Tag: ING

Singapore – ING, a strategic communications consultancy specialising in the built environment, has announced its global expansion with the launch of its first international office in Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients in key global markets.

ING offers a range of services, including corporate communications, strategic consultancy, research and policy development, marketing and brand consultancy, media training, and digital and social media strategy.

With its new office in Singapore, ING establishes a presence in a key global hub for business, finance, architecture, and design. The firm will provide communications support to clients in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as assist UK and other international businesses looking to expand their reach in the region.

The Singapore office will be led by Haziq Ariffin, recently promoted to senior strategist for APAC. With over seven years of experience in the built environment across Asia and the UK, he has managed strategic communications campaigns for clients in architecture, placemaking, real estate, and property investment.

In addition to its Singapore expansion, ING has grown its Manchester presence, adding two new clients: Civic, a consultancy focused on systems thinking for the built environment, and Habiko, a joint venture dedicated to affordable, sustainable housing.

Led by account director Lauren Teague, ING will develop communications programs to support client growth and brand visibility. The firm is also working with Regeneration Brainery to advance its mission of encouraging young people from under-represented backgrounds to pursue careers in property and regeneration.

Damian Wild, managing director of ING, said, “Manchester and Singapore are both key markets with immense potential. While Singapore strengthens our global presence, our Manchester office continues to lead regional efforts in driving growth across the North of England.” 

“Our expansion into these regions reflects our commitment to being where our clients need us most. We look forward to building strong relationships and delivering impactful communications strategies that drive success for our clients,” he added. 

Founded in London, ING marks 25 years in 2025 and became fully employee-owned in 2021. With 50 staff across three offices, the consultancy has worked with developers, investors, and industry events like MIPIM, representing delegations from Oman and Egypt. Its architecture and design clients include Büro Ole Scheeren, White Arkitekter, and Flokk.

Singapore – Erika Cleo Foo, formerly the vice president of communications at Singlife, has recently been named the new vice president of communications and brand experience for Asia-Pacific at ING. In an exclusive conversation with MARKETECH APAC, Foo shared that she will report to Christine Kam, head of communications and brand experience for ING APAC.

“Working closely with regional and country teams to ensure consistent messaging and positioning throughout the Asia-Pacific region, as well as ensuring the alignment and effectiveness of communications initiatives, will be crucial aspects of my role,” she said.

When asked about her strategies in her new role, she stated that she aims to focus on executing effective communication strategies to position ING as a regional leader in sustainable finance.

“ING has a strong foundation in APAC, and I’m eager to leverage that to elevate our position as a leader in sustainable finance. This is a crucial area for the future of the financial services industry, and ING’s expertise aligns perfectly with the growing demand for environmentally and socially conscious solutions across the region,” she said.

Prior to joining ING, Foo was with Singlife for two years, where she managed the company’s strategic communications plans in alignment with business objectives and brand identity.

She previously spent over five years with the National Heritage Board, handling various roles related to marketing communications and programming efforts.

“My experiences at Singlife and the National Heritage Board have taught me the importance of balancing innovation with tradition. From Singlife, I bring a strong understanding of digital-first strategies and the importance of integrating technology into customer experiences,” she said.

Foo added, “At the National Heritage Board, I learned the value of storytelling and creating emotionally engaging brand experiences. I believe these learnings have helped me create compelling and innovative brand experiences, leveraging both technology and storytelling to connect with audiences.”

When asked about specific brand experience challenges the banking and insurance industries face, she highlighted navigating the increasing regulatory landscape while maintaining a seamless customer experience, as well as ensuring data privacy and security in an era of digital transformation.

“On the opportunity side, the rapid adoption of digital technologies provides a chance to enhance customer engagement through personalized and convenient services. Additionally, there is a growing opportunity to build trust and loyalty by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, which are increasingly important to customers,” she said.

Discussing the opportunities the industry may see this year, she stated, “Customers today expect a seamless and personalized experience across all channels. This presents a challenge, but also an opportunity for differentiation through innovative and customer-centric brand experiences. Institutions that leverage advanced analytics to gain deeper insights into customer behaviour will benefit from more strategic decision-making, resulting in meaningful and tailored solutions for their end-users.”

Foo also added, “Building trust and brand loyalty will be crucial in the competitive APAC market. Transparency, ethical practices, and a focus on customer well-being will be key differentiators. Institutions that embrace a purpose-driven approach that aligns with the values of their audiences, such as sustainability and ethical practices, will find themselves a step ahead in building long-term brand loyalty.”

Manila, Philippines – Bank ING Philippines is launching a one-of-a-kind partnership with Krispy Kreme – the two have just launched a limited-edition donut to celebrate the bank’s 31st anniversary. 

The donuts are rightly created, glimmering with a bright orange color – the bank’s trademark hue. It is presented with two variants – one plain and the other adorned with sprinkles. 

ING said that for its anniversary, it didn’t want to go with the usual ‘birthday cake’. 

ING is a global banking service with Dutch origins. The firm established itself in the Philippines in 1990, providing wholesale banking services to international and local corporations. Just like any brand and consumer service today, the bank has also added digital to its proposition, forging a name in digital and mobile banking.

Alongside the customized treats, there will also be a special ING x Krispy Kreme Birthday Blowout Promo, where ING customers will be eligible for two free Original Glazed doughnuts at Krispy Kreme for a minimum ₱200 single-receipt purchase using their ING Pay Visa physical debit card for dine-in and take-out transactions.

The bank shared that they chose to commemorate the anniversary through the theme due to Filipinos’ love for sweet desserts and delicacies 

“It also aligns with a core thrust of ING – to deliver delightful feeling and bring smiles to its customers,” said ING in a press release. 

The limited-edition donuts will only be available to select partners. Meanwhile, the Birthday Blowout Promo has started running on 21 October and will last until 31 October. Customers can avail of the promo from any of the 93 participating Krispy Kreme branches nationwide excluding delivery transactions.

ING Philippines shared that other fun activities will be announced on its social media pages and website.