The initiative is part of Grab’s latest “Find Answers to Anything” campaign, which aims to show that artificial intelligence can be practical and accessible for small businesses rather than complex or intimidating.

The AI assistant enables merchants to access business recommendations and performance insights using their store’s internal sales data, helping them manage changing consumer demand, menu performance, customer reviews, and promotional strategies without requiring technical expertise.

Melinda Savitri, Country Marketing and Communications Head at Grab Indonesia, said the company believes technology should simplify business operations while creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow.

She added that the AI assistant is designed to help businesses of all sizes find solutions to everyday operational challenges, improve performance, and unlock new growth opportunities.

Grab said adoption has been particularly strong among newly onboarded GrabFood merchants, with 59.2% actively using the AI assistant as of May 2026.

The company also noted that repeat usage remains high, reaching 89.9% among long-tail merchants and 97.2% among mid-market merchants, reflecting continued engagement with the platform.

Among the assistant’s most-used capabilities are business insights and menu strategy recommendations, which account for 22% of total sessions among mid-market merchants. 

Other AI-powered tools include Menu Scanner, which converts printed menus into digital listings, and a Description Generator that creates more engaging product descriptions.

Grab added that merchants using the assistant have also recorded up to an 11% improvement in advertising efficiency, allowing businesses to optimise promotional spending using AI-generated recommendations.

The campaign also highlights real-world merchant experiences, including Mie Aceh 769 Pijay owner Efa, who uses the AI assistant to monitor business performance and assess expansion opportunities. Grab said the business successfully opened a new branch after using the tool to analyse costs and identify a suitable location.

Usage has been strongest in Jakarta, followed by Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Yogyakarta, and Bali, with merchants using the AI assistant to manage menus, respond to customer reviews, and support business decision-making.

According to Grab, merchant partners have interacted with the feature more than one million times in less than five months, generating over 1.08 million messages, while user satisfaction has reached 96.1%.

Through the campaign, Grab said it hopes to encourage more small businesses to adopt AI tools that are easy to use while supporting the continued digital growth of Indonesia’s SMEs.

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Designed to support guests before arrival and throughout their visit, the updated app brings together key resort services, allowing users to customise their experience while improving access to facilities and support.

The launch forms part of the hospitality group’s wider strategy to enhance the guest journey through technology, while maintaining the personalised service that defines the Mulia experience.

Before checking in, guests can use the app to complete registration, book spa treatments and reserve resort activities in advance. During their stay, the platform enables guests to order in-room dining, review their bills, submit service requests, and communicate directly with the resort team through an integrated live chat feature.

According to Mulia Hotels & Resorts, the app is designed to complement, rather than replace, its personalised hospitality by making resort services easier to access from one central platform.

By combining guest services into a single mobile experience, the updated app aims to provide greater flexibility, faster assistance, and a more seamless stay for travellers seeking convenience alongside personalised service.

The Mulia Hotels App is available on both iOS and Android devices, with guests able to access the platform using the email address linked to their reservation.

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Following a competitive pitch, Cheil Indonesia will support the tire manufacturer in developing a more strategic communications approach that aligns Hankook Tire’s global brand direction with local market needs.

The one-year partnership aims to strengthen Hankook Tire’s position as a technology-driven and performance-focused tire brand by building stronger brand awareness and more consistent storytelling across multiple media platforms.

As part of the appointment, Cheil Indonesia will lead strategic PR planning, media relations and communications development, while also helping increase executive visibility and deepen engagement with media stakeholders.

The collaboration supports Hankook Tire’s wider ambition to reinforce its reputation through innovation, product quality, and global manufacturing expertise, while making its brand story more relevant to Indonesian audiences.

Bartek (Byunghak) Choi, Managing Director of Hankook Tire Indonesia Sales Subsidiary, said the agency’s expertise would strengthen the company’s communications efforts.

