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YouTube is rolling out new features aimed at helping creators sustain engagement during peak live moments, while expanding monetisation options across formats and devices. At the centre of the update is a new system designed to “protect the vibe” of livestreams. The platform said it will now automatically hold back ads when live chat activity reaches high engagement levels, allowing creators to maintain momentum during key moments without interruption. The feature will apply to creators who have automatic ads enabled. The move reflects a broader push by YouTube to prioritise real-time interaction, particularly as livestreaming becomes a more community driven format where audience participation shapes the viewing experience. Don’t miss: YouTube tightens monetisation rules to clamp down on repetitive content Alongside this, YouTube is expanding its gifting feature, enabling viewers to send gifts during horizontal livestreams in addition to vertical formats. The feature, previously limited in scope, is now available to more creators globally, including those in markets such as Canada, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. The platform added that it is working to roll out localised gifts tied to holidays and events in more regions. To further support monetisation, YouTube is also introducing ad-free viewing windows for users who purchase “Super chats”, “Super stickers” or gifts. The update will automatically create a temporary ad-free experience immediately after a transaction, ensuring that moments of fan support are not disrupted by ads. This will also apply to creators with automatic ads turned on. In addition, the platform is enhancing viewing flexibility across devices. Creators will now be able to stream in both vertical and horizontal formats simultaneously, while maintaining a single shared live chat. The update comes as viewing habits continue to shift, with YouTube noting that more than 30% of live watch time in the US in 2025 came from connected TVs. Further customisation tools are expected in the coming months, including vertical cropping options in Live studio and the ability to manage multiple stream keys, giving creators more control over how content is delivered across different formats. These moves build on YouTube’s broader efforts to refine its ad and subscription offerings in the region. In July last year, the platform launched its “Premium lite” plan in Singapore, offering users a more affordable way to watch most videos ad-free. Priced at SG$7.98 a month, the tier began rolling out with full availability expected in the following weeks. The move came as YouTube looked to grow its subscription base in Asia, after YouTube Music and Premium crossed 125 million subscribers worldwide. Unlike the full Premium plan, Premium Lite offers ad-free viewing across most standard YouTube videos, including content in categories such as gaming, comedy, cooking and learning, while ads still appear on music videos, Shorts and during search or browsing sessions. Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles: YouTube reportedly relaxes moderation policies amid free speech push   Why Reddit’s ad hiding feature isn’t so bad for brands X, Google, Meta and more fall short at ad transparency, says report source

Skechers has renewed its partnership with Thai actor and model Nattawin Wattanagitiphat for a third consecutive year, expanding his remit to Asia Pacific brand ambassador. The appointment marks a first for the brand, with Nattawin becoming the first Skechers ambassador to move from a domestic role to a regional position. In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Eileen Tan, regional marketing director of Skechers Southeast Asia said the move reflects how the partnership has evolved over time, said , pointing to Nattawin’s consistent alignment with the brand’s values of comfort, confidence and modern everyday style. Don’t miss: How Skechers is staying ahead of the fandom race with SEVENTEEN Better known as Apo, he rose to prominence following a breakout role in 2022 and has since built a strong regional following, further boosted by a leading role in a 2025 historical drama. Beyond entertainment, Nattawin has gained traction in the global fashion scene. He was named to the Business of Fashion 500 in 2023, recognising his growing influence in shaping industry trends. His reach extends to Singapore, where he has appeared on fashion covers and taken the stage at high-profile events, including a performance at The Star Theatre in 2022. According to Tan, his elevation to a regional role was driven by the clarity and consistency he has demonstrated throughout the partnership, alongside his ability to connect across fashion and lifestyle spaces. This was also reflected in key milestones, including the Thailand-exclusive “Skechers x Apo555” collaboration launched in 2025, which marked a deeper level of creative involvement beyond a traditional ambassadorship. “What sets him apart is how easily he bridges the functional and lifestyle sides of the brand,” she said, adding that his ability to represent both comfort and style in an authentic way was critical as Skechers strengthens its lifestyle positioning across the region. Nattawin first partnered with Skechers as its Thailand brand ambassador, fronting campaigns centred on confidence and individuality. The collaboration deepened in 2025 with the launch of the co-branded apparel line, aimed at strengthening the brand’s appeal among younger consumers. In his expanded role, he will lead marketing campaigns and brand communications across six markets: Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau. The appointment also aligns with Skechers’ broader Asia Pacific growth strategy, which focuses on building long-term brand equity while delivering a more consistent experience across markets. Tan said increasingly connected and digitally engaged consumers are driving demand for more unified storytelling, particularly as audiences follow talent and content across borders. “With Apo’s strong presence across multiple markets, we are able to deliver a more consistent brand expression while still adapting to what resonates locally,” she said. This comes as consumer behaviour across Southeast Asia shifts towards more content-driven and personality-led engagement, particularly on digital and social platforms. “There is a clear shift towards storytelling that feels authentic and relatable, rather than purely product-focused,” Tan added, noting the growing regional influence of Thai celebrities whose appeal increasingly transcends language and cultural barriers. Through Nattawin, Skechers is also looking to deepen its connection with digitally engaged millennials who value both comfort and personal style, and who increasingly engage with talent beyond their home markets. At the same time, the regional appointment supports efforts to balance consistency with localisation across Asia Pacific, where consumers share similar preferences around comfort, style and versatility. Tan added that while Skechers continues to tailor campaigns to local audiences through initiatives such as creative collaborations, Nattawin’s role provides a “consistent regional anchor” to unify the brand’s narrative across markets. Skechers has previously leaned on high-profile talent to reinforce its comfort-led positioning across markets. In August last year, the brand named Hong Kong actor Tony Leung as its APAC ambassador, spotlighting its Slip-ins and stand-up wear technology. The collaboration highlighted Skechers’ focus on blending comfort with lifestyle storytelling, with Leung framing his personal philosophy around balance, movement and ease. Subsequently, Skechers also appointed actress, entrepreneur and fashion icon Sofía Vergara as a global brand ambassador. The partnership marked a broader push into the intersection of style and comfort, with Vergara reportedly discovering the brand independently while seeking supportive footwear post-surgery, before formal discussions with Skechers began. Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles: Dua Lipa brews Nespresso’s next era as global brand ambassador  UNIQLO nets tennis star Emma Raducanu as global brand ambassador  HK actress Angie Cheong appointed as Perak tourism ambassador source

Edelman has strengthened its public and government affairs capability in Southeast Asia with the appointment of Wai Leong Tang (pictured left) as head of public and government affairs for the region, as the firm looks to deepen advisory support for CEOs, boards and strategy leaders. Based in Singapore, Tang joins from H/Advisors, where he was head of public affairs for Asia. He will report to Delicia Tan, Edelman’s CEO for Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Edelman’s public and government affairs offering sits at the intersection of corporate reputation, public affairs and policy, advising multinational and regional organisations on how political context, regulatory shifts and public expectations affect licence to operate and business outcomes. “As the cost of getting politics wrong rises, leaders need partners who understand how government works across this region. This expanded capability strengthens our ability to help CEOs stay ahead of risk, not just respond to it,” said Tan. Don’t miss: Edelman announces new APAC and Vietnam leaders  “Wai Leong brings a clear regional perspective on how these dynamics play out market by market, and how leaders can engage governments with confidence and credibility,” she added. Tang will work with Edelman market teams across Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and beyond to help clients align regional decision-making with locally credible government engagement, reflecting differing political, regulatory and stakeholder