David Kennedy, WiredCo. Partner, highlighted the motivation behind the move: “The more diverse our business becomes – not just in ethnicity, but also intergenerational working, beliefs, and ability – the more obvious it has become that the fixed traditional public holiday approach was no longer right.”

The initiative comes as a response to the growing demand for holiday flexibility, underscored by a recent Perkbox Australia study revealing that 58% of respondents prefer customizable public holidays. Angela Hampton, WiredCo. Founder & Managing Director, elaborated, “For us, it wasn’t just about finding a solution to Australia Day. We also had to think about people who don’t celebrate Christmas and Easter for religious reasons, and those who don’t celebrate The King’s birthday because they don’t place value in a monarchy.”

Also Read: Multipl Secures $1.5M Funding to Revolutionize Personal Finance with ‘Spendvesting’

The WiredCo. team unanimously supported the initiative, as Michelle Hampton, WiredCo. Partner, noted: “When we consulted our team, we discovered they were 100% in favour of ‘Public Holidays Just Got Personal’ because it showed trust, cultural-connectiveness, and helped them create a personal working style that was respectful and effective for them.”

However, implementing this initiative came with its challenges. Nikki Cranley, WiredCo. CFO, explained, “We’re an independent business, so any change presents a host of questions. We had to think about how to track these days, how best they accrue, how the team takes them, and how they communicate that flexibility with their teammates and clients.”

WiredWellness aims to support staff in their mental and physical wellness while providing job flexibility. Angela Hampton emphasized, “WiredWellness wasn’t a response to the pandemic lockdown working environment, it started long before that. We wanted to give our team space to decompress, so we created our monthly ReWired events. Then we gave our people access to a counselor to help them manage their mental wellbeing, so we made access to that unlimited.”

WiredCo. has a track record of pioneering employee-friendly policies, including remote working and ‘Pet-ernity’ leave. David Kennedy proudly stated, “We’re proud to say that WiredWellness has helped us achieve 95% team happiness, 97% job satisfaction, and stabilized retention at 81%. And we firmly believe it’s helped us commercially, with the business almost quadrupling in three years.”

As one of Australia’s fastest-growing independent creative brandformance businesses, WiredCo. is home to iconic brands like Pizza Hut, R.M.Williams, Red Bull, THE ICONIC, Peters Ice Cream, Georg Jensen, and Indeed. Their people-first culture continues to drive their success and innovation in the industry.

Check out WiredCo.: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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A Skincare Sanctuary Where Heritage Meets Innovation

SK-II’s concept store narrates the legendary tale of its origins. In the 1970s, a team of scientists, driven by a quest to discover a revolutionary skincare ingredient, observed the remarkably soft and youthful hands of sake brewers, in stark contrast to their aged faces. This observation led to the identification of a singular yeast strain out of 350 possibilities, culminating in the creation of PITERA.

Every aspect of the concept store is thoughtfully designed to reflect the multifaceted world of PITERA. Utilizing naturally inspired materials, the store artfully tells the intricate stories of SK-II’s heritage and the ongoing miracles of PITERA.

The product discovery area highlights the craftsmanship behind PITERA innovations. Featuring Sugidama-inspired balls, which symbolize the passage of time in the fermentation process, the boutique’s product tester bar is adorned with designs inspired by the patterns arranged in rice by Toji masters. Central to each product collection is an exclusive art piece, crafted by a ceramic artist from Shiga—the birthplace of PITERA—representing the unique benefits of each iconic SK-II skincare line.

Also Read: In Conversation with Ms Patricia Goh, Country Lead, Brand & Growth Partnerships, Singapore & Malaysia, TikTok

The store’s ambiance is further enriched by Hinoki wood-inspired patterns and the delicate scent of Japanese cypress, Hinoki wood, and sandalwood, crafted exclusively for SK-II. This immersive skincare sanctuary leaves no detail overlooked.

Omotenashi-Inspired Service Like No Other

Embodying the spirit of omotenashi, or wholehearted hospitality, SK-II has elevated the skincare counseling experience to a ceremonial level. The SK-II Skin Ceremony, a series of skin rituals, epitomizes craftsmanship at every step and reflects SK-II’s commitment to delivering memorable and meaningful moments for each guest.

The grand opening of the SK-II Concept Store on 22 June 2024 featured an exclusive appearance by SK-II’s global celebrity ambassador MINA of TWICE, alongside some of Southeast Asia’s most influential beauty personalities.

“This first-ever SK-II concept store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marks a momentous milestone for the house of SK-II. Consumers are at the heart of all we do at SK-II, and this is a testament to our commitment to elevating skincare experiences for her and transform,” shared Sue Kyung Lee, President, P&G Global Skin & Personal Care. “More than a retail store, we want to provide a sanctuary for her to switch off from the world and immerse in the miracle world of PITERA. This is the beginning of a new era to elevate the SK-II shopping experience, and we look forward to sharing it with the rest of the world.”

About SK-II

For more than 40 years, SK-II has touched the lives of millions of women around the world through skin and life transformation. The fascinating story behind SK-II began with a quest to understand why elderly sake brewers had wrinkled faces, but extraordinarily soft and youthful-looking hands. These hands were in constant contact with the sake fermentation process. It took years of research for scientists to isolate SK-II’s iconic ingredient PITERA, a naturally-derived skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process exclusive to SK-II. Since then, SK-II with PITERA has become a special secret shared by celebrities all over the world such as Haruka Ayase, Tangwei, and MINA of global girl group TWICE. F

About PITERA

Iconic and exclusive to SK-II, PITERA is a naturally derived “miracle” skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process that only SK-II owns. Packed with over 50 micro-nutrients – vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids – the unique composition of PITERA harnesses the vital force of nature and is one that can’t be achieved artificially or synthetically. PITERA resembles skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors. Skin recognizes and welcomes it, allowing it to be absorbed quickly and deeply1 into your skin delivering all goodness2.

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LinkedIn’s ‘2024 B2B Marketing Benchmark’ – a study of 2,000+ B2B marketing leaders from across the globe, conducted ahead of the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity – finds that while 74% of B2B CMOs in APAC have found it challenging to focus on what matters most – reaching buyers – due to so many competing demands, the majority (91%) agree that relationship building is key to success. This is why building “collective confidence” amongst purchasing decision-makers will be crucial in the year ahead.

Brand building key to driving “collective confidence”

B2B buying cycles are long, emotion-driven and typically involve six to 10 stakeholders in the buying group, and require on average 17 meaningful interactions with a company before completing a purchase. With success in B2B not just down to one relationship or connection, building collective confidence among the buyer group – including decision-makers and brand advocates who influence a purchasing decision – is key.

To build these connections and stay top of mind, creativity is essential – nearly three-quarters (74%) of B2B marketing leaders in APAC have focused on developing bolder creative, and 62% agree that it is helping them improve brand engagement and drive conversions.

Marketers top the list of AI-literate professionals globally

Marketing professionals globally are leading the charge on AI adoption and building AI proficiency as they look to improve ROI. In APAC, 2 in 3 (67%) B2B marketing leaders are already using Generative AI applications in their marketing activities, and they say it has helped improve productivity (41%), accelerate content creation (37%), and create cost efficiencies (33%).

LinkedIn data finds there has been a 142x increase in LinkedIn members globally adding AI literacy skills to their profiles, with marketers topping this list. ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is the fastest-growing digital skill for CMOs globally, based on the skills CMOs have added to their LinkedIn profiles in the past year.

Matt Tindale, Head of Enterprise, APAC, LinkedIn Marketing Solutions said: “Cultivating meaningful relationships is key to influencing the buying behaviour of B2B decision-makers. This is especially true for APAC, where decisions involve lengthy consideration and are driven by emotion. To develop this “collective confidence” amongst those involved in B2B purchasing, brand building through bolder creative campaigns will drive success in the year ahead.

Under the pressure of budget cuts and the constant need to prove ROI over the past year, APAC B2B marketing leaders are turning to Generative AI and displaying renewed energy in boosting content creation and productivity to push brand building. In addition to improving memorability, this will enable them to uncover new audiences and boost campaign performance.”

Also Read: Khan Bank and Alipay+ Partner to Revolutionize Digital Payments in Mongolia

John Rudaizky, Global Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at EY said: “In a rapidly changing market, brand building, creativity and confidence are key to influencing buying groups. B2B marketing is no different from consumer, in the sense that engaging emotionally, with creativity are essential, with LinkedIn providing the perfect environment to talk directly to clients and talent alike.”

To help B2B marketers reach and engage all members of the buying group and build collective confidence,

LinkedIn is introducing:

The Wire Program: With video uploads on LinkedIn increasing 45% year-over-year, LinkedIn is testing the Wire Program . a new initiative that allows brands to promote in-stream video ads alongside trusted publisher content on LinkedIn. The Wire Program is being tested with a limited number of publishers, like Barron’s, Bloomberg, Business Insider, Forbes, LinkedIn News, MarketWatch, NBCUniversal, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and Yahoo! Finance to help marketers reach buyers who are consuming more-and-more digital video. The Wire Program is available in all languages to global advertisers that want to set up content sponsorships with this select group of publishers. At launch, the Wire Program will not offer EU member targeting.

Expanded AI capabilities in Accelerate: LinkedIn is bringing new functionality into Accelerate – its AI campaign creation and optimization offering. Now in Accelerate, marketers can draft engaging creatives with Microsoft Designer and refine their targeting by allowing marketers to exclude companies and third-party lists. They can also get guidance on their campaign creation from our new AI marketing assistant. Advertisers already using Accelerate are creating campaigns 15%1 more efficiently and driving a 52% lower cost per action2 than with Classic campaigns. New functionality includes:

Telling brand stories in new ways with AI: LinkedIn has integrated Microsoft Designer into the Accelerate campaign experience to help marketers build and customise creatives. To get started, marketers can describe what they like to see or upload their own image. From there, Designer lets them choose from multiple options with varied imagery and text overlays, which they can further customise with their own logos and imagery.

Helping companies bring their data into Accelerate to enhance targeting: Accelerate uses AI to help brands bring together their data, like customer lists or conversions, with LinkedIn’s platform data to find people who are more likely to take action with their ad campaign. To help further refine campaign targeting, marketers can also layer in targeting exclusions, like company and third-party lists.

Helping brands build their best campaigns with conversational assistance: LinkedIn is expanding the capabilities of its AI marketing assistant. Marketers can ask questions, like “How do I build better ad creatives” to gain insights on how to improve their campaigns. The assistant can also provide recommendations, like adding a data source to help inform targeting, and perform tasks like adjusting your budget.

Sean Johnston, VP, Advertising, Closed Loop said: “Accelerate campaigns far surpassed the lead conversion performance we saw from even our best performing manual audiences for Calendly. The Lead Form Completion rate increased over 3X and delivered a 66% cheaper cost per lead (CPL). The higher conversion rates and more efficient CPLs really convinced me this works”.

