Tag: Singapore

Singapore – Ogury, a global personalsed advertising company, has appointed Wilfried Schobeiri as its new chief technology officer. In this role, Schobeiri will work closely with Ogury’s executive team to improve and strengthen the business’s unique technology platform.

In his new role, he will be in charge of the company’s strategic technology vision implementation, improving its cookieless and ID-less solution at an important time in the market. He will be based in Paris, report directly to Ogury CEO Geoffroy Martin, and join the executive committee of the business.

With 20 years of experience in the technology sector, Schobeiri has a track record of managing large-scale, international technology projects and effective product development teams. He was the chief technology officer at Banyan, a fintech and data infrastructure company, before he joined Ogury. Prior to that, he served as senior vice president and chief product officer at Revantage, where he oversaw the creation of the product for Blackstone’s platform for real estate data.

During his time at MediaMath, Schobeiri held the positions of chief technology officer and chief product officer, where he oversaw the company’s global efforts in product strategy and technology development. 

Schobeiri was a board member for the IAB Tech Lab while working for various companies. A key contributor to the creation of the IAB Europe’s Transparency & Consent Framework during his tenure, he helped the industry establish a common language for expressing consumer preferences regarding the use of their data for advertising purposes. 

Additionally, he has served as the board chairman for several adtech and data companies, including Ocient, Ergatta, and Truthset. He is still doing this today, continuing to provide his knowledge to help them grow.  

Speaking about his appointment, Schobeiri said, “I’m excited to join Ogury because we are one of the few adtech companies that have fully embraced the technical shifts in the privacy landscape. A true precursor of change, Ogury anticipated market needs to provide advertisers with performance and relevance without collecting personal data, and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Meanwhile, Martin commented, “We are thrilled to welcome a prominent industry and technology expert such as Wil to Ogury. His experience and knowledge, which lie at the intersection of RTB and privacy while also building and scaling high-performing teams, make him the perfect fit for us.”

Singapore – SoftServe, a provider of IT consulting and digital services, launches its Generative AI Lab with the objective of assisting businesses in achieving concrete business results through the application of Generative AI solutions.

Through research and development of generative models in numerous AI applications, the newly established lab strengthens SoftServe’s AI/ML knowledge. It is supported by a team of professionals committed to improving the potential of Generative AI, spanning from initial discovery to practical integration.

The SoftServe Generative AI Lab will support research and development projects in a variety of areas, including model improvement, domain adaptation, multimodal Generative AI, cost-performance enhancements, operational management (LLMOps), and other facets. Its goal is to combine various technologies and methodologies within these focus areas to create spanning a range of industries.

The expertise and resources developed in the lab will be incorporated into realistic business scenarios by matching these research priorities with the requirements and plans of SoftServe’s clients for efficient implementation.

Alex Chubay, SoftServe’s chief technology officer, said, “Unlike other areas with more developed and mature best practices, Generative AI stands out with its novelty and emergent properties unveiling not just technological innovations, but also groundbreaking use cases that may redefine business strategies.” 

He remarked, “The pace of innovation here is staggering, often overwhelming businesses with new advancements released weekly. This is where the Generative AI Lab shines. It’s not just a hub for rapid experimentation, value discovery, and solution engineering with the latest techniques and technologies. It’s a conduit for channeling this explosive innovation directly to our clients.”

Meanwhile, Iurii Milovanov, SoftServe’s AVP of AI & Data Science, commented, “To move forward, we must be strategic about implementation. This is where a pragmatic approach becomes critical to proving these once-hypothetical possibilities can make real impacts across various business functions and industries.”

Singapore – Global sports marketing company rEvolution has announced the establishment of a strategic base in Singapore. This will serve as the company’s point of operations in Asia-Pacific, enhancing global brand visibility and activation for both existing and potential clients in the region.

The move comes in response to the growing client demand for rEvolution’s integrated services in sports marketing, brand consulting, creative strategy, content, gaming and esports marketing, and sponsorship activation. 

With the immense popularity of gaming and esports in Asia and China’s upcoming inclusion in the Formula 1 calendar for 2024, the new office taps into the region’s growing influence in the global sports industry.

John Rowady, CEO of rEvolution, said, “Establishing our strategic base in Singapore represents the next step towards our global vision to immerse ourselves in one of the most dynamic sports markets in the world. We’re scaling our expertise to accelerate brand and rights holder value to the Asia-Pacific sports landscape.”

He added, “We create partnerships that not only elevate brands but also contribute meaningfully to the vibrant sports culture in the region. This is a landmark moment for us, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the story of rEvolution.”