realities. “Across Southeast Asia, politics and policy are no longer peripheral issues; they are core drivers of business risk, trust and growth,” said Tang. “Leaders today must balance regional strategy with local political realities, while demonstrating credibility with governments, regulators and the public. Our role at Edelman is to help them do that with clarity and confidence.” The regional build-out is supported by senior programme manager Kenn Yee (pictured right), who focuses on technology policy, AI, data governance, cybersecurity and critical information infrastructure across Asia-Pacific. Based in Singapore, Yee advises organisations navigating increasingly complex and scrutinised digital and data regulation. According to Edelman, Yee’s appointment strengthens its ability to translate complex policy and technology issues into decision-ready guidance for senior leaders, ensuring public affairs strategies are both technically sound and politically credible. Together, Tang and Yee form part of Edelman’s expanded Southeast Asia public and government affairs capability, which is positioned as “purpose-built” for CEOs, boards and strategy leaders. The practice is focused on strategic foresight, early government engagement and integrating public affairs into long-term business strategy in a more politicised and volatile environment. “We are delighted to welcome Wai Leong to Edelman. His leadership will be critical as organisations across Southeast Asia navigate a business environment increasingly shaped by geopolitical dynamics, trade considerations and government decision-making,” said SB Jang, Edelman’s senior regional advisor for public and government affairs, Asia-Pacific. Earlier in December, Edelman had expanded its Asia Pacific leadership bench with two senior appointments, naming Pooja Rawat as chief strategy officer for APAC and Quang Nguyen as managing director for Vietnam. The moves signal the firm’s intent to elevate its strategic consulting capabilities across the region while deepening its investment in high-growth markets, the company shared. In other industry developments, Singapore-based integrated communications agency PRecious Communications had appointed industry veteran Ng Chip Keng as senior vice president to lead its corporate and financial practice earlier in January this year. His remit includes advising on financial transactions, investor relations, issues and crisis management, litigation, PR strategy, and financial services marketing.Related articles: Leading the charge: Edelman’s Delicia Tan on confidence and inclusiveness Edelman names new APAC COO Interview: Former Edelman SG chief Julia Wei takes CEO role at The Atelier & Co. Holdings  source

TikTok head of brand partnerships, Singapore, Danny Irsyaduddin Osman, is stepping down from his role. He announced the move in a LinkedIn post, marking the end of more than five years with the company. Danny joined TikTok in 2021 as financial services and energy lead within the Southeast Asia brand partnerships team. In 2022, he became deputy team lead for SEA, heading a cluster of key accounts across financial services, media and entertainment, sports, tourism and FMCG, according to his LinkedIn. Don’t miss: Only a fraction of TikTok trends last beyond two weeks, Publicis Groupe finds He was promoted to team lead, brand partnerships, SEA in early 2023, where he focused on driving growth across consumer electronics, telco and tech and government partnerships, as well as positioning Singapore as a strategic hub market for key regional accounts. In 2024, Danny took on leadership of TikTok’s government and regulatory, travel and finance portfolios. He was appointed head of brand partnerships for Singapore and hub in 2025. Prior to TikTok, he was a senior account manager for advertising, media and strategic partnerships, APAC at Carousell, where he worked with brands and agencies on managed services and programmatic solutions targeting mobile-first audiences across the region.  He has also held roles at SPH Radio and Sphere Exhibits. During his time at TikTok, Danny has been instrumental in driving several high‑impact partnerships, including Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series launch campaign in 2024 and DBS’s SME Banking livestreaming activation in 2025. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Danny for more information. TikTok has declined to comment.  His departure comes as TikTok continues to deepen its presence in Singapore through initiatives such as TikTok Shop’s partnership with the Singapore Retailers Association and Workforce Singapore. Established last month, the partnership will see the three partners collaborate to reskill the retail workforce for social commerce roles. The skills cover the full spectrum of social commerce operations, including pre-stream planning and content curation, behind-the-scenes technical setup and promotional design, live audience engagement and sales conversion, post-stream analytics and follow-up activities.  Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles:  X, TikTok under watch as SG joins global push to protect young social media users  TikTok Shop is looking to make Ramadan and Raya shopping fun again  TikTok Shop is booming globally. So why is Australia still waiting?  source

