Malaysia – ADA, Asia’s digital marketing agency, has announced a partnership with Cycle & Carriage, an automotive manufacturer that serves Malaysia’s affluent and high-affluent segments. Together, they intend to incorporate artificial intelligence and natural language processing (AI/NLP) technology into their conversational interactions on the martech stack.

Cycle & Carriage and ADA have partnered to launch a strategic effort that will use AI/NLP technology to improve customer experience. This expanded reach demonstrates Cycle & Carriage’s commitment to staying creative and utilising digital solutions to improve its capacity for providing customer support. 

The staff at ADA has worked closely with Cycle & Carriage, fully comprehending their company needs and objectives. They have developed specialised digital solutions to address problems and seize opportunities in the automobile sector. Cycle & Carriage is now able to take advantage of ADA’s expertise in AI/NLP integration, automated customer support systems, and data-driven marketing tactics due to this cooperative effort. 

Cycle & Carriage plans to leverage ADA’s experience even further in order to increase opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, increase the reach of CTWA campaigns, and maximise the efficiency of media and digital marketing.

Cycle & Carriage is the first customer at the CES to use ADA’s AI/NLP services. Cycle & Carriage hopes to increase the reach and effect of CTWA initiatives by working together with ADA Marketing Service on a continuous basis. By utilising the most recent martech products. 

Speaking about the partnership, Stephen Tan, general manager, head of marketing, Cycle & Carriage, said, “We are incredibly grateful for ADA’s unwavering dedication and support throughout the WABA migration journey. ADA’s commitment to excellence and innovative solutions has truly elevated our customer experience and positioned us for success in the digital landscape. We look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater milestones together.”

Malaysia Malaysia Airlines and the international technology company Google have formed a partnership to promote Malaysia’s growth as a prime tourism destination while also driving digital advancement in the aviation industry.

Expanding on its commitment to promoting Malaysia as a core hub for international travellers, the dynamic relationship marks Malaysia Airlines’ drive towards digitising its commercial advancement to promote growth and demand from important markets. 

The partnership intends to support continued development and innovation in a number of product areas, such as Google Pay, Google Flights, and AI-driven marketing solutions. They may develop a comprehensive ecosystem with a client experience as the top priority for this endeavour.

The airline also hopes to use creative solutions to propel its growth and marketing tactics, positioning it for major network expansion plans this year, as travel demand is expected to approach pre-pandemic levels.

Malaysia Airlines aims to increase the reach, relevancy, and return on investment of its marketing initiatives in the very competitive travel market by utilising Google’s AI-powered Performance Max. 

Speaking about the partnership, Dersenish Aresandiran, Malaysia Aviation Group (Airlines) chief commercial officer, said, “By harnessing the power of Google’s technology innovation and expertise, we are confident that we can unlock new opportunities, elevate the travel experience, and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading tourism hub in the region, aligning with the government’s vision for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).” 

Meanwhile, Farhan Qureshi, Google Malaysia, Pakistan and Frontier Markets managing director, said, “Malaysia’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth, and Google is committed to supporting Malaysia Airlines in capitalising on this opportunity. By teaming up with Google, Malaysia Airlines intends to harness cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to enhance its commercial operations, streamline processes and provide tailored experiences to travellers.”

Australia SLIK, an independent creative agency, has added Paralympics Australia to its client portfolio after a successful pitch. They got the opportunity to help Paralympics Australia meet its fundraising goals by developing a unique virtual experience that will debut before the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

The platform, which aims to improve lives by the force of sport, will act as an online fundraising portal to support both existing and future Paralympians in achieving their athletic goals. 

Speaking about the partnership, Cameron Murray, Paralympics Australia’s head of commercial, communications and brand, said, “We’re excited to be working with SLIK to build on the success of our existing fundraising programs,” he said. “This innovative solution will deliver a new experience that will bring messages of support to athletes and engage audiences through content and a unique virtual experience – all while delivering essential funding for our organisation.”

