Singapore – Delivery company Deliveroo Singapore and grocery retailer Sheng Siong Group have forged a partnership to simplify grocery shopping for its users.

Through the partnership, Deliveroo and Sheng Siong aim to meet the needs of Singaporean consumers as they offer convenience to grocery shopping.

As part of the partnership, 21 Sheng Siong stores have been launched on the Deliveroo platform, with plans to add more locations in Singapore this month.

The availability of Sheng Siong on the platform provides customers with access to various products such as fresh produce and household items among others.

The move is part of Deliveroo’s effort to expand from its food delivery services to a broader range of delivery services.

Last year, Deliveroo launched Deliveroo Shopping, its online retail arm that offers non-food deliveries.

Lin Zikai, director of customer and operations at Sheng Siong said, “We are delighted to embark on this exclusive partnership with Deliveroo, one that marks a new chapter in bringing Sheng Siong’s trusted grocery offerings closer to our customers. This is our first time partnering with a delivery company, and thanks to Deliveroo’s seamless delivery platform, we are now able to deliver high-quality products at affordable prices straight to our customers’ doorsteps in as quickly as 30 minutes. This collaboration allows us to offer even greater convenience to busy families and individuals, ensuring they can access fresh produce and daily essentials with ease and efficiency.”

“This exclusive partnership with Sheng Siong marks a significant milestone in our mission to bring greater convenience to our customers along with a purpose-built app experience for grocery. While ready-to-eat meals remain at the core of what we do, this collaboration expands our offerings with a diverse range of groceries, competitive prices, and round-the-clock delivery. With a growing segment of consumers expressing interest in using delivery platforms for grocery and non-food items, we’re proud to continuously meet evolving demands and make everyday shopping simpler and more accessible,” Jason Parke, general manager of Deliveroo Singapore, said.

Singapore – Singaporeans are among the heaviest users of social media, ranking fourth globally at 88.2%, according to a report from We Are Social and Meltwater.

The report shows Singaporeans as one of the most engaged in internet use, spending an average of 6 hours and 33 minutes online daily. 

Singaporeans aged 16 and above use approximately 7.24 different platforms each month. Specifically, Reddit sees the highest engagement in the country, with users opening the app an average of 116.9 times monthly. Telegram is also a popular app, with Singaporean users opening it 237 times per month.

Meanwhile, TikTok is also widely used in Singapore as users spend an average of 34 hours and 29 minutes in the app monthly. This number falls nearly 30 minutes less than the global average.

However, a significant 71.4% of Singaporean adults are concerned about discerning real from fake information online. 

Data privacy is also a concern, with 36% of internet users worried about how companies use their personal data. As a result, 39% of Singaporean internet users reject website cookies, more than the global average of 34.5%.

The global report sees an acceleration in the use of artificial intelligence, the importance of social media in brand discovery, and a surge in ad spend.

“With digital ad spend exceeding $790 billion in 2024 and social media ad spend growing more than 15% within that, it’s clear that businesses are investing more than ever in capturing consumer attention. Along with this growing investment comes the growing need to prove ROI and show results based on marketing campaigns. With user behavior on social platforms continuing to shift, teams need data to inform decisions about what platforms to prioritize and create strategies for,” Alexandra Bjertnæs, chief strategy officer at Meltwater, commented.

“Social is where brands can win or lose – it’s central to brand discovery, consumer engagement, and commerce. At the same time, AI is revolutionising how we search, create, and interact, while influencers continue to shape content trends and consumer behaviours. The opportunities for marketers to drive meaningful engagement have never been broader, but the complexity of digital and social media – evident in our 630+ page report – means there’s no single route to success. To create effective work, brands need to understand the cultural nuances of the online world, and create ideas worth talking about. Those who do will make an impact,” Toby Southgate, global group CEO at We Are Social, said.

Singapore – Boloni, a provider of interior furnishing solutions, has unveiled its first experience centre in Singapore. 

The inaugural experience centre, located at Delta House, reflects Boloni’s commitment to providing trendsetting and holistic home solutions while highlighting its contemporary carpentry.