Communications firm Ashbury has appointed Jane Morgan (pictured) as chief client officer and head of advisory for Singapore, as it looks to strengthen its client relationships and advisory capabilities in the market. In her dual role, Morgan will be responsible for enhancing client experience across the business, while leading Ashbury’s advisory team and client coverage in Singapore. She will focus on deepening engagement with key clients and driving the firm’s strategic counsel offering locally. Morgan brings experience spanning the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore, having held senior leadership roles across agencies and consultancies. She most recently served as senior managing director at FTI Consulting in Singapore, and has previously held positions at Golin and Edelman. Don’t miss: Milk & Honey PR names new Singapore country lead She will report to Adam Harper, founder and managing partner of Ashbury, and work closely with Noel Cheung, partner and head of advisory, on client delivery. The appointment comes as Ashbury continues to invest in its Singapore operations, positioning the market as a key hub for its regional advisory work. Separately, the firm has also named Saima Farooqi as head of advisory for the UAE. “I have always been impressed by Morgan’s drive, her commitment to high standards and her strong focus on client relationships,” said Harper. He added, “Her successful track record in consultancy leadership and client management will help us deliver the outstanding work that Ashbury is known for to a growing number of clients.” Harper also said the two senior hires mark a step forward in Ashbury’s ambition to become a leading financial communications consultancy across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He noted their combined experience in consultancy leadership and in-house financial communications strengthens the firm’s relevance to clients, and said the company will continue investing in top talent to support its growth and evolving client needs. The move comes amid continued investment in senior advisory talent across the region. Most recently, Edelman expanded its public and government affairs capabilities in Southeast Asia with the appointment of Wai Leong Tang as regional head, based in Singapore. Tang joined from H/Advisors and reports to Delicia Tan, CEO for Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. He is supported by Kenn Yee, senior programme manager, who focuses on technology policy, AI, data governance and cybersecurity across Asia-Pacific. Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles: Boutique reputation firm The Brand Imprint opens shop in Singapore   Zeno Group appoints new managing director for Singapore  FleishmanHillard Singapore managing director Mei Lee exits source

Vaseline has launched a new anti-counterfeit campaign in Nigeria fronted by a real Nigerian prince, as it rolls out a WhatsApp-based authentication tool to help consumers verify Vaseline Body Oils in seconds. The campaign, created by Leo Singapore of Publicis Groupe for Unilever International, aims to combat the widespread problem of fake skincare products in the market. At the heart of the campaign is the “Vaseline authenticator”, a free tool hosted on WhatsApp that enables users to check if their Vaseline body oil is genuine. Consumers can scan a QR code or click a WhatsApp link found across campaign materials, OOH placements and in-store touchpoints to start a chat with the “Prince’s assistant”. They are then prompted to submit photos of the front and back of their bottle and receive an instant response confirming whether the product is real or counterfeit. Don’t miss: CSA ramps up fight against scams with Jaga the hedgehog The tool has been built specifically for Vaseline body oils, currently the most vulnerable Vaseline product range to counterfeiting in Nigeria’s skincare market, where fake goods can contain unregulated and potentially harmful ingredients. To launch the initiative, Vaseline has enlisted Prince Chris Okagbue of the Onitsha Kingdom, using his status to flip the long-running “Nigerian prince” email scam trope on its head. In the hero social media film, Okagbue acknowledges the infamous scam stereotype before stressing that he is “the real thing”. He goes on to show how convincing counterfeits can be, picking up a bottle of Vaseline that appears legitimate before tossing it in the bin, revealing it to be fake. He then introduces the new authentication solution and delivers the campaign line: “Don’t let fakes get under