Meanwhile, Claire Ritchie, executive vice president for international at rEvolution, commented, “Fortifying our reach into Asia-Pacific aligns perfectly with our global strategy. Our strategic base in Singapore strengthens rEvolution’s ability to offer 24/7, innovative solutions to our clients, wherever they are. We look forward to enhancing and broadening our talent roster in Asia-Pacific, which includes both our experienced team members and new, exceptional talent who will be joining us.”

Some of its partners include industry leaders such as NetApp, Hyundai, Amazon Web Services, Capgemini, Lamborghini, Continental Tire, Tata Communications, to name a few. The office brings rEvolution’s vast expertise in areas like motorsports, football, rugby, equestrian events, golf, basketball, baseball, sailing, esports, and gaming.

Singapore –  Malaysian boutique communications consultancy IN.Deed Communications, has recently unveiled its strategic expansion into Singapore in line with commemorating its upcoming 15-year anniversary.

To kickstart the Singapore expansion of IN.Deed Communications, the agency has partnered with Limitless, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating the mental health and well-being of young individuals, to support their social media and PR initiatives.

This milestone not only underscores the company’s commitment to growth and innovation but also signifies their focus on supporting startups, entertainment, technology and healthcare sectors, as well as non-profit organisations in the dynamic Singaporean landscape, specifically in the areas of public relations, influencer marketing and ESG.

Leading this expansion will be Jarieul Wong, who recently served as the head of communications and CSR partnerships at Carousell Group, shaping sustainability narratives, reputation management, and corporate communications. With prior roles at global giants like Disney, Razer, and Sony Pictures and a strong track record and a passion for impactful communication, he is set to drive IN.Deed Communications to new heights in Singapore.

Furthermore, IN.Deed Communications Malaysia and Singapore will bring together various cross-border capabilities, enabling clients to tap into a broader market and gain more insights. The collaboration will foster a seamless exchange of market data, insights, and best practices, creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation and collaboration.

Talking about the expansion, Sophia Lee, co-founder of IN.Deed Communications, expressed her excitement about venturing into Singapore to continue their goal of empowering brands.

“We believe that our unique blend of experience, creativity, and dedication will enable us to deliver exceptional value to clients seeking to expand their market awareness and impact in a way that is marked with INtegrity, INspiration and INnovation,” she added.

Meanwhile, Janet Han, communications director at IN.Deed Communications, commented, “What truly sets us apart is our commitment to people and to do our best ‘in word and in deed’. We look at nurturing a collaborative and supportive environment where our employees thrive and our clients feel part of the IN.Deed family. Our mission is to ensure that both our team members and our clients’ brands achieve their full potential.”

Singapore – Leading aluminum and glassworks firm Oculus Collective has appointed brand consultancy 8traordinary as agency of record to revitalise the company’s branding and strategy and enhance its market presence and customer engagement efforts. 

The year-long strategic partnership gives 8traordinary the responsibility to guide the overhaul and help recalibrate, streamline, and curate a new strategy to revitalise the brand. 

The agency will lend their expertise to oversee the rework of the firm’s brand identity, creative content planning, and social media strategy and management.

Oculus Collective is set to see a brand new identity this October. The brand is known for its exclusive Signature Glass Door Series, which has the thinnest profile in the industry. For 15 years, it has continued to present an abundance of customisable options, carefully crafted to meet the needs of their diverse customer base without compromising quality. 

Prior to the partnership with Oculus Collective, 8traordinary has collaborated with a diverse portfolio of brands in branding, digital creative content, and social strategy works. 

Benson Aw, founder of Oculus Collective, said, “We saw the magic that 8traordinary has worked into other brands, and we wanted that transformative experience. As Oculus Collective continues to create milestones and perfect our craftsmanship to the next level, we needed someone who could effectively communicate what we have to offer to our target audiences.”

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Lim, founder and managing director at 8traordinary, believed Oculus Collective’s strive for excellence and pride in their work very much aligned with that of his agency’s. 

“Every brand deserves a voice, and Oculus Collective has a distinct voice to be heard. The firm has been consistently perfecting their craft to offer their clients imagination and individuality in their pursuit of the perfect space, whether at home or at work. We look forward to partnering them in combining science with art to create new living experiences across the various channels.” 

Singapore – Consumers in Singapore are wary of the fast adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by businesses, with 87% of local consumers saying they want to know whether they are communicating with an AI or human for customer service. This was according to the latest data from Salesforce.