“We welcome Cheil Indonesia as our PR partner for 2026. Their strategic perspective and expertise in brand-focused communication will support our efforts to strengthen Hankook Tire’s presence and market position in Indonesia,” said Choi.

Meanwhile, Joo Hwan Kim, President Director of Cheil Indonesia, said the partnership reflects the agency’s commitment to delivering insight-led communications that support long-term brand growth.

“This win reflects Cheil Indonesia’s commitment to building brands through meaningful and insight-driven communication. We look forward to partnering with Hankook Tire to shape a stronger and more relevant brand story in the market,” shared Kim. 

The partnership reflects both companies’ shared focus on building a stronger and more consistent brand presence in Indonesia through strategic communications designed to support sustainable growth. 

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The campaign encourages Indonesian users to participate through WePlay’s in-app Plaza and its official Instagram account by posting messages for Hubner and sharing their aspirations for Indonesia to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

The collaboration reflects WePlay’s strategy of combining sports, social interaction and digital entertainment to create more meaningful community experiences for young audiences.

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By encouraging fans to contribute their own messages and interact with one another, the campaign seeks to turn football passion into active online participation.

Participants who join the campaign using the designated hashtags, comments, and friend interactions stand a chance to receive exclusive rewards, including limited-edition WePlay x Justin Hubner jerseys, a signed co-branded jersey, a Football Star avatar frame and in-app coin prizes.

Hubner, who currently plays for Dutch Eredivisie club Fortuna Sittard and represents the Indonesia national team, serves as the centrepiece of the campaign, reinforcing its focus on supporting Indonesia’s football ambitions.

Looking ahead, WePlay said it plans to introduce more localised campaigns that combine sport, gaming, and social entertainment, giving young users new ways to express themselves, connect with others and participate in conversations around shared interests.

The initiative also supports the platform’s wider goal of building stronger digital communities by creating experiences that go beyond entertainment and encourage meaningful interaction among users.

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In his new role, Arsyad will lead the agency’s overall creative vision while helping to build a creative model that combines technology, audience insights, and human storytelling. 

The appointment marks Arsyad’s return to Flock after previously helping build the agency during its early years. 

Arsyad brings more than 16 years of industry experience, including his most recent role as creative director at Ogilvy Indonesia. During his previous tenure at Flock, he led campaigns for brands including Tokopedia and BCA, with the award-winning #MulaiAjaDulu platform becoming one of the agency’s most recognised pieces of work for its strong cultural relevance.

By returning to the agency, Arsyad is expected to combine his broader industry experience with Flock’s long-standing focus on culturally driven creativity.

Nikken Diahtantri, Managing Director at Flock, said the appointment strengthens the agency’s leadership as it prepares for its next stage of development.

“The work I care about most at Flock has always been building a team and a culture where great creative is inevitable, not occasional. Having Arsyad lead the creative vision alongside that gives me real confidence in where we are headed. We have the foundations. Now we build,” said Diahtantri. 

Ivan Hadywibowo, CEO of Future Creative Network, said the appointment reflects the network’s belief that technology and human creativity should work together rather than compete.

“Arsyad is one of the finest human storytellers this industry has produced. His return is not just a talent decision, it is a statement about the kind of agency Flock is choosing to become: one where data sharpens the brief, and genuine human creativity does what no algorithm can. That is the formula we believe wins,” shared Hadywibowo. 

Commenting on his appointment, Arsyad said his return to the agency is also about reconnecting with the culture that helped shape his creative career.

“I have always believed great work starts with great relationships. That is what brought me here ten years ago, and it is what brings me back today… I am excited to build the next chapter together through work that people genuinely connect with,” said Arsyad. 

The appointment also forms part of Future Creative Network’s continued investment in creative leadership as the industry adapts to changing consumer expectations and emerging technologies.

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The campaign highlights how Canva AI helps remove creative barriers for everyone, from entrepreneurs and educators to office workers and content creators — focusing on everyday creative challenges to show how AI can make designing and communicating ideas faster, easier and more accessible.