your skin”, tying together the brand’s skincare positioning with its anti-counterfeit message and focus on restoring consumer trust. While Unilever already collaborates with local authorities on enforcement against fake products, the brand said these efforts often do not reach consumers quickly enough. The “Vaseline authenticator” is positioned as a direct-to-consumer layer of protection, offering shoppers greater peace of mind at point of purchase and at home. Media for the campaign includes OOH buys in high-traffic and youth-centric areas of Lagos. QR code-led executions will run in Lekki for broad awareness and in Surulere to tap into its strong youth presence. The campaign will also extend into retail across Nigeria, spanning modern trade hubs such as Market Square and SPAR, neighbourhood superstores such as Justrite, and pharmacy chains including H-Medix. “Counterfeit products are a growing concern for Nigerian consumers, particularly when it comes to products people trust for their skin. This initiative is about making authenticity simple to check, using a tool they already have in their pocket,” said Shazan Zahir, head of beauty and wellbeing, Unilever International. Anirban Mullick, head of sales Africa at Unilever International, said the initiative is designed to push back against counterfeiters in partnership with the consumers and retailers most affected, with the goal that every Vaseline product purchased in Lagos, Abuja or anywhere else in Nigeria is authentic. In tandem, Asheen Naidu, group executive creative director at Leo Singapore said, “This brief started as a counterfeit problem but turned out to be one of the most compelling campaigns we’ve ever made. A real Nigerian Prince fighting fakes – we felt that would be quite a surprising solution to a real business problem.”  The latest work continues Vaseline’s broader push to build brand relevance by tapping into real consumer behaviours and concerns, from safety and authenticity to everyday beauty routines. In May last year, Vaseline leaned into its viral fame with a global campaign that tested the internet’s favourite beauty and skincare “hacks” involving its iconic petroleum jelly. The campaign titled “Vaseline world”, developed by Ogilvy Singapore with support from Ogilvy UK, Edelman, Mindshare and VaynerMedia, was inspired by a wave of user-generated content on platforms such as TikTok. According to the brand, over 6,000 organic posts showcased unconventional uses of Vaseline Jelly, from makeup primer to spicy snack buffer. In response, Vaseline decided to put those hacks under the microscope, literally. Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles: DBS tackles scams and inequality in new season of ‘Sparks’  HKMA banks on ‘despicable banana’ to fight rising scams   AmBank unveils creative take on scam awareness in new mini-series source

The balance of power in digital advertising is set to shift, with Meta forecast to surpass Google in global ad revenues for the first time by the end of 2026, according to Emarketer’s latest outlook. The shift marks a milestone moment for the industry, as Meta is expected to not only close the gap but pull ahead in both total revenue and market share. Meta is projected to generate US$243 billion in net worldwide ad revenue in 2026, ahead of Google’s US$239.5 billion. Don’t miss: CMOs must adapt, as global ad spend becomes overwhelmingly digital This comes after Google maintained the lead in 2025, posting US$214 billion in ad revenue compared with Meta’s US$196 billion. The momentum shift is being driven by Meta’s accelerating growth trajectory. The company is forecast to grow 24.1% in 2026, up from 22.1% in 2025. Google, by contrast, is expected to maintain a steadier growth rate of almost 12% in 2026. In terms of market share, Google still holds the largest slice of global digital ad spend at 26.4%, though this has been steadily declining since 2021. Meta’s share, meanwhile, has been climbing and is expected to edge ahead in 2026 with 26.8%. While the spotlight is on the top two players, Amazon continues to strengthen its position in the digital ad market. Amazon is expected to generate US$68.64 billion in 2025, rising to US$82 billion in 2026 and US$97 billion in 2027. Its share of global digital ad spend is projected to reach 9% in 2026, up from 8% in 2024. Together, Meta, Google and Amazon are expected to account for 62.3% of total worldwide digital ad spend in 2026. That dominance is projected to edge slightly higher through 2028, reinforcing the concentration of power among a small number of tech platforms. The forecast was finalised shortly before recent court rulings involving Meta and YouTube, though Emarketer noted it does not expect the decisions to materially impact its figures. Analysts at Emarketer said Meta’s rise reflects long-standing structural advantages in digital advertising. “In surpassing Google, Meta has essentially had many