Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Global marketing and tech services company DEPT has recently recertified as a B Corp, stating that it has become first global agency to achieve this milestone. For DEPT, this recertification proves that rapid growth and responsible business can go hand in hand.

Since earning its first B Corp certification in 2021, DEPT has grown from 1,200 people in Europe to over 4,000 across five continents. But while the company has expanded its reach–and its recertification includes each DEPT location, it has also deepened its commitment to balancing profit with purpose. 

In 2024 more than 10% of its profit came from impact projects like Undo the Firewall, and Easy Genomics, and worked for clients such as Daniel’s Music Foundation, ReflexAI, Ocean Spray, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and eBay—proving that business success and doing good don’t have to be at odds. 

In the last three years, DEPT has expanded into the Americas and APAC acquired more than 10 companies and launched some of the most pioneering work in digital. But it has also ensured that every move aligns with its B Corp certification. 

From reducing its carbon footprint to embedding DEI at every level of the business, DEPT has focused on making impact scalable. The company has rolled out initiatives like living wage policies, sustainable procurement standards, and employee assistance programs across all its offices. 

Moreover, as corporate ESG commitments face increasing scrutiny, agencies face more activist activity, and regulations like the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) raise the bar for accountability, DEPT’s B Corp recertification ensures it is well-prepared to meet new requirements and continue leading by example. 

Dimi Albers, global CEO at DEPT, said, “B Corp is more than just a badge of honour. At a time when companies and governments are backing away from ESG commitments, staying B Corp certified helps us remain accountable and transparent in our operations and stay true to our values. It proves that we’re not just talking about sustainability and impact. We’re galvanising it into the DNA of how we operate, who we hire, and the work we deliver for our clients.”

Meanwhile, Pooja Dindigal, global head of impact at DEPT, commented, “The B Corp framework challenges us to keep pushing forward—to be better, more transparent, and more impactful. It’s both a north star and a catalyst for change, helping us navigate the complexities of growth while creating a more sustainable and equitable world. We are committed to this never-ending journey and excited about the positive impact we can achieve together and with our clients.”

Philippines – Superapp Grab is surprising Filipino couples with a walking delivery bag this Valentine’s Day in its latest marketing campaign.

In a series of surprise videos on social media, Grab personified its delivery bag to humorously serve Filipino couples on their dates.

While injecting comedy into the videos, Grab highlights its offerings that can make Valentine’s celebrations better. It emphasises how users can order cakes from GrabFood and flowers from GrabMart alongside booking a ride with GrabCar.

Through the video, Grab showcases how celebrations of love can be made affordable and seamless for Filipino couples.

Grab also launched various promos for users of GrabCar, GrabMart, and GrabFood in time for Valentine’s Day.

Singapore – Automotive manufacturer Audi, in partnership with advertising agency DDB Group Singapore, has launched a campaign for the debut of House of Progress in Singapore. House of Progress is the vehicle brand’s flagship showroom, set to welcome the public on February 15.

As part of the campaign, DDB Group Singapore unveiled a film featuring Cyr wheel artists performing inside the House of Progress. With the strategic use of Cyr wheels, the film highlights Audi’s imagery and logo.

The one-minute film provides a glimpse of spaces within the showroom, including the Quattro Golf Lounge, Audi x Burnt Ends Bakery, and Audi Performance Suite.

The film runs across social and digital channels, and will also be rolled out on the ground. It is also accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video and teasers.

The House of Progress, soon to be opened, is located at Cross Street Exchange.

Vinod Savio, CCO of DDB Group Singapore, commented, “Singapore welcomes a new icon with House of Progress. Our vision was to create something truly unforgettable to mark this new chapter for the brand. We’re inviting people not just to witness, but to truly feel the future of Audi in a way that’s never been experienced before.”

“At DDB, we’re bridging the gap between human experience and technological advancement, crafting a campaign that resonates on a personal level,” Neel Chhaya, managing partner at DDB Group Singapore, said.

Jamie Lee, general manager of marketing at Audi Singapore, said, “House of Progress is Audi Singapore’s tribute to Vorsprung durch Technik, and we truly appreciate how DDB’s creative concept captures and elevates our brand story for the future. People drive cars, but they are driven by so much more. This collaboration brings to life our vision of automotive retail and deepens the connection with our customers, who share our passion for innovation, sustainable progress, and a range of enriching experiences.”

Singapore – Scoot, a low-cost airline under Singapore Airlines, has launched Lunar New Year couplets in honour of culture and tradition. The couplet designs, made in collaboration with SPH Media, aim to resonate with audiences as it reinforces Scoot’s brand identity.

Transforming the traditional couplets for the festive season, Scoot and SPH Media integrated wordplay into the designs for a brand experience.

The couplets bear the messages “Soar on blessings from East to West” and “Land with happiness from North to South,” signifying travel experiences from the airline.

Additionally, each couplet integrated Scoot’s Chinese name as the first character written on it, creatively amplifying the brand.