At the heart of the campaign is Indonesian singer King Nassar, whose popular song ‘Seperti Mati Lampu’ provides the creative inspiration for the campaign film.

The story follows familiar situations faced by many Indonesians: an employee struggling to finish a presentation, a teacher trying to make lessons more engaging, and a small business owner searching for ways to stand out.

As each character faces a creative block, Nassar appears to symbolically “switch the lights back on,” showcasing how Canva AI can help transform ideas into finished work.

Beyond positioning AI as a replacement for creativity, Canva’s campaign presents it as a creative partner that helps people move from inspiration to execution with greater ease.

Stefanie Herlie, Country Manager for Indonesia at Canva, said the campaign reflects the company’s mission to empower people to create regardless of their experience or skill level.

“Indonesians have always had the ambition – the drive to build something, grow something, be something more,” Herlie shares. “What Canva AI does is match that ambition. It takes the vision people already have and gives them the means to realise it – faster, more confidently, and on their own terms. That is what ‘NyatAIn di Canva’ is really about: ambition, made real.”

The campaign also demonstrates how Canva AI can support different audiences, enabling product managers to turn rough ideas into polished presentations, teachers to quickly create engaging classroom materials using Canva Education, and small business owners to produce professional marketing assets and copy with the help of AI.

The ‘NyatAIn di Canva’ campaign will roll out across television, digital platforms, social media, out-of-home advertising, creator collaborations and community activations throughout Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.

Canva said the initiative also supports Indonesia’s growing creative economy, noting that users in the country created more than one billion designs on the platform in 2025, reflecting the increasing role of visual communication across education, business and entrepreneurship.

Alongside the campaign, Canva continues to work with government agencies, educational institutions and business communities to expand access to digital skills and creative technology, reinforcing its commitment to helping more Indonesians create, communicate and bring their ideas to life through AI.

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In her new role, Yeo will directly report to CEO Joo Hwan Kim, focusing on strengthening the company’s retail and campaign offering by combining creativity, customer experience and commercial strategy to help clients navigate evolving consumer expectations and drive long-term business growth.

Her appointment comes as brands increasingly seek integrated marketing solutions that bridge physical and digital experiences, requiring agencies to combine strategic thinking with measurable business outcomes.

Yeo brings more than a decade of international experience across Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa, with leadership roles spanning luxury, hospitality, healthcare, experiential marketing and business expansion. Most recently, she served as managing director of MegaGen Implant India, where she led market development and business growth initiatives.

Throughout her career, she has worked across customer experience consulting, experiential marketing and international business development, bringing a cross-industry perspective that extends beyond traditional advertising.

CEO Joo Hwan Kim described Yeo’s appointment as a reflection of the agency’s commitment to bringing diverse expertise into its leadership team.

“What stood out about Yeo was the breadth of experiences she brings from outside the  traditional advertising path, her professional and cultural diversity offers a fresh perspective  that can challenge conventional ways of thinking, inspire new ideas, and help us continue  evolving as an organisation,” said Kim. 

“I believe this diversity will strengthen our capabilities and create new opportunities for Cheil Indonesia,” added Kim.

Commenting on her appointment, Yeo said, “Leadership today is no longer defined by expertise in a single function or  industry. The most valuable perspective often comes from working  across different sectors, cultures, and business environments.”

“These experiences help us  better understand customers, solve complex challenges, and build stronger connections  between brands and people,” added Yeo.

Yeo will directly report to Kim on leading Cheil Indonesia’s retail and campaign business while helping brands create seamless customer journeys that connect creativity, commerce, customer experience, and business performance.

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Created for Pepsodent’s Gum Expert range, the campaign aims to raise awareness that gum disease—not fictional monsters—is the real horror, encouraging consumers to recognise that healthy gums are the foundation of strong teeth.