Accelerate campaigns are gradually ramping to customers globally, and will be available to all customers in the coming months. Accelerate is available in all languages in Campaign Manager, but AI-generated creatives are currently available in English only.

The 2024 B2B Marketing Benchmark Report will launch at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on Monday, June 17 at 4.45pm CEST.

B2B Marketing Benchmark methodology

LinkedIn commissioned Ipsos to survey 2,000+ global B2B marketing leaders, including 448 CMOs, in the US, UK, Germany, France, India, Australia, Singapore, and Brazil to examine the state of B2B, budgets and outlook, priorities and challenges, and how their roles are evolving. The research was conducted online between March 1 and March 29, 2024.

Economic Graph methodology

LinkedIn’s Economic Graph Research Institute determined the fastest-growing digital skills that have seen the largest increase over the last year, added to profiles of Chief Marketing Officers from March 2023 to March 2024, based on the skills genome. The skills genome tracks the set of skills that are the most unique and representative for a role based on the skills LinkedIn members feature on their profiles. Accelerate Data Sources: 1LinkedIn observational analysis, October 2023 and March 2024; 2LinkedIn analysis of 29 A/B tests, October 2023 to March 2024.

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the way companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com.

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The Zurich Innovation Championship

The Zurich Innovation Championship is a global competition conducted by Zurich Insurance, one of the world’s largest insurers with a significant presence in over 215 countries. This annual event seeks startups that not only aim for profitability but also strive to make a substantial social impact. The championship emphasizes creating new value propositions and delivering innovative services beyond mere product distribution. By winning this prestigious competition, Perfios has established itself as a key player in shaping the insurance industry through impactful solutions.

Criteria and Qualifications for the Award

The selection process for the Zurich Innovation Championship is rigorous and globally oriented, focusing on companies that demonstrate a dual purpose: profitability and social betterment. Participants are evaluated on their ability to address significant industry issues with innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize market practices.

Significance of the Award

The significance of winning the Zurich Innovation Championship cannot be understated. It underscores Perfios’ role as a transformative force in the insurance sector, particularly in combating claims fraud, which is a major contributor to the inflation of insurance premiums globally.

What Sets Perfios Apart

Founded in 2019, Perfios Technology Solutions Sdn Bhd has rapidly expanded throughout the Southeast Asia region. Supported by top-tier investors like Bessemer Venture Partners, Warburg Pincus, Kedaara Capital, and Ontario Teacher’s Venture Growth, Perfios recently raised $80 million in its latest funding round. Their clientele includes leading global banks and insurers who rely on Perfios for seamless digital transformations.

We are honored to receive this recognition from Zurich Asuransi Indonesia. Perfios Acclaim embodies our vision to provide insurers with cutting-edge technology that simplifies their operations and protects against fraud.

Amitabh, Chief Business Officer, Perfios Insurance International

Future Goals

Winning the Zurich Innovation Championship aligns perfectly with Perfios’ mission to empower insurers with innovative, reliable technology. Perfios Acclaim aims to expand its impact across Asia and further solidify its presence as a leader in the insurance technology space.

Also read: Gaming’s Big Power-Up: Consumers Splashed $116 Billion on Mobile Gaming in 2021 – Two Thirds of Total Spend on All Apps

About Perfios Acclaim

Perfios Acclaim tackles the pressing challenge of claims leakages in health insurance, which cost the industry up to $28 billion annually due to fraudulent or ineligible claims. Traditional methods fall short, as human assessors struggle to correlate data across extensive documents to detect fraud. Perfios Acclaim integrates claims digitization and fraud detection into a unified solution, enabling Straight Through Processing (STP) and automatic adjudication. This reduces processing times from over a week to just 30 minutes and has saved up to 5% in claims payouts in regions like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

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Launched in February, the TikTok Ad Awards 2024 highlighted exceptional campaigns reshaping the marketing landscape. With 116 submissions from brands and agencies in Singapore, the awards were categorized into Best Branding Campaign, Best Performance Campaign, and Best Local Hero Campaign.

Patricia Goh, Country Lead, Brand & Growth Partnerships for Singapore & Malaysia at TikTok, remarked, “With creativity at the core of our platform, we are dedicated to fostering authenticity and igniting innovation within our vibrant creative community. Transitioning from one-way communication to interactive engagement, we aim to provide brands and marketers with opportunities to foster creativity on a global scale. Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional work in crafting compelling content on TikTok. We are excited to continue empowering our creatives to produce inspiring content every day.”

Also Read: Sorrel Osborne, Head of Media, APAC, GumGum: Revolutionizing Digital Advertising in APAC

The Best Branding Campaign award was secured by the Singapore Civil Defence Force for their innovative “What’s Your Emergency?” campaign, which educated the public on dialling 995 only for emergencies. Sterra’s engaging campaign for its latest Air Purifier won the Best Performance Campaign award, utilizing conversation data and strategic ad delivery. The Best Local Hero Campaign was awarded to JobsOnDemand for their humorous and timely local content that drove app downloads.

Joban Singh, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing and CX at Invisalign APAC, commented, “We are truly impressed by the level of innovation and impactful storytelling that was exhibited in this year’s campaigns. All brands and agencies that are present today have certainly pushed the boundaries of advertising and highlighted the potential that creativity holds in marketing. As it continues being the driving force of progress and growth, we hope that these talents keep breaking the norms and challenging the status quo.”

Additionally, TikTok announced the forthcoming release of a new report with Ipsos in May, titled “Four Missions for the Modern Marketer.” The report will emphasize TikTok’s effectiveness in brand retention and acquisition, showcasing significant statistics such as a 6.4% increase in brand user affinity and a 7.5% increase in purchase intent for low-frequency category users.

For a comprehensive list of the 2024 TikTok Ad Awards winners, refer to Annex A.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

The post TikTok Hosts 2024 Ad Awards in Singapore, Honoring Exceptional Campaigns Across Southeast Asia appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

“At Fortinet, we have a longstanding commitment to being a role model in ethical and responsible product development and vulnerability disclosure. As part of this dedication, Fortinet has proactively aligned to international and industry best practices and upholds the highest security standards in every aspect of our business. We applaud CISA’s continued call to the industry to follow suit and appreciate CISA’s willingness to collaborate with Fortinet on the development of these important goals. We strongly encourage others in the technology community to join this effort to keep organizations secure.”

News Summary:

Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it is building on the company’s longstanding commitment to responsible radical transparency as an early signer of the Secure by Design pledge developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This voluntary industry pledge complements and builds on existing Fortinet software security best practices, including those developed by CISA, NIST, other federal agencies, and international and industry partners. The pledge outlines seven goals, including responsible vulnerability disclosure policies, which are already an integral part of Fortinet’s product security development.

Advancing Fortinet’s Commitment to Secure by Design Principles and Responsible Disclosure Processes

CISA’s latest initiative strongly aligns to Fortinet’s existing product development processes already based on secure-by-design and secure-by-default principles. Fortinet is committed to adhering to robust product security scrutiny at all stages of the product development lifecycle, helping to ensure that security is designed into each product from inception all the way through to end of life, in the following ways.

• Secure Product Development Lifecycle (SPDLC): Fortinet aligns its processes in accordance with leading standards, including NIST 800-53, NIST 800-161, NIST 800-218, US EO 14028, and UK Telecom Security Act.
• Robust Security Product Testing: Fortinet leverages tools and techniques such as static application security testing (SAST) and software composition analysis built into its build processes, dynamic application security testing (DAST), vulnerability scanning, and fuzzing prior to each release, as well as penetration testing and manual code audits.
• Trusted Supplier Program: To ensure rigorous selection and qualification of its major manufacturing partners, Fortinet adheres to NIST 800-161: Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management Practices for Systems and Organizations. Fortinet’s commitment to data privacy and security is embedded in every part of the company’s business and in every phase of the product development, manufacturing, and delivery processes.
• Information Security Program: The Fortinet Information Security Program is based on and aligned with industry-leading security standards and frameworks including ISO 27001/2, ISO 27017 and 27018 and NIST 800-53, as well as data privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.
• Third-party Certifications: Fortinet products are regularly certified to standard and validated through third-party product quality standards, including NIST FIPS 140-2 and NIAP Common Criteria NDcPP / EAL4+.

Additionally, the Fortinet Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is responsible for maintaining security standards for Fortinet products and operates one of the industry’s most robust PSIRT programs, including proactively and transparently disclosing vulnerabilities. Nearly 80% of Fortinet vulnerabilities discovered in 2023 were identified internally through the company’s rigorous auditing process. This proactive approach enables fixes to be developed and implemented before malicious exploitation can occur. Fortinet works with its customers, independent security researchers, consultants, industry organizations, and other vendors to accomplish the company’s PSIRT mission.

To further advance its dedication to a culture of responsible radical transparency, Fortinet has a longstanding commitment to public and private partnerships that align to its mission, including:

• As a founding member of the Network Resilience Coalition, Fortinet is helping deliver real-world solutions to protect networks and sensitive data, including addressing the issue of software and hardware updates and patches not being implemented.
• Through its membership with the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), which was established by CISA in 2021, Fortinet works with public and private entities to gather, analyze, and share actionable information to more proactively protect and defend against cyberthreats.
• As a founding member of the Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA), Fortinet shares timely threat intelligence with other cybersecurity practitioners to better protect customers against adversaries.
• Working with global leaders as a founding member of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity (C4C), Fortinet is helping to encourage intelligence sharing across the industry to reduce global cyberattacks and disrupt cybercrime.

Responsible Radical Transparency Panel at RSAC 2024

Fortinet will expand on how responsible radical transparency can help strengthen cybersecurity resiliency against cyber adversaries as part of a panel session at RSA Conference 2024 titled: No More Secrets in Cybersecurity: Implementing ‘Radical Transparency. The session will take place Thursday, May 9, from 10:50 to 11:40 a.m. PT. in Moscone South – 156.

The panel discussion will feature esteemed industry experts, including:

• Dr. Carl Windsor, Senior Vice President of Product Technology and Solutions, Fortinet
• Michael Daniel, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Threat Alliance
• Eric Goldstein, Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, CISA
• Suzanne Spaulding, Former Undersecretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Anyone interested in expanding their understanding and familiarity with these critical topics can register here.

Supporting Quotes

“Over and over, across multiple sectors, we have learned that transparency improves outcomes for consumers and society. The cybersecurity industry is no different. In our sector, transparency includes searching for, mitigating, and disclosing vulnerabilities in an open, responsible manner. Fortinet has already taken steps to embrace such responsible transparency, creating a clear set of principles for handling vulnerability communication and analysis. The company’s leadership in this area is a strong example of how cybersecurity vendors should be communicating with customers and the broader public.”