Transcending tradition, Scoot also released WhatsApp stickers and social media campaigns. Leveraging SPH Media’s reach, Scoot featured its couplets in print, digital, and social platforms to engage audiences.

Kuek Yu Chuang, deputy chief executive officer at SPH Media, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with an innovative partner such as Scoot to explore creative and impactful solutions to engage our audience. This partnership has allowed us to deliver an integrated solution that harnessed SPH Media’s creative expertise and extensive network to bring Scoot’s festive message to life effectively.”

“We are delighted to work with SPH Media on blending tradition and innovation with a travel-inspired twist, allowing us to bring festive joy across the community and digital spaces locally and around the region. Together, we’ve started 2025 in a meaningful and memorable way,” Agatha Yap, director of marketing communications and loyalty at Scoot, commented.

Singapore – Audi Singapore has unveiled its flagship showroom, Audi House of Progress,  ahead of its public opening. The showroom located at Cross Street Exchange, which will serve as the brand’s lifestyle destination, is set to welcome visitors starting February 15.

The Audi House of Progress Singapore aims to connect enthusiasts and customers to the brand.  With the goal of providing a holistic experience, Audi will be holding activities centred on the key pillars of performance, lifestyle, sports, and dining.

To enhance customer experience, Audi House of Progress Singapore integrates lifestyle elements into the showroom, making it a home for the brand. Through this, customers can purchase vehicles seamlessly and participate in exclusive experiences among other events.

Marking its debut, Audi unveiled its new vehicle, A5, to the visitors of the showroom. Other vehicle models are also available for viewing in the venue.

The design of Audi House of Progress Singapore takes inspiration from the historical significance of its location while embodying its idea of progressing through technology. Alongside its products are garden elements and ventilation blocks for a human-centric and dynamic design.

The showroom also has consultation areas and a private lounge for its customers, equipped with tools to assist customers.

Meanwhile, the Audi Performance Suite within the showroom highlights the brand’s sports models. This section serves as a bar and lounge at night managed by Burnt Ends Hospitality Group.

Burnt Ends also collaborated with Audi Singapore to launch the Audi x Burnt Ends Bakery, a cafe with a menu inspired by German pastries.

Audi also worked with sports technology company Trackman for a golf lounge where visitors can enjoy virtual experiences.

Additionally, Audi collaborated with electronics company Bang & Olufsen for the showroom’s sound and design company BOLIA for its ambience.

“With the grand opening of Audi House of Progress Singapore, Audi Singapore has crossed a momentous milestone in our journey of transformation. Singapore is the first Audi market globally to fully switch to a direct-to-consumer business model, affirming the strategic importance of the Singaporean market for the Audi Brand. The Audi House of Progress Singapore positions us strongly to enter this new era. We will continue to put our customers in the centre of everything we do and to elevate the Audi experience even higher with our new brand home,” Markus Schuster, managing director at Audi Singapore, said.

Singapore – Samsung places Galaxy AI in the spotlight in its latest global campaign for the newly-released S25 series. The campaign was made in collaboration with creative agency BBH Singapore.

Amplifying the flagship phone series, the campaign emphasises how Galaxy AI, Samsung’s built-in collection of AI features, is fundamental to users’ daily lives.

To boost engagement, the integrated campaign includes a film and a series of commercials revolving around the smartphones’ new AI features.

As part of the campaign, BBH Singapore conceptualised characters to be featured on various content across channels. The characters, placed in different situations, represent how Samsung can help make their experiences better.

The global campaign is set to roll out in the following weeks across social media and digital channels, television, and cinema.

“We identified a crucial opportunity with the S25 Ultra launch to transform how people think about Galaxy AI. Through an audience-centric campaign built around genuine everyday insights, we’ve shown how Galaxy AI naturally fits into people’s lives – not just as innovative tech, but as a companion,” Sascha Kuntze, chief creative officer at BBH Singapore, said.

Sung Chang, executive vice president at Samsung Electronics, commented, “Working with BBH, the campaign perfectly showcases the next chapter of Galaxy AI, welcoming a new era where your phone understands and adapts to you like never before.”

Philippines – McDonald’s Philippines is celebrating long-lasting love in its latest #ForeverDate campaign, transcending age, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The heartfelt film, ‘Love Ko ‘To Forever,’ celebrates steadfast love that lasts throughout decades, having McDonald’s as a witness to the relationship. Starring actors Eva Darren and Leo Rialp, the film shows how love continues to bloom in spite of ageing as the two set out on weekly McDonald’s visits.

The film, conceptualised by Leo Manila and directed by Film Pabrika’s Joel Limchoc, follows the story of a husband helping his wife prepare for their McDonald’s date, as her hand trembles from old age. 

As part of the campaign, McDonald’s is also inviting people to celebrate and share their ‘forever dates,’ whether with a partner or friend.