Developed in collaboration by frank. Singapore, Omnicom’s dedicated Unilever team, and Indonesian horror director Anggy Umbara, the campaign uses humour, cinematic storytelling, and familiar horror characters to make gum health more relatable and memorable.

The campaign features a series of short films where classic horror icons face unexpected problems caused by poor gum health. This creative idea addresses a common consumer misconception that tooth discomfort only affects the teeth, when the underlying cause often begins with the gums. 

Launching first in Indonesia before expanding to Vietnam later this year, the integrated campaign spans fake horror trailers, cinematic short films, director interviews, livestreams, creator collaborations, and social content designed to blur the line between entertainment and advertising.

Madhurjya (Banjo) Banerjee, Senior Global Brand Director for Oral Care at Unilever, said the campaign aims to help consumers understand the importance of protecting their gums before problems become serious.

“With this campaign and our Gum Expert range, we are aiming to help consumers better understand that healthy gums are the foundation of strong teeth, and that gum protection can start with the right toothpaste,” said Banerjee. 

“This campaign helps us to approach the issue not through fear or statistics, but through entertainment and culture. By leveraging horror, comedy and storytelling formats people love watching and sharing, we aim to make gum health feel more relevant and easier to talk about,” added Banerjee. 

Meanwhile, Anggy Umbara said using beloved horror characters allows audiences to empathise with the consequences of poor gum health in a way that feels entertaining. 

“It is important that viewers feel what Dracula is going through when his fangs fall out.  Imagine the prince of darkness with no fangs — it’s the end of the world for Dracula because he can’t do the one thing that has to do to keep himself alive. If the audience can relate to his humiliation, confusion and fear, then they will start thinking about their own gums,” shared Umbara. 

The campaign also extends across TikTok and other social platforms through fan theories, parody content, reaction videos, and the playful “Draculamaxxing” trend, encouraging audiences to engage with gum health in a more entertaining way.

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Terence Leong, Executive Creative Director at frank. Singapore, said, “It’s 2026. Nobody is going to care about their gums because someone in a white coat tells them to do so. And we definitely don’t need another influencer sharing their best-kept secret. We knew we needed something more radical to start a conversation about gum care.”

“Kudos to our clients for having  the courage to try something supernatural. It was definitely a risk to get vampires and a werewolf to sell toothpaste to human beings — in fact, it’s unheard of in the category. The engagement numbers so far are showing that these monsters are more entertaining,  persuasive and relatable than most human beings we’ve casted in the past,” Leong added. 

The campaign builds on Pepsodent’s broader efforts to modernise oral care marketing by using culture, creators and entertainment to make conversations around dental health more engaging for today’s consumers.

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Located at Senayan City, the new attraction aims to address a growing concern among parents and educators that children’s physical development is increasingly being overshadowed by academic achievement. 

Through its launch, Wonderlab encourages children to build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills through movement, exploration and hands-on experiences rather than focusing solely on classroom learning. 

Built around the principle that physical and mental development should go hand in hand, Wonderlab combines immersive technology with challenge-based play to create an environment where children can actively learn by doing.

Spanning more than 1,400 square metres, the destination features interactive mechatronic play, projection mapping, responsive lighting and motion-based activities that adapt to children’s movements in real time. The experience is designed to stimulate both physical and cognitive development while encouraging curiosity and creativity.

Belinda Luis, President Director at Wonderlab, said the destination was created to restore balance between academic learning and physical growth.

“We were inspired by the principle of mens sana in corpore sano — that mind and body must grow together… Wonderlab is here to restore that balance: a space where children and pre-teens can move, think, try, even fail and try again, and grow into individuals who are brave, resilient, and adaptive, with an enduring curiosity about the world,” shared Luis. 

Alongside its immersive play zone, Wonderlab also offers Wonder Class, a dedicated learning space featuring gymnastics, ballet, dance, mixed sports, and creative programmes led by professional instructors for younger children.

Christian Melvin, Creative Director at Wonderlab, said every element of the venue was intentionally designed to encourage active participation rather than passive entertainment.

