Philippines – The Philippines is rapidly emerging as a pivotal force in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, with its retail and e-commerce sectors undergoing significant transformation. Consumers are increasingly seeking personalised experiences, seamless payment options, and omnichannel convenience. To meet these evolving demands, businesses must harness the power of automation, predictive analytics, and partnership marketing.

In response to this dynamic landscape, MARKETECH APAC, in collaboration with its sister publication UpTech Media, is thrilled to present the ‘Retail & E-Commerce Innovation Marketing & Tech Summit: Philippines 2025.’ Happening on 14 August 2025, at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, this summit aims to redefine the future of e-commerce in the Philippines. The event will bring together industry leaders, marketing experts, and tech innovators to explore the latest trends, strategies, and technologies driving the evolution of e-commerce.

Building on the success of ‘E-Commerce Marketing Philippines 2024,’ this year’s summit promises to be bigger and better, offering attendees valuable insights, cutting-edge ideas, and ample opportunities for learning, networking, and inspiration.

The conference will feature top-notch keynote presentations, dynamic panel discussions, engaging fireside chats, and curated networking sessions, each designed to elevate retail and e-commerce strategies.

Leading the conversation will be top industry leaders and experts, including:

  • Emmanuel Cruz, Omnichannel Director at Avon Cosmetics Inc.
  • Sriharsha Vavilala, Director of Revenue & Strategy at edamama
  • Nancy Almasco, Marketing Director at FlowerStore.ph
  • Marx Benedict So, Associate Director, Digital & Commercial Insights at Mega Prime Foods Inc.
  • Tiffany Batungbacal, Assistant Vice President at Primer Group of Companies
  • Neelam Gopwani, President at Vision Express Philippines
  • …and more to be announced!

Joven Barceñas, founder at MARKETECH APAC, said, “This summit isn’t just about trends—it’s about enabling the tech backbone of retail and e-commerce in the Philippines. From AI to marketing automation, we’re here to facilitate the conversations and collaborations that will define the future of commerce.”

The Retail & E-Commerce Innovation 2025 Series is also set to expand to Malaysia, with an event scheduled for 17 July 2025.

To learn how to be part of this summit, click HERE for further details.

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

For speaking opportunities, contact Kathleen Murata at [email protected]; and for registrations, reach out to Rosalie Cruz at [email protected].

In 2025, customer engagement and digital advertising are undergoing a powerful evolution, driven by real-time personalisation and AI-fueled innovation. Today’s consumers expect more than just clever targeting—they crave meaningful, interactive experiences that resonate across every digital channel. 

Moreover, brands are leveraging advanced data analytics, machine learning, and dynamic content delivery to meet audiences where they are, with messaging that feels intuitive, timely, and human. From immersive ad formats to predictive engagement strategies, the future of digital marketing lies in creating conversations—not just impressions.

Continuing in its quest to lead the conversation on the future of marketing for the Philippine market, MARKETECH APAC recently concluded its What’s NEXT in Marketing: Philippines 2025 conference, held on March 26-27, 2025 at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.

Said conference, built on the success of its debut local event in 2023, followed by a second one in 2024, offers both local and international brands and marketers crucial insights, strategies, and tools needed to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry. In addition, this dynamic two-day event showcased top industry leaders as they came together to exchange experiences, share expertise, and offer a glimpse into the future of marketing.

Day One: Customer-centric marketing at focus

The first day of the conference focused on discussions of putting the customer at the centre of the marketing blueprint for brands–whether it is about valuing customer voice for value-driven strategies, redefining customer-centricity to allow users to shape their experience with brands, and what lies ahead for customer experience through commerce.

Leading the conversations during the morning part of the first day included:

  • Jiggs Espadilla, Head of Marketing at Aboitiz Foods
  • Kate Bañes-Lopez, Marketing Head at Babymama Inc.
  • Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer at Home Credit Philippines
  • Anthony Louis Guanzon, Chief Marketing Officer at Malayan Insurance
  • Samantha Manuel, Group Director, Digital Marketing & Reputation Management at Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
  • Sirish Pallevada, Country Manager, Philippines at MoEngage
  • Angel Gaffud, Former Marketing Director at Wendy’s Philippines

Meanwhile, leading the conversations during the afternoon included:

  • Bea Atienza at Marketing Director, IBE at Colgate-Palmolive
  • Roki Ferrer, Head of Data at dentsu International
  • Greg Anonas, Marketing Director at Emperador Distillers, Inc.
  • Diet Lagura, Senior Director, Head of Go-To-Market at FWD Insurance
  • Geli Angeles, Marketing Director at GoTyme Bank
  • Phil Tiongson, Head and General Manager for Data and Strategy at Havas Ortega
  • Frenissa Lagman, Marketing Director & Head of Social Commerce at Kimberly-Clark
  • Chad Sotelo, Chief Marketing Officer at Robinsons Land Corporation
  • Jason Yong, CEO & Founder at Unicom Marketing
  • Joey Flores, Associate Director of Marketing at ZALORA Group

Morever, the conference also included roundtable discussions, which allowed attendees to connect with industry peers, share valuable insights, and explore key marketing topics shaping the future of the industry including content marketing, customer engagement, customer experience, customer insights, data & analytics, digital advertising, digital transformation, generative ai, influencer marketing, omnichannel advertising, omnichannel marketing, and performance marketing.

The moderators for the roundtable discussions for the first day included:

  • Diet Lagura, Senior Director, Head of Go-To-Market at FWD Insurance
  • Fara Rodriguez, Client and Campaign Strategy Head at GCash
  • Pauline Kaye Batan, Business Development Manager at GCash
  • Fatima Baduria, Regional Journalist at MARKETECH APAC
  • Jean Cabico, Regional Producer at MARKETECH APAC
  • Joven Barceñas, Founder and CEO at MARKETECH APAC
  • Kathleen Murata, Regional Producer at MARKETECH APAC
  • Samantha Manuel, Group Director, Digital Marketing & Reputation Management at Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
  • Bayu E. Putra, COO and Co-Founder at Mimin
  • Sirish Pallevada, Country Manager, Philippines at MoEngage
  • Adolfo Aran Jr., Senior Director for Corporate Marketing & Communications at National University
  • Diogo Andrade, VP, Sales at Teads
  • Romy Fresto, Country Lead PH at Telesign
  • January Kay Collamat, Head of Digital Marketing at Timezone Philippines
  • Jason Yong, CEO & Founder at Unicom Marketing

Day Two: The power of digital to boost marketing, advertising strategies

Meanwhile, the second day of the conference focused on leveraging digital marketing and advertising strategies, including influencer marketing, martech stack integration, ROI-driven digital media, and how brand storytelling can transform engagement into loyalty.

The industry leaders involved in the morning session for the second day included:

  • Francis John Chua, Senior Assistant Vice President, Marketing at 2GO Group, Inc.
  • Gino Riola, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Allianz PNB Life
  • Ces Oreña-Drilon, Broadcast Journalist at Cignal’s One News
  • Jasper Evangelista, Director of Brand & Marketing at DITO Telecommunity Corporation
  • J-Anne Aruta, Country Marketing Head at Grab
  • Albet Buddahim, Vice President and Head of Marketing at Mega Prime Foods Inc.
  • Larry Evans Tan, CEO and Founder at TFI Group of Companies (CoCo Tea)

Meanwhile, speakers for the afternoon included:

  • Mahek Shah, Global Head of Media at AirAsia MOVE
  • Roki Ferrer, Head of Data at dentsu International
  • Jogent Emmanuel Tan, Marketing Director at Domino’s Pizza Philippines
  • Brittany Kaw, Global Offline Media and Influencer Marketing Senior Team Lead at Emma – The Sleep Company
  • Oscar Pobre, CRM and Data Solutions Head at GCash for Business: Partner Solutions
  • January Kay Collamat, Head of Digital Marketing at Timezone Philippines
  • Agnes Moulic, Vice President, Products & Operations Marketing Head at Union Bank of the Philippines

The conference also hosted a series of roundtable discussions, continuing discussions on key marketing topics shaping the industry’s future, as well as continued networking with fellow industry peers. Moderating the sessions are:

