New York, USA – Getty Images has announced an integration with TikTok to meet the diverse creative needs of marketers and advertisers. The integration allows advertisers and businesses direct access to Getty Images’ vast library of creative imagery and video content through TikTok’s AI-powered video generation tool, Symphony Creative Studio.

By integrating Getty Images’ premium creative content directly into TikTok’s Symphony Creative Studio, users can effortlessly craft TikTok-first ads and organic content that feels native to the platform and increases performance.

The integration with Getty Images is part of a wider expansion of TikTok’s tools, including Symphony Creative Studio, which aims to support advertisers and content creators with capabilities to make the TikTok creative production process easier and more efficient, bridging the gap between ideation and production.

With Getty Images’ unparalleled creative library at their fingertips, TikTok advertisers can push creative boundaries and deliver content that captivates and inspires, enhancing the overall impact of their advertising campaigns. As a result, businesses can achieve greater visibility, foster deeper connections with viewers, and ultimately drive higher conversion rates.

Peter Orlowsky, SVP of global strategic partnerships at Getty Images, said, “With the surge in demand for authentic storytelling in advertising, the need for captivating, high-quality content to convey these stories effectively to audiences has never been greater. At Getty Images, we take pride in empowering advertisers to streamline their creative processes.”

He added, “This collaboration offers seamless integration into TikTok’s Symphony Creative Studio, giving brands and businesses direct access to our vast library of millions of premium images and videos, ensuring they can create powerful, engaging TikTok-first content with ease.”

Andy Yang, head of monetization creative product at TikTok, commented, “At TikTok, we aim to empower advertisers and help them connect with their communities with the power of generative AI. Partnering with Getty Images unlocks a new avenue for marketers to scale their content and drive performance with commercially safe content globally. We are continuously building creative solutions that spark joy, imagination and action.”

India – Sokrati, dentsu India’s digital media agency, has partnered with experimentation platform VWO to boost client conversions through advanced A/B testing and personalised digital strategies.

This collaboration combines VWO’s expertise in user experience optimisation with Sokrati’s strength in data-driven growth strategies, empowering Indian brands to deliver more engaging, personalised, and high-performing digital experiences.

The partnership between Sokrati and VWO combines their strengths to offer clients comprehensive benefits. By integrating VWO’s optimisation platform with Sokrati’s expertise in media and technology, the collaboration enhances web and app experiences, leading to higher engagement and improved conversion rates that boost ROI. Both companies emphasise a data-driven approach, enabling brands to gain insights into customer behaviour and make real-time adjustments for measurable outcomes.

This alliance bridges media strategies and technology-driven optimisation, providing brands with seamless ways to enhance customer engagement and conversions. Through targeted campaigns and optimised experiences, businesses can achieve greater profitability and sustainable growth. Leveraging advanced optimisation tools and strategic media transformation, this partnership helps brands maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic digital landscape.

The alliance extends beyond Sokrati to the wider dentsu India clientele, integrating media strategies with technology-driven optimisation for seamless customer engagement and enhanced profitability. Clients within the dentsu network will benefit from targeted campaigns and optimised digital experiences that drive stronger performance and business growth.

Commenting on the partnership, Sparsh Gupta, CEO of VWO, said, “Sokrati’s expertise aligns perfectly with our mission of helping brands leverage data-driven insights to enhance customer journeys. With this partnership, we look forward to empowering Indian brands to create more impactful digital experiences that scale conversions and drive growth for them.” 

Nilesh Gohil, CEO of Sokrati, added, “This partnership is a game changer for India’s top brands. By combining our strengths with VWO’s cutting-edge technology, we are setting a new benchmark for digital experience optimization. Brands will not only maximise conversions but also build sustainable growth engines that drive long-term success. This is a pivotal moment for reshaping how digital journeys are crafted and how businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.” 

Indonesia – The Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) and multi-asset investment firm Granite Asia (formerly GGV Capital Asia) have formed a strategic partnership to drive digital transformation and stimulate growth within Indonesia’s rapidly expanding technology ecosystem. 

In a joint statement, INA and Granite Asia announced that their partnership has been formalised through an Investment Framework Agreement (IFA), enabling both firms to deploy up to US$1.2b into targeted investment opportunities that align with their shared strategic priorities.

The investments will include both equity and hybrid capital solutions, with a strong focus on Indonesian businesses and companies with deep connections to Indonesia—either through established operations or by introducing technologies designed for long-term benefit to the local market.

Additionally, this multi-asset approach allows INA and Granite Asia to provide customised financing solutions for businesses at different stages of growth, fostering innovation while maximising risk-adjusted returns for investors.

Leveraging both equity and hybrid capital, the partnership seeks to meet financing needs that extend beyond conventional bank loans—particularly for tech-driven companies requiring flexible, customised capital solutions, as well as traditional businesses navigating technological transformation and sustainable growth initiatives.

The partnership between INA and Granite Asia highlights their mutual commitment to fortify Indonesia’s tech sector by equipping businesses across various industries with the capital and resources needed to facilitate digital integration and introduce advanced technologies into the country.

Ridha Wirakusumah, CEO of INA, expressed, “Engaging in partnership with Granite Asia, a prominent investor with a distinguished 24-year track record at the forefront of technology investing, aligns with our strategic sector focus in digitalisation and digital infrastructure. Their deep expertise in both technology and tech-enabled businesses aligns closely with INA’s strategic priorities of fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth within Indonesia.”

“This partnership will enable us to introduce transformative technologies to Indonesia, facilitating the digital transformation of key sectors and strengthening the broader technology ecosystem. Together, we aim to lay a strong foundation for Indonesia’s future by bringing forward the best global innovations that will contribute to the country’s long-term economic development,” Wirakusumah added. 

Also speaking on the partnership, Jenny Lee, senior managing partner of Granite Asia, said, “This collaboration with INA presents a unique opportunity for us to combine Granite Asia’s global expertise in technology investing with INA’s deep local insights and strategic vision for Indonesia. We recognise the immense potential of Indonesia’s rapidly evolving economy and technology ecosystem and are excited to partner with INA to help accelerate this transformation.”

“By leveraging both equity and hybrid capital solutions, we can offer tailored financing that meets the diverse needs of businesses at various stages of their technology journey. Together, we will drive innovation, foster sustainable growth, and unlock long-term value for Indonesia’s economy, helping to position the country as a leader in the region’s technology-driven future,” Lee further elaborated. 

This strategic collaboration demonstrates INA’s commitment to driving innovation and digitalisation by partnering with global investors to sustainably meet Indonesia’s capital needs. It reflects both firms’ dedication to unlocking the potential of Indonesia’s economy, ensuring the country remains competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global landscape.

Singapore – Audi Singapore has joined forces with Burnt Ends Hospitality Group to launch the ‘Audi X Burnt Ends Bakery’ at the Audi House of Progress in Cross Street Exchange. The new bakery will serve a curated selection of German-inspired pastries and baked goods. 

Led by chef-owner Dave Pynt, ‘Audi X Burnt Ends Bakery’ will offer a mix of classic favourites and reimagined German-inspired dishes with Burnt Ends’ unique twist. The menu, drawing from Audi’s German heritage, will feature sweet and savoury items like Bavarian beer-battered waffles, pretzels, and a fresh take on the iconic currywurst.

Complementing the bakery’s menu is a rich coffee program featuring Burnt Ends Bakery’s signature Slayer’s Blend, alongside an interactive brew bar offering a new selection of signature drinks.

Audi Singapore and Burnt Ends also collaborated with Emma Maxwell Designs and Steven Leach Group to create the decor for Audi X Burnt Ends Bakery, which features Audi-inspired motifs, including the brand’s iconic rings, while preserving the bold visual and design identity of Burnt Ends Bakery.

The all-day dining experience at the new bakery brings reinvented classics to a casual setting, seamlessly blending Audi’s heritage with the culinary expertise of Burnt Ends.

“Audi is a remarkable brand, known for its innovation and attention to detail, and the House of Progress is the ideal setting. Adding Burnt Ends Bakery to the space brings fresh energy and redefines and transforms the way people experience a car showroom, highlighting both Audi’s forward-thinking approach and our commitment to creating something memorable. Together, we’re turning the showroom into a lively destination that offers a unique experience for everyone who walks through the doors,” said Dave Pynt, chef-owner of Burnt Ends Hospitality Group.

Audi Singapore’s collaboration with Burnt Ends Hospitality Group is driven by a shared commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and quality. Burnt Ends Hospitality Group, known for its acclaimed modern barbecue restaurant celebrated for bold flavours and artisanal fire cooking, perfectly aligns with Audi’s core motto, Vorsprung durch Technik—progress through innovation.