of its core strategies validated,” said Max Willens, principal analyst. “Meta has long understood that scale, network effects, and habits are more important than anything else in digital media. It has carefully built and defended the advantages it has in all three areas.” Willens added that for advertisers, Meta has effectively become a question of scale rather than entry. “For the vast majority of advertisers, the question is not whether they should spend money on Meta’s apps, but how much they should spend,” he said. On Google, Willens said the company still has room to accelerate growth, but its structure presents challenges. “Google has plenty of levers it can pull to try to speed up growth,” he said. “But the diversity of its business – it generates billions of dollars in subscriber revenues from YouTube Premium, for example – may make it harder for it to leapfrog past Meta in terms of digital ad revenues.” Zach Goldner, senior forecasting analyst at Emarketer, said Meta’s growth is not coming from a single source but is instead unlocking more value across its entire ecosystem. “Tools such as Advantage+, AI-generated ad creatives and its broader automation stack are improving performance across both Facebook and Instagram, with Reels being a key beneficiary. As a result, advertisers are getting better bang for their buck, and that’s pulling more ad dollars onto the platform,” he said. Goldner added that legal developments are unlikely to materially shift advertiser behaviour in the near term. “These cases will take years to fully play out through appeals and additional trials, and they don’t immediately force changes to how these platforms operate today,” he said. “More importantly, advertisers don’t reallocate billions of dollars based on legal risk – they follow performance, and that is the bigger driver behind the shifting balance between Meta and Google,” Goldner added. Drew Spink, senior forecasting analyst at Emarketer, said the consolidation of digital ad dollars around Google, Meta and Amazon reflects a compounding advantage of first-party data, AI integrations and audience reach. “Smaller platforms and traditional media can’t replicate these capabilities in comparable cost or speed, and as a result, incremental budgets continue to flow toward them,” Spink said. Broader market conditions continue to support ad spend growth, with global advertising set to surpass US$1 trillion for the first time in 2026, according to dentsu’s December 2025 “Global ad spend forecast”. The report said growth is expected to outpace the global economy, driven by sustained demand for digital channels and improving advertiser confidence. It added that 86% of CMOs expect budgets to increase over the next 12 months, with media increasingly seen as a direct driver of business growth. Digital formats remain the dominant growth engine, with dentsu highlighting continued expansion in retail media, social video and programmatic advertising. Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles: Global digital ad spend hits US$690 billion, poised to dominate in 2030   How advertisers can deliver premium CTV ad experiences without overspending  Study: Nearly 67% of SEA consumers tune out repetitive ads  source

iNova Pharmaceuticals (iNova) has appointed Sarvesh Sahni as marketing director, skincare and women’s health, AMENA (Asia, Europe, Middle East and North Africa). Based in Singapore, Sahni will lead iNova’s skincare and women’s health portfolio. In his new role, he will be responsible for strengthening category leadership for brands including Betadine and Acne-Aid, while driving projects across innovation, portfolio expansion and new growth opportunities. He will also partner with markets to sharpen brand direction, strengthen execution of core initiatives and enhance regional category leadership. Don’t miss: Nespresso SG marketing head steps down after seven years Sahni joins iNova with more than 15 years of marketing and commercial leadership experience across consumer health and FMCG, spanning regional and global roles across Asia Pacific and emerging markets. Throughout his career, he has built and scaled brands across baby skincare, women’s health, over-the-counter (OTC) and hydration categories. Prior to joining iNova, he was global marketing director for hydration and nutrition at Kenvue. He spent more than 12 years at Johnson & Johnson, joining in 2011 as brand manager, OTC and nutrition, before rising to regional associate director, baby skin and feminine care in 2021. He began his career as a business analyst at Deloitte Consulting, according to his LinkedIn. “I’m pleased to be joining iNova Pharmaceuticals. This role brings together many of the spaces I care deeply about — trusted science, meaningful innovation, culturally relevant brand-building, and the opportunity to create impact across markets. I’m looking forward to supporting the next phase of growth across the portfolio,” said Sahni on his appointment.  