– Michael Daniels, President and CEO of the Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA)

“The dedication to a secure-by-design approach to product development is foundational to strong security. We see vendors like Fortinet leading the way in following and applying these principles globally, principles which are also outlined in Australia’s Essential Eight framework, as a significant step forward in enhancing our collective security.”

– Peter Jennings, Director, Strategic Analysis Australia and member of Fortinet‘s Strategic Advisory Council

“Risk identification and assessment are two of the most crucial components of risk management, whether you’re on the battlefield or protecting an IT environment. Fortinet’s approach to transparency, vulnerability disclosure, and threat intelligence sharing is one that the broader cybersecurity industry should emulate.”

-General Sir Richard Sheriff, retired NATO General

“In today’s dynamic environment, enhanced transparency is vital to making every organization more secure. It’s encouraging to see Fortinet at the forefront of embracing radical transparency as the company leans forward in sharing information about vulnerabilities and threat information.”

– Suzanne Spaulding, former Undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

“Collaboration between governments and private sector companies is and will continue to be integral to staying ahead of cyber threats. As a member of the Fortinet Board of Directors, I’ve seen firsthand and applaud how this cyber leader works with public and private organizations to transparently share threat intelligence and support national security efforts.”

-Admiral James Stavridis, Former 4-star Admiral and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO

Also read: Tata Play and Amazon Prime Collaborate to Offer Prime Benefits to Viewers Across TV and OTT

Additional Resources

• Learn more about Fortinet‘s commitment to product security and integrity, including this recent blog post on its longstanding commitment to responsible product development and vulnerability disclosure approach and policies.
• Visit fortinet.com/trust to learn more about Fortinet innovation, collaboration partners, product security processes, and enterprise-grade products that contribute to delivering proven cybersecurity, everywhere you need it.
• Learn about Fortinet’s free cybersecurity training, which includes broad cyber awareness and product training. As part of the Fortinet Training Advancement Agenda (TAA), the Fortinet Training Institute also provides training and certification through the Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification, Academic Partner, and Education Outreach programs.
• Follow Fortinet on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe to Fortinet on our blog or YouTube.

The post Fortinet Reaffirms Its Commitment to Secure Product Development Processes and Responsible Vulnerability Disclosure Policies appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Dani further emphasizes the transformative power of Adrián’s arrival, not just for the agency, but for the industry as a whole. “I have no doubt Adrián’s energy, talent, and modern way of building brands will have a huge impact on our work, clients, culture and agency. I’m ecstatic he’s coming home to join the Clems family.”

Also read: Prime Video’s Innovative Twist: Embracing the Humble ‘Lauki’ to Reveal the Launch Date of Original Series Panchayat’s Much-awaited Season 3

Adrián, a Mexican City native raised in Toowoomba, Queensland, embodies the power of diversity. “When I left Sydney for the UK 20 years ago, I never dreamt an agency leadership team could be made up of three immigrant kids. Now, here we are,” Dani adds.

Adrián himself is brimming with excitement to bring his global perspective, honed at the crossroads of brand, entertainment, and culture, to Clemenger BBDO. “Clems is iconic both at home and abroad for a reason. I’m extremely excited to be part of its next chapter alongside a truly world-class team that’s famous for making famous work,” says Adrián, Clemenger BBDO’s new CCO.

Get ready for a new wave of creative brilliance as Adrián takes the reins on May 20th, 2024. Buckle up, Clemenger BBDO is poised to take the world by storm.

The post Clemenger BBDO Levels Up: Adrián Flores Takes the Helm as Chief Creative Officer appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Specifically, these findings revealed that on a quarterly basis, every 1 in 4 orders placed with partners are from customers who have ordered from the same restaurant at least 2-3 times. Additionally, 10% of orders represent customers who have ordered 4-5 times, while 5% consist of customers who have ordered 10 times or more.

Top performing restaurants attracted up to 80% of repeated orders in 2023 

Interestingly, insights showed that top partners on Deliveroo who maximised the features and benefits of being on the platform, including ensuring customers have access to sufficient options to modify menu items in line with what customers could do over the counter. These partners also actively participated in marketing campaigns and offers through Deliveroo’s Marketer platform. This is further enabled by Deliveroo’s strength of a dedicated workforce working closely with partners to develop and advise on strategic plans to drive brand loyalty and repeated orders. 

Popular Mexican fast food outlet Guzman Y Gomez achieved nearly 50% repeated orders out of their total, with the Burrito Bowl with Grilled Chicken proving to be a favourite among Guzman Y Gomez fans, emerging as the dish most repeatedly and frequently ordered by customers.

The Daily Cut recorded 60% repeated orders, with their National Day Bowl particularly well-received, seeing the highest number of repeated orders across the year. Subway also saw strong figures, with close to 80% of their orders being repeated orders. 

Food delivery tools serve as marketing platforms exposing businesses to a wide audience while providing key insights to capitalise on key trends and optimise offerings. Since joining the platform in 2017, Guzman Y Gomez for instance, has tapped on Deliveroo’s support to enhance their business offerings, including Regular Marketer Offers to entice customer purchase and advertisements to boost brand visibility, which has contributed to an increase in repeated orders for the brand.

Josh Bell, General Manager of Guzman Y Gomez Singapore, says, “Our enduring partnership with Deliveroo has not only elevated our brand’s visibility but also fostered deeper connections with our loyal customer base. Utilising the digital delivery platform, we’ve effectively utilised valuable data insights to implement strategic in-app promotions, significantly bolstering our ability to cultivate enduring relationships with our customer base.”

Lunchtime at Mediapolis, Raffles Place/Tanjong Pagar and Katong emerged with most brand loyal customers 

The lunchtime period emerged as critical for partners, with almost  2 in 5 orders being repeated. This trend emphasises the importance of restaurants tailoring their offerings to ensure continued relevance and satisfaction, and matching the specific preferences of the lunch crowd. 

Geographically, Mediapolis (45%), Raffles Place/Tanjong Pagar (34%), and Katong (29%) emerged as the top three key areas with the highest concentration of brand loyal customers. Brands in the Raffles Place and Tanjong Pagar areas that reflected the most repeated orders are The Daily Cut, Guzman Y Gomez and Vios by Blu Kouzina, making up a significant proportion of the total highest number of repeated orders across Singapore. This demonstrates the value of concentrating their restaurant marketing and expansion endeavours in these regions, catering effectively to the needs of their loyal customer base, especially targeting the lunch time crowd. 

Not limited to market share, smaller scale F&B businesses such as Green Monster, Vios by Blu Kouzina and Two Men Bagel House were also found to have observed a significant amount of repeated orders across the year.

Grocery orders on Deliveroo continue to rise

In line with Deliveroo’s recent consumer survey which identified a sharp increase in non-food items (with 53% preferring to get non-food supplies on the app), on-demand grocery partners such as Little Farms also received a spike in repeated orders, with 88% repeated orders across the year. In terms of top grocery items ordered, Wine Connection swept the top of the charts, with orders for its wines emerging as most frequently ordered items. 

Commenting on the findings, Deliveroo Singapore General Manager, Jason Parke, said, “The insights gleaned from our data analysis provide invaluable guidance for partners looking to thrive in the competitive food delivery landscape. By understanding and adapting to consumer preferences, partners can cultivate strong brand loyalty and unlock new opportunities for growth. Deliveroo is dedicated to supporting partners every step of the way, enabling them to succeed in a continuously evolving market.”

Deliveroo attracts customer loyalty through value-added offerings on Plus 

With Deliveroo Plus, customers stand to benefit from unlimited free delivery on all orders, upsized discounts, two 20% off Gojek ride vouchers every month, and an on-time guarantee which provides users with a $5 credit on their next order should their order be delayed (terms and conditions apply). In the month of April, Deliveroo is running up to 50% off deals across many well-loved brands, with Deliveroo Plus users enjoying upsized discounts with an additional 10% off. One partner that utilised Deliveroo Plus to their advantage was The Daily Cut. In February this year, The Daily Cut ran 40% off on pick-up orders, with Deliveroo Plus customers receiving an even larger 50% off.

Jonathan Yang, CEO of Teyst Group, representing The Daily Cut, says, “From promoting our brand’s deals and offerings to seamless delivery experiences, our partnership with Deliveroo has been vital to cultivating a loyal customer base that continues to return for our nutritious offerings.”

Also read: Mintoak Poised for Global Growth with Strategic Leadership Expansion

About Deliveroo

Deliveroo is an award-winning delivery service founded in 2013 by William Shu and Greg Orlowski. Deliveroo works with approximately 180,000 best-loved restaurant, grocery and retail partners, as well as over 140,000 riders to provide the best food delivery experience in the world. Deliveroo is headquartered in London, with offices around the globe. Deliveroo operates across 10 markets, including Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

The post Deliveroo Drives Uptick in Partners’ Repeated Orders Through Brand Loyalty appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

These appointments mark a pivotal moment in Mintoak’s evolution. The company’s impressive growth trajectory and visionary leadership are further amplified by this strategic expansion beyond its Indian roots. Mintoak sets its sights on exciting new territories – Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa – leveraging the success story of India’s digital payments revolution. With deep expertise in these emerging markets, Mintoak is poised to empower the global SME community.

Industry Powerhouse Trio Joins Mintoak’s Leadership Team

Chayan Hazra, the new Head of Growth, brings nearly two decades of experience in financial services and banking to the table. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Chayan will spearhead Mintoak’s international expansion, focusing on digital payments, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships. His impressive background includes leadership roles at PineLabs, Mastercard, HDFC Bank, and Deutsche Bank.

Marlyn Jose, joining as Head of Business Development, Africa, brings over 15 years of invaluable experience in banking and payments. Stationed in Johannesburg, South Africa, Marlyn’s deep understanding of the local retail landscape positions Mintoak for exceptional growth across the African continent. Her past successes include leading strategic initiatives for Mastercard EEMEA and spearheading merchant services growth for FNB South Africa.

Jyoti Shankar Mishra, assuming the role of Head of Business Development for the Middle East, brings over two decades of experience in banking and insurance across the region. Based in Dubai, Jyoti’s extensive career with brands like Standard Chartered and Dubai Islamic Bank equips him to drive Mintoak’s expansion in this dynamic market.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chayan, Marlyn, and Jyoti to the Mintoak family. Their collective experience and regional insights perfectly complement our strategic vision of expanding our global footprint. These appointments reinforce our commitment to delivering innovative solutions for empowering the SME community globally,” said Raman Khanduja, co-founder and CEO at Mintoak.

Fortifying a Global Presence

By fortifying its global reach through these strategic appointments, Mintoak not only solidifies its position as a frontrunner in merchant services but also underscores its dedication to fostering sustainable growth and building strong alliances in diverse markets.