Markus Schuster, managing director at Audi Singapore, shared, “We are excited to be able to collaborate with Burnt Ends Hospitality Group to create compelling new experiences for potential and existing Audi customers. Ultimately, the Audi House of Progress Singapore and Audi X Burnt Ends Bakery aim to bring the Audi experience to customers through showcasing Audi’s culture and innovation and elevating Audi beyond just a car brand.”

Audi X Burnt Ends Bakery will open to the public in early 2025, with exclusive discounts for Audi owners. Audi Singapore and Burnt Ends’ parent company, Unlisted Collection, are exploring future collaborations and events, tapping into the broader luxury dining network.

Singapore – Singaporean beer Tiger Beer has been tapped as the official beer partner of football club Manchester United. This partnership brings together the iconic Asian brewer and one of the most popular sports teams in the world, to enhance experiences and deepen engagement with United fans globally.

The partnership launches at a significant moment in Tiger Beer’s bold brand evolution, heralding a new era for the company and its football-loving consumers. 

In its initial stage the focus will be on connecting with the large Manchester United supporter base in Asia, where Tiger is the number one premium beer among consumers, providing an unparalleled platform to activate the partnership.

Ahead of the launch, Tiger Beer conducted a survey with 2,000 football fans in Asia and results revealed that 70% of supporters view fan engagement activities as an essential way to deepen their connection with their chosen club and 95% expressed that football has the capability to unite and build long-lasting community bonds.

Harnessing the insight from the survey, Tiger Beer and Manchester United, have committed to delivering experiences to deepen the connection between the fans and the club. 

These events include co-branded watch parties, opportunities to win prizes to travel to Manchester to experience a matchday at Old Trafford, as well as bringing a first-of-its-kind street football event to the Asia region – providing local talent with training and mentorship advice from Manchester United coaches and club legends.

Sean O’Donnell, global brand director of Tiger Beer, stated, “Football has always been a natural association for Tiger® – it’s a sport that ignites passion, brings people together, and celebrates the same energy that drives our brand. We believe that when we uncage our inner Tiger and roar together with our tribe, we unlock the potential for great things.”

He added, “This partnership reflects our shared belief that progress is driven by collective strength and courage. As we prepare to reveal an exciting new chapter for Tiger in the upcoming weeks, we look forward to bringing the electrifying energy of matchday at Old Trafford to fans across the globe.”

Meanwhile, Florence Lafaye, commercial director at Manchester United, commented, “Tiger Beer’s dedication to connecting fans globally aligns perfectly with our goal to bring our fanbase closer to the club than ever before. Together, leveraging the power and reach of Tiger Beer, we look forward to creating unique and unforgettable experiences for our fans all around the world, especially those in Asia who are such a vital part of the Manchester United community.”

The partnership is announced ahead of United’s Premier League match against Brentford, where Tiger Beer’s brand will be showcased for the first time in Old Trafford on LED boards within the famous stadium.

Singapore – Formula 1 and LVMH have recently signed a 10-year global partnership. As part of the deal, several of LVMH’s iconic Maisons will be involved in the partnership, including Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy and TAG Heuer.

The collaboration will focus on creating unique experiences that blend the excitement of Formula 1 with the elegance and tradition of LVMH’s brands.

LVMH will contribute its expertise through exclusive hospitality, custom events, limited-edition products, and engaging content. The partnership builds on the long-standing connection between LVMH and Formula 1, which dates back to the sport’s early days in 1950.

More information about the partnership will be revealed in early 2025.

Greg Maffei, president and CEO at Liberty Media, said, “LVMH and Formula 1 are two global brands that consistently push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, values core to Liberty Media. We were thrilled to work with one of the LVMH Maisons during the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, and to now expand our relationship with the Group as they become a Global Partner. The opportunity to scale our commercial arrangements is emblematic of the vision we have for Formula 1 as the business continues to grow its platform. We look forward to working with Bernard and Frédéric Arnault in the years to come.”

Meanwhile, Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH Group, added, “The people, the quest for excellence and the passion for innovation are at the heart of the activity of our Maisons and Formula 1. In motorsport as in fashion, watchmaking or wines and spirits, every detail counts on the path to success. Both in our workshops and on circuits around the world, it is this incessant search to break boundaries that inspires our vision, and this is the meaning that we want to bring to this great and unique partnership between Formula 1 and our Group.”