His appointment comes amid other movements within the marketing industry. Foodpanda Malaysia’s marketing director Steff Yong recently stepped down from her role, describing her tenure as a “wild and memorable” experience. Meanwhile, in Singapore, personal care brand Stryv has appointed Vanessa Tan as its chief marketing officer earlier in March.  In January this year, Kenvue appointed Madav Nayak as its vice president and chief marketing officer for Asia Pacific leading China, India, Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand.  Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles:  Interview: Lynette Poh takes on expanded role at Singtel  GYG CMO Lara Thom to exit as Claire West steps into global marketing lead  Dutch Lady Malaysia names new marketing director as Imun Lim departs  source

Media OutReach Newswire has appointed Pamela Phua as managing partner, Southeast Asia, as the Asia Pacific newswire targets stronger growth across the region and increasing demand from Southeast Asian brands looking to expand globally. Based in Singapore, Phua will oversee markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines in a newly created role aimed at helping brands build corporate reputation and brand trust beyond their home markets. Phua has more than 20 years’ experience in public relations and integrated communications. Prior to joining Media OutReach Newswire, she was general manager at Ruder Finn Singapore, head of new business, Asia at Ogilvy Singapore and vice president of communications at Omnicom Public Relations Group. Earlier in her career, she led marketing and PR at HK Express and was head of communications and guest relations at Scoot.  Don’t miss: PR Newswire partners SPH Media to expand SG reach Speaking on her appointment, Phua said that she has seen how the newswire has “genuinely changed the way brands communicate beyond their home markets.”  “The newswire’s ability to guarantee verbatim placement on authoritative news sites with high domain trust ensures that key messages are cited by the AI models that now shape how the world discovers brands. This is a capability that is much needed now by PR, communications and marketing professionals,” she said.  Phua added that guaranteed news posting on real news sites gives communicators more control over campaign messaging and impact, on top of earned media coverage. Her appointment comes as the company sees a structural shift in how Asian brands communicate as the region drives more global innovation and cross-border expansion. In response, the company launched JSON-LD schema markup to strengthen the technical infrastructure of clients’ press releases and improve AI visibility. It also continues to adopt AI across its distribution network, workflows and reporting. “With a global press release distribution network spanning APAC, USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, we are uniquely positioned to help Southeast Asian companies and governments build lasting brand equity and trust globally,” Kok said. “I am excited to have Phua on board to help our clients leverage our unique ability to power both SEO and GEO, as well as earned media, internationally,” Kok added.  Phua is not the only new hire at the newswire. Earlier in March this year, the company appointed Kitty Lee as managing partner, Greater China. The newly created role will see Lee accelerate the company’s growth across GBA and Greater China.  She joins from FleishmanHillard where she served as senior vice president and partner, advising clients across retail, property, healthcare and travel and tourism sectors.  Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles:   Media OutReach nabs FleishmanHillard’s Kitty Lee as managing partner for Greater China  Media OutReach expands press release distribution service to 300 Chinese media partners  Media OutReach and News Direct form distribution partnership for APAC and the US  source

Splash Productions and functional fashion social enterprise Will & Well have unveiled the OneTee, a made-in-Singapore adaptive T-shirt that aims to turn inclusion into something Singaporeans can literally wear on their sleeves. On the surface, it looks like a clean, street-style basic, but behind it sits nearly two years of quiet work, a string of community conversations and a bigger question: what would it look like if inclusion was not a slogan or a one-off campaign, but something woven into everyday life? For Splash, which marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, OneTee began as an internal check-in. The boutique agency has long focused on public service work and has practised inclusive hiring, including colleagues on the autism spectrum and with physical disabilities. “We saw that beyond the initial hiring, there are many things to consider when it comes to being truly inclusive on a daily business as usual basis, from how