Tag: Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Singapore – Southeast Asian ride-hailing and food delivery companies Grab and GoTo are reportedly in advanced discussions to merge, according to sources who spoke to Reuters.  

According to the report, the move comes as both companies seek to minimise years of losses in a fiercely competitive market.

This marks the latest attempt at a merger between the two rivals, having discussions falling through in the previous years.  Despite the history of failed negotiations, investors are reportedly eager to see a deal finalised in 2025. Reuters’ sources say merger talks were revived in December 2024.

The combined market capitalisation of the two companies is estimated to be nearly $25 billion.

However, contradictory to reports, GoTo has denied the discussions about a potential merger in a statement, saying that “there is no agreement between the Company and any party to enter into a merger transaction of the type.”

GoTo’s e-commerce unit, Tokopedia, was acquired by TikTok in 2023, with the latter gaining a 75% controlling stake. As part of the partnership, the social media platform announced a US$1.5b investment into GoTo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Singapore – Many marketers, 4.9 out of 10, say they are not yet ready to implement and integrate generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), according to a report from Kantar, a marketing data and analytics company.

The study has found that while many marketing leaders (9 out of 10) recognise the potential of GenAI in transforming their operations, their adoption is hindered by insufficient training and high costs.

Due to the challenges that marketers face, the report sees a gap between GenAI’s potential and its adoption. Meanwhile, 5.3 out of 10 of their external partners such as agencies and data providers, are considered to be at the forefront of new technologies. This has led to the industry not being able to unlock the full potential of GenAI tools, with its impact rated at 5.3 out of 10.

The study also considers efforts to preserve traditional marketing skills as a contributor to their hesitation to adopt GenAI.

Addressing marketers’ reluctance, Kantar details how GenAI can revolutionise marketing. This includes building long-term strategies, streamlining daily tasks, and engaging consumers in real time.

Kantar’s study aims to help marketing leaders encourage their teams to eliminate fear of GenAI tools.

Lyn Lim, head of commercial growth at Kantar Consulting, said, “The overwhelming consensus among senior marketers is that GenAI is going to revolutionise the industry. But reality today is that many companies don’t feel ready yet. We see that leading organisations are making the shift from using GenAI predominantly for efficiency reasons to now also driving effectiveness. Those that get it right will succeed by building excitement and understanding around GenAI among everyone in their business: how they can help them achieve more with greater efficiency, speed, and effectiveness. We believe APAC marketing has the potential to leapfrog the world in its adoption of GenAI, just as it’s led the world in other aspects like social commerce and mobile marketing.”

Singapore – UNL Global, a mapping technology company in Singapore, is collaborating with GrabMaps to enhance its location services for businesses in Southeast Asia (SEA).

Combining their technologies, UNL and GrabMaps will leverage their location data and expertise to offer hyperlocal location services.

GrabMaps contributes its comprehensive location data, including extensive addresses, imagery, and points of interest across Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

The mapping data also leverages Grab’s network of merchants, consumers, drivers, and delivery partners, with insights gained daily from orders, rides, and real-time feedback.

Meanwhile, UNL provides pixel-based mapping and real-world game engine solutions, which enable digital representations of various locations.

Through the partnership, UNL and GrabMaps will offer better services for businesses in the region, aiming to eliminate problems in unreliable addressing and lack of last-mile data among others.

Additionally, the partnership will allow businesses and developers to have more optimised search and navigation services, predict more accurate estimated time of arrivals, and customise routes for specific vehicle parameters.

Xander van der Heijden, CEO and founder of UNL, said, “As one of the fastest-growing regions globally, Southeast Asia’s booming economy and increasingly connected population demand innovative solutions to meet the unique challenges of this dynamic region. We are excited to be joining forces with GrabMaps to bring the best-in-class location solutions to Southeast Asia’s markets. GrabMaps’ excellent map making capabilities and unmatched location data quality together with UNL’s advanced micro-location technology is a powerful combination, providing businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an environment where precision, efficiency, and customer-centricity are essential to staying ahead.”

“We are excited to support UNL Global in offering more accurate location data to help drive the growth of businesses and developers in Southeast Asia. GrabMaps’ extensive and highly granular data from across the region can help UNL’s customers improve operational efficiencies and unlock growth opportunities. UNL Global’s own micro-location technology, combined with our capabilities and insights, will enable UNL Global to offer more tailored solutions for their customers’ fast-changing needs,” Hazel Chen, regional head of group business development & partnerships at Grab, said.

Singapore – Creative agency McCann Worldgroup Singapore has brought feng shui recommendations to the digital space with a personalised phone app layout guide.

Called ‘Phone Shui,’ it provides a guide for organising apps aligned to their career, romance, finance, and health goals.