Meanwhile, Kyle Bennett, SLIK co-founder and head of technology, stated, With a focus to put digital accessibility at the heart of the experience, we’re working with Paralympics Australia to gain vital insights from Australia’s Para-athletes, as well as useability and accessibility consultants, to ensure that accessibility is a priority. We’re excited about working on such an iconic event in the global sports calendar and feel the challenge ahead is a perfect fit for SLIK’s strategic combination of creativity and technology.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Independent media and communications consultancy network GO Group just got bigger with the latest addition of Australian strategic communications firm Banksia.

This collaboration with Banksia marks a pivotal moment as the GO Group marks its foray into the Asia Pacific and Australasia regions, solidifying its position as one of the largest networks of independent agencies in the world.

The inclusion of Banksia into the group cements the network’s commitment to foster collaboration and cross-pollination of skill sets within the global communications industry, from public relations, crisis communications, and public affairs to total branding, even within the digital sector.

Furthermore, the addition of Banksia heralds a pivotal moment for the GO Group as it sets its sights on expanding even further, particularly into Europe and North America. The network plans to appoint more partner and affiliated agencies in these continents to enhance its global presence and offer comprehensive PR solutions to clients worldwide.

Talking about this development, Peter de Kretser, chairman of the GO Group, said, “This collaboration signifies an exciting synergy between our agencies that will propel the group towards even greater success. I am especially proud to be working together with Steve, not only because we’ve known each other for many years, but the value that he and his team of highly competent associates bring to the GO Group is truly second to none. Their combined extensive experience, particularly in public affairs, adds a strategic component to the GO Group.”

Meanwhile, Steve Michelson, founder and director of Banksia, commented, “We are buoyed by the opportunity to join the GO Group and are humbled by Chairman Peter de Krester’s interest in our specialised services. Until now, our team has focused on driving strategic results for Australian businesses and organisations determined to deliver a positive social impact across key industries. Joining the GO Group connects us to a network of specialist agencies and opens the door to international partnerships for the benefit of the Group’s existing and prospective clients.”

Australia Fetch TV and Kargo have formed a partnership to promote sales of premium video advertising inventory on the Fetch aggregation platform. Fetch provides access to a large and actively engaged TV audience via advertising-supported FAST and subscription channels. 

In partnership with Fetch’s in-house advertising team, the agreement with Kargo provides Fetch with an expanded sales network to cater to Australian advertisers and media agencies seeking high-quality video spots.

Through direct or programmatic advertising campaigns that are cost-effective and highly targeted, Kargo will facilitate advertisers having the chance to interact with the Fetch audience. These campaigns can be run as straight video buys or with Kargo’s enhanced advertising solutions and cohort targeting options placed on top of Fetch inventory. 

The sales team at Fetch Ads will continue to cater to the market for display user interface advertising, working closely with Kargo to create new video briefs and trade agreements. 

Speaking about the partnership, Robert Leach, Kargo GM APAC, said, “With extensive experience in online video over many years, Kargo has developed a suite of enhanced pre roll advertising solutions that have been proven to work much harder than standard pre-rolls. Over the last couple of years Kargo has brought this experience to enhanced CTV advertising with some of the world’s largest broadcasters. The results have been amazing, with dramatic increases in ad recall, brand awareness, consideration, favorability and purchase intent when compared to standard CTV pre rolls.”

Meanwhile, Melissa Fitzgerald, head of advertising at Fetch TV, said, “The launch of video advertising on Fetch has been a great success and with demand growing every day. Adding Kargo to our sales efforts will enable us to scale quickly and better service our agency partners. Kargo is a progressive company with an established and well-regarded sales team that now provide advertisers with access to Fetch’s large audience, servicing the Australian market nationally.” 

Furthermore, Robert Leach, Kargo APAC’s GM, stated, “We are well aware of the effectiveness of CTV pre-roll. This partnership marks a major milestone in shaping the CTV landscape of Australia. Merging Fetch TV’s top-notch content delivery with Kargo’s cutting-edge advertising solutions not only enhances the audience’s ad viewing experience but also boosts brand favorability and recall. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.” 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has announced a worldwide cooperation with ACMAR Marketing Xiamen, a subsidiary of the prestigious ACMAR Group. The alliance benefits from the extensive experience and resources that the ACMAR Group offers. The ACMAR Group’s significant presence in Xiamen makes it an invaluable partner for MyCEB in its endeavour to establish Malaysia as a premier destination for business events. 

