Singapore – Fast food chain Chick-fil-A has announced plans to open its first restaurant in Singapore in late 2025, marking the brand’s entry into Asia. The first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Singapore begins with a 10-year long US$75m investment. 

In June 2024, Chick-fil-A Asia Pte Ltd hosted a pop-up event in Singapore to help introduce the brand to the community and gain a nuanced understanding of Guest preferences in the region. More than 1,000 people in Singapore enjoyed an iconic Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich at the three-day experience. 

Through a suggested S$10 donation, attendees helped generate S$30,000 in donations for Community Chest, the philanthropy and engagement arm of National Council of Social Service (NCSS). 

Chick-fil-A’s branches span more than 3,000 restaurants globally. 

Anita Costello, chief international officer at Chick-fil-A, said, “The profound love that Singaporeans have for food as well as the city’s strategic position as a gateway to the Asian market make it the ideal choice for Chick-fil-A’s first permanent restaurant in the region. We are grateful for the overwhelming support and positive response from Singaporeans so far and we look forward to serving them in 2025.”

Local owner-operators of Chick-fil-A restaurants in Singapore will have the opportunity to be part of the ‘Chick-fil-A Shared Table’ food donation program, which feeds hungry people by sharing surplus food with local nonprofit partners to help those who need it most. 

In the United States and Canada, more than 30 million meals have been created for people in need since the program began in 2012. 

Hugh Park, head of Asia-Pacific operations at Chick-fil-A (Asia) Pte Ltd., commented, “We are thrilled to introduce Chick-fil-A to Singapore, bringing new jobs and opportunities as we support the local community. Serving our Guests with high quality food and signature hospitality remains our top priority as we do so. Our unique approach, with locally owned and operated restaurants, will also allow us to better connect with people in Singapore as we provide an authentic Chick-fil-A experience.” 

Manila, Philippines – Philippine fast-food franchise operator Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures (SPAVI) is setting plans to expand its operations in the United States by incorporating a subsidiary in the local market. This was announced in a recent disclosure by SPAVI at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSEi).

In the disclosure, SPAVI said that the intended principal activities shall include owning and operating stores and franchises, as well as to market Shakey’s Group’s products and brands.

“The incorporated entity will be the Group’s platform in its expansion plans in the territory which will grow systemwide sales, revenues and bottomline internationally via companyowned and franchised stores in the territory,” SPAVI said in a statement.

SPAVI is known for managing and expanding the Shakey’s Pizza brand in the country and across Southeast Asia. Originally founded in the U.S. in 1954, Shakey’s has grown into a family dining restaurant, recognized for its pizza, chicken, and mojos. SPAVI holds the exclusive rights to develop the Shakey’s brand in the Philippines, where it operates hundreds of outlets, and in select international markets. 

Apart from Shakey’s Pizza, SPAVI has diversified its portfolio by managing other popular food and beverage brands. It handles Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, a fast-casual chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken with various sauces, and R&B Milk Tea, a trendy beverage brand originating from Singapore, known for its milk teas and fruit-based drinks.

Japan – Adaptive streaming technology company SeenThis has made its debut in Japan with the launch of its first office in Tokyo, bringing more sustainable video advertising solutions to the market and promising enhanced campaign performance for advertisers.

The opening of SeenThis’ Japan office marks a significant milestone in its expanding presence across Asia, building on the success of several previous campaigns in the Japanese market.

With SeenThis’ adaptive streaming technology now available in Japan, it is set to empower advertisers in the region to run more impactful video-based campaigns. Traditionally, display advertising in Japan has been dominated by static, image-based banner ads. SeenThis’ entry introduces an alternative, offering a more dynamic and innovative video solution for the market.

Setsuko Iijima will head the Tokyo office, bringing a wealth of experience to the role. Most recently, she served as the head of mid-market sales at Outbrain.

Commenting on the launch, Setsuko said, “There’s a big opportunity for advertisers in Japan to up their game with SeenThis at the heart of it. We’re already having some great conversations and look forward to working with some of the country’s major advertisers.”

Meanwhile, Jesper Benon, CEO of SeenThis, shared, “After the opening of our offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, the opening of our Tokyo office is another sign of our commitment to helping advertisers run high-impact, more sustainable campaigns in the APAC region. Setsuko and her team are keen to help advertisers in Japan move beyond static image-based content to more immersive and engaging video campaigns.”

Manila, Philippines – Filipino coffee chain Bo’s Coffee is set to open 85 new stores–35 by the end of this year and 50 by next year. This is according to Steve Benitez, founder and CEO at Bo’s Coffee at the sidelines of a recent industry event.

“As far as the company is concerned, we (will be) able to grow by 35 stores by the end of this year; and next year, we are looking at 50 stores,” he said.

In terms of international growth, Benitez said that they are also planning to ramp up its international expansion, specifically also expanding its existing operations in Doha and Dubai. Moreover, they are also talking with other partners, mentioning that Canada is also another potential market for expansion.

“We will have 16 stores by the end of this year in Doha and four in Dubai. Two are operating in Dubai, and 14 stores are already open in Doha,” he said.

Benitez added. “We are talking to other partners, and Canada is on the table… But it is going to be a five-year plan, so it is like a rollout of 10 stores in 10 years or 12 stores in 10 years.”

Bo’s Coffee was founded in 1996 by Benitez, with a large chunk of its local stores based in Metro Cebu where the chain is officially based. 

In 2018, the chain teamed up with Al Majed Grouping to open its first store in Doha, Qatar. It had also worked with Al Mulla Business Group for the chain’s expansion to Dubai, UAE.

Japan – Global PR agency HAVAS Red (formerly Red HAVAS) has expanded its footprint in Asia Pacific with the launch of a new office in Japan, further enhancing its merged media capabilities and broadening its service offerings in the region.

The launch of HAVAS Red’s new Japan office follows the network’s regional expansion last November, when it acquired a majority stake in PR Pundit, one of India’s leading PR consultancy firms, now operating as PR Pundit HAVAS Red.

Masashi Kitaichi will take on the role of managing director, leading the newly launched Japan office.

Speaking about the expansion, Kitaichi said, “We’ve been fortunate to work already with a wonderful portfolio of clients at the HAVAS Village in Japan. Now, by expanding to become HAVAS Red Japan, we are poised to be even more powerful and integrated partners for these clients on everything from social media to experiential to public relations.” 

Darrell Nelson, CEO of HAVAS Japan, also commented, “HAVAS Japan has seen significant growth over the last 3 years, and by launching Havas Red in Japan with Masashi leading the capability, we are not only expanding our service offerings but also positioning ourselves to better meet the specific demands of this market.” 

“With the addition of comprehensive PR capabilities, we can deliver more integrated and impactful solutions that resonate with local audiences while aligning with global standards. This strategic move ensures that HAVAS Japan is even more equipped to drive meaningful connections for our clients, making us a stronger partner in their growth and success,” he added. 

The addition of the Japan office expands HAVAS Red’s merged media capabilities to a total of 19 markets globally.

Earlier this year, HAVAS Red marked its second market entry in Africa with the launch of an office in Ivory Coast. In addition to Japan, India, and Ivory Coast, the agency has operating offices in Australia, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, the Middle East (U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, and Oman), the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, the U.K., the U.S., and Vietnam.

James Wright, global CEO of HAVAS Red and global chairman of HAVAS PR Network, shared, “Bigger, better, bolder, and more borderless—that’s how HAVAS Red continues to grow each year. Expanding into India and Africa last year was a significant milestone for us, opening doors to very exciting regions. Now we’re thrilled to extend our footprint into Japan, where our HAVAS colleagues are already delivering groundbreaking work with iconic clients, and we look forward to providing enhanced PR and social support to continue driving innovation and excellence.” 

Meanwhile, Rana Barua, Group CEO of HAVAS India, Southeast and North Asia, commented, “Japan is a key market for HAVAS, and enhancing our capabilities here is central to our One Asia strategy. By broadening our reach and engaging with one of the world’s most dynamic and progressive audiences, we are reinforcing our commitment to creating meaningful connections and delivering impactful narratives.”   

In August 2024, HAVAS Red launched Industry by HAVAS Red, a comprehensive communications service aimed at helping B2B clients build meaningful connections across their value chain. Other key offerings include Peaks (executive branding), SWAY (influencer marketing), Red Impact (ESG and sustainability), Health by HAVAS Red (health and wellness), and Red Connect (B2B content marketing).

Bangkok, Thailand – Trip.com Group has launched its new Asia Live Streaming Centre at its Bangkok office, set to deliver daily content that highlights Thailand’s tourism offerings.

Attended by representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and business partners, the launch represents a major expansion of the Group’s content marketing strategies. It aims to deliver top travel inspiration and deals to adventurers via livestreaming, transforming how partners and consumers connect to elevate the tourism industry.

The Asia Live Streaming Centre will function as the Group’s regional hub, initially broadcasting daily content in Thai on Trip.com Thailand’s social media channels, with plans to expand to English content for international audiences in subsequent phases.

Additionally, Trip.com intends to collaborate with hotels, local attractions, and businesses across Thailand to highlight a variety of travel products and deals. The livestream will spotlight premium offerings, including those featured on Trip.Best, a curated ranking list on Trip.com that helps global travellers choose the top experiences at each destination.