  • Ace Adrian Amosco, Head of Marketing Creatives at Alfamart Trading Philippines, Inc.
  • Maria Pamela Valenzuela, VP Marketing at Concepcion Carrier Air Conditioning Company
  • Jogent Emmanuel Tan, Marketing Director at Domino’s Pizza Philippines
  • Fara Rodriguez, Client and Campaign Strategy Head at GCash
  • Pauline Kaye Batan, Business Development Manager at GCash
  • Rosebel Garcia, Head of Marketing and Commercial at Hertz Philippines
  • Ria Corral, Marketing Director at Jobyoda
  • Fatima Baduria, Regional Journalist at MARKETECH APAC
  • Jemo Espartinez, Regional Producer at MARKETECH APAC
  • Katherine Denise Sy, Regional Head of Content at MARKETECH APAC
  • Kathleen Murata, Regional Producer at MARKETECH APAC
  • Bayu E. Putra, COO and Co-Founder at Mimin
  • Diogo Andrade, VP, Sales at Teads
  • Jaslene Tung, Regional Managing Director at Unicom Marketing

The What’s NEXT in Marketing: Philippines 2025 conference was made possible by sponsors GCash for Business Partner Solutions, MoEngage, GrabAds, Telesign, Teads, and Unicom Marketing; as well as event partner Globe Business.

The conference was attended by 162 delegates representing brands such as Abenson Ventures, Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Bo’s Coffee, Boozy.ph, Chubb Asia Pacific, Enchanted Kingdom, Epson Philippines, Eton Properties, Filinvest Alabang, Fonterra Brands, JTI, Okada Manila, Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM), Philippine National Bank, Quorum International Inc. (Toby’s Sports Group), Santé International, Southstar Drug, S&R, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines, and Visa, amongst others.

The conference is part of a five-part conference series–with the Singapore one concluding on February 20 this year. The subsequent conferences are listed as follows:

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

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

This 2025, the future of marketing is being shaped by hyper-personalisation and cutting-edge customer engagement strategies that redefine brand-consumer interactions. With advancements in AI, data analytics, and automation, businesses can now tailor experiences on an unprecedented level, delivering highly relevant content, offers, and services in real-time. Consumers expect more than just personalised emails—they demand seamless, predictive, and immersive experiences across multiple touchpoints.

This vision of what lies ahead for the marketing and advertising scene this year is what the recently concluded What’s NEXT in Marketing: Singapore 2025 conference tackled. The event–part of the What’s NEXT in Marketing 2025 conference series–was held on 20 February at One Farrer Hotel, and provided brands and marketers with the latest insights, strategies, and tools to thrive in a constantly evolving industry. 

Moreover, the conference offered attendees an exceptional opportunity to grow their network, refine their marketing approaches, and achieve success in the Singaporean market.

For the morning part of the conference, attendees were treated to a range of discussions–from predictive analytics and personalisation in marketing, transforming CX excellence to cultivate a customer-centric culture, as well as enhancing omnichannel platforms to strengthen brand strategy.

The speakers for the morning session included:

  • Zon Lim, VP, Marketing, APAC at Braze
  • Bipasha Minocha, Group Chief Marketing Officer at EtonHouse International Education Group
  • Jaren Loy, Head (Digital Growth) at FairPrice Group
  • Natalja Voronova, Regional Marketing Director, ASEANZ at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
  • Saurabh Mathur, Head, Customer Experience and Digital Marketing at Income Insurance Limited
  • Jem Loh, Head of Communications & Channels, APAC at Riot Games
  • Raushida Vasaiwala, Strategic Advisor | Martech & SaaS Sales
  • Rahul Singh, Assistant Director, Global Marketing & Strategy at Nanyang Technological University Singapore
  • Neil Patwardhan, Chief Sales Officer APAC at Sinch
  • Asnawi Jufrie, Vice President & General Manager of Southeast Asia at SleekFlow
  • Shawn Kok, Senior Solutions Engineer at Telesign
  • Chris Baker, Founder at Totem Media

Meanwhile, the afternoon part of the conference focused on navigating the art of seamless customer journeys, AI-powered predictions amidst increased privacy concerns, driving success in performance marketing, amongst other topics. The speaker lineup for the afternoon sessions included:

  • Pei Ee Chng, B2B Digital Marketing (Head) at Canon Singapore Pte Ltd
  • Michelle Tenoudji, Global Business Director at Clickr
  • Alyssa Ng, Marketing Communications (Head) at DHL Express Singapore
  • Ke Wei Chua, Head of Marketing at Fitness First Singapore
  • Deanson Lee, Head of Digital at Havas Media Network
  • Brenda Maderazo, Deputy Director, Marketing at Health Promotion Board
  • Sam Knight, Head of Strategy and Planning at H&M
  • Sahaj Khunteta, Head of Regional Analytics and GenAI Enablement at Intel Corporation
  • Caitlin Nguyen, Head of Digital and Customer Engagement at MNC Pharma Company
  • Naohiro Yamaura, Chairman at Sparkline
  • Julien Dahmoun, Head of Social & Digital Marketing at StarHub
  • Clarisse Desgeorge, Omnichannel Director South Asia Pacific at Tiffany&Co
  • Sylvia Chan, Social Media & Business Life Coach, Travel Content Creator at Travels With Syl
  • Mira Bharin, Chief Marketing Officer at Trust Bank
  • Joon Ming Yeo, Former Head of Marketing and Commercial Operations at Urban Company