In order to attract the Chinese market, exchange market insights, facilitate information sharing, co-create business leads, and build collaboration prospects within the private sector, cooperative marketing campaigns are facilitated by the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). MyCEB will have a strong connection to China’s business event circles through ACMAR Marketing Xiamen, which will improve communication and open up opportunities for collaborations. 

The cooperation between MyCEB and ACMAR Group is based on a shared dedication to implementing innovative marketing strategies and establishing long-lasting partnerships in order to achieve their shared objectives. It is expected that these initiatives will strengthen bilateral relations and cultural linkages between China and Malaysia, as well as stimulate investment and tourism. 

Furthermore, notable organisations that MyCEB has conversed with include the chairman of Xiamen Welleast Smart City Technology Co., Ltd., C&D Global Tourism Group Co., and the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center. Ltd. and Xiamen Tourism Association president. 

These conversations are expected to open doors for more robust partnerships, more market access, and enhanced bilateral links between Malaysia and Xiamen. This will in turn foster the expansion of business gatherings, tourism, and private sector prospects. 

Speaking about the partnership, Azman Haji Tambi Chik, CEO of MyCEB, said, “The collaboration bolsters both Malaysia and MyCEB’s presence in the promising Chinese market, specifically catering to the Xiamen business community. The MoC signed not only signifies national pride between two Malaysian entities but also a significant step towards fostering bilateral cooperation and enhancing business events opportunities in the region.” 

Meanwhile, Dato’ Steven Tee, JP, group managing director of Acmar Group, stated, “The MoC leverages on the extensive network and insights of both organisations, with MyCEB being able to showcase Malaysia’s world-class facilities, unique culture and unparalleled hospitality. ACMAR is excited to be part of this venture by supporting the Bureau through our footprint and aiming to drive mutual growth and prosperity between Malaysia and China.” 

Singapore Interpublic Group (IPG) has announced a global partnership with Adobe to accelerate content creation and activation throughout the corporation’s activities.

As the pioneer in this effort, IPG has incorporated Adobe GenStudio, a tool that enables rapid content ideation, creation, production, and activation through generative AI, into its marketing technology platform.

The engine created by IPG automates the entire customer experience, assisting marketers in discovering better ways to engage, convert, and retain audiences across paid, owned, and earned channels, as well as on an individual basis.

Within the IPG engine, Adobe GenStudio manages the content supply chain by combining Adobe Workfront, Adobe Experience Manager, Adobe Express, Adobe Firefly, Adobe’s creative generative AI models, and Frame.io. 

Through the IPG engine, the company employs its proprietary Acxiom data and identification products to gain a thorough understanding of consumers and generate authentic connections with brands. Furthermore, the IPG engine optimises marketers’ investments in marketing technology and media by seamlessly integrating customer knowledge throughout the content interaction landscape. 

The IPG engine enhances content, experiences, and commerce on a massive scale by merging partner technologies with its unique data. With different combinations of support for each stage of the content lifecycle creation, curation, assembly, personalization, and measurement—this IPG engine is being deployed throughout the IPG portfolio. This enables all marketing specialties and client teams inside the company to effectively provide brands with outcomes. 

Additionally, Adobe and Acxiom are committed to delivering individualised customer experiences based on thorough consumer insights by improving customer value via their data and identity products. This project will move forward more quickly by leveraging Acxiom’s identity and data solutions to improve the core features of Adobe Experience Platform and Adobe Real-Time Customer Data Platform. From AI-driven audience building to identification resolution, this integration will improve a number of areas.

Speaking about the partnership, Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG, said, “Marketers today are looking to accelerate personalised connections with consumers, with an audience and commerce-led approach to every engagement. This new partnership with Adobe takes our capabilities to a new level. We’re deploying a unified operating system across our entire portfolio, fueled by data and audience insights, to craft content strategies that enhance human creativity with ethically sourced gen AI.” 