“In a time when social media is filled with stories of fleeting love and viral breakups, it’s good to be reminded that such love exists. We hope that by sharing this feel-good film this Valentine’s Day, we will fill our timelines with more heartwarming stories about true love. We started with this and now, we are looking forward to people sharing their own #ForeverDate stories,”Ada Lazaro, chief marketing officer at McDonald’s Philippines, said.

“McDonald’s has played an important part in countless love stories, so we loved the idea of showing how even simple acts – like sharing fries on a park bench – can provide genuine moments of happiness and reconnection. Now, by inviting others to share their own love stories, McDonald’s hopes to continue celebrating a demographic that’s often invisible in popular culture, while showing that love, in its purest form, is unyielding and timeless,” Raoul Panes, Leo Manila’s chief creative officer, commented.

Philippines – Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC)’s digital healthcare arm mWell is set to acquire Ayala Group’s telehealth provider KonsultaMD. According to Manila Bulletin, the acquisition is for 100% of KonsultaMD, with its cost remaining undisclosed.

According to mWell, the acquisition reinforces its position as the largest digital healthcare platform in the Philippines.

While KonsultaMD is set to operate under mWell, the telehealth provider will keep its brand, allowing its users to access key healthcare services. With a unified platform, MPIC expands its existing network, tapping into KonsultaMD’s significant user base and expertise.

Meanwhile, Ayala Group plans to continue supporting mWell and KonsultaMD after the acquisition.

KonsultaMD is a telehealth app under 917Ventures, a subsidiary of Globe. mWell is also a health app with millions of users.

Malaysia – Digital marketing agency Lion & Lion has unveiled its new positioning, reflecting its commitment to supporting brands in traversing the hyper-connected marketing industry. 

As the industry becomes more dynamic in the digital-first marketing world, Lion & Lion positions itself as capable of developing impactful brand experiences both offline and online.

Having offices across Southeast Asia, Lion & Lion supports brands in the region through its specialisation in brand strategy, storytelling, consulting, and social media.

Lion & Lion delivers conversion-focused strategies, creatives, and brand experiences spanning digital and physical spaces. The agency executes campaigns, activations and full-scale brand transformation.

“Brands today don’t just compete for attention—they compete for relevance and resonance. Our new positioning leverages our strengths and reflects our dedication to transform brands with creativity, strategy, innovation, and technology, ensuring they deliver impact in today’s hyper-connected world,” Cheelip Ong, group CEO of Lion & Lion, commented.

“Our focus remains on empowering brands to build deeper, more meaningful connections with their audiences across all their interactions. We notice the paradigm shift in how consumers digest information and marketing, and we are equipped to help brands succeed in this new age of decentralised marketing with our borderless thinking and ability to harness strategy, creativity, and technology for brand transformation and business impact,” Ong added.

Philippines – Marketing creatives from the Philippines have set up a new social good agency in Manila. The agency, called ‘Lennon Group,’ aims to direct creativity towards social welfare.

Founded by creatives Raymund Sison, Rizza Garcia, Alan Fontanilla, and Miguel Co, Lennon Group promotes societal consciousness in the creative industry. The marketing creatives aim to harness creativity to be impactful in people, businesses, and communities.

Lennon Group introduces a unique staffing model, selecting the best talents. Combining strategic thinking with innovation, the agency intends to find the intersection between humanity, creativity, and technology.

Sison, who leads the team, brings almost 20 years of experience in creative communications, branding, and digital experience. He has worked with both local and global brands, including start-ups, non-profits, and non-government organisations.

“It’s a dream come true,” Raymund Sison, founder & creative chief of Lennon Group, said.

“We wanted a creative company that is conscious of what’s happening in the real world and cares about how to make it better. All these years, we’ve always tried to find ways for creativity to help inspire and uplift humanity, for ideas that make a real difference in the world. Now we have an opportunity to make it happen every day,” Sison added.

“Our name was inspired by our creative idol, John Lennon, who changed the world through creativity,” Garcia, co-founder & executive creative director, commented.

“We understand that the best of talents don’t want to be tied down to one thing. So we accept and maximize whatever and however way the talent wants to contribute. It’s a new way of contracting that focuses on commitment to talent and their impact, rather than their commitment to time and time-ins. It’s a new way of working that puts the very best for the studio and the talent. We think it’s a win-win,” Garcia added.

“We aim to create initiatives and projects that respect humanity, use creativity to inspire and uplift, and maximize the power of technology in the service of humans,” Co, co-founder, CFO and CTO, said.

“As a social good agency, we are aligning our mission with the UN SDGs, all the way to our local and national development goals, and always, always using creativity to uplift humanity,” Fontanilla, co-founder and COO, said. 

“So we cater to brands and businesses, NGOs and Non-Profits, associations and government organizations — from healthcare to financial literacy to sustainability to wellness and wellbeing to education to food and nutrition to women and gender and rights for all to art and culture, all the way to nation-building and responsible citizenship,” Fontanilla added.