The conference also included roundtable discussions, which allowed attendees to connect with industry peers, share valuable insights, and explore key marketing topics shaping the future of the industry including content marketing, conversational marketing, performance marketing, customer engagement, data & analytics, digital advertising, omnichannel marketing, generative AI, influencer marketing, customer insights, and digital transformation.

The moderators for the roundtable sessions included:

  • Michelle Tenoudji, Global Business Director at Clickr
  • Leonie Zingel, Head of Marketing Communications Industrial Solutions APAC at Continental
  • Eric Sim, Managing Director at Epic Dialogue
  • Deanson Lee, Head of Digital at Havas Media Network
  • Fatima Baduria, Regional Journalist at MARKETECH APAC
  • Jean Cabico, Senior Regional Producer at MARKETECH APAC
  • Jemo Espartinez, Regional Producer at MARKETECH APAC
  • Katherine Sy, Regional Head of Content at MARKETECH APAC
  • Raushida Vasaiwala, Strategic Advisor | Martech & SaaS Sales
  • Quinn Pham, Director – Solutions Consulting at Meiro
  • Jonathan Lok, Digital Marketing Lead at Singapore Polytechnic
  • Jeremy Kwan, Senior Enterprise Account Executive at SleekFlow 
  • Karl Baldry, Enterprise Account Director at Telesign
  • Sylvia Chan, Social Media & Business Life Coach, Travel Content Creator at Travels With Syl

MARKETECH APAC’s What’s NEXT in Marketing: Singapore 2025 was made possible by sponsors Braze, Sparkline, Telesign, and Clickr; as well as event partners Digital Ark Creatives, GrabAds, Meiro, PR Newswire, and Sinch.

The conference was attended by 170 delegates representing brands from AirAsia, A*STAR, BBC Studios, Charles & Keith, Danone, Coda, Gardens by the Bay, Government Technology Agency (GovTech), Henkel, IMDA, JustCo Global, Lalamove, Mastercard, MyRepublic, OCBC, Raffles Hotel, Randstad Enterprise, Resorts World Sentosa, Samsung Electronics SEAO, Singtel, TADA Mobility Singapore, The Coca-Cola Company, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd., UOB, amongst others.

Joven Barceñas, founder and CEO at MARKETECH APAC, said, “Encouraging thought-provoking discussions has never been more essential, particularly in a time of unprecedented transformation and emerging opportunities. Your perspectives and contributions are invaluable as we collaborate to push boundaries, drive meaningful innovation, and create lasting change across the region and beyond.”

The conference is part of a five-part conference series, with the subsequent conferences listed as follows:

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

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

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

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

How the judging process rolled out

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

The judging criteria for the awards were as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view the full list of the finalists.

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

Manila, Philippines – As we step into the ever-evolving landscape of marketing in 2024, it becomes increasingly evident that the industry’s trajectory is poised for significant shifts. Rapid advancements in technology, changing consumer behaviours, and global events continue to reshape the marketing landscape at an unprecedented pace. In this dynamic environment, the need for robust and forward-thinking discussions on the future of marketing has never been more critical.

With this state of the industry in mind, MARKETECH APAC has recently concluded its What’s NEXT 2024: Marketing in the Philippines conference at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The 2-day conference was aimed at empowering brands and marketers with the latest insights, strategies, and tools essential for navigating forthcoming trends and industry forecasts in the marketing space.

For the first day of the conference, attendees were treated to a range of discussions centred around how businesses can improve their existing customer engagement strategies, the possibilities of GenAI in marketing, balancing human empathy and technology in CX strategies, and revolutionising e-commerce through data and AI.