Meanwhile, Anil Chakravarthy, president, digital experience business at Adobe, stated, “Brands are struggling to meet the growing demand for digital content, particularly now that consumers rightly expect experiences to be personalised to their individual tastes and preferences and delivered in real-time. By leveraging Adobe GenStudio, IPG is bringing together comprehensive, best-in-class creative and digital marketing capabilities, fueled by generative AI, with IPG Engine to deliver its clients true content velocity at the speed of social.”  

Furthermore, Jayna Kothary, chief solutions officer of IPG, stated, “By harnessing Acxiom’s rich data resources, we’re able to amplify Adobe’s AI tools, enriching customer data profiles and delivering unparalleled insights for enhanced personalization, improved engagement, and superior outcomes. Our operating system transforms the way brands and marketers approach customer experiences, whether it’s for information, entertainment, or shopping. We’re excited to bring this offering to our clients and drive actionable growth for their businesses.” 

Singapore – Global hospitality company Hilton has announced it has signed a multi-year partnership with Kallang Alive Sport Management to offer guests and travellers access to world-class entertainment and hospitality experiences in Southeast Asia. 

The new partnership makes Hilton the official hotel partner of the Singapore Sports Hub. With this, members of Hilton’s hotel loyalty programme ‘Hilton Honors’ will have access to exclusive marquee entertainment and events, including a special access to the coveted Hilton Suite at the Singapore National Stadium. 

As part of the multi-year agreement, Hilton will also offer their loyalty programme members a chance to use their points to redeem exclusive Hilton Suite passes to Taylor Swift’s now-sold-out ‘The Eras Tour’ in Singapore. 

Hilton aims to connect guests, especially fans, seeking exceptional experiences and new travel memories to Singapore’s most iconic moments in music and live sports. By staying with Hilton, guests can collect and accumulate points that they can redeem through the Hilton Honors Experience platform to access unique entertainment experiences. 

This partnership underscores Hilton’s commitment to supporting the global music industry. It also highlights their passion for elevating the stay experience for their guests and creating lasting memories for them. 

Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director for Asia Pacific at Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Kallang Alive Sport Management to bring music and fans closer together. Our collaboration will allow travellers from across the region to experience our signature hospitality and to ‘Stay in the Music’ with Hilton.”

“The incredible synergy between world-class entertainment and the hospitality sector, as seen with concerts such as Taylor Swift’s, propels growth within tourism and the broader economy. Through our partnership, we look forward to being at the crossroads of entertainment and travel, with Hilton’s hospitality taking centre stage. We’re thrilled to bring Hilton Honors members closer than ever to their favourite artists and to the biggest and most talked-about events in both the music and sporting calendars, creating unforgettable moments and lasting memories,” he added. 

Speaking on the partnership, Daryl Yeo, chief operating officer at Kallang Alive Sport Management, also commented, “Our vision is for Singapore Sports Hub to be the preferred destination for live sports, entertainment and lifestyle choices, appealing to both Singaporeans and visitors alike. We are pleased to have a partner in Hilton, an iconic global brand and leader in hospitality, that shares our  vision, and we warmly welcome them as our official hotel partner.” 

Indonesia Tencent Cloud, a division of global technology Tencent, announced a partnership with TribunNews, an Indonesian news outlet, in association with multi-cloud specialist Hi Cloud. Through this partnership, TribunX Super App users will be able to enjoy a new and improved news experience.

With the help of Tencent Cloud’s cloud technology, the TribunX Super App aims to become the go-to place for digital news consumption. The TribunX Super App offers a seamless and comprehensive experience to its users. This is accomplished by combining the renowned news reporting of TribunNews with the cooperative efforts of Tribun Network’s other partners, namely Tribun Jual Beli, an e-commerce platform that specialises in second-hand goods, and Tribun Video, its video news platform. 

The extensive platform combines a variety of services with the most recent news updates. These services include live video reporting, video-on-demand (VOD), ticket purchasing options, and TribunMe, a social networking feature. Real-time worldwide news is also provided. This feature enables users to interact and establish connections with figures in Indonesia. 