According to the data, around 79% of the respondents are concerned about companies using AI unethically. However, it is also worth noting that around 66% of customers in Singapore say advances in AI make it more important that companies are trustworthy.

Meanwhile, 53% of customers in Singapore expect companies to understand their needs as they change. Furthermore, 85% of customers in Singapore expect faster service and 78% expect better personalisation as technology advances.

In addition, 78% of customers in Singapore expect consistent interactions across departments and 76% expect to interact with someone immediately when they contact a company.

Lastly, in terms of customer engagement, 85% of consumers in Singapore say the experience a company provides is just as important as its products and services. However, many companies fall short – 66% of customers in Singapore say most companies treat them as a number rather than a unique individual.

Moreover, 62% of consumers in Singapore switched brands at least once in the past year. With this, the quest for better deals is the leading reason for switching brands but the demand for product quality follows closely behind. 

Sujith Abraham, senior vice president and general manager for Salesforce ASEAN, said, “Rising customer expectations means companies can’t afford to stand still when it comes to customer service. Technologies such as AI hold immense potential for businesses to keep up with changing needs and preferences. But this also raises pressing concerns around the ethics of AI.”

He added, “The trust imperative is now more important than ever. Companies that will succeed are those that demonstrate they are approaching the technology thoughtfully, grounded in transparency and security, in order to win the trust of their customers.”

Singapore – Joanne Wong has been appointed by FleishmanHillard as the new president of its Asia-Pacific division. Wong, who has nearly twenty years of experience, has previously worked for the agency in roles like executive vice president, managing director for client services, and head of business development for APAC. Wong previously worked at FTI Consulting Strategic Communications as a senior managing director before returning to FleishmanHillard.

In her new position, Wong will oversee FleishmanHillard’s operational performance across nine nations in the APAC region. Her responsibilities will also include managing the growth and financial performance of the region, fostering the development of productive teams and colleagues, and providing leadership that places a strong emphasis on respect, collaboration, and inclusion as fundamental organizational principles.

Wong held a leadership position in the APAC region during her first 19 years at FleishmanHillard and contributed to the region’s expansion and success over the previous 20 years. Her most recent position involved managing regional operations and profitability while working closely with general managers to promote business growth and talent acquisition and retention in key geographic markets.

She also led teams that served clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, energy, technology, manufacturing, and others. She also established and oversaw the organization’s APAC financial Services, public affairs, and healthcare practices.

Wong serves as an advisor to C-suite executives, offering guidance on media and special situation responses, including crises and market strategies. She also presents regional trend analyses to global client’s leadership and boards.

John Saunders, president and CEO of FleishmanHillard, expressed, “I am thrilled to welcome Joanne back to the agency in this key role for our global network.” 

He added, “Joanne’s experience is steeped in consulting and client service. And she has a proven track record of growth achieved by supporting colleagues and teams, creating new paths and opportunities for high-performing employees. She will undoubtedly help us generate growth and commercial results in the region and globally, deepening relationships with our current clients and helping to define the future of our company.”

Speaking about her appointment, Wong said, “I am very excited to return to FleishmanHillard, which nurtured and built my dedication and expertise in the communications profession.” 

“I look forward to collaborating with the leadership team in the region to co-create a network that is recognized for our distinctive capabilities to problem-solve for clients, and as the destination for the best talent to achieve their most-rewarding career experience,” Wong added. 

Singapore – Experience and travel services platform Klook launched its ‘Klook Kreator Program’ to inspire people to invest in travelling and unique experiences. 

‘Klook Kreators’ is an industry-first influencer affiliate program with social media at its core that aims to inspire people to travel through its social media campaigns.  

The program will enlist over 1,000 influencers who are expected to release fun travel content on their own social media accounts to encourage the next generation of travelers to invest in trying unique experiences. 

The program comes as Klook doubles down on its social content marketing expertise as part of its 9th anniversary. The company is redirecting its advertising budget from conventional media channels to digital content creators in what would be the brand’s first social and user-generated content (UGC)-powered online sales campaign. 

Klook’s 9th birthday coincides with the year-end travel season, which inspires its travel festival offerings. The company’s celebration giveaways will include deals and discounts for tickets across 14 destinations worldwide, joy saver vouchers for trip bookings, and a trivia travel game in exchange for an all-expense-paid trip in Asia, all with the aim of encouraging people to travel and satisfying their wanderlust. 

The company’s extravagant giveaways and promotions are also tied to the remarkable growth in annual gross booking value, which totals $3b. Klook has witnessed a threefold increase since 2019, despite the pandemic restrictions. 

