UM China and I look forward to working with him to future-proof our clients’ business.”

Meanwhile, Chen said that as digital transforms the business landscape and the pandemic accelerates that transformation, UM believes the future is now, and embracing change is the only way to drive growth. 

“As a digital transformation pioneer with a growth mindset, I believe Lawrence is a great fit with UM’s Futureproof philosophy and he is the ‘future’ talent we are looking for to lead the UM China business to new heights,” added Chen.

Japan – Global apparel retailer UNIQLO has appointed Doraemon, the famous fictional character in the Japanese manga and anime series of the same name, as its global sustainability ambassador.

The ambassadorship will see the blue Japanese manga and anime character turned into a green model, to be called ‘Doraemon Sustainability Mode’, with the UNIQLO logo also rendered in green. The green color signifies the many ways in which the apparel retailer company materializes its sustainability message, “Changing our future through the power of clothing.”

The Doraemon character will be responsible for presenting the brand’s sustainability initiatives in fun and easily understandable ways. The company said that in turning Doraemon and the UNIQLO logo to green, it aims to emphasize the company’s determination to strengthen its sustainability efforts. ‘Doraemon Sustainability Mode’ will be featured in UNIQLO stores around the world, the brand websites, and other channels.

Doraemon will join Japanese actress Haruka Ayase, the sustainability activities lifewear special ambassador of UNIQLO, and other global brand ambassadors, which are Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer, Japanese professional tennis player Kei Nishikori, and Japanese competitive snowboarder Ayumu Hirano, as well as British professional wheelchair tennis player Gordon Reid, and American actor Adam Scott, among others.

Doraemon and Ayase are slated to participate in the UNIQLO school outreach program for elementary, junior high, and high school students in Japan, while the other global brand ambassadors will also contribute to these endeavors through sports and by wearing everyday apparel incorporating environmentally friendly materials.

The company also shared what the new fictional ambassador would have commented: “Hi, everyone! I’m Doraemon and now I am Green! I’ll do my best as UNIQLO Global Sustainability Ambassador to help create a much brighter future! I want to work with you all, so we can make people everywhere more interested in the future of our world!”

Koji Yanai, the group senior executive officer of FastRetailing, shared that they are delighted to partner with Doraemon, saying that over the past two decades, UNIQLO has undertaken numerous sustainability initiatives through business to contribute to a better, more sustainable world. 

“We believe that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social transformations, and evolving consumer attitudes make it more important than ever to collaborate with customers and other stakeholders in driving positive social change,” added Yanai.

Hong Kong – HSBC’s mobile payment platform PayMe has announced today a strategic partnership with payment technology and software services provider Global Payments Inc., in an aim to expand the merchant coverage of PayMe, making payments simpler for both businesses and consumers in Hong Kong. 

The partnership will allow merchants to connect with PayMe users by simply adding PayMe for Business in their Electronic Cash Registers (ECR) system. A QR code will then be generated automatically at checkout. 

For consumers, they will only have to scan the QR code with their PayMe app and authenticate the payment. 

The PayMe app will be supported by Global Payments’ leading data analytics platform. Through this, merchants can now access real-time PayMe transaction reports digitally via the Global Payments Merchant Portal and process instant refunds with a few clicks, which will enable merchants to enhance operational efficiency in cash management and reconciliation, as well as further simplify customer experiences. 

Kerry Wong, head of HSBC’s PayMe, commented that they are thrilled to forge a new strategic partnership with Global Payments, which plays an important part in the merchant expansion plan of PayMe for Business. 

“This also provides a convenient payment collection solution to Hong Kong businesses as they adapt to the accelerating trend of digital transformation. We will continue our commitment to make payments simpler for merchants and consumers in both online and offline scenarios,” said Wong. 

Meanwhile, the President of Asia Pacific’s Global Payments, Konrad Chan, said, “We have always been at the forefront of payment technology innovation and are committed to providing our merchants with distinctive payment solutions to satisfy the evolving needs of consumers in Hong Kong.”

Starting today, PayMe is an available payment option at sandwich chain store Pret A Manger, Japanese café Panash Bakery & Café (applicable for dine-in at Café locations only), coffee shop Pause It, and pizza specialist Dough Bros. Pizza & Doughnuts branches across the city. More businesses using Global Payments’ payment services will be able to deploy PayMe for Business in the near future.

Shanghai, China – Full-service media agency Essence China has been appointed by Global footwear brand Crocs in China to be its media partner to handle the brand’s integrated media business.