Also read: Shoppertainment Live Opens Seven ‘Livestyle’ Studios To Empower More Brands Become Activations Future-ready In The Next Normal

About Mintoak

Founded in 2017, Mintoak is the go-to merchant SaaS platform for banks, empowering them to expand their payment offerings by integrating digital business solutions. This enriched engagement enables cross-selling and delivery of valuable financial products to merchants. Mintoak’s modularized, cloud-native, API-first platform allows banks and merchant acquirers to deploy and rapidly scale value-added services (payments, lending, and engagement) to their millions of SME customers. Leading institutions like HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, YES Bank (India), Absa, and Burgan Bank have implemented Mintoak’s suite of merchant payment and commerce enablement solutions. Mintoak secured a $20 million Series A funding round last year, led by PayPal Ventures with participation from British International Investment, HDFC Bank, and Pravega Ventures.

The post Mintoak Poised for Global Growth with Strategic Leadership Expansion appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

With over a decade of experience in the online and consumer technology sectors, Pratip will now lead the expansion of inDrive’s operations throughout India, focusing on enhancing safety measures for both riders and drivers.

Having expertise in go-to-market strategies, Pratip has previously introduced various product lines in different cities and markets. His role will also include enhancing inDrive’s product offerings and business strategies to better serve the Indian market.

Pratip’s appointment aligns with inDrive’s recent efforts to intensify its presence in India, where he will work to refine the company’s products and business strategies. India is among the four critical countries that have a dedicated country head, underlining the strategic importance of this role in fostering partnerships and setting growth objectives to expand inDrive’s local and regional influence.

Mark Loughran, President of inDrive, stated, “We are delighted to welcome Pratip Mazumder as our new country manager in India – a key milestone in our strategic expansion efforts. Pratip’s profound market insights and ability to seamlessly connect our central and regional teams are invaluable. His leadership will be instrumental in cultivating our organisational culture and aligning our local operations with our global standards. Pratip’s role is critical to driving our continued growth and success across India.”

Pratip Mazumder expressed his enthusiasm about his new position: “I am thrilled to be joining inDrive and taking on this exciting new role as the Country Manager for India. I look forward to working with all our incredible teams and partners to deliver a fantastic experience to all our users which will surely define the future of ride hailing in the region.”

Prior to joining inDrive, Pratip was the General Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Swiggy in India. He also led business development and partnerships at Aegon Life India, and held significant roles at Uber and Practo, where he was instrumental in business transformation and scaling operations. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Marketing/Marketing Management) from the T.A.Pai Management Institute.

The post Pratip Mazumder Appointed as Country Head for inDrive India appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

PepsiCo’s iconic beverage brand Pepsi has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with emerging digital fashion artist Jackson Cowden. This collaboration marks a new era for Pepsi, not only showcasing their recent brand refresh but also venturing into the frontiers of fashion design with the launch of the Pepsi Pulse Collection.

A Bespoke Collection Reimagines Classics with AI

The Pepsi Pulse Collection is a unique 10-piece capsule collection designed with a focus on “AI first” principles. Drawing inspiration from Pepsi’s contemporary brand identity, the collection reimagines classic fashion staples like the little black dress and the white shirt. These familiar pieces are injected with a dose of modernity through innovative AI methods, breathing new life into timeless styles.

A Shared Vision: Innovation and Pushing Boundaries

“Finding an interesting way to celebrate such an iconic brand’s refresh was an amazing challenge for us in our first major campaign for Special PR for Pepsi,” shared Alex Bryant, Managing Director of Special PR. “We were delighted to find a shared vision with fashion designer and Creative Director for the collection, Jackson Cowden. This campaign launch demonstrates how Pepsi continues to challenge conventions, pushes the boundaries, and always puts enjoyment first.”

Vandita Pandey, Chief Marketing Officer ANZ, Snacks Beverages at PepsiCo Australia, echoed this sentiment. “Following on from hugely successful global launches in other markets, we really wanted our local launch to feel relevant to our culturally thirsty, next generation drinkers in Australia,” she explained. “Pepsi supports the next generation of creators and designers. With our new visual identity being bold, unapologetic, modern, and iconic we wanted to partner with a young designer who could put a unique take on our refresh. It was a privilege to be able to support Jackson to launch his first runway show.”

AI Streamlines Design, Minimizes Waste

Traditionally, creating a collection of this size could take a designer like Jackson up to nine months, involving sketching, pattern making, and multiple rounds of samples. However, by embracing AI fashion technology and designing primarily in the digital realm, Jackson was able to complete the final designs in a mere 40 days. This innovative approach not only saved time but also minimized waste, a significant advantage in today’s eco-conscious fashion landscape.

Jackson Cowden: A Voice for a New Fashion Era

“It’s been incredibly significant for me to partner with Pepsi at this point in my career, a partnership born of our shared values around challenging the status quo, pushing the unconventional and searching for new and bold ways of doing things,” expressed Jackson Cowden, Designer and Creative Director for the Collection. “The Pepsi Pulse Collection does exactly that and more, by transcending traditional boundaries and challenging conventional norms. The Pepsi “Pulse” is an illustrative way to tell different stories for the brand, it is Pepsi’s visual response to the beat of culture, reflecting the pulse of worlds we are immersed in.”

Cowden predicts a future where digital fashion design will become increasingly mainstream, with a move away from “preconceived rules” in the creative sphere. “Pepsi is known for keeping their finger on the culture pulse, and the innovative and creative way this collection has come to life further proves this.” he concluded.

Also read: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi Bolsters Strategic Leadership with Key Executive Promotions

A Showstopping Launch Celebrates the Future of Fashion

The Pepsi Pulse Collection’s official launch took place in Sydney, Australia, in collaboration with Rizer, the country’s leading event and experience creator. The spectacular setting on Sydney’s iconic harbor served as a perfect backdrop for the show, which seamlessly blended the physical and digital worlds. Homegrown musical sensation G Flip provided an exclusive performance, while models Samantha Harris and James Parr led the runway in style.

“Jacksons digital design process formed a huge inspiration in creating an unconventional runway show, with the energy of Pepsi’s bold identity.” said Zoe Bailey, Creative Director at Rizer. “Embracing the unconventional, we blur the lines between fashion, animation, lighting, sound, dance, and performance, all in one story.”

The runway show was also live-streamed via oOh!media’s prominent full-motion site in Melbourne, marking a first for oOh!media’s innovation and creative hub, POLY, who managed the entire production process.

The Pepsi Pulse Collection’s rollout will encompass experiential events, earned media coverage, social media engagement, and out-of-home advertising.

The post Pepsi Makes a Splash with AI-Powered Fashion Line: The Pepsi Pulse Collection appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

In a strategic move to bolster its leadership ranks, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, a key player within Publicis Groupe India, has announced significant changes to its strategy team. Snehasis Bose, the former Chief Strategy Officer at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, has been promoted to the role of Group Chief Strategy Officer. In his new capacity, Bose will oversee strategic direction across three major agency brands: L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis India, and Saatchi & Saatchi Propagate.

Following Bose’s promotion, Ekta Relan steps into the role of Chief Strategy Officer at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi. Relan, a seasoned strategist with extensive experience in the industry, is poised to bring fresh perspectives and drive the agency’s strategic initiatives forward.

Executive Insights on the Appointments

Paritosh Srivastava, CEO of both L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis India, commented on the new appointments, highlighting the growth and success of the agency brands under the strategic leadership. “Given the disproportionate growth all three agency brands have seen in client results, creative respect and revenue over the last few years, and the significant role the strategic function has played, it is the right time for us to introduce a force multiplier. Snehasis is a proven war horse who has been a great asset and most dependable partner to the agency. It’s a natural progression for him to bring his influence and impact across the other agencies. Ekta is a rare talent, with her wealth of experience and strategic acumen, she is the perfect strategic leader and cultural fit to take L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s spirit of ‘Our Client’s Business Is Our Business’ to the next level.”

Professional Trajectories of the New Leaders

Snehasis Bose, with over 25 years of experience in the advertising and strategy sector, has a rich background that includes roles at McCann Erickson, Publicis Ambience, IMRB International, and Contract Advertising. Joining L&K Saatchi & Saatchi in 2015 and ascending to the role of CSO in 2020, Bose has been instrumental in driving substantial growth for top brands such as Hero MotoCorp and Renault. His new role as Group CSO involves a broader oversight and strategic input across the additional agencies within the group.

Ekta Relan brings her 23-year-long expertise to her new role, having previously held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Lowe Lintas. Her extensive portfolio includes strategic leadership for Unilever, the agency’s largest client, and she has been a key player in acquiring new business. In addition to her distinguished tenure at Mullen Lintas, Sapient Nitro Singapore, and Unilever Singapore, her career has been filled with noteworthy accomplishments in brand strategy for major consumer goods.

Also read: Top Plus Size Models Reshape India’s Fashion

Strategic Visions and Goals

Reflecting on his journey and the future, Snehasis Bose expressed enthusiasm for his new role. “My journey at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has been transformational, and this new role promises to be orbit-shifting! Both Publicis India and Saatchi & Saatchi Propagate are on accelerated growth curves, and I am grateful to be an active part of their stories. With Ekta’s rich experience, deep wisdom and hunger for the new, I look forward to creating a symbiotic partnership that will unlock new possibilities for our clients, taking the L&K Saatchi & Saatchi ownership mandate to the next level. Looking forward to more audacity, challenges and rocket-like-growth!”

Ekta Relan shared her excitement about her new role, stating, “L&K Saatchi & Saatchi is on a dynamic growth trajectory, redefining the role an agency can play for its clients’ business. I am thrilled to be a part of this enriching journey where commerce and culture beautifully fuel each other. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the agency’s talented team, also learning and leveraging the power of the entire Publicis ecosystem to build solid brands that connect with their audience in unexpected and relevant ways

These leadership changes at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi not only underscore the agency’s commitment to strategic excellence but also set the stage for future innovations and growth within the industry.

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Australian Developers Take Center Stage as PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Return

The prestigious PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are back for their seventh year, and this time around, they’re putting an extra focus on recognising excellence in the dynamic real estate business in the nation. Incorporating not just long-standing states like Victoria and New South Wales, but also the ACT, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland, this year’s programming stretches the recognised net wider with an incredible 102 categories.

Key dates for the 2024 edition:
2 August 2024 – Entries close
12 August – 9 September 2024 – Site Inspections
10 September 2024 – Final Judging
11 October 2024 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Melbourne, Australia
13 December 2024 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Recognizing Sustainability, Investment Potential, and More

In the next 2024 edition, there will be several exciting new categories included, such the highly anticipated ESG awards. Companies who go above and beyond in their quest for ecologically and socially responsible construction techniques are recognised with these prizes. More recently added categories include those well-suited to sales galleries, projects incorporating nature, and outstanding investment-grade condo and home developments.