Eric Gnock Fah, COO and co-founder at Klook, said, “We’re witnessing a profound shift in how the next generation of travelers find inspiration for their holidays. This transformation is no longer a trend, it’s the new normal, especially among Gen Z travelers in Asia Pacific who heavily rely on social media. To meet this demand for authenticity and immersive experiences, we’re significantly increasing our investment in digital content creators.” 

He continued, “Our focus isn’t just on any content, it’s about diving deep into user-generated content that’s mobile-friendly, snackable, authentic, and highly shareable—everything that ignites wanderlust and enhances travel experiences. As authenticity now shapes the way we travel, our aspiration is to build the world’s largest social travel community, facilitating exploration and discovery of destinations and experiences.” 

Speaking on the company’s remarkable growth, Ethan Lin, CEO and co-founder at Klook, also shared, “2023 is proving to be a record year of Travelsilience, where travel and resilience intersect. While we are in the early stages of travel recovery in Asia Pacific with persisting constraints in flight capacities, we’ve achieved astounding growth. Travelers are showcasing their resilience, and our business has surged threefold, primarily driven by a remarkable increase in spending—soaring by over 30% on our platform.”

“This growth is underpinned by the diverse variety of additional products and services we’ve introduced, ranging from rail and car rentals to staycations and even more unique experiences. We anticipate that by 2024, as flight capacity fully recovers and travel becomes more affordable, it will unlock even greater demand, further solidifying our position as the region’s leading experience-first platform,” he added. 

Singapore – Indonesian on-demand coffee company Fore Coffee has announced the launch of its first store in Singapore, marking its entry into the international market scene. 

Fore Coffee’s expansion to Singapore is expected to open up the Indonesian coffee culture in the region. 

Drawing on insights from flavor group discussions (FGDs), the coffee company will tailor a selection of 16 key SKUs to capture the essence of Singaporean coffee culture. It will also adhere to the local nutrition preferences with the aim of empowering individuals to enjoy their drinks consciously while promoting healthier choices through its affordable and accessible diversity of options. 

Fore Coffee’s entry in the new market is also guided by research focusing on the Singaporean coffee landscape, in collaboration with strategy consultant Redseer. According to the research, the coffee market in Singapore is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5%, which means it will reach $1,286 million by 2027, presenting a compelling opportunity for the company to flourish. 

Furthermore, Singaporeans’ strong affinity for coffee, averaging 6-7 cups per week, aligns perfectly with Fore Coffee’s mission. The brand recognizes the mature coffee market in Singapore, combined with a love for Indonesian beans, particularly Arabica. 

Fore Coffee aims to redefine Singapore’s coffee culture in the ‘Indonesian way’ by extending their highly curated coffee beans and signature coffee blends to the new market. 

The brand’s business journey has been marked by profitability since 2021 in Indonesia, even amidst pandemic challenges. A part of its success lies in its adept use of cutting-edge technology, from tools to its mobile app, combined with skillful bean blending techniques.

Vico Lomar, co-founder and CEO at Fore Coffee, said, “Fore Coffee’s brand positioning and menu reflect its role as an ambassador of Indonesian coffee culture in Singapore. The brand’s signature coffee blends, crafted with a deep understanding of the discerning Singaporean palate, redefine the local coffee landscape through an Indonesian lens.”

Singapore – Global hotel company Club Med is putting a strong emphasis on its lifestyle allure, transforming the concept of escapism into a destination through its latest advertising venture,named “That’s l’Esprit Libre.” This campaign not only refreshes Club Med’s image but also emphasises its modern visual identity.

Club Med is rebranding with the tagline “That’s l’Esprit Libre” to reflect its heritage and global presence. Their new campaign addresses the social aspects of travel and vacation experiences by combining a stylish, lighthearted tone with a modern aesthetic.

Commenting about the brand’s revamp, Quentin Briard, Club Med’s CEO of marketing, digital and technologies, said, “With our complete creative overhaul, Club Med is entering a new era aligned with our premium and lifestyle positioning.” 

l’Esprit Libre means having peace of mind and living a different way of life that elevates and enhances the ordinary. “That’s l’Esprit Libre” highlights those special times when we truly unwind while on vacation, letting go of the stresses of everyday life to rediscover what really matters. It urges us to rediscover the easy joys and find contentment in the here and now.

Meanwhile, Jules Renault, director of Soldats Agency, said about the commercial, “It’s anything by a typical commercial. It’s meant to be like a celebration – playful and fun. There’s irony and attitude in the voiceover’s narration, addressing an audience that’s not gone on vacation yet.”