Aimed at mobile-savvy Gen Z, ‘Phone Shui’ aims to inspire mindfulness in their digital habits, introducing the traditional ideas of harmony and balance in the digital space.

‘Phone Shui’ provides personalised recommendations based on users’ zodiac signs, offering optimal and intentional app placements while injecting humour. 

“As a Gen Z, the digital space can get overwhelming. Phone Shui is about welcoming luck and a sense of winning every time you unlock your screen, giving you a fun way to create balance and intention in today’s hyper-digital world,” Seth Low, art director at McCann Worldgroup Singapore, commented.

Philippines – The Jollibee Group has introduced the first stand-alone Milksha concept store in the Philippines, tapping into the country’s milk tea culture with the Taiwanese brand.

The new Milksha store opened on January 20 at SM North Edsa, Quezon City.

Milksha, majority-owned by Jollibee Group since 2021, was previously brought to the country through integration in select Chowking stores.

Also known as the brand Milkshop in Taiwan, Milksha employs traditional Taiwanese methods to brew its beverages, using premium imported ingredients.

“Milk tea has become such a big part of Filipino daily lives. What makes Milksha well-positioned for this market is its dedication to using fresh and premium natural ingredients and crafting unique, refreshing flavors that can capture the evolving taste buds of Filipino milk tea lovers,” Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Foods Corp. Philippines chief executive officer, said.

“We’re very happy to have Milksha in our Jollibee Group family. Milksha’s choice ingredients and innovation bring something genuinely delightful to our customers,” Ernesto Tanmantiong,  Jollibee Group global CEO, said.

Peter Huang, Milksha Global founder and CEO, also commented, “I thank all of the partners joining this project. We look forward to expanding, providing more jobs, and making every milk tea lover happier with every cup.”

Singapore – Advertising agency BBH Singapore has tapped Stéphane Missier as its chief strategy officer, taking over from Chris Chalk, who left the company in December.

In his new role at BBH Singapore, Missier will lead a team of strategists for the agency’s growth. He will work with the agency’s major clients such as Samsung, Nike, UOB and Income Insurance.

Bringing 20 years of experience in the industry, Missier most recently serving as Wieden+Kennedy’s group strategy director for 10 years. He has led campaigns for various brands such as Nike, Team USA, FanDuel and Bud Light.

Missier will be directly reporting to BBH Singapore’s chief creative officer Sascha Kuntze and managing director Sid Tuli in his role.

“BBH Singapore is building a global agency for a new era. Its commitment to building a culture where difference thrives and embracing the diversity of its clients sets it apart from the crowd. I’ve always considered myself a black sheep and have long admired the work of BBH. I’m thrilled to join the flock and begin this exciting journey,” Missier commented.

 “I’m so grateful for everything Chris did for us over the last three years and I wish him all the very best as he relocates back home. Stéphane is an incredibly talented and highly experienced strategist that has shaped some of the most culturally significant campaigns of the past decade. He’s lived and worked in 8 countries before Singapore, helping build the biggest brands anywhere, and he is exactly the type of talent we need to take us forward,” Tuli said.

Singapore – Creative agency GOVT Singapore has announced new key appointments to drive growth to its senior management team.

GOVT Singapore has named Phang Mei Jeng as its managing director, Kevin Poh as executive creative director (ECD) and Khoo Kai Qi as client services director.

Phang joins the agency from Ensemble Worldwide/Mediabrands Content Studio in Malaysia, where she spent 7 years in the company until she rose to the position of managing director. She has also served as BBDO Proximity China’s business director, working with brands such as PETRONAS, Pizza Hut, Visa, OPPO, Ford, Gillette, Braun, and Toyota.

Phang takes over from former managing director Alvina Seah, who remains as GOVT group of companies’ partner.

Meanwhile, Poh was promoted from his previous role as group creative director, having spent 7 years with GOVT. Poh has worked with brands such as Sentosa, Julie’s Biscuits, Puma, and Asahi.

Poh steps into the ECD role following Tim Chan’s appointment as chief operating officer in The Betterment Group, the agency’s parent company.

Khoo, on the other hand, has gained over 13 years of experience in agencies such as Publicis, JWT, Tribal DDB Worldwide, and Moon Rabbit Singapore.

“Change is the only constant in life, and even more so in our industry. Our move to bring in new blood and elevate stalwarts like Kevin to bigger leadership positions is all about keeping the agency’s energy fresh and dynamic. At the same time, it allows the Co-Founders to spend time pursuing new opportunities for the Group and its agencies. And there’ll be more exciting ventures in the pipeline we’ll share in the coming months,” Leon Lai, CEO of The Betterment Group, said.