Independent Judging and Industry Collaboration

To ensure a fair and transparent process, a distinguished panel of independent experts will determine the finalists. This year’s judging panel will be presided over by the esteemed Ivan Lam of Charter Keck Cramer. Lam oversees the firm’s foreign business operations. Taking over from Lui Violanti, who will continue to contribute, he assumes the position of vice chair.

The Australian Property Developers Association is a new supporting association that will help commemorate the apex of Australian real estate. They join long-standing associates like the Melbourne Chinatown Association and the Australia Malaysia Business Council Victoria. The programme is pleased to have them on board.

Australia’s Enduring Appeal to Property Seekers

The most recent awards ceremony occurred at a time when foreign interest in acquiring Australian real estate was at an all-time high. The official journal of the awards, Property Report by PropertyGuru, reports that record selling prices have been driven across the country for waterfront properties, luxury estates, and apartments due to strong demand.

Showcasing Australia’s Best to the Region

“As we enter our seventh year of celebrating success in the country’s real estate sector, Australia’s appeal to property seekers from Asia remains strong. Amid global uncertainties, Australia offers a well-regulated environment, attracting international investors as a haven of stability and opportunity. From the picturesque waterfronts of Gold Coast to the multicultural cities of tomorrow in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia offers some of the finest lifestyle value propositions in the world. The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards amplify this message, providing a platform to showcase Australia’s best real estate to the rest of Asia-Pacific,” stated Jules Kay, General Manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards & Events.

With the help of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, Australia’s top real estate projects may be seen by a wide audience in the Asia-Pacific region.

Also read: TransNusa Launches Five New Direct Domestic Flights

A Legacy of Excellence

Presented by PropertyGuru Asia, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) are a component of the 19th annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. Celebrate the most anticipated real estate events of the year with an exclusive gala dinner and ceremony. This prestigious series highlights key markets in Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania.

Participation in the 7th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) is open until August 2, 2024 via asiapropertyawards.com/nominations. To make a nomination for your project or for more information, visit the official website at AsiaPropertyAwards.com. This is your chance to shine as one of Australia’s leading real estate agents; don’t let it slip your fingers!

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A Bold New Emblem: Reflecting Core Values

At the heart of Lamborghini’s transformation is the introduction of a redesigned logo, encapsulating the brand’s foundational values of “bravery,” “unpredictability,” and “authenticity.” This revamp is not merely aesthetic but signifies Lamborghini’s commitment to breaking new ground and exceeding the conventional boundaries of automotive excellence.

Driving Humans Beyond: A Mission of Progress

The new strategic mantra, “Driving Humans Beyond,” underscores Lamborghini’s ambition to inspire and lead in the journey towards surpassing the expected limits of technology, design, and environmental responsibility. This vision is an integral part of “Direzione Cor Tauri,” Lamborghini’s comprehensive roadmap to sustainability and decarbonization, highlighting the brand’s pivot towards future-ready solutions.

A Unified Brand Experience: Beyond Automobiles

Lamborghini’s rebranding extends beyond its illustrious fleet of cars. The overhaul touches every aspect of the brand’s identity, aiming to infuse the company’s culture and principles with a fresh perspective. The new logo, characterized by refined Lamborghini typography and a palette centered around black, white, and accents of yellow and gold, now graces all official channels, symbolizing the brand’s unique essence and forward-looking ethos.

Also Read: Kinesso Australia Clinches Microsoft Advertising’s Prestigious Global Agency of the Year Award 2023

Novelties in the Fields of Design and Communication

The distinctive bull insignia will now, for the first time, stand alone on digital platforms without the customary shield, adding to its significance in Lamborghini’s brand iconography. This is a noteworthy development. Additionally, in keeping with the angular features associated with Lamborghini vehicles, the development of a unique typeface and collection of icons in conjunction with Lamborghini Centro Stile guarantees a unified and distinctive visual communication style across digital platforms.

Making the Shift to a Sustainable Future

This all-encompassing rebranding demonstrates Lamborghini’s proactive approach to tackling the environmental issues facing the automobile sector. Lamborghini not only establishes a new benchmark for premium automobile makers but also reaffirms its dedication to innovation and environmental care by fusing its brand identity with sustainability objectives.

The post Lamborghini Unveils Brand Refresh Emphasizing Innovation and Sustainability appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

In today’s tech-obsessed culture, inspiring a love of reading might feel like tackling Mount Everest. But the National Library Board, Singapore (NLB) is taking a risk by launching Playbrary, an innovative programme that will revolutionise people’s relationship with books. Collaborating with LePub APAC, the Playbrary team came up with a fresh spin on books: text-based adventures that merge the timeless appeal of storytelling with the addictive charm of video games.

AI Meets Storytelling: A Multisensory Adventure

Libraries throughout the globe are concerned about how to keep books relevant in the digital age; NLB takes an innovative approach to this problem. Reading data shows a worrying trend; a recent survey by the Singaporean Ministry of Education indicated that the number of students who “enjoy reading a lot” has decreased dramatically. Video and smartphone games, on the other hand, have enormous appeal. Playbrary uses gamification to solve this problem by making reading more interactive and fun.

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AI-Enabled Journeys: Unveiling the Mysteries of Playbrary

Playbrary breathes new life into classic works of art by employing cutting-edge AI technology. By collaborating with OpenAI and integrating seamlessly with ChatGPT, Playbrary allows users to go on literary adventures directly from the site. An immersive, multi-sensory experience is achieved not just because the plot changes in response to player choices, but also because the AI creates visually attractive graphics to complement the text.

Playbrary: More Than Just Fun, It’s Educational

In addition to being fun, Playbrary is an excellent instrument for education. Making reading more like a game is a novel approach to the age-old problem of kids losing interest in traditional reading. There is a free prompt generator on the site to make it accessible to everyone. After children “play” a story on Playbrary, they can borrow books from the National Library of Reading (NLB). Young readers can benefit from this when they go from electronic to print books.

Playbrary: A Guidepost for Libraries’ Future

Playbrary may be accessed from any location. More than a thousand fantastic novels have been adapted into playable adventures for the platform so far, and the power of the public domain means that there is plenty of space for many more. If more people get on board and submit their works to Playbrary, the platform’s already diverse library will grow even more. That is precisely what LePub APAC is requesting from authors and publishers. Libraries may not only make it through the digital age, but potentially thrive, thanks to this groundbreaking project that exemplifies Singapore’s commitment to innovation.

Also read: Zomato Zooms In: Streamlined Deliveries Take Over Corporate Parks!

Quotes

• Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer, National Library Board, Singapore: “This is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to make Generative AI accessible to all. Our partnership with LePub APAC opens new, innovative ways for more to read and learn. Through the gamification experience of Playbrary, we hope to encourage more Singaporeans to read these classics after playing the game. We also invite like-minded partners onboard to explore emerging technologies that inspire new ways of interaction with NLB’s resources, such as through GenAI.”
• Cyril Louis, Executive Creative Director at LePub APAC: “As Playbrary begins its journey, it stands as a testament to Singapore’s innovative spirit and a potential beacon for the future of libraries in the digital age. Playbrary celebrates books through the lens of technology, inviting a new generation to rediscover the magic of stories in a format that resonates with their digital-first lifestyle. Once they’ve ‘played’ a story on Playbrary, many kids will be curious to read the original.”
• Hanh Kanssen, LePub APAC’s Managing Director: “Playbrary is an exciting project for LePub, which not only helps to rekindle a love for reading in young adults but is also a great educational resource. I am very proud of our great creative team behind this creation, who helped to make this project happen at the speed of light so that people all over the world can discover the joy of reading.”

Immerse yourself in the world of Playbrary for an enthralling literary adventure. For more information, see the Playbrary website.

The post Singapore’s National Library Board Revolutionizes Reading with Playbrary appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

A Legacy of Creative Excellence

Over the course of his almost 25 years in the field, Aman Mannan has worked with several prestigious advertising agencies, including Interface Communication, McCann Erickson, DDB Mudra Group, and Leo Burnett India, among numerous others. It is likely that his creative direction was a major factor in the agencies’ success, as they won several awards including the Cannes Lion, The One Show, Clios, LIA, ABBYs, and Effies (India and APAC). Mannan has an impressive roster of notable clients, including Amazon, Coca-Cola, P&G, Unilever, and countless more. His creative abilities extend beyond the realm of advertising; he was nominated for Best Screenplay at the Filmfare OTT Awards and co-wrote the online series Saas, Bahu aur Flamingo, both of which won awards.

With 23 years of experience under her belt, Shitu Patil has dominated the branding and advertising industry, having collaborated with legendary agencies like Lowe Lintas, FCB, and Publicis Ambience. Patil was the head of her own design firm, Plus One, until 2022, when she returned to her position at L&K Saatchi & Saatchi for the Groupe. Her creative talents have been acknowledged by several industry prizes, including many more than Effies, Kyoorius, D&AD, and ABBY. She has also been a part of the judging panels for both D&AD and ABBYs. Patrick has worked with several famous people, including Renault, Lakme, and Raymond.

Anticipation of Future Events

Mannan and Patil have set Publicis India on a course for strategic expansion and creative innovation. Their complementary skillsets would surely benefit the agency’s creative work in India.

Commending the agency’s development and revival in the last two years, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis India CEO Paritosh Srivastava conveyed his excitement for the new hires. He said, “Publicis India has been on an amazing journey of resurgence in the past 2 years, with a focus on both growth and creative excellence yielding rich dividends. Our impressive portfolio of work and client roster rival that of any top agency in the country. The search for the perfect blend of creative talent and cultural fit was challenging, but in Aman and Shitu, we have found a team of rare creative talent that spans the entire spectrum of creativity. We are confident that these two wonderful people will inspire our teams and clients to new heights.”

Oindrila Roy, Managing Director, Publicis India, added, “Aman and Shitu are a powerhouse of creativity and their experience in delivering award-winning work reaffirms this. We are confident that as NCDs, they will inspire our teams with new energies.  We are certain that their creative prowess and strategic acumen will contribute to the continued success and growth of Publicis India.”

Also read: QYOU Media India collaborates with Toonz Media to launch Q Toonz, a premium animation FAST channel

For Shitu Patil’s new position to be a success, she stressed the need of teamwork and cooperation. “I am looking forward to working closely with Paritosh, Oindrila, and the team to build on the great work they have already done. I hope to create state-of-the-art solutions, placing art firmly at the centre of our endeavours and infusing new-age work with age-old wisdom. I aim to integrate the best practices of cinema writing and thinking into our projects, contributing to the development of a unique voice for Publicis India,” according to her.