Having been established in China, Boloni also has showrooms across Asia and Australia. Boloni’s entry into Singapore marks its new footprint in the region. 

Boloni is known for its one-stop approach to providing home customisation. Offering complete housing solutions, Boloni allows its customers to have a seamless experience.

The experience centre, combining technology and design, is equipped with various room settings. Its showrooms can also be used as an events space, with plans to be employed for lifestyle activities.

Staying committed to sustainability, Boloni enables recycling and upcycling in its modular carpentry system.

Besides the Singapore experience centre, Boloni is set to open a showroom in Bali and plans to expand further in Vietnam. 

“This marks an exciting milestone for Boloni as we partner The Modular Builder (TMB) to bring our expertise and innovative solutions to Singapore. Our Singapore Experience Centre reflects Boloni’s commitment to redefining modern living with a blend of design, functionality, and technology. We believe this centre will inspire homeowners and designers alike, showcasing the possibilities of a truly customised living experience,” Frank Cai, founder of Boloni, said.

“Our vision for Boloni Singapore Experience Center is to become the premier architectural design and build hub for landed homes in Singapore,” Benedict Choa, CEO of Boloni Singapore and The Modular Builder, commented.

“All our wood materials are cultivated for long-term sustainability, adhering to European standard E1 levels with formaldehyde emissions below 0.5 mg/L,” Choa added.

“The Experience Centre showcases how quality living can seamlessly integrate with sophisticated design aspirations. It offers a diverse range of styles and finishes that enables clients to realise their vision of their dream homes through a designer’s eye and high-quality furnishings,” Kee Jing Zhi, COO of Boloni Singapore, said.

Hong Kong – DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (DBS Hong Kong) has introduced ‘DBS Culinary Delights,’ a new marketing and customer engagement initiative designed to offer exclusive, curated dining experiences for its wealth clients.

DBS Culinary Delights celebrates the art of gastronomy, offering DBS’ wealth clients exclusive access to Hong Kong’s finest culinary experiences in a city renowned as a gourmet paradise for both locals and tourists.

For this initiative, DBS enlisted acclaimed Chef Edward Lee, renowned for his appearance on Culinary Class War and his innovative fusion of Asian and Western cuisines. A recipient of numerous accolades from prestigious culinary organisations, Chef Lee will debut ‘DBS Culinary Delights,’ bringing his signature creativity to the exclusive dining experience.

In collaboration with DBS and Tatler, Chef Lee will visit Hong Kong in March for the inaugural DBS Culinary Delights event, ARTable, which blends gastronomy with artistic expression. The event aims to offer a unique dining experience that reflects Chef Lee’s innovative approach to cuisine.

Sebastian Paredes, head of North Asia and chief executive officer at DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “DBS has grown substantially in the wealth management space over the years. As a customer-centric and relationship-focused bank, we focus on delighting our customers by creating the best-in-class customer journeys and giving them an experience beyond banking.”

“We look forward to connecting with our clients meaningfully, and this unprecedented collaboration shall deliver fresh and exceptional dining experiences for our esteemed clientele – aligning with the global trend – eating well, eating differently while indulging in culinary art,” Paredes added.

The launch of Culinary Delights reflects DBS’s focus on evolving customer trends. With wealth clients becoming more selective and aspirational, the bank aims to offer more personalised experiences and tailored services.

Singapore – A majority of Singapore residents (83%) are prioritising financial planning as they anticipate economic challenges this year, according to a study from insurance company AIA Singapore.

With only 47% of residents optimistic about Singapore’s economy, AIA’s study underscores how most plan to manage their savings, investments, and insurance more actively. Most cite inflation and cost of living as a top concern, while others consider job security and income levels.

While more than half (54%) of 18 to 29-year-old Singaporeans feel ready to face economic challenges, only 34% of those in their 40s feel the same, the study found.

As Singaporeans plan to address the challenge, the study shows that their priorities include managing savings (62%), maintaining stable income (57%), and setting up an emergency fund (52%). 48% also recognize the importance of insurance in their financial planning.