The livestreaming content is also set to boost exposure and create new sales channels for the Group’s business partners, complementing existing initiatives like mega sales, influencer collaborations, and food tourism campaigns as part of a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Bo Sun, chief marketing officer at Trip.com Group, said, “We are pleased to have the Tourism Authority of Thailand and business partners witness this milestone with us today, as we collaborate closely to showcase and offer the best travel experiences for our users. The new livestreaming centre aims to capitalise on Thailand’s active social media user base and status as a top travel destination in the region. The move has the potential to elevate travel in the Asia region to new heights, as we leverage the power of livestreaming to engage with passionate travellers.”

Trip.com’s strategic launch of its new livestreaming hub in Thailand capitalises on the country’s advanced livestreaming ecosystem and diverse travel offerings. The Group plans to expand this content to Trip.com sites across Southeast Asia, with a rollout scheduled for Q1 2025. The long-term goal is to extend this livestreaming initiative to additional markets where it is gaining momentum.

Jakarta, Indonesia – S4 Capital’s operating brand Media.Monks has opened an office in Indonesia, adding a strategic location and local talent to its Asia Pacific business. The Indonesian office will service both local and regional client business, as Indonesia continues to be a growth market for brands.

As part of the office opening, Media.Monks has appointed Masayu Difa as its business director, who brings over 15 years of client leadership in Indonesia and experience across both local and international brands. She previously held senior client roles at Lion & Lion, Grey, McCann and Geometry.

In addition, Media.Monks has also formed a partnership with a new client, one of the largest Indonesian food brand leaders, ABC which named Media.Monks as its creative agency of record for ABC Soy and Chilli, becoming the founding client for the new office.

“I am thrilled to join Media.Monks, a forward-thinking agency that is setting the tone for how to deliver digital solutions through innovation and lead our efforts in Indonesia. Our new office will leverage local insights combined with global expertise that resonate with Indonesian consumers and drive business growth for our clients. I am excited to work with our talented team and esteemed clients like Kraft Heinz ABC to make a significant impact in this dynamic market,” Difa said.

The Indonesia office is the ninth local office in the APAC region, enlarging its footprint to Southeast Asia offices in Singapore and Malaysia.

Speaking about the office opening, Sir Martin Sorrell, Chairman of S4 Capital, said, “I am excited to add the 34th country to the uni-branded Media.Monks network, especially a market so significant, with 300 million consumers and over 167 million active on social media, the third largest in Asia. Indonesia’s GDP is forecast to be in the top five countries worldwide by 2050. Brands across the Country are looking for partners to help build progressive digital consumer connections to drive their business and we are excited to be part of that.”

Meanwhile, Munas Van Boonstra, managing director for Southeast Asia at Media.Monks, commented, “I believe the integrated brand, digital, data and social capabilities that Media.Monks can bring can make an impact in the market and I am proud to launch the newest part of the global monk family to help brands succeed in Indonesia and help Indonesian brands scale around Asia and the world.”

Philippines – Ayudante, a digital marketing and measurement consulting agency based in Japan, has announced its acquisition of Sparkline, an independent digital marketing company headquartered in Singapore with an established presence in the Philippines, positioning the Philippines as the next key market for expansion.

With this acquisition, Sparkline will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayudante. The Singapore-based digital marketing agency is known as one of the first certified partners and resellers of Google Marketing Platform (GMP) in Asia, establishing a reputation for its industry-leading expertise in data utilisation consulting.

Ayudante, Japan’s first GMP-certified partner and reseller, has been expanding its international team to support global business growth for its Japanese clients. The acquisition of Sparkline marks a significant regional milestone, demonstrating a successful Japanese regional acquisition and boosting confidence in regional companies’ ability to attract international buyers.

Furthermore, Ayudante’s acquisition of Sparkline highlights multinational interest in Southeast Asia’s dynamic tech ecosystems. Recognising the Philippines as a key market, Sparkline plans to offer GMP services there, aligning with the country’s growing demand for data analytics and digital marketing solutions amid government-led digital transformation.

Beyond GMP services, the collaboration will also focus on multilingual SEO and digital marketing. The companies’ developers will enhance data development, tag automation, and digital marketing in the GenAI era. This strategic move is timely for Southeast Asia, where businesses increasingly rely on advanced data analytics and automation to remain competitive.

The company names will remain unchanged, and the terms of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed.

Following the acquisition, Naohiro Yamaura, COO of Ayudante, will assume the position of chairman of the board at Sparkline under the new management structure. He is one of the most successful figures in the GMP business in Japan, having authored eight books and leading the industry. Moving forward, Yamaura will collaborate with Sparkline CEO and founder Aleetza Senn to accelerate Sparkline’s growth in the Southeast Asia market.