In the future, Aman Mannan hopes to combine modern ideas with conventional wisdom.  “I am looking forward to working closely with Paritosh, Oindrila, and the team to build on the great work they have already done. I hope to create state-of-the-art solutions, placing art firmly at the centre of our endeavours and infusing new-age work with age-old wisdom. I aim to integrate the best practices of cinema writing and thinking into our projects, contributing to the development of a unique voice for Publicis India,” said Mannan.

As a result of strategically enhanced creative leadership, Publicis India has entered a new era of greatness. New, groundbreaking art that challenges accepted wisdom is about to be available.

The post Publicis India Elevates Creative Leadership with Dual National Creative Director Appointments appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Thanks to his wealth of experience in the telecom industry, Vicente is a great addition to the group. Arriving to Ericsson in 2021, he brings with him 25 years of success at Vodafone in commercial responsibilities such as marketing, sales, and many market segments.

A Veteran Trailblazer in Fuel Innovation

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, said: “I’m very pleased that Andres has accepted to take on this role. His knowledge of our industry and deep understanding of the commercial aspects that are vital to our continued success, will prove themselves very valuable to me and to his colleagues in the Market Area.”

Also read: Marco Villella Takes the Helm as Havas Group ANZ’s New Head of Talent

Vicente Will Drive Ericsson’s Growth

Andres Vicente said: “I’m honored to take up this role. Ericsson’s ambition is to lead in an open world and I’m proud to be part of creating long-lasting value and driving positive change, in both our industry and society as a whole. Market Area South East Asia, Oceania & India is one of the most exciting growth regions for Ericsson and our Market Area team have strong execution abilities. I’m excited to soon be working alongside them and with our customers to co-create the innovations that will shape our industry and enable mutual success.”

On May 1, 2024, Vicente is slated to begin his new work as a stationed officer in Singapore. Ericsson would be lucky to have him as a leader in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field, thanks to his extensive expertise and proven record of success.

The post Ericsson Appoints Andres Vicente to Spearhead Growth in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

An Intricate Web of Knowledge

A prestigious and varied career awaits Marco Villella in the fields of talent acquisition and management. Based on his extensive experience at GroupM (WPP AUNZ) for over four years as people Acquisition Lead, as well as his notable roles at IPG Mediabrands and Hart Resources Group, Villella is very skilled at developing people in the advertising and media industries. During his time at GroupM, he oversaw talent acquisition for major agencies including EssenceMediacom, Mindshare, Nexus, and Wavemaker, demonstrating his skill in attracting and retaining top people in highly competitive environments.

The Future of Havas

Havas’ talent product and the full people experience journey will be under Villella’s watchful eye in his revolutionary new position. This position goes beyond simply filling roles; it entails creating a culture and setting in which talent and innovation thrive. Together with the Havas Leadership Team, Villella will improve the talent and people strategy for the whole Havas Village and beyond. The extensive reach of his influence is demonstrated by the network’s suite of agencies and brands, which includes Havas Media, Havas Play, and Havas New Zealand, among others.

Candice Veasey, Chief People Officer at Havas said: “Marco is an exceptional talent who brings with him a wealth of experience in his field. He is a great addition to our People Team, and I look forward to a successful journey together seeing all of his valuable contribution across the Havas Village.”

I am really thrilled to collaborate with Candice and Havas’ agency leadership to keep building careers that matter and have a difference’, Villella said, expressing his enthusiasm for his new position. I am proud to be a part of Havas’s ongoing investment in its people, which will help us recruit, develop, and retain top talent in our field.

Also read: Netskope Bolsters APAC Presence with New CxO Advisor and Regional Expansion

A Fresh Beginning

The position of Head of Talent, which is located in Sydney’s Havas Village, has already been filled by Marco Villella. Under his guidance, Havas’s talent management is expected to see a new era of development and innovation. He reports directly to Candice Veasey. Bringing a wealth of experience and a vision to Havas, Villella is set to have a lasting impact on both the global and local agencies, encouraging a spirit of innovation, tolerance, and success.

The industry is watching with bated breath to see how this relationship will revolutionise personnel management and take the Havas Village to unprecedented levels of success and innovation as Havas Group ANZ sets off on this thrilling adventure with Marco Villella leading its talent strategy.

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A Seasoned Leader at the Forefront

Zuberek’s transition to MongoDB comes after a remarkable tenure at Datadog, where she was instrumental in the company’s commercial sales expansion throughout Asia. As the Director of Commercial Sales, her leadership catalyzed an unprecedented increase in customer acquisition, the cultivation of high-performing sales teams, and a staggering 80-fold rise in booking revenue over three years. Her prior experiences also include impactful stints in sales and business development roles at Zendesk and Oracle, further solidifying her expertise in steering growth and innovation in the tech landscape.

A Vision for Growth and Innovation

MongoDB’s leadership expresses unwavering confidence in Zuberek’s capabilities and vision. Stewart Garrett, MongoDB’s Regional Vice President for ASEAN & Japan, lauds her as a proven leader renowned for her ability to nurture successful teams and forge effective relationships. “I am eager to see her expand the capabilities of the High-Tech organisation, empowering the team to reach their full potential as we embark on this exciting opportunity of growth,” Garrett remarked, highlighting the anticipatory enthusiasm for Zuberek’s strategic direction.

Also read: Netskope Bolsters APAC Presence with New CxO Advisor and Regional Expansion

Empowering the Future of Data Management

Zuberek’s appointment is not just a testament to her impressive track record but also aligns with MongoDB’s mission to revolutionize data management and application development across diverse environments. “MongoDB allows developers to streamline managing different types of data and run applications across different environments, and I am confident it will continue to be the data platform of choice for companies of all sizes,” said Zuberek. “MongoDB is always improving and innovating, both in its technology and across the organisation.  I am excited about what the future holds for the company, and look forward to working with the team to empower developers to build efficient and innovative solutions.”

As MongoDB embarks on this new chapter, the addition of Céline Zuberek to its leadership team marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards expanding its footprint in the ASEAN region. With a clear vision for growth and a commitment to innovation, MongoDB is poised to further solidify its position as a leading data platform, empowering developers and businesses to harness the full potential of their data.

The post MongoDB Welcomes Céline Zuberek as New Regional Vice President for ASEAN, Spearheading High-Tech Sales Division appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The strategic hiring of Josh Kennedy-White as Netskope’s new CxO Advisor for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region was announced by the leading Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) firm. Kennedy-White is an impressive candidate for the position due to his 25 years of expertise in technology and strategy in both the public and commercial sectors. The Singaporean tech investor, advisor, and board member has an impressive resume spanning cybersecurity, national security, quantum technology, gaming, and space technology, among other areas of expertise.

“I work with governments and enterprises to help navigate their specific security challenges and boost performance during their digital transformation. Netskope is well known for its innovative cloud security solutions that minimise risk and enhance performance,” said Kennedy-White. “After several discussions, it became clear that Netskope’s strategy to promote global data protection resonated with my expertise, goals, and values, so I was excited to contribute to their vision.”

A Partnership to Empower Customers in the Asia-Pacific Region

Kennedy-White will collaborate closely with David Fairman, Netskope’s APAC Chief Information Officer and Chief Security Officer, while working at the firm. Building solid ties with important consumers in the region will be their joint priority. To do this, we will pay close attention to their specific needs and goals, and then we will draw on Kennedy-White’s wealth of experience to offer them advice and guidance that will help them reach their security transformation objectives and make educated cybersecurity decisions.

Prominent Figure Joins Netskope’s Expanding APAC Team

Netskope’s continual dedication to the APAC area is evident in Kennedy-White’s appointment. In an effort to forge deeper connections with local partners and consumers, the firm has now formed a specialised go-to-market team in the Philippines. On top of that, we are actively seeking more members to form a comparable squad in Taiwan. Australia, India, Singapore, Japan, and New Zealand are already well-established markets for Netskope, and these new strategic additions will only strengthen their position.

Also read: OrangeTee Unveils Brand Refresh: Empowering Everyone to Find Their Place

Subregional Knowledge for National Achievement

Tony Burnside, VP and Head of APAC at Netskope, said, “The APAC region is extremely diverse, with a wealth of language and cultural nuances that any company hoping to be successful across the region should navigate. And while we have valuable partners across all APAC countries that have been supporting us, it is a relevant time in our growth journey to have our own people on the ground and provide local customers and partners with better direct access to in-house Netskope experts.”

Netskope is prepared to equip businesses across APAC with the knowledge and resources they need to adapt to the dynamic cybersecurity landscape of today thanks to the addition of Josh Kennedy-White and its expansion into new regions.

The post Netskope Bolsters APAC Presence with New CxO Advisor and Regional Expansion appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Also read: Claxon Joins Forces with Sisu Clinic to Revolutionize Global Aesthetic Services

 

Daisuke Okabayashi, Vice President of Marketing at Indo Nissin Foods Pvt Ltd, expressed, ”Today, Nissin Geki Korean noodles stand as the preferred choice among young K-Lovers, boasting bold hot and spicy flavours. The immense love for Korean noodles among enthusiasts is evident. Since 2021, we’ve experienced consistent growth, and we’re now poised to accelerate our trajectory even further. It’s paramount for us to align with a strategic partner who deeply comprehends our brand ethos and can craft compelling campaigns across social media platforms. Our decision to collaborate with Experience Commerce is a strategic one; we trust in their expertise and approach, and we’re confident they will not only deliver the desired results but also contribute significantly to our aggressive growth plans.”

 

 

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Meera Ghare, Vice President and Business Head at Experience Commerce, stated, “Partnering with Nissin Foods presents a thrilling opportunity for us to leverage our agency’s expertise and market acumen to drive exponential growth for the Nissin Geki Korean Noodles brand. With our collective focus on capturing the imagination of today’s youth and young adults, particularly Gen Z who are K-Lovers, through dynamic and immersive social media content, we aim to revolutionize the narrative surrounding Korean-style noodles in the Indian market.”

With over 16 years in the industry, Experience Commerce is a full-service digital native agency that specializes in providing end-to-end marketing solutions to brands. By leveraging compelling data insights and creativity, the agency aims to create brand experiences that drive revenue for its clients.

EXPERIENCE COMMERCE: CRAFTING EXPERIENCES THAT BRING YOU COMMERCE!

The post Cheil’s Experience Commerce Becomes Social Media Agency for Nissin Geki Korean Noodles appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Boasting over twenty years of experience in the beverage and consumer goods sectors, Sabharwal brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. His background is particularly strong in the alcoholic beverage sector, where he has worked across a variety of Asian markets including the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. His career includes over fourteen years at Pernod Ricard, where he undertook several leadership positions focusing on strategic and transformational initiatives, as well as country and business leadership in locations such as India, Singapore, and Dubai. Prior to joining Brown-Forman, he held multiple commercial leadership roles at Diageo.