“At Wonderlab, every element is designed with purpose. The lighting is calibrated to sharpen focus, the environment responds to movement, and physical challenges drive exploration and adaptability. We want to create a place where children and pre-teens become active participants in their environment,” said Melvin. 

Wonderlab has also partnered with TACO, Propan and JBL, which serve as its official materials, paint and sound partners respectively, helping bring the destination’s immersive environment and visual identity to life.

The launch reflects the growing demand for experience-led family destinations in Indonesia, where technology is increasingly being used to create more engaging educational and recreational experiences.

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The appointments come as organisations across the region move beyond AI experimentation and seek practical applications that can deliver measurable business outcomes.

Thipsena will oversee Google Cloud’s go-to-market strategy, customer and partner engagement, and business operations in Thailand. 

Reporting to Mark Micallef, Managing Director for Southeast Asia, he will work closely with organisations across the country to help them leverage Google’s AI portfolio as they transition into what the company describes as the “Agentic Era”.

He joins Google Cloud from Thailand-based AI and data analytics company STelligence, where he served as executive director and chief technology officer. 

During his tenure, he led projects helping organisations deploy AI and data-driven technologies to solve business challenges, including the AI deployment for Thailand’s TH2OECD National Project.

Prior to STelligence, Thipsena held senior leadership positions at Microsoft Thailand, including deputy managing director of the Cloud Solution Unit and chief information security officer, where he guided enterprises through cloud adoption, cybersecurity initiatives and generative AI exploration.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Indonesia, Google Cloud has named veteran technology executive Karim Siregar as Country Director. 

He will lead local operations and market strategy while working with organisations ranging from digital-native startups to established enterprises to accelerate AI transformation.

Siregar most recently served as chief information officer at PT BFI Finance Indonesia. 

He was also the founding president director of PT Bank Jago and CEO of Dkatalis Digital Labs, where he helped establish one of Indonesia’s earliest ecosystem-embedded digital banking models.

His three-decade career also includes leadership roles at Bank BTPN, Bank Danamon and Bank Mega, with experience spanning financial inclusion, transactional infrastructure and enterprise modernisation.

Mark Micallef said both markets represent significant opportunities for Google Cloud’s regional ambitions.

“Thailand is a critical growth engine for Southeast Asia’s digital economy, and our US$1 billion investment in Thailand and new cloud region in Bangkok reflects our absolute commitment to serving the country and our customers here,” he said.

He added that Thipsena’s technical expertise and experience supporting enterprise transformation made him well-positioned to deepen ecosystem collaborations in Thailand.

In Indonesia, Micallef noted that organisations are increasingly seeking scalable AI deployments capable of delivering immediate value.

“As organisations look to move past the initial phase of AI experimentation, the mandate has shifted entirely to scalable, real-world deployment that drives immediate value for their end-users,” he said.

“Karim’s exceptional track record of building, governing, and scaling digital-first institutions in Indonesia makes him the perfect leader for this next chapter.”

For his part, Thipsena said successful digital transformation depends on balancing innovation with trust.

“Thailand has the momentum to shape the region’s digital future, and Google Cloud is committed to being an open, collaborative partner in that journey,” he said.

Similarly, Siregar emphasised that technology adoption must remain grounded in solving real customer problems.

“Technology only matters when it simplifies lives and creates practical, measurable value for real users,” he said. “I am thrilled to partner side-by-side with our Indonesian customers and local ecosystem to accelerate a secure, responsible digital future that benefits the broader economy.”

The appointments underscore Google Cloud’s growing investment in Southeast Asia, where demand for AI-powered solutions continues to accelerate across sectors ranging from banking and retail to telecommunications and startups.

The company said its AI capabilities, anchored by Gemini Enterprise, are helping organisations reimagine operations, boost workforce productivity and unlock new avenues of growth as they prepare for an increasingly agent-driven future.

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