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO at Formula 1, continued, “Our sport is founded on the relentless pursuit of excellence, a value that also lies at the heart of LVMH, so I am delighted to announce this historic partnership will begin in 2025. As Formula 1 continues its global growth, attracting new and more diverse audiences, the strength and breadth of LVMH makes it the perfect partner for us to work with as we look to continually enhance the experience of our fans and the heritage of our incredible sport. This is a landmark partnership for both companies, and I would like to thank Bernard and Frédéric Arnault for their vision and commitment to bring this to life.”

Lastly, Frédéric Arnault, CEO of LVMH Watches, concluded, “In recent years, Formula 1 has truly become one of the most desirable sports in the world. It’s a vibrant discipline that echoes a number of values that are very important to us, such as innovation, team spirit and performance. For many years, several of our Maisons have also chosen to invest in Formula 1, whether to create unique experiences or for moments of celebration. With our Maisons and the expertise of our Group, we want to further grow this experiential dimension that Formula 1 provides all over the world. We are only at the very beginning of this partnership, but the seasons that await us promise to be extraordinary.”

Indonesia – Prudential plc has announced that its Indonesian subsidiary PT Prudential Sharia Life Assurance has entered into a long-term strategic bancassurance partnership with Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). Through this cooperation, Prudential will become the Syariah life insurance provider of BSI from early 2025 and BSI will market, promote, distribute and/or refer Prudential products to its customers.

This partnership marks a significant step in diversifying Prudential’s Indonesian business which has historically been dependent on the agency channel. It will increase Prudential’s participation in the fast-growing bancassurance channel and deepen its exposure to the under-penetrated Syariah segment.

Solmaz Altin, managing director of strategic business group at Prudential plc, said, “This is a unique opportunity for us to partner with the market-leading Syariah bank in Indonesia. Indonesia is a key growth market for Prudential in ASEAN and this partnership will accelerate our growth ambitions. We look forward to working closely with BSI to support their customers in achieving their savings and protection goals.”

Meanwhile, Anil Wadhwani, CEO at Prudential plc, commented, “We are excited to leverage our bancassurance expertise in the Indonesian market. We will deploy our operating experience and product capabilities for our new banking relationship with BSI, further advancing our extensive transformation of our Indonesian business. Our focus is on creating a platform of long-term sustainable value for our customers, our partners and our shareholders. This in-country transaction aligns with our strategic and financial objectives.”

Indonesia – GoTo Group has announced a strategic partnership with Alibaba, the global e-commerce and technology giant, aimed at driving the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy. The collaboration will harness Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technologies to enhance and support GoTo’s expansive ecosystem.

GoTo will harness Alibaba Cloud’s services over a five-year partnership to enhance its platform and accelerate digital innovation using Alibaba’s cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies. Alibaba Cloud will deliver a range of services, including cloud computing, cloud-native databases, networking, security, and data analytics, among others.

The partnership aims to elevate the customer experience for GoTo’s Indonesian users by leveraging the latest innovations in digital transformation and AI-driven growth. Moreover, it underscores Alibaba’s commitment as a long-term investor in GoTo. Set for a five-year period, Alibaba has pledged to retain its current shareholding in GoTo Group throughout the partnership. 

Patrick Walujo, CEO of GoTo Group, said, “By collaborating with Alibaba, we are not only strengthening our technological infrastructure but also enhancing the services and solutions we can offer to millions of Indonesian consumers and businesses. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey to create a more inclusive and resilient digital economy in Indonesia. It also underlines our commitment to work with partners in a way that delivers the long term sustainable growth that returns value to our shareholders.”

Meanwhile, Selina Yuan, vice president of Alibaba Group and president of international business for Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, commented, “As a leading cloud service provider in Indonesia for more than seven years, we are excited about working with GoTo in its digital transformation and driving innovation in Indonesia. This strategic partnership combines Alibaba Cloud’s world-class cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities with GoTo’s extensive ecosystem. We want to empower businesses of all sizes in Indonesia and foster innovation to drive long-term growth.”

Alibaba Cloud and GoTo will extend their collaboration into several key areas, including talent development initiatives aimed at meeting the growing demand for digital and AI expertise, critical for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the fast-changing digital landscape. 