In his capacity as Managing Director, Sabharwal will be responsible for guiding Brown-Forman’s growth and operations in the strategically important and rapidly expanding markets of India and South Asia. He will directly report to Eveline Albarracin, VP, Managing Director, Brown-Forman ANZPI IMENA Turkiye, and will be stationed in Gurugram.

“I am excited to join Brown-Forman and look forward to leading our committed team in one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing spirits markets in the world. Jack Daniel’s is an iconic brand as well as one of the most valuable spirits brands in the world, and we will strive to help consumers in India discover the world of American Whiskeys. Additionally, the recent acquisitions of Gin Mare and Diplomático, along with much loved Woodford Reserve provide a big opportunity for accelerating premium brands from our global portfolio as we aim to step change the business in India,” said Gaurav Sabharwal, Managing Director, India & South Asia.

Eveline Albarracin commented on the appointment, saying, “On behalf of Brown-Forman, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Gaurav Sabharwal onboard. India & South Asia have been identified as key emerging markets for us. With his extensive industry experience and expertise, we are confident that Gaurav will continue to deliver strong results for the company in these markets.”

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Understanding the Malaysian Consumer Landscape and Building Trust

When asked about navigating the unique Malaysian market, SmartRetail emphasised its solid foundation, pre-pandemic operations, and a local team of more than 20 employees.

Our partnership with KMP provides invaluable guidance and support. Their local knowledge will be instrumental in introducing us to the right partners and navigating the intricacies of the Malaysian market. We plan to develop and work closely with new and existing strategic partners who already have established client bases in Malaysia.

Still, knowing one’s cultural background isn’t enough to establish trust.

Privacy-First Approach: Balancing Innovation with Consumer Concerns

When designing its products, SmartRetail keeps customer data privacy in consideration, as it is one of the most important issues. Minimising data gathering and danger of breaches, SmartRetail’s technology differs from standard face recognition systems in that it does not save images or videos. Incentives for future innovations that may necessitate more extensive tracking are offered by the corporation, which places a premium on user permission and openness. In addition, SmartRetail is dedicated to keeping its partners and clients informed about data privacy rules that are always changing.

We believe in rewarding consumers for their data contributions. If future advancements require more in-depth tracking, we’ll provide more incentives and rewards to compensate users. 

When necessary, we will update our solutions to meet these standards. Consumers and regulators in Malaysia are more likely to have faith in this company because of its privacy-first policy.

Investing in AI and Strategic Partnerships for Differentiation

With the help of KMP and other key partners, SmartRetail will be able to improve its customer interaction and advertising solutions, as well as its core AI-powered products, such as Perceptron and Ai:Dentify. Better data insights will be possible as a result of point-of-sale integrations, in-store trip monitoring, and engagement tracking. To further provide merchants with a detailed knowledge of their Malaysian clientele, efforts will also be made to create regionalized solutions, such as race identification.

We’ll also further develop solutions that bridge the gap between consumers and advertisers. This means creating a smooth experience where consumers can easily interact with targeted advertising, access relevant information, and redeem incentives, fostering a win-win scenario for both retailers and consumers.

Through targeted advertising and relevant information access, the firm is dedicated to connecting customers with advertisers, creating a win-win situation.

Empowering the Malaysian Tech Team: Building a Future-Ready Workforce

Software engineers specialising in computer vision, artificial intelligence algorithms, and platforms for customer engagement are in high demand at SmartRetail. Solutions that are tailor-made for the Malaysian market are the result of a solid local software development team. In order to provide Malaysian retail partners with even more useful consumer insights, we are also recruiting data engineers to improve our data gathering, processing, and visualisation skills. The Malaysian team will be well-prepared for future development and smooth service delivery with the help of infrastructure experts.

As SmartRetail expands its footprint in Malaysia, a robust infrastructure is essential. We’re recruiting infrastructure specialists to ensure our systems can accommodate future growth and enable rapid deployment of new solutions.  This technical expertise is crucial for seamless service delivery to our Malaysian partners and clients.

Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer: Breaking Down Geographical Barriers

The staff at SmartRetail have excellent online communication abilities thanks to their experience working remotely during the epidemic. Everyday communication will still rely heavily on video conferencing and internet platforms. But when the epidemic fades, SmartRetail intends to arrange more business visits and meetings since they know how valuable face-to-face communication is. Teams will be able to communicate, hold each other accountable, and be transparent with one another thanks to well-established project management technologies.

SmartRetail’s Hong Kong and Malaysian teams will benefit from an environment that encourages candid feedback, ongoing training, and public acknowledgement of employees’ achievements. A prosperous environment that promotes cross-border collaboration and creativity is the goal of this investment in its people. Important knowledge transfer activities will be put in place to guarantee that the Malaysian team has access to the most up-to-date information and skills from their Hong Kong colleagues.

We understand that our employees are the foundation of our success. We’re committed to continuously improving the work environment for both our Malaysian and Hong Kong teams. This includes fostering a culture of open communication, professional development opportunities, and recognition programs. Investing in our people creates a thriving environment that encourages collaboration and innovation across borders.

Strategic Partnerships for Accelerated Market Penetration and Mutual Benefit

Key to SmartRetail’s development goals in Malaysia are strategic collaborations with established marketers, merchants, and owners of digital signage. With these established customer bases, SmartRetail can reach more people more quickly. Further, SmartRetail’s current partner networks may market the technology’s advantages to prospective customers in Malaysia, opening the door to a natural revenue stream.

Our strategic partners often have existing advertiser clients seeking innovative marketing solutions. This creates a natural, quicker monetisation path for SmartRetail’s platform. Partners can leverage their existing relationships to introduce our solutions to advertisers, accelerating revenue generation for both SmartRetail and our partners.

By enlisting the help of partners, SmartRetail is free to concentrate on developing its core technology while others take care of the installation and upkeep. Through this cooperative strategy, SmartRetail and its associates are able to accelerate market penetration and provide value to companies in Malaysia.

Also read: SK-II’s #BiggerThanMakeup Campaign Breaks the Mold: Chinese Women Embrace Aging on Their Own Terms

Shaping the Future of Retail Experiences: Data-Driven Insights and Personalized Engagement

The future of retail, according to SmartRetail, will be interactive and based on data. Their advertising solutions for consumer interaction and artificial intelligence computer vision aim to turn Out-of-Home (OOH) platforms into data-rich settings that can track metrics like cost-per-view and cost-per-acquisition. This results in a platform called “Engagement OOH” that provides real-world campaign performance assessment beyond just impressions. Along with point-of-sale data from cashiers, SmartRetail’s AI CV profiling solutions may provide a complete picture of customer journeys and demographics while they’re in-store. Brands and retailers may use these information to improve marketing and provide customers with a more personalised experience.

Our solutions are also designed for accessibility and rapid implementation. SmartRetail’s lightweight proprietary technology runs on low-cost computers, allowing for seamless deployment across a wide range of clients. This ensures businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cutting-edge technology.

Success in the Malaysian market is within reach for SmartRetail thanks to the company’s dedication to customer privacy, emphasis on teamwork, and investment in state-of-the-art technology. By establishing a data-driven landscape that is advantageous to merchants and customers alike, their products have the ability to revolutionise the way people shop in Malaysia and throughout the world.

These insights were made available exclusively to Marketing In Asia (M.I.A.) by SmartRetail. This conversation gives us a glimpse into SmartRetail’s plans for the Malaysian market and the future of retail IT. M.I.A. will be keeping a careful eye on SmartRetail as it expands and refines its offerings.

The post Exclusive: Navigating the Malaysian Market with Innovation and Collaboration with SmartRetail appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Mardi Gras Celebrations for First-Timers

Aiming to empower individuals to experience the enchantment of Mardi Gras for the first time, this unique ad celebrated inclusion. To address the concerns of those who might be hesitant to come, Johnnie Walker made an effort to cultivate an inclusive space that celebrated the rich variety within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Mardi Gras legend Robyn Kennedy (who was in the inaugural 1978 parade), paper artist Benja Harney, and trans couture designers Katie and Lillian Nicol-Ford extended an invitation to first-time attendees of Australia’s Mardi Gras in 2024 through a nationwide search organised by Herd MSL.

We selected eight “debutantes” to reflect a wide range of ages, identities, and locations. After that, they were flown to Sydney for a grand celebration honouring their arrival to the Mardi Gras scene.

The Perfect Blend of Custom and Festivity

The Debutante Ball was a mesmerising mashup of traditional debutante features with the exciting Mardi Gras vibe. A breathtaking clash of current LGBTQ identity with old-world elegance was the outcome of this one-of-a-kind mix. Johnnie Walker urged everyone to embrace their uniqueness and joyfully shatter expectations as they embarked on their inaugural Mardi Gras celebration.

Also read: SK-II’s #BiggerThanMakeup Campaign Breaks the Mold: Chinese Women Embrace Aging on Their Own Terms

A Memorable Evening

The event, presented by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, an Australian actress and singer, took place at Kinselas, a famous LGBTQIA+ venue in Sydney. Engaged by Herd MSL, Natalie was a debutante who not only attended the ball but also served as an inspiration to first-timers all throughout the nation. Many of the other debutantes could relate to Natalie’s story since she had just come out as gay, which added an extra layer of significance to the event.

Paraphrases of the News Release:

It has long been acknowledged that Johnny Walker has been an advocate for personal and societal advancement. According to Melissa Barry, Diageo’s Portfolio Marketing Manager, “Johnnie Walker has always been a fierce advocate for progress – both societal and personal. As a proud partner of Mardi Gras, embracing this moment as a chance to celebrate the trailblazers who paved the way for others to walk proudly and connecting them to newcomers who’d be walking for the first time was something we were delighted to make happen. We wish all those who celebrated this year a happy Mardi Gras and stand proudly with the wider community as we continue to Keep Walking Proudly together.”

Stacey Karayannis and Rosie Stone, Associate Creative Directors at Leo Burnett Australia, added: “We have enjoyed subverting the traditions of a debutante ball, but what we’re most proud of are the debutantes. Being able to bring their stories to life, create connections between the debutantes and trailblazers from the community, and celebrate their moment in front of a proud and welcoming crowd has been such a privilege.”

An extensive rollout across several platforms, such as online movies, activations, social media interaction, and out-of-home advertising, further intensified the campaign. The public relations campaigns were spearheaded by Herd MSL, a stablemate of Publicis Groupe.

The post Johnnie Walker Celebrates Inclusivity with “Debutante Ball” Campaign for First-Time Mardi Gras Attendees appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Challenging the “Zhuang” Ideal

The campaign centers around the concept of “Zhuang,” a Mandarin term with a double meaning: “to put on a mask” and “to apply makeup.” SK-II highlights a survey revealing that 80% of Chinese women feel compelled to “Zhuang” to meet societal expectations around aging.