The speaker lineup for the first day includes:

  • Chin Wee Ko, Manager and Principal for SEA at Adobe
  • Gaurav Srivastava, Practice Lead at Adobe
  • Corentin Balmet, Regional Sales Director (Asia) at Brandwatch
  • Alex Crouch, Strategic Enterprise Lead, Hong Kong & The Philippines at Braze
  • Michelle Eve de Guzman, Marketing Director at Cebu Pacific
  • Bea Atienza, Marketing Director, Impactful Brand Experience at Colgate-Palmolive
  • Roki Ferrer, Head of Data at Dentsu International
  • Benjamin Quiroga-Rivera, Co-founder & Managing Director for SEA at Emma – The Sleep Company
  • Rochelle Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer at FWD Insurance
  • Raymund Villanueva, Chief Marketing Officer at GoTyme Bank
  • Gino Cruz, Media Manager for SEA (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam & the Philippines) at H&M
  • Donna Salgado, Director of Marketing Communications and Development at Megaworld Corporation
  • Samantha Manuel, Group Director Digital Marketing & Reputation Management at Megaworld Corporation
  • Emmanuel Cruz, E-Commerce Lead at Mondelez International Philippines
  • Tiffany Batungbacal, Assistant Vice President at PRIMER Group of Companies
  • Juan Paolo Gonzales, Vice President of Marketing and Capability at Rebisco
  • Jun Stryckers, Strategic Account Director at Salesforce
  • Jeremiah Su, Chief Video Officer at Superminted

Meanwhile, the second day of the conference had discussions focused on creating purposeful and genuine branding strategies, the importance of behavioural insights, Web3 in marketing, unlocking the power of retail media in digital advertising, as well as how data can be used to maximise the impact of influencer marketing strategies.

The speaker lineup for the second day of the conference included:

  • Katrina Gonzalez, Global Marketing Director at Coins.ph
  • Jasper Evangelista, Director of Brand & Marketing at DITO Telecommunity Corporation
  • Brittany Kaw, Senior Team Lead – Global Influencer Marketing at Emma – The Sleep Company
  • Denice Sy, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc.
  • Danielle Marie Eleazar, Head of Marketing at foodpanda Philippines
  • Norman Agatep, President and Managing Director at Grupo Agatep
  • Rosebel Garcia, Head of Marketing & Commercial (Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar) at Hertz Philippines
  • Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer at Home Credit Philippines
  • Pocholo Garcia, Head of Digital and E-commerce at Malayan Insurance
  • Erwin Doña III, Cluster Director of Marketing Communications at Novotel: Ibis Styles
  • David Teotico, Lead, Advertising & Partnerships at panda ads
  • Ray Philip Pine, Marketing Director at PepsiCo
  • Mrinal Daryani, Account Director at Salesforce
  • Marili Amper, Head of Brand, Communications, and Marketing at Sodexo On-Site Services Philippines Inc.
  • Jeremiah Su, Chief Video Officer at Superminted
  • Albert Cuadrante, Chief Marketing Officer at UnionBank

The What’s NEXT 2024: Marketing in the Philippines conference was backed by Adobe as the platinum sponsor; Brandwatch, Braze, and panda ads as gold sponsors; Salesforce as the bronze sponsor; and DoubleVerify and Digital Ark as event partners.

The conference was attended by 219 delegates, who represented brands such as Aboitiz Equity Ventures, ACE Hardware, AirAsia Philippines, Ayala Malls, BDO Unibank, BPI, Canon Philippines, CHG Global, CIMB, Flash Express, GMA Network, Leslie Corporation, Monde Nissin, National University, Okada Manila, Philippine National Bank, Philippine Bank of Communications, PLDT, Razer Gold, Rustan, San Miguel Foods, Security Bank, SM Development, Summit Publishing, Sun Life Philippines, and Universal Robina Corporation.

Speaking on the recent conclusion of the conference, Joven Barceñas, founder and CEO of MARKETECH APAC, has expressed his gratitude to all of those who have attended the conference, stressing the importance of continuously leading discussions for the marketing industry this year and beyond.

“A big thank you to our 33 speakers who have given us thought-provoking presentations to intriguing discussions, and have delved most pressing marketing topics of today. Your generosity with your time and expertise has enriched the experience for everyone here for 2 days, and for that, we are very grateful. Thank you for trusting What’s NEXT in Marketing Conference as a platform to share your marketing wisdom and great stories. As we draw this conference to a close, we are very excited to share that this year we are bringing the What’s NEXT in Marketing in Indonesia. Stay tuned for our plans on how to get this conference in the Philippines bigger and better as you are all inspiring us to do so,” he stated

The conference is the last of the trilogy of conferences MARKETECH APAC launched as part of its What’s NEXT industry series. The first conference was held successfully in Malaysia back on December 5, 2023 at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur while the second one was held in Singapore recently on March 7, 2024 at Furama City Centre.