The TribunX Super App has joined the growing trend of super applications, which are becoming more and more popular in Asia. Similar to a brick-built house, a super app consists of one large program made up of smaller applications known as mini-apps. It is up to the users to install and remove these components based on their needs. 

Once used to describe Tencent’s WeChat app, a mega app serves as a one-stop shop for all everyday needs. It offers a wide range of services on a single platform, including food and grocery delivery, e-commerce, ride-hailing, digital payments, social media interaction, financial services, and more. 

TribunX offers a user-friendly experience by leveraging Tencent Cloud’s cloud video processing technologies. By utilising technologies like Live Transcoding, Adaptive Bitrate, and Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), people may experience high-quality audio-visual content regardless of their device or network conditions. 

Moreover, the integration of Digital Rights Management (DRM) offers an extra security measure, enhancing the super app’s standing as a secure platform. The Global Content Delivery Network (CDN) of Tencent Cloud further enhances the super app’s user experience by ensuring access to TribunX’s content across multiple countries. 

TribunX has implemented a mobile-first approach, giving migration, administration, stability, security, and affordability first priority, with the support of Tencent Cloud. Tencent Cloud solutions, such as the Tencent Online Video Platform (TOVP), Tencent Cloud Object Storage (COS), and Tencent Cloud Database (DB), allow users to access and enjoy a content library on Tribun, along with additional features like multi-screen support, live streaming, video-on-demand (VOD), and interactive video functionalities. 

Speaking about the partnership, Jimmy Chen, vice president of Tencent Cloud International and managing director of Southeast Asia, expressed, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Tribun on this transformative project that consolidates the news experience all over Indonesia. Our cloud computing solutions, coupled with Tribun’s commitment to hyperlocal news and user-centric services, have resulted in an innovative super app that sets new standards in the news media industry. We look forward to the results and benefits of this groundbreaking project that keeps Indonesians up-to-date in news consumption in the digital era.” 

Meanwhile, Dahlan Dahi, CEO of Tribun Network, said, “The partnership between Tribun and Tencent Cloud signifies a new era in news delivery, as we go full throttle in our digital transformation journey. By leveraging Tencent Cloud’s expertise in cloud computing and its cutting-edge media solutions, we have created a super app that not only addresses the needs of our users but also provides a seamless and personalised news and media experience for a variety of other services.” 

Hong Kong FWD Group Holdings Limited announced today that it has extended its partnership with Microsoft for a four-year period. This partnership intends to provide access to the most recent generative artificial intelligence technologies while still retaining support for FWD’s cloud-first technology strategy. 

By utilising Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service and other enterprise-grade developments, FWD Group aims to enhance its generative AI ambitions. The business expects to gain from Microsoft Azure’s AI models as well as its private networking, security, and monitoring features. 

In a number of areas, including underwriting, claims, channel and agent performance, acquisition, marketing, underwriting, and customer service, FWD Group is actively working to enhance the client experience and streamline its business processes. The business also used Copilot for Microsoft 365 early on, which is an AI assistant that helps staff with daily chores. 

Speaking about the partnership, Ryan Kim, group chief digital officer of FWD Group, said, “Digital innovation has always been core to FWD’s vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. This collaboration marries FWD’s pioneering spirit in Asia in some of the fastest growing insurance markets in the world, with the global scale and skill that Microsoft brings in engineering and AI.” 

He added, “We’re excited to harness more next-generation innovations to develop new industry use cases and standards that we believe will shape the insurance journey of the future.” 

Meanwhile, Bill Borden, corporate vice president of Worldwide Financial Services, Microsoft, stated, “AI is driving transformation across the financial services industry, opening new opportunities for innovation and business growth with agility and at scale. We are thrilled to strengthen our AI partnership with FWD by offering Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 capabilities to enable world-class customer experiences and operations securely and responsibly.” 

“As a pivotal player in the global financial landscape, the Asia Pacific region stands out for its dynamism and adaptability, fostering continuous growth and driving innovation. We are committed to empowering our customers in the region with generative AI capabilities in a responsible way. With Microsoft’s enterprise-grade AI advancements, we are helping the financial services ecosystem accelerate innovation to drive operational efficiency and greater value creation to customers,” Borden added.