India – Kimberly-Clark is set to strengthen its presence in India by scaling up operations and boosting investment at its Bengaluru-based Global Digital Technology Center (GDTC), with a strategic focus on advanced innovations and digital transformation.

Kimberly-Clark revealed that over the next three years, its GDTC will expand its AI/ML capabilities and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement, further supporting its global ‘Powering Care’ strategy and commitment to consumer-centricity.

The Bengaluru GDTC is driving Kimberly-Clark’s tech advancements while contributing to India’s innovation ecosystem by partnering with startups, universities, and industry leaders to develop cutting-edge solutions.

“Our Bengaluru GDTC is a testament to Kimberly-Clark’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation and the immense breadth of Indian talent,” said Zack Hicks, chief digital and technology officer at Kimberly-Clark. 

“In just five years, the centre has evolved into a key growth engine for our digital strategies, delivering AI-powered commercial and supply chain solutions and pioneering advancements in modern manufacturing. Looking ahead, we remain focused on further investing in India, leveraging the country’s outstanding talent and technological expertise to shape the future of Kimberly-Clark and pioneer industry-leading innovation in our core categories,” Hicks explained. 

Founded in 2018 with a $2.5 million investment, the Bengaluru GDTC has grown eightfold in five years, focusing on digital capabilities like AI, ML, data analytics, and cloud transformation. The center leverages AI/ML to optimise sales predictions, refine e-commerce pricing, and automate processes like order entry. In 2024, Gen AI platforms boosted employee productivity by 25%, while AI-driven sales analytics improved execution by 10% in regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These innovations enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accuracy.

The GDTC recently hosted its third Digital Hackathon, ‘UNLOKC 2024,’ bringing together Kimberly-Clark employees and tech partners to create digital solutions for business opportunities in supply chain, marketing, and finance.

As Kimberly-Clark’s largest tech hub, the Bengaluru GDTC will remain a key driver of global growth and innovation, attracting top talent and expanding its capabilities to shape the company’s future and its tech ecosystem.

Indonesia – GoTyme, the digital bank under Tyme Group, has announced its expansion into Indonesia, aiming to empower small businesses with flexible financing solutions and drive growth in the country’s SME ecosystem.

In a LinkedIn post, GoTyme has revealed it has teamed up with Indonesia-based lending infrastructure provider Finfra and its subsidiary danabijak, a peer-to-peer lending platform licensed and regulated by the OJK. This strategic partnership aims to deliver fast, flexible financing solutions tailored to the dynamic cash flow needs of small businesses.

GoTyme Indonesia also teased the upcoming launch of a new product set for release in Q1 of 2025.

“At GoTyme Indonesia, we are passionate about supporting Indonesian small businesses to thrive and grow. We can’t wait to create a community of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in Indonesia,” the brand said on LinkedIn. 

GoTyme’s expansion into Indonesia was announced just before its parent company, Tyme Group, revealed it had achieved unicorn status, following the addition of digital financial service platform Nubank to its shareholder base. With a total of US$250m in funding, Tyme Group now boasts a valuation of US$1.5b and is poised to further expand its presence across Southeast Asia.

India – Global sports and entertainment agency Fuse, a division of Omnicom Media Group (OMG), has officially launched its new office in Mumbai, India, with industry veteran Jigar Rambhia appointed to lead the expansion.

Fuse’s launch in India is a strategic move by OMG to capitalise on the country’s rapidly growing sports marketing potential, offering a comprehensive range of services to support brands with end-to-end partnership solutions.

With the new office opening, Fuse has also secured its first clients, Shriram Finance and Uni League Cricket, and will focus on helping brands with strategic planning and the activation of impactful sports partnerships.

Kartik Sharma, Group CEO of Omnicom Media Group India, said, “Sport and culture are increasingly seen to be significant growth drivers for brands, and so we are excited to bring Fuse’s expertise into the market—it further underpins our commitment to create transformational experiences for our clients.”

Meanwhile, the new Fuse office will be led by Rambhia, who previously served as chief operating officer at Sporjo, a sports industry consultancy, where he played a key role in driving business growth. He also brings 16 years of experience from Wavemaker and has worked with agencies such as TME (Rediffusion Y&R) and Madison Communications.

“The momentum in sports in India is at an exciting juncture, and we’re fully equipped to capitalise on this to drive effective partnerships for brands. Sport has increasingly become a vital part of India’s cultural fabric, and with Fuse, we are strategically positioned to help brands harness the power of this medium to drive deeper connections with audiences across the market,” Rambhia shared. 

Also commenting on the launch, Louise Johnson, Global CEO at Fuse, said, “Fuse’s expansion and launch in India marks yet another critical milestone for us, underscoring our commitment to driving growth for brands through the power of sports and entertainment. With Fuse’s specialist sports marketing expertise combined with Omnicom Media Group’s data and technology offering, we are exceptionally positioned to capitalise on the sports market in India.”