Following this, MARKETECH APAC is also proud to announce the next phase of the What’s NEXT series under the name “What’s NEXT 2024-2025.” With this new phase of this industry initiative, MARKETECH APAC is also announcing the following conferences:

  • What’s NEXT 2024: Marketing in Indonesia – October 2024 
  • What’s NEXT 2024: Marketing in Malaysia – December 4-5, 2024
  • What’s NEXT 2025: Marketing in Singapore – February/March 2024
  • What’s NEXT 2025: Marketing in the Philippines – March 2024

For any potential partnership or inquiries regarding the next conference series, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Singapore – With 2024 well underway, marketing and advertising pioneers eagerly anticipate the next wave of opportunities and obstacles shaping their industries. Navigating through many emerging marketing trends, accelerated by shifts in consumer behaviours and evolving industry perspectives, remains at the forefront of their strategic endeavours.

As a response to this status quo in the marketing scene, MARKETECH APAC recently concluded its What’s NEXT 2024: Marketing in Singapore conference at the Furama City Centre. This conference gathered a wide range of marketing industry professionals to lead the conversation on the outlook of the marketing industry through actionable insights, strategies, and tools needed to navigate upcoming trends and industry predictions.

For the morning part of the conference, attendees were treated to a range of discussions centred around the numerous possibilities of using artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing, as well as deep-diving into a more comprehensive outlook of the digital advertising space, whether it’s all about creating long-lasting impressions for brands online, as well as the effectiveness of DOOH by bridging the gap between the physical and digital experience for customers.

The speakers for the morning session included:

  • Gaurav Srivastava, Practice Lead at Adobe
  • Jaslyin Qiyu, Former SVP, Head of Client Marketing and Digital Capabilities at Citi
  • Sulin Lau, Regional Head of Marketing and Brand for Deliveries, Mobility, Fintech & B2B at Grab
  • Siew Ting Foo, Global Chief Brand Officer and Head of Insights at HP
  • Rebecca Nadilo, Managing Director at Iris Singapore
  • Jason Tan, General Manager at JOLT Digital
  • Mark Opao, Communications Planning Partner for APAC & META at Kaspersky
  • Jessica Duarte, Director of Product and Marketing Innovation at The LEGO Group
  • Jenny Tang, Head, Digital Marketing at Singapore Management University
  • Jyane Quek, Global Head, Marketing Strategy for Consumers, Private & Business Banking at Standard Chartered
  • Julien Dahmoun, Head of Digital and Social Marketing at Starhub
  • Jason Yong, CEO & Founder at Unicom Marketing

Meanwhile, the afternoon part of the conference focused on how brands can create meaningful customer engagement strategies, revolutionising social commerce in 2024, as well as the multiple strategies brands can use to further improve their customer experience amidst a continued movement by the industry towards more personalised marketing strategies.

The speaker lineup for the second part of the conference includes:

  • Annie McNamara, Head of Business Development at Adobe Asia
  • Yi En Chye, General Manager APAC & Director of Strategic Consulting at Braze
  • David Harling, Chief Marketing Officer at Circular
  • Ronnie Brown, Chief Marketing & Distribution Officer at DirectAsia Singapore
  • Shermaine Lau, Head of Havas Market at Havas Singapore
  • Adam W. Cowlishaw, Head of Marketing and Digital at Johnson & Johnson
  • Sophia Ong, Group Communications and Corporate Marketing at Singapore Post
  • Asnawi Jufrie, Regional General Manager, SEA at Sleekflow
  • Jeremiah Su, Chief Video Officer at Superminted
  • Chris Brabender, VP of Technology and Commerce at Valtech

MARKETECH APAC’s first-ever conference in Singapore was also made possible by sponsors Adobe, Braze, Sleekflow, Adzymic, HubSpot, JOLT Digital, and Unicom Marketing.

The conference was attended by 150 delegates, who are from the managerial to the top-level management representing brands such as 3M, Aon, Asus, Canon, Carousell, Constellar, Electrolux, Endowus, EtonHouse, Google, GovTech Singapore, GROW with Singlife, Health Promotion Board, IHH Healthcare, Kimberly-Clark, Kohler, Marriott International, Mediacorp, Ninja Van, OCBC, People’s Association, Razer, Revolut, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) Singapore Power, Singtel, and Snaphunt.