Additionally, more than half (53%) of Singaporeans are concerned with healthcare as they deem it expensive. 57% plan to address this through insurance, while others intend to turn to their personal savings and government healthcare support.

To prioritise having stable employment, younger individuals are focusing on upskilling (40%), while those in their 40s are building their savings (55%) and emergency funds (46%).

“Despite the expectation of challenging times, the people of Singapore are showing remarkable resilience and proactiveness. This reflects a maturing society which has a better understanding and appreciation of the value of planning early and planning well for their future and that of their loved ones, which is especially noteworthy as we celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday this year,” Irma Hadikusuma, chief marketing and healthcare officer at AIA Singapore, said.

Thailand – Communications agency Havas Thailand has announced key appointments in an effort to strengthen its leadership team. Carlo Herold has been appointed as the agency’s managing director while Siamrit Wongvichitara takes on the role of chief growth and commercial officer.

In his new role, Herold will oversee the media operations while leading strategies to enhance client engagement and boost its presence. Bringing his expertise in performance marketing and digital innovation, Herold is set to contribute to boosting the agency’s offerings.

Meanwhile, Wongvichitara will attend to Havas Thailand’s business development, building client partnerships while leveraging his knowledge of the market.

Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas India, SEA & North Asia, said, “Thailand is a key growth market for Havas, and strengthening our leadership here is a top priority. Carlo and Siamrit bring a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of the local market, which will be invaluable in driving our strategic goals. As the Thai market continues to evolve with new opportunities and challenges, Carlo and Siamrit will play a pivotal role along with Aga, in navigating these shifts and accelerating our growth in the region. Their leadership will be instrumental in reinforcing Havas Thailand’s position as a forward-thinking, innovative partner to our clients.”

“These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening our capabilities and aligning with the evolving needs of the Thai market. With Thailand ranking among the top globally for mobile- first behavior and social commerce, it is crucial to strengthen our digital capabilities to stay ahead of evolving consumer trends. By helping our clients navigate this dynamic landscape, we aim to achieve sustainable growth while building meaningful brands that deeply resonate with audiences. Together, we will continue to innovate and deliver impactful solutions that resonate across the market,” Aga Giedroyc, CEO of  Havas Thailand, said.

“We are both excited to take on these roles and work together to lead Havas Thailand through its next phase of growth. We look forward to collaborating with Aga and the entire team to drive impactful strategies that not only elevate our market presence but also create lasting value for our clients. Together, we are committed to strengthening Havas Thailand’s position as a forward-thinking, solutions-driven partner in this dynamic and evolving market,” Herold and Wongvichitara commented.

Singapore – 24/7 FITNESS, a fitness brand from Hong Kong, has made its debut in Singapore with a flagship club on Orchard Road. The expansion comes following the fitness brand’s acquisition of Singapore-based fitness chain GymmBoxx.

24/7 FITNESS’ newly launched flagship club aims to provide Singaporeans with access to fitness solutions, offering convenience through the 24-hour gym.

The new facility offers various equipment from renowned brands, including cardio machines and weight-training equipment that cater to people of different fitness levels.

24/7 FITNESS has opened branches across Singapore, including in The Seletar Mall, Margaret Market, and Yew Tee MRT. The brand also plans to open in more locations in the next three years.

Ensuring transparency to its members, 24/7 FITNESS provides straightforward pricing without hidden costs. Members will also be given access to all of the brand’s locations across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Each 24/7 FITNESS branch worldwide is equipped with a smart face recognition terminal, allowing seamless entry without a key fob or card while maintaining security.

Founded in Hong Kong in 2011, 24/7 FITNESS has grown with branches worldwide, including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Macau in the APAC region.

“Our goal is to redefine fitness accessibility in Singapore by providing world-class facilities and services at an affordable price. By expanding to 40 locations over the next three years, 24/7 FITNESS is committed to becoming the fitness brand of choice for Singaporeans who prioritize their health and well-being,” Ingrid Wong, CEO of 24/7 FITNESS, said.