“Through our extensive network and under the leadership of Jigar, we can offer brands the chance to create memorable experiences for their audiences and integrate themselves into the heart of India’s sporting culture,” Johnson added. 

Fuse boasts a team of sports and entertainment experts operating in key global markets. Recently, the agency expanded into Spain under the leadership of Juli Ferre and into Brazil with Luiz Fiorese at the helm. Its current international clients include PepsiCo, Nissan, and Philips.

Singapore – Integral Ad Science (IAS) has unveiled plans to expand into China, aiming to equip global advertisers with advanced solutions for invalid traffic (IVT), fraud detection, and brand safety and suitability measurement, tailored to meet both international and local standards.

IAS aims to enter the world’s second-largest advertising market to support advertisers tapping into China’s growing digital media potential. With digital ad spending in China expected to surpass $140 billion in 2024, IAS aims to deliver greater value and results for its clients.

Moreover, this expansion aligns with IAS’s long-term international growth strategy, addressing a critical need for advertisers seeking comprehensive measurement coverage across global markets. 

Through the establishment of a subsidiary in China and its role as a founding member of IAB China, IAS will also provide dedicated local support to Chinese advertisers aiming to expand their reach globally.

IAS has collaborated with global luxury clients, many with significant media investments in China, to develop this market initiative. The company emphasised that they are dedicated to working with industry partners to create solutions tailored to China’s unique advertising landscape.

“IAS is one of the only measurement solutions able to meet the unique demands of the Chinese market, and we’re aiming to fill a crucial gap in coverage for advertisers,” said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of IAS. 

“With an expanded footprint, we will empower advertisers with actionable data they need to maximise their return on investments and support their growth in this dynamic and evolving digital advertising landscape,” she added. 

Tracy Cui, vice secretary-general CAA at IAB China, also shared, “IAS and IAB China are pleased to be working together to provide international brands with better access to global standards in China and helping to bring new technologies to the market.”

Earlier this year, IAS announced expansions into key APAC markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside senior leadership appointments. Its APAC operations now span a wide network, covering Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

India – WPP has bolstered its investment in India with the launch of a new state-of-the-art campus in Chennai, further solidifying the country’s role as a key growth market for the global company.

The new Chennai campus, WPP’s third in India following Mumbai and Gurgaon, is a key part of the company’s global strategy to create inspiring, collaborative, and flexible workspaces for its teams. 

Located at RMZ One Paramount, the new campus is designed to elevate the employee experience, offering a range of amenities including a dedicated food and beverage marketplace, EV charging stations, a daycare centre, permanent art installations by renowned artists, and a wellness terrace featuring a futsal court, running track, and yoga deck. Spanning over 62,000 square feet, the campus will initially accommodate more than 330 employees in its first phase, with plans to expand to 650 by mid-2025.

Additionally, in line with its net-zero commitments, WPP’s circular-designed campus incorporates sustainable materials and features such as grey water recycling, roof collection, on-site electricity generation, and regenerative architecture. RMZ One Paramount has also achieved LEED Platinum certification for its sustainability efforts.

By bringing together top talent, advanced technology, and world-class facilities, WPP can better support its teams in their career development and in delivering exceptional results for clients. 

WPP’s Enterprise Technology team in India is the first to occupy the new Chennai campus, with additional teams set to join in the future.

CVL Srinivas, country manager for India at WPP, said, “The scalability of our operations and expertise of our team in India makes it the prime location to power WPP’s global support functions, including the WPP Enterprise Technology team. WPP’s commitment to India through our investment in a new Chennai campus, with further campuses in Bangalore and Coimbatore on the near horizon, ensures the market will remain a significant growth driver for WPP.”

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, also commented, “India continues to be one of our fastest-growing markets thanks to its technological innovation, creative output, and specialist skillsets. WPP is committed to investing in India through our new campuses, creating spaces that foster collaboration, inspire creativity, and enable career development. In doing so, we are opening up new opportunities for our people in India and supporting our clients’ growth ambitions—both domestically, in the world’s most populous nation, and abroad.”

With a workforce of over 11,000, India is a key growth engine and WPP’s fifth-largest market, housing some of the company’s top-performing agency teams as well as vital global support functions.

The company also plans to expand its presence in India with additional campuses in Bangalore and Coimbatore in the coming years.

Hong Kong – Brand practice Anak has unveiled the launch and new brand identity of social club 1880’s latest venture, 1880 SOCIAL, a dynamic lifestyle destination situated at Two Taikoo Place in Hong Kong.