Essence will be managing the brand’s strategy, media planning, media activation, and content innovation for Crocs’ digital and offline brand and performance marketing campaigns.

In China, Crocs products are available on e-commerce platforms such as Tmall and JD.com, and in retail stores across the nation.

Senior Marketing Director of Crocs in China, Hao Xu, commented that the brand is committed to making the world “a happier place” through continued innovation and creativity. Hao Xu further shared that they were looking for an agency partner to accelerate their efforts in a year of rebranding, deepening their relationship with consumers in the e-commerce space, and capturing new opportunities in the market.

“With Essence’s integrated media offering, and expertise in data-driven brand and performance marketing, we look forward to working closely with the team to drive Crocs’ brand transformation and business growth in China,” said Hao Xu.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Wei, managing director of Essence China, said that Crocs and Essence share a “tireless pursuit” of innovation, creativity, and improvement with a people-first approach. 

“With a mission to make brands more valuable to the world, Essence’s belief is that when brands like Crocs put people first, they have tremendous potential to make the world a better place – creating real value for consumers while fueling organizational culture and success. We are delighted to collaborate with Crocs to deliver valuable advertising that reinforces its vision of ‘everyone comfortable in their own shoes’ and propel its growth across China,” added Wei.

Shanghai, China – Advertising network Grey Group in China has appointed former Proximity China CEO Sharlene Wu as its new CEO, in an aim to build better connections with Chinese Grey clients. 

The new CEO will work with the Global COO & President for International of Grey Group Nirvik Singh and will lead the Grey Advertising. She will also be responsible for the integration of Grey DPI, Grey Star Echo, and Grey Easycom.

Leveraging on her experience in the Chinese market, Wu will be responsible for driving the agency’s overall strategic vision and growth plan, furthering business transformation, and providing oversight across key clients and businesses. With Grey, she will continue to enhance and deliver Grey’s marketing services & integrated solutions to clients.

Sharlene Wu is an accomplished advertising veteran. Her career began in 2000 with WPP’s JWT Wings Taiwan and then Ogilvy. Following a short stint with JWT Shanghai in 2006, she then joined as Business Director of BBDO Shanghai in 2007, which marked the beginning of her career with Omnicom Group as Proximity Shanghai’s general manager.

She instantly progressed through the ranks and was named Managing Director (MD) for both BBDO and Proximity Shanghai in 2015, creating specialty teams across Digital Planning, Data Analytics, Social Media, and Digital Production while managing client accounts such as Adidas, Visa, Master Kong, Tencent, and Alibaba; and in May 2020, Wu was finally named CEO following the merger of Proximity and RAPP in China.

Grey Group’s Global COO & President for International Nirvik Singh commented that Wu is a dynamic, results-oriented leader who has extensive knowledge of our industry.

“Her appointment is a clear signal of our ambition to aggressively pursue growth and digital transformation in China. She is a seasoned professional with experience across many industries and categories and I am certain, along with our existing China Leadership team, will create a powerhouse offering for our clients,” said Singh.

Meanwhile, Wu expressed excitement in leading a “strategic and digital-focused” Grey Group in China, believing that she and the agency share the same belief that creativity can solve business problems.

“We have a great team in place to deliver innovative and creative work that will drive the growth of our clients’ brands and businesses,” said Wu.

Hong Kong – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), a statutory body in Hong Kong that promotes, assists and develops the country’s trade, has once again invited Leon Lai, a Hong Kong-based actor, to act as Ambassador for the 2021 Entertainment Expo.

The HKTDC is a statutory body in Hong Kong that aims to organize international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. It also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports, and digital news channels.

HK superstar Leon Lai commented, “The pandemic has created a new normal for the local film and television entertainment industry. I am proud to act as Ambassador for the expo during this particularly challenging period to continue promoting Hong Kong’s entertainment industry.”

On the other hand, the HKTDC also enlisted the support of the renowned multimedia directing duo Tsui Brothers to shoot the promotional video for this year’s expo, with the theme “Gazing to the Future”.

The 2021 Entertainment Expo will be held from March 15 to April 12, 2021, comprising six events that cover a global mix of film, TV, music, and digital entertainment. The events include the Entertainment Asia Forum, and Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), among others.

Hong Kong – The Hong Kong arm of global public relations firm, The Hoffman Agency has recently appointed Kevin On as its general manager for its local operations in the special administrative region.