Commenting on the acquisition, Senn said, “Sparkline has always been about providing bespoke and agnostic analytics services to businesses using digital data for customer and marketing growth. This alignment with Ayudante is really exciting and helps us scale that vision to many more businesses in the region, especially at a time when the industry is being disrupted due to privacy regulations and change.”

Hiroshi Yasukawa, CEO of Ayudante, also shared, “I am pleased to be partnered with Sparkline, which has the longest history in our business field in Singapore. Together, we aim to become the top GMP reseller in the Asia-Pacific region.”

New Delhi, India – VaynerMedia has announced that it has officially launched in India, marking the agency’s sixth office in the Asia-Pacific region and 13th globally. The agency has been working closely with Fortune 500 clients in India for two years and operated in strategic partnership with local agency Step1.

Through the official launch, VaynerMedia India will be led by Salman Moin as its country manager, and he will be reporting to Tim Lindley, managing director for Asia-Pacific at VaynerMedia. Step1 will also seamlessly integrate into the overall VaynerMedia family following the launch.

Speaking on the official launch, Lindley said, “India’s entrepreneurial spirit, rapid economic growth, and thriving pop culture make it one of the most exciting markets in the world right now. It brings together deep-rooted tradition and fast-paced innovation –– the ideal conditions for dynamic brands to thrive.”

He added, “Modern brands the world over have leveraged the power of social media to disrupt goliath incumbents; Indian businesses leverage social media on a whole new level to disrupt global dynamics, making it the perfect place for us to deploy our ‘social at the centre’ marketing model.” 

Meanwhile, Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO and co-founder at VaynerMedia, commented, “India’s deeply diverse cultural heritage combined with its rapidly growing economy and exploding social media landscape presents a truly unique and exciting opportunity for brands. The country’s entrepreneurial spirit and diverse culture coupled with our team’s passion, expertise, and VaynerMedia’s attention-first philosophy –– now this is a recipe for explosive growth.”

He added, “I have zero doubt that Tim and Salman will lead the team to an incredibly exciting future, and I’m excited to show the Fortune 500 brands in the region how to actually build brand in the new marketing world.” 

Singapore – NP Digital, a global digital marketing agency, has announced its agreement to acquire digital agency SearchGuru, expanding its portfolio and market reach in the Asia-Pacific region. 

NP Digital’s acquisition of SearchGuru will accelerate its APAC expansion, drive innovation in digital marketing solutions, and strengthen its market presence in the region.

SearchGuru brings a strong heritage in performance marketing, perfectly aligning with NP Digital’s customer-centric values and culture. With a market-leading reputation and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results for top brands like Club Med, Nespresso, Maybank, and DHL across Asia, SearchGuru will enhance NP Digital’s portfolio by adding in-market SEO, paid media expertise, creative capabilities, and top talent.

The agreement will enable the combined entity to offer a comprehensive suite of performance marketing solutions, from media, creative, and content to CRO and data. By harnessing NP Digital’s robust technology stack and leveraging SearchGuru’s extensive experience in Asian markets, this partnership is poised to deliver exceptional value and ROI to clients in key verticals such as finance, insurance, travel, and beauty.

Furthermore, with offices in high-demand markets such as Australia, India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the acquisition will add an additional 120 digital marketers to its 270-strong APAC team and unlock new opportunities for synergy and market penetration. 

NP Digital’s agreement to acquire SearchGuru underscores its commitment to innovation and expansion in the rapidly evolving landscape of performance marketing in the region.

Dan Kalinski, managing director of APAC at NP Digital, shared, “NP Digital’s agreement to acquire SearchGuru marks an exciting chapter in our journey. We are eager to welcome SearchGuru to the fast-growing NP Digital family. This collaboration strengthens our foothold in the APAC region, affirming our commitment to serving our clients with unparalleled innovation and excellence in performance marketing. By synergizing our expertise, resources, and unwavering dedication, we’re poised to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital marketing landscape and deliver greater value and impact to our clients’ businesses.”

Mike Gullaksen, CEO of NP Digital, further added, “This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to customers by expanding and diversifying our APAC talent and capabilities, better enabling us to support their needs and take advantage of new opportunities around the globe. Integrating SearchGuru into our ecosystem not only expands our industry-leading scale and expertise, but now enhances our ability to empower APAC businesses with cutting-edge digital strategies and measurable results culturally and geographically.”

Also speaking on the acquisition, Larry Lim, CEO of SearchGuru, said, “It’s been an amazing journey growing from a local 4-man agency to a regional player with over 120 specialists while delivering 11 consecutive years of revenue growth in the process. Joining NP Digital will elevate us further to the global stage while simultaneously allowing us to also tap into their vast industry skill set and experience, in-house tools, and established processes.”