Speaking on the recent conclusion of the conference, Joven Barceñas, founder and CEO of MARKETECH APAC, has expressed his gratitude to all of those who have attended the conference, stressing the importance of leading discussions for the marketing industry this year.

“From thought-provoking presentations to lively discussions, we’ve delved into the most pressing marketing topics of today, and it’s all thanks to the insightful contributions of our speakers and panellists. Your generosity with your time and expertise has enriched the experience for everyone here today, and for that, we are immensely grateful,” he said.

He added, “With the resounding success of today’s event, I’m already looking forward to seeing you all again next year. Get ready for an even bigger and better experience, with more speakers, more sessions, and more insights into what’s next in marketing in Singapore over two action-packed days.”

The conference is part of a trilogy of conferences MARKETECH APAC launched as part of its What’s NEXT industry series. The first conference was held successfully in Malaysia back on December 5, 2023 at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. Following the conclusion of this Singapore, conference, the What’s NEXT conference will return with its return to the Philippines for the second time on March 19-20 at Crowne Legacy Manila Galleria.

Singapore – As we step into the promising realm of 2024, the marketing landscape in Southeast Asia is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by evolving consumer behaviours, technological advancements, and dynamic market trends. In this era of unprecedented connectivity and digitalisation, businesses are challenged to adapt swiftly to stay relevant and competitive. The region, known for its diverse cultures, rapidly growing economies, and technological adoption, is poised to witness groundbreaking shifts in marketing strategies. 

From embracing digital advancements to fostering sustainability and social responsibility, brands that proactively respond to the changing needs and expectations of consumers will be well-positioned for success in this dynamic region. The journey ahead promises challenges, but for those ready to seize the opportunities, the marketing landscape in Southeast Asia in 2024 holds immense potential for growth and impact.

To provide brands and marketers with the most up-to-date knowledge, best practices, and resources to ready themselves for the forthcoming industry trends and forecasts, MARKETECH APAC’s upcoming “What’s NEXT 2024” conferences has officially announced added details regarding its initial roster of speakers, as well as opportunities for both sponsors and attendees.

Its first conference for the year will be held in Singapore on March 7, 2024 at the Furama City Centre. Attendees of the What’s NEXT 2024: Marketing in Singapore one-day conference will be able to learn more about discussions and insights from these marketing leaders on topics revolving around AI, digital advertising, customer engagement, e-commerce, and customer experience. The initial lineup of speakers includes:

  • Jaslyin Qiyu, SVP, Head of Client Marketing and Digital Capabilities at Citi Singapore
  • Ronnie Brown, Chief Marketing & Distribution Officer at DirectAsia Singapore
  • Sulin Lau, Regional Head of Marketing and Brand for Deliveries, Mobility, Fintech & B2B at Grab
  • Jenny Tang, Head, Digital Marketing at Singapore Management University
  • Sophia Ong, Group Communications and Corporate Marketing at Singapore Post

Meanwhile, the next leg of the conference, What’s NEXT 2024: Marketing in the Philippines, will be held from March 19 to 20 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Aside from the topics that will be covered in the Singapore conference, attendees for this two-day conference in the Philippines will also be learning insights regarding consumer insights, branding, and influencer marketing. The initial lineup of speakers includes:

  • Katrina Gonzalez, Global Marketing Director at Coins.ph
  • Benjamin Quiroga-Rivera, managing director, APAC at Emma Sleep
  • Greg Anonas, Marketing Director at Emperador Distillers, Inc.
  • Denice Sy, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc.
  • Rochelle Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer at FWD Insurance
  • Raymund Villanueva, Chief Marketing Officer at GoTyme Bank

This follows the successful hosting of the What’s Next 2023: Marketing in Malaysia hybrid conference in the Philippines on December 5, 2023 at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur. The conference was attended by more than 200 in-person attendees and more than 100 virtual attendees including a diverse pool of Malaysian and international brands and agencies.

To learn how to be a part of this conference, click HERE for details on the Singapore conference, and HERE for details on the Philippine conference.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joven Barceñas at [email protected]. Meanwhile, please contact Katherine Sy at [email protected] for speaking opportunities; and Jizelle Barceñas at [email protected] for registrations.