Through his new role, On will be furthering Hoffman’s Integrated Marketing Corporation (IMC) proposition within Hong Kong, as well as working closely with the agency’s other eight offices in the region. His appointment comes after the agency hit a record high global revenue of US$15.12M in 2020, up 1% from 2019 despite the pandemic, with over half the revenue coming from its Asia Pacific operations.

Prior to joining the agency, On has worked as the global marketing and communications director for drone brand DJI, based in Shenzhen, China, where he led major product launches across APAC, as well as strategic partnerships, and issues management. He also boasts a background working for ad agency Ogilvy, where he worked with blue-chip clients such as Intel, Nokia, and Dell. Overall, he has over 20 years of experience in the public relations industry.

“We’re in an interesting time where companies are looking for new and innovative ways of doing business, and with this, a new approach to doing communications with their customers, the public, and different stakeholders,” On commented. 

He added, “I’m excited to be back on the consultancy side to help clients navigate the unprecedented challenges they are facing, and shape interesting stories around the role of technology and its impact on businesses, communities, and our everyday lives.”

On reports to Caroline Hsu, managing director for APAC at The Hoffman Agency. Hsu stated that On’s recent appointment can be described as a ‘rare find’ since On has worked with various marketing communication roles and moved many times from Canada to China in line with his work.

“We pride ourselves as an international agency that gets tech brands, and solves business problems – but to do that in Asia, where cultures and social norms constantly collide, you need a team that’s not just on the ground, but one that understands the ins and outs of a market. With Kevin on board, we’re looking forward to sparking new creative juices that take all his experiences to date and apply them in a uniquely Asian way,” Hsu commented.

Hong Kong – The newest pizza from Pizza Hut in Hong Kong incorporates another fast food favorite: KFC’s chicken popcorn. Called the Chicken Popcorn Pizza, the new limited-edition item has launched today, which features Pizza Hut’s iconic crispy crust alongside classic gravy, and a generous serving of cheese, sweetcorn, and mushrooms.

To celebrate the partnership, the two brands have released another exciting engagement for its customers – a mobile game called the ‘Pizza Hut x KFC Kitchen,’ conceptualized together with Ogilvy Hong Kong. Emphasizing the partnership between the two brands, the game connects two phones and challenges two players to craft a ‘Pizza Hut x KFC Chicken Popcorn Pizza’ against the clock together, playing as the ‘Pizzatainer’ and ‘Colonel Sanders.’

Teamwork is the name of the game as players have to knead the dough, fry the chicken popcorn, and bake the pizza too. Completed tasks within the given time win players Pizza Hut and KFC coupons.

Wendy Leung, marketing director at Pizza Hut Hong Kong said, “The Pizza Hut x KFC Chicken Popcorn pizza brings the best of both worlds together. This mobile game based on teamwork is a great way to engage with our fans and consumers while also increasing awareness of our brand and food innovation credentials.”

Meanwhile, Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy John Koay said the collaboration between the two brands is a dream come true. 

“That’s why we were excited to create the Pizza Hut x KFC Kitchen, a fun two-player game for fans to create this epic pizza with a friend and unlock tasty rewards too.”

Hong Kong – With the new football season in Europe underway, Pizza Hut Hong Kong has collaborated with global advertising agency Ogilvy to deliver a limited foosball pizza box to customers, that can be availed through a game in social media.

The new limited edition item is part of the brand’s dedicated football campaign “12th Player Club.” It is specially designed with a fully playable foosball table integrated into the lid of the box.

Pizza Hut has commissioned five special boxes to be up for grabs. The company has asked interested customers to follow a simple set of mechanics on its Facebook page, where one of the requirements is a membership to the brand’s football interactive platform “Best 12th Man Club.”

“Pizza Hut’s ‘12th Player Club’ campaign is ramping up to encourage football fans who are stuck isolated at home to get into the football spirit, while tucking into great tasting pizza,” said Ogilvy in a press release.

Marketing Director Wendy Leung shared that the special packaging is the brand’s way of reminding football fans that pizza goes best with football.

“We always want to go above and beyond when catering to our audience and given how fatigued the community has been this year, offering fun beyond just food, and bringing an experience like this to life right in your pizza box, is the perfect way to make people smile,” said Leung.

Meanwhile, John Koay, executive creative director for Ogilvy Hong Kong added, “A lot of football fans have been stuck at home during these past few months, so we wanted to bring the fun and flavor to them. The Foosball Pizza Box is a great packaging idea that brings together the football action and delicious pizza for a memorable meal experience that you can share with friends.”

The campaign runs from 6 October to 20 October.