Singapore – Online brokerage firm Tiger Brokers has appointed independent agency W Communications to handle its communications across Singapore and the Asia-Pacific (APAC).

Following its win in a competitive pitch, W Communications is set to boost Tiger Brokers’ brand awareness and build trust for audiences in the region. W Communications will highlight Tiger Brokers’ mission to make trading and investing accessible. 

Amplifying Tiger Brokers’ offerings and expertise through the partnership, W Communications will strive to engage a wider audience while maintaining its focus on the firm’s primary target audience, which consists of retail investors and individuals with high net worth.

Through the partnership, W Communications continues strengthening its presence in the region while growing its multinational clientele.

Kenneth Chew, corporate lead at W Communications, said, “By operating in the region’s highly competitive financial hub, staying at the forefront of industry innovation is no longer just an advantage – it is a necessity. With this partnership, we aim to solidify Tiger Broker’s leadership position through impactful content and campaigns. Our team’s experience in the financial sector provides us with a deep understanding of market dynamics and movements, which enables us to effectively convey Tiger Broker’s key messages through a comprehensive approach that integrates technical market insights with strategic branding initiatives.”

Shelton Chang, PR manager at Tiger Brokers, commented, “Engaging with investors today will require an innovative communication strategy for robust storytelling. Our partnership with W Communications highlights our commitment to staying ahead of the industry curve when it comes to effectively conveying our value proposition to clients, in line with our business objectives.”

Singapore – Gaming marketing agency Ampverse Pulse has launched Pulse Media, its digital media buying platform, to further connect advertisers with mobile and PC gamers in Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Gulf states.

The newly launched platform provides advertisers access to gaming creators and their in-game inventory, allowing impactful advertising formats on mobile and PC games.

While providing programmatic advertising solutions, Pulse Media also delivers optimisation for brands to achieve high engagement with consumers.

Through the platform, advertisers can leverage immersive in-game ads, execute AI-powered campaigns, and maximise ad spend. Additionally, adtech platforms can integrate ads into live streams and other content while leveraging smart audience segmentation for optimal targeting.

Ampverse Pulse also helps businesses across media planning, strategy, activations, and user acquisition among others. Its clients include Tencent, Redbull, and Burger King.

Charlie Baillie, co-founder and CEO of Ampverse, commented, “We believe that our deep understanding of the gaming market across Southeast Asia and Gulf States will ensure that the Pulse Media media buying division will provide advertisers with a complete solution. There are more than 300 million active gamers in these markets and brands need expert execution to ensure their digital advertising campaigns reach the right audience.”

“There is incredible growth among Southeast Asia’s gaming community, which Ampverse has been a part of through our own long-standing gaming activations with brands and publishers. The time is right to now launch a digital advertising division that enables marketers to strengthen their brand presence in this arena,” Baillie added.

“Gen Z and Gen Alpha will continue to be behind social change and conversation for the next 15 years. In a little over a decade, they will have taken over the economy. Brands must build a relationship with this audience now to have the right and opportunity to engage them in the future,” he concluded.

Singapore – Creative and media agency VaynerMedia has named Marcus Krzastek as international president amidst its global expansion, effective immediately. Krzastek is set to oversee the agency’s operations in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

As VaynerMedia has expanded from its offices in Singapore and London, Krzastek will continue to strengthen its teams and operations in Australia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Amsterdam.

Krzastek has been with VaynerMedia for 15 years, most recently serving as the president of VaynerX company The Sasha Group, where he significantly increased revenue and profitability.

“Marcus has been integral to VaynerMedia’s success since day one. His deep understanding of our business and exceptional leadership make him the perfect choice to accelerate our global growth in this next chapter,” Gary Vaynerchuk, chairman of VaynerX and CEO of VaynerMedia, said.

Krzastek commented, “Over the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed VaynerMedia grow from a scrappy startup into a global powerhouse, creating social-first content for the world’s biggest brands. I’m honoured to take on this new role and excited to build upon the incredible momentum across our international regions.”