The two companies will also explore further commercial partnerships to empower Indonesian businesses and accelerate the growth of the country’s digital economy. These efforts align with Indonesia’s push for intelligence-driven transformation, fostering greater economic opportunities and technological advancement.

The partnership MoU, signed on September 13, 2024, marks one of Alibaba Cloud’s key strategic engagements in Southeast Asia. GoTo will begin migrating its cloud services to Alibaba Cloud in October, streamlining operations, enhancing service efficiency, and reducing operational costs.

Australia – JB Hi-Fi, an Australia-based home entertainment retailer, has partnered with Amperity, the first AI-powered Lakehouse Customer Data Platform (CDP), to enhance its first-party data strategy. The collaboration reinforces JB Hi-Fi’s commitment to building a robust data infrastructure, enabling advanced automation, intelligent customer segmentation, and predictive modelling across its technology ecosystem.

Through its partnership with Amperity, JB Hi-Fi aims to unify its data using Amperity’s industry-leading identity resolution, improving data quality across both online and offline channels to create a comprehensive, 360-degree view of its customers. This collaboration will enable JB Hi-Fi to manage and activate customer data more effectively, delivering personalised experiences at scale.

Emma Caneva, general manager marketing – digital at JB Hi-Fi, said, “Amperity’s CDP will help us unify and optimise the utility of our valuable first-party data whilst maintaining our commitment to privacy. This partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of enhancing customer experiences through data-driven decision making.”

Gary Siewert, marketing and online director at JB Hi-Fi, commented, “At JB Hi-Fi, we’re committed to always delivering great experiences for our customers and look at data-driven insights to help enhance our ability to do this. Our partnership with Amperity marks a significant step towards unifying our first-party data and building a scalable foundation for more personalised engagement that will enable us to better understand and meet the changing needs of our customers across all of our channels.”

As customer data continually evolves, CDPs face the challenge of accurately tracking identities across multiple channels, households, and personal details. This is made more difficult by strict privacy regulations that restrict access to devices and online data.

Amperity’s composable Lakehouse architecture offers flexible use of its features to enhance customer data operations, including identity resolution, AI-assisted tasks, pre-built data assets, and personalisation. This allows businesses to select which Amperity capabilities to address specific data management needs and improve customer insights. 

Billy Loizou, area vice president for APAC at Amperity, added, “The customer data landscape is evolving rapidly. Many retailers have struggled with fragmented data, limiting their strategic potential. Our partnership with JB Hi-Fi addresses this challenge head-on. Amperity’s composable solution streamlines data management, empowering JB Hi-Fi to focus on innovation rather than data wrangling.”

Philippines – The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, an agency under the Department of Tourism (DOT) tasked with promoting the country as a premier travel destination, has partnered with digital travel platform Agoda to enhance the Philippines’ visibility on the global tourism stage.

Agoda and TPB are pooling their marketing expertise to boost international arrivals and showcase the Philippines’ rich cultural and natural beauty. The partnership includes exclusive discounts and co-branded campaigns, designed to draw global travellers to both popular and lesser-known destinations across the country, with travel periods extending until March 31, 2025.

Campaign details will be featured on Agoda’s website and mobile app, as well as the Travel Philippines app. The partnership, which is now in effect, will run until December 15, 2024, with travel periods available until March 31, 2025.

TPB’s partnership with Agoda highlights their shared commitment to enhancing the Philippines’ global visibility as a premier tourist destination while driving increased inbound tourism.

Omri Morgenshtern, chief executive officer at Agoda, commented, “Agoda has been dedicated to supporting the tourism industry in the Philippines. We are excited to partner once again with TPB through the latest program as a significant step to leverage our digital expertise as well as our global network to showcase the myriad destinations and vibrant culture of the Philippines to a global audience.” 

Also speaking on the partnership, Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, chief operating officer at TPB, said, “TPB is thrilled to once again join forces with Agoda in our mutual goal of enhancing travel experiences for both new and returning visitors to the Philippines. This partnership allows us to utilise cutting-edge digital marketing strategies and valuable insights to promote our unique destinations and create memorable experiences for our tourists.”

Agoda has long supported Philippine tourism, introducing quarantine packages for returning Filipinos during the 2021 pandemic. In 2023, it partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to launch the Eco Deals Program, promoting sustainable tourism and supporting biodiversity efforts in Tubbataha Reefs and whale shark conservation in Donsol.