1880 SOCIAL is a first-of-its-kind, fully accessible concept that offers the brand’s signature hospitality and programming to the public. Located on the first three floors of Two Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, it joins 1880’s third private members’ outpost, 1880 Hong Kong, alongside 1880 Singapore and 1880 Brawa.

The interiors of 1880 SOCIAL and 1880 Hong Kong, designed by MSDO and AvroKO’s Bangkok studio, feature restaurants, coffee and wine bars, a gym, spa, working lounge, co-creation facilities, event spaces, and more.

Anak collaborated with Swire Properties to bring 1880 SOCIAL to life, working closely with long-time partner 1880 to craft the new brand identity. This marks an extension of the 1880 universe, originally developed by Anak in 2017 for the private members’ club that first launched in Singapore.

Anak created the name 1880 SOCIAL and developed a brand system inspired by the group’s ethos, “in service of good conversations,” capturing the buzz and atmosphere that will define this vibrant social hub.

“We envisioned an identity for 1880 SOCIAL that embodies the dynamic interplay of work and play within the space. Through punctuation and letterforms, notes and chords, steps and routines, we have created layers of innovative graphics and pattern sets that represent the rhythm and flow of life in this multi-purpose campus where conversations spark, ideas flourish, and a diverse community comes together,” explained Jeremy Tan, creative director at Anak.

Inspired by the concept of “reading the room” developed by The Secret Little Agency, 1880 SOCIAL’s logo and monogram incorporate the 1880 wordmark alongside an abstracted ‘S,’ offering a glimpse into a dynamic graphic world.

To embody its brand ethos, the system also features a conversation device that uses typography to “paint” mental images, enhancing movement, energy, and buzz.

Anak developed flexible brand principles that can be applied across various touch points within 1880 SOCIAL. Using patterns inspired by punctuation and notes, the spirit of conversation is embedded in both physical spaces and digital communications, creating a dynamic atmosphere where people and ideas converge.

Marc Nicholson, 1880 founder, shared, “1880’s expansion to Hong Kong marks a thrilling new chapter in our mission to inspire conversations that make the world a better place.” 

“Both 1880 Hong Kong and 1880 SOCIAL embody our commitment to providing world-class hospitality alongside thought-provoking programming, creating a vibrant ecosystem that will redefine the every day in this dynamic city. I’m incredibly excited to see how the Taikoo Place and wider community come together in this beautiful space and where the journey takes us from here,” Nicholson added. 

Hong Kong – Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced the official opening of popular Japanese doughnut chain Mister Donut’s first store in Hong Kong, marking the brand’s entry into the city as part of its regional expansion strategy.

Located in an art-themed shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, the new store offers a wide selection of popular doughnuts crafted with the same high-quality ingredients as in Japan. Among its offerings is the signature Pon de Ring, beloved locally and internationally for its soft, airy, and chewy texture.

Jimmy Chiang, associate director-general of Investment Promotion, said, “We are happy to see that a famous Japanese food brand has established its foothold in Hong Kong. The city, as a well-known food paradise, is an ideal place for companies to promote their brands to the world. We wish the brand every success in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Duskin Co. Ltd. has brought Mister Donut, part of its food portfolio, into the Hong Kong market through a partnership with local franchisee Dragon Circle Enterprise Limited.

As part of its expansion strategy, Duskin is exploring entry into additional Asian markets while strengthening its presence in existing locations.

Fanny Su, chief executive officer of Dragon Circle Enterprise Limited, expressed that the company sees significant potential for Mister Donut in Hong Kong, driving its decision to introduce the brand to meet local demand.

“Our market research shows that there is a huge potential customer base in Hong Kong. They are so looking forward to the Mister Donut brand coming to Hong Kong. That is why we are bringing the brand to the city. We will open the second shop by the end of this year, and nine in total by 2027,” Su said. 

Indonesia – Malaysia’s state energy firm, Petronas, announced plans for an “aggressive” expansion in Indonesia, aiming to establish an operational hub in East Java and invest in exploration across the country’s remote eastern regions, according to the company’s Indonesia head. 

Yuzaini Md Yusof, Petronas’s head in Indonesia, stated that recent regulatory reforms facilitating energy project development have encouraged the company’s expansion efforts, Reuters reported.

Petronas currently operates four oil and gas blocks in Indonesia, three of which are in East Java in the western part of the archipelago, and holds participating interests in several additional projects. 

Yusof also reportedly noted that they aim to establish a hub in East Java by connecting production sites and integrating logistics facilities for its three operations in the region. 

“Our first strategy is to grow bigger in the East Java area. And the next long term plan is for us to expand our business portfolio in eastern Indonesia,” Yusof told Reuters

East Java stands to benefit from a pipeline project set for completion in December 2025, which will connect supply from the island’s eastern region to demand centres in the densely populated west. Petronas is eager to expand its operations in alignment with this development.