we can engage them in meaningful work to things we did not realise were problematic. We felt it was meaningful to bring this message further,” said Mark Lim, creative director, Splash Productions. Lim added that the intent was to create genuine and sustained social impact rather than do more of what the agency is already doing with creative ads or communications campaigns. “Inclusion and mindfulness should be part of our everyday life – as unassuming and natural as an everyday basic tee. And with OneTee, it can be. It’s our way of making a living moving statement about inclusion and solidarity that anyone regardless of ability or body shape can put on and ‘embody’: Something tangible and enduring that will live on beyond campaign timelines and media budgets,” he explained. Don’t miss: Eight-year-old announcer takes over SMRT platforms for autism awareness The idea crystallised through conversations with inclusive fashion designer Elisa Lim, founder of Will & Well. Together, they asked: could a single tee be designed for “every body”. Work began in early 2025, starting with intent, aesthetics and technical feasibility. In April, the team opened the process to the community through closed-door co-creation workshops. Persons with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, youth, caregivers and able-bodied participants were invited to share the realities of dressing such as the small frustrations, sensory overloads and moments where clothing becomes a barrier instead of support. From May to August 2025, the team worked with suppliers to prototype the tee. Early versions didn’t make the cut; there were at least two major rounds of redesigns before OneTee Version 1 was ready in September/October 2025. The first public showcase took place in November last year at TRIFECTA, with information stands explaining the features and a phone installation where visitors could leave messages about inclusion. The finished tee looks deliberately understated. Magnetic collar snaps make dressing smoother for people with limited dexterity or mobility while reading as a design detail. Seams and finishes are chosen to reduce tactile irritation, especially for neurodivergent wearers. The cut and functional touches were refined with feedback from wheelchair users and caregivers so the tee sits better when seated. At the hem, small tactile details offer a gentle point of sensory comfort and fidgeting for those who need it. Many other ideas from noise-dampening hood components to integrated ID flaps were explored but set aside to keep the first version simple and wearable. “OneTee is meant to start conversations in larger society, not be a catch-all for every need in one garment,” Lim said. As the tee took shape, Splash also formalised the kind of conversations that had inspired it. In April 2026, the agency launched Diversity Dialogue, a ground-up platform to foster honest, structured conversations on inclusion and belonging. The inaugural session on 9 April at the NTU Alumni Club at The Cathay brought together community members, business leaders, advocates and caregivers, with senior parliamentary secretary for law and for social and family development Eric Chua, as guest of honour. For now, feedback from early wearers is being used to refine materials and sizing for OneTee V2. But Lim is clear that the tee is just the beginning. “OneTee is definitely a starting point for a longer-term movement to encourage more care and inclusion, as well as spark tangible initiatives to create a more considerate, inclusive and open society in Singapore.” In a country that often calls itself “one people”, OneTee offers a quiet reminder that unity doesn’t just live in parades or posters, it can also live in what we choose to design, and what we choose to wear. For the uninitiated, the month of April is recognised for multiple disability awareness observances. Over the weekend (10-12 April), MRT platforms were taken over by eight-year-old Muhammad Khalif Bin Muhammad Khair Abdillah, a student from Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School who is on the autism spectrum as part of its “Voices” campaign. The campaign featured announcements by Khalif who shared how commuters can help support more inclusive journeys, played about once every hour from 7am to 11pm across the Circle Line, North–South and East–West Lines, Thomson–East Coast Line and Bukit Panjang LRT. Be part of #Content360 Singapore, 22–23 April 2026, where creativity and culture collide. Explore how AI-driven storytelling is shaping the future of content, gain practical insights, discover new tactics, and learn how the best in Asia are creating campaigns that truly resonate.  Related articles: How DSA turned mismatched socks into a record-breaking statement on inclusion SG Enable urges Singaporeans to look beyond disabilities MINDS inspires inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in empowering campaign source