However, a social media counter-current is emerging. Women are reclaiming their narratives and embracing their authentic selves, even if it defies expectations.

Docuseries Chronicles Transformation Journeys

“Bigger Than Makeup” features a captivating docuseries chronicling the journeys of five remarkable women in their 30s to 60s. These long-term SK-II users each chose to “Bu Zhuang” (don’t mask themselves) as they aged, pursuing unconventional paths.

The film, co-created with bare-skin photographer Shan Dian Sui, a pioneer of the “Liberate Your Beauty” movement on Little Red Book, has garnered massive attention. With over 14 million views and 400 million video views across Chinese platforms, it’s sparked passionate discussions and media coverage.

Also read: I&CO and Trambellir Forge Alliance to Revolutionize Medical Tourism Through Design

Authentic Stories Inspire Change

The featured women’s stories resonate with the changing values of Chinese women. They defied societal norms by pursuing passions after divorce, starting businesses later in life, choosing to stay single, or defying marriage age expectations.

These powerful narratives have ignited a movement on Little Red Book, with thousands sharing their own courageous decisions to “Bu Zhuang.”

SK-II: A Champion of Choice

This isn’t SK-II’s first foray into challenging societal norms that affect women. Their #CHOOSEDESTINY philosophy empowers women to define their own destinies, both in skincare and in life.

“Chinese women are facing more expectations than ever before, and they’re responding with a growing trend towards independence and self-aspiration,” shared Sue Kyung Lee, CEO, Global SK-II. “At SK-II, we believe in inspiring women to choose their destiny, and ‘More Youthful With Age #越大越不ZHUANG’ seeks to champion women who have found the courage to ‘BU ZHUANG’ and proudly show their unique journeys to their truest selves. With the incredible response that it has gotten so far, we hope that this will continue to inspire women around the world to be unafraid to ‘BU ZHUANG’ as they age.”

The post SK-II’s #BiggerThanMakeup Campaign Breaks the Mold: Chinese Women Embrace Aging on Their Own Terms appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

The effort to produce the electric autorickshaw – as noted by a report in ET – marks a significant milestone for Ola Electric as it turns from the commercial vehicle sector the company has been elbow deep in over the last few years.

It will likely take on the likes of the Mahindra Treo, Piaggio Ape e-city, Bajaj RE and the numerous others that have joined the fray.

In terms of pricing, the competition offers electric rickshaws between INR 2 Lakh going all the way up to over INR 3.5 Lakh, depending on the model and its features.

The electric three-wheeler industry sold more than 580,000 units in 2023, a 66% increase from the previous year, according to data from Vahan. Furthermore, in 2023, electric vehicles accounted for over 50% of the overall sales of three-wheelers.

Founded by Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder of Ola Cabs, Ola Electric is an electric vehicle manufacturer that offers a lineup of five scooter models. The company claimed to have a wide omnichannel distribution network, comprising 935 experience centers and 414 service centers, as on end of October 2023, as per its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP).

In the coming months, Ola Electric is planning a number of important announcements especially around its gigafactory with the IPO coming soon.

The post Ola Electric Set to Launch Raahi: A New Contender in Electric Rickshaws appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

Norikuni Takamiya, Trambellir’s Head of Design

Currently leading I&CO’s APAC operations, Norikuni Takamiya will take on the role of Chief Design Officer (CDO) at Trambellir, spearheading this partnership. Thanks to his vast experience in the field, Mr. Takamiya will be responsible for increasing the value of Trambellir and driving its growth via a design-centric lens.

Advancements in Medical Tourism and High-Quality Architecture Go Hand in Hand

The innovative direct-to-patient method has propelled Trambellir to the pinnacle of the medical tourism industry. The company offers more than 2,000 health, beauty, and medical services across 35 locations in 22 countries. The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) has acknowledged Trambellir as a digital partner since 2022 due to the company’s steadfast dedication to increasing medical tourism accessibility and promoting digital transformation. For Malaysia, the MHTC is an agency of the Ministry of Health.

I&CO, a World Leader in Design and Construction

Developing cross-cultural solutions is something that we at I&CO are well-versed in. Among the many notable clients of the firm are TOYOTA, Uniqlo, and Audible. Building on this history of success, I&CO is committed to assisting companies in realising the full potential of design capital to generate long-term value.

Also read: Chandigarh’s Arete Design Studio and Architect Tripat Girdhar Achieve Double Design Accolades

A Sustainable Partnership

With the help of Trambellir, I&CO has taken a giant leap towards its expansion ambitions. The firm is aggressively seeking partnerships with more than 200 Asian entrepreneurs in an effort to expand its impact beyond its present strongholds in Tokyo and New York.

A Plan to Increase Patient Access to Medical Tourism

The hiring of Mr Takamiya as CDO and the strategic relationship with I&CO have given Trambellir CEO Iizuka confidence that the business can realise its goal of making global medical tourism accessible to everyone. “By leveraging their creative and business development expertise, we are dedicated to building a sustainable global society,” Takamiya said.

Advancement Towards Mutual Understanding and Cultural Cooperation

Reiterating Mr. Iizuka’s remarks, Norikuni Takamiya, Head of I&CO APAC, said, “I&CO empathizes with Mr. Iizuka’s aim to bridge Asia and Japan through new business developments and will support this with design and creativity. Applying our experience to Trambellir’s growth, we aim to expand a business model that serves as a cultural and economic bridge between the two regions. This partnership represents our commitment to fostering innovation, mutual understanding, and prosperity.”

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Fueling Adventure and Exercise with American Potatoes

Over a hundred women from the community were invited to the event, where they were given the opportunity to take part in an energetic fitness dancing class. In order to provide these dynamic women even more support, Potatoes USA collaborated with the well-known Singaporean chef Imran.

In order to cater to active ladies, Chef Imran put his knowledge of U.S. potatoes to use by developing four dishes that are both easy and delicious. These dishes were great for refuelling after exercise because they were easy to make and taste great.

U.S. Potatoes: A Powerhouse in More Ways Than One

A surprise benefit of the U.S. potato exists for those who want to improve their exercises or sports performance. American potatoes are the nutritional superfood of choice, outranking even the most popular veggies in terms of energy, potassium, and vitamin C.

They have more potassium than a banana and more energy than any other famous vegetable. The nutritional composition of U.S. potatoes makes them perfect for providing sustained energy to the body and mind, whether you’re a professional athlete training for a marathon or just going about your daily life.

An Indulgence in Flavorful Motivation

Even though he was a great orator, Chef Imran really showed his mettle by dancing the walk. At the occasion, he presented four innovative and nutritious potato dishes from the United States:

• U.S. Potatoes Beetroot Gnocchi with Cheese Sauce
• Loaded Chili Con Carne with U.S. Potatoes Bites
• Pulled BBQ Chicken with U.S. Tater Tots
• Smashed U.S. Potatoes with Steak Salsa Verde

A few fortunate individuals were even given the opportunity to help Chef Imran with the preparation, so they could see for themselves how simple and tasty these dishes are to make at home.

Also read: Chandigarh’s Arete Design Studio and Architect Tripat Girdhar Achieve Double Design Accolades

Bringing the Strength of American Potatoes Indoors

As the programme came to a close, each participant received a goody bag. The assortment of potato recipe cards and U.S. Russet potatoes in these packs encouraged them to keep experimenting with potato cuisine.

Also emphasised was the adaptability of American potatoes, whether they were fresh or frozen. Many different Asian and Western cuisines, from soups and appetisers to main meals and desserts, may utilise this miraculous vegetable, as attendees discovered.

This event was a lively reminder that eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle are not mutually exclusive. The nutritious composition and culinary versatility of U.S. potatoes make them an ideal companion for women who lead busy lifestyles.

The post U.S. Potatoes Empowers Women Through Fitness and Flavor at “Purplicious Women’s Day Fit Dance” appeared first on Marketing In Asia.

A Display of Various Skill Sets

Many deserving individuals were recognised at the ceremony, and they were all winners in their own right. Group Director (Housing & Investment) Janice Lai of the CPF Board was presented with the Best Hybrid Event Presentation Award at the Public Service Conference for her enthralling talk. Recognising the increasing significance of environmental responsibility in business leadership, Michael Sng, the forward-thinking CEO and Managing Partner of TAEL Partners, was honoured with the Best Sustainability Communications Award. Jeffrey Lee, founder of Embrace Funeral Services Pte Ltd., won the Best Broadcast Interview category. His communication approach is famously eloquent and compassionate.

Assessing Quality

This is the fourth year that the Asia Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD) has hosted the awards, and once again, an experienced team of judges has painstakingly chosen the winners. With the help of the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), they were able to evaluate the applicants from a variety of angles.

A Medium for the Development of Individual Brands

Media Savvy Awards convenor and former CNBC anchor Mark Laudi stressed the importance of public speaking for building one’s own brand. “As we head into the 7th year of the Media Savvy Awards, it’s become clear how deep our local talent pool of excellent presenters really is. Singaporeans and Malaysians who are still shunning the limelight are starting to catch on that public speaking appearances are essential for building your personal brand, especially for the most senior of business leaders.”

Nurturing the Next Generation of Leaders

The president of APACD, Keith Morrison, shared the view that people should have the tools they need to become effective spokespersons. Keith Morrison, President of APACD, said “Empowering Singaporeans and Malaysians to be media-savvy spokespeople is crucial for today’s communication landscape. Hearing the stories and perspectives of our leaders, hearing their authentic and diverse voices will go a long way to ensure we preserve trusted media sources.”

The Head of PRCA APAC, Tara Munis, has also voiced her excitement about the Media Savvy Awards’, she said, “We are thrilled to continue our steadfast support for the Media Savvy Awards as they enter their 7th year. These awards provide a vital platform for local businesses in Singapore and Malaysia to showcase their exceptional work in the communications realm, offering an invaluable opportunity to share their stories with the wider community. As we eagerly anticipate this year’s entries, we remain committed to celebrating and amplifying the innovative contributions of our region’s businesses to the ever-evolving media landscape.”

Also read: 10 Singaporean Women Honored in the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame

Anticipating the Future

The Media Savvy Awards are holding its 2024 nominations now, and they will be continuing their tradition of recognising and celebrating the achievements of Singaporean and Malaysian professionals, including top executives. At the same time as the announcement, the 2024 awards unveiled their new logo, marking the beginning of a new era for this prestigious ceremony.

Going forward, the Media Savvy Awards will continue to do double duty: honour the successes of today’s leaders and encourage the next generation to value good communication. By doing so, they add to a future where all stories are heard and shared, weaving them into the fabric of our collective tales.

The post Celebrating Excellence in Public Speaking: The Media Savvy Awards 2023 Unveils Winners appeared first on Marketing In Asia.