In the meantime, Petronas is still in the exploration phase of its North Ketapang block, and it anticipates first oil production from the Hidayah field in the North Madura II block by 2027. Additionally, the company is developing a new gas field within the Ketapang block.

“With that connection of this infrastructure project, it has created attractiveness for the operators and companies that are working in the East Java area,” Yusof said.

Petronas’ expansion plans follow the recent inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which has pledged to strengthen energy development in Indonesia to reverse a decades-long decline in production by the former OPEC member.

In eastern Indonesia, Petronas holds a 15% stake in the Masela gas project and, earlier this year, signed a production-sharing contract for the Bobara block off the coast of West Papua, according to Reuters.

The Bobara block, estimated by the government to contain 6.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent, will mark Petronas’s first deep-water project in Indonesia as an operator. Yusof also reportedly said that Petronas is exploring the possibility of bringing in a partner for the project. 

“These two block acquisitions reaffirm our commitment to unlocking the potential in the eastern Indonesia area, where most of that area is frontier, which is very high risk and not many operators have gone through,” Yusof explained to Reuters. 

Japan – Vpon has appointed Yoshitaka Shinohara as its new chief executive officer, following the resignation of founder and former CEO Victor Wu, who stepped down from his roles as chairman of the board and CEO on October 1st.

Shinohara, currently serving as Vpon’s group chief strategy officer (CSO) and general manager of Vpon Japan since 2014, will take on the CEO role with a focus on advancing the company’s expansion in the Japanese market and accelerating the cross-border growth strategy, “Cool Japan & Nations.”

As CEO, Shinohara brings extensive expertise in big data and cross-border market expansion. He will focus on strengthening Vpon’s presence in the Japanese market while actively pursuing new opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region. Centred around the “Cool Japan & Nations” concept, Vpon will leverage AI and big data technologies to deliver unique value to clients and partners.

In an official press release, Vpon wrote, “Our strategy is built on the foundation of data-driven and DX approaches, cultural exchange, and cross-industry cooperation, aiming to achieve business success while promoting global development.”

“We hope that through this approach we can facilitate international cultural exchange and assist other countries in shaping and realising their respective ‘Cool Nations’ visions, serving as an important driving force for showcasing their unique charm on the global stage!” the company added. 

Shinohara, on behalf of the company and the board of directors, also expressed gratitude for Victor Wu’s leadership in steering the group through key milestones and extended best wishes for his future endeavours.

Victor Wu founded Vpon in 2008 with the vision of “Data Drives Transactions.” Under his vision and leadership, the company expanded from Taiwan to major Asian markets, including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, gaining the trust of the Japanese government, top financial institutions, and leading retail giants across the region.

Vpon has also forged strong partnerships with major institutions and brands, including the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Tokyo and Osaka Convention & Visitors Bureaus, JR East, JR West, CTBC Bank, and ABC Mart. These collaborations highlight Vpon’s industry recognition and solidify its position as a leader in the AI data sector.

In a detailed LinkedIn post, Wu reflected on his journey with Vpon, from its founding and expansion to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. He announced his resignation, thanked investors for their trust, and shared plans to take a break with family. Wu also hinted at starting a new business while remaining open to joining another company or organisation.

Bangkok, Thailand – Vertis, a Singapore-based digital agency focusing on digital experience (DX) platforms and customer-centric solutions, has launched its new head office in Bangkok, marking a significant milestone in its regional expansion.

Situated in the On Nut district, the new Bangkok office is Vertis’ second location in the Asia-Pacific region, designed to serve Thailand’s expanding digital industry.

Vertis intends to use its new Bangkok office as a hub for digital transformation innovations in Southeast Asia. Drawing on its successful collaborations with prominent Thai clients like Krungthai Bank, the company plans to deploy advanced technologies and bespoke services tailored to the specific needs of the Thai market, empowering local businesses to leverage digital transformation to achieve their strategic objectives.

The expansion underscores the company’s commitment to growth and its mission to drive innovation and elevate digital solutions for clients. Vertis currently employs 78 staff members and plans to increase its workforce to over 100 by 2025, extending its reach across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and Australia.

Gurlin Singh Lamba, co-founder and CTO of Vertis, said, “As a digital consultancy at the forefront of digital transformation, we recognise the dynamic business environment in Thailand is a key market for us. The country’s robust digital infrastructure, growing adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and strategic importance in Southeast Asia make it an ideal location for our continued expansion. Moreover, our successful collaboration with Krungthai Bank has demonstrated the potential for impactful digital solutions in this market.” 

He added, “Our presence here will allow us to further leverage local tech talent, foster innovation, and drive digital transformation initiatives that meet the unique needs of our clients.”