marketing interactive

Global advertising spend is on track to pass US$1 trillion for the first time in 2026, according to dentsu’s December 2025 Global Ad Spend Forecast. The projected 5.1% rise outpaces the expected 3.1% expansion of the global economy, underscoring the continued strategic importance of media investment despite ongoing macroeconomic volatility. Dentsu reports that 86% of CMOs expect their budgets to increase over the next 12 months, with most viewing media as a direct driver of business growth. The optimism reflects steady resilience across both advanced and emerging markets, supported by easing inflation, accelerating AI adoption and ongoing investment in digital infrastructure. Next year’s major global events – including the Olympic Winter Games, FIFA World Cup and the US midterm elections – are expected to deliver further incremental spend, creating strong conditions for brands looking to capture attention and build momentum in a high-demand media environment. Don’t miss: APAC lags behind in consumer receptiveness to ads APAC remains the growth engine Asia Pacific region remains the fastest-growing advertising market, forecast to reach $376.4 billion in 2026, up 5.4% from 2025. China’s ad spend is projected to grow 6.1%, driven by short-form video and lifestyle platforms, while India accelerates at 8.6%, fuelled by retail media and major sporting events such as the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup and IPL 2026. Australia is set for 4.1% growth, and Japan slows to 2.9%, yet APAC overall continues to expand its global share – expected to reach nearly 40% by 2028. In the Americas, the US ad market is projected to reach $460.5 billion in 2026, with digital channels (particularly search, social, and streaming) driving double-digit growth. Brazil emerges as the most dynamic top-12 market, with 9.1% growth, supported by presidential elections and FIFA World Cup spending. EMEA markets are also on the rise, with the UK leading Europe at 5.7% growth, while Italy, France, and Germany see moderate acceleration through digital adoption and event-driven opportunities. Digital and algorithm-driven advertising dominate Digital advertising remains the primary growth engine, expected to account for 68.7% of total spend in 2026. Retail media is the fastest-growing digital segment for the fifth consecutive year, expanding 14.1% as brands leverage first-party shopper data and closed-loop measurement. Online video and social media advertising continue to see strong acceleration at 11.5% and 11.4% respectively. Programmatic trading dominates digital, with 81.4% of digital spend expected to be programmatically traded. Artificial intelligence is central to the advertising landscape. dentsu forecasts that 71.6% of ad spend will be algorithm-driven by 2026, rising to 76% by 2028. CMOs are prioritising AI to enhance efficiency, data analysis, and campaign performance, while also exploring the opportunities and risks of generative AI and agentic AI deployment. Evolving channels and consumer engagement Brands are increasingly engaging consumers through emerging content formats and channels. Sports docuseries, Japanese anime, microdramas, and influencer-led social commerce are capturing attention across demographics, particularly Gen Z. Business messaging platforms are gaining traction in Western markets, enabling brands to deliver integrated, conversational experiences across media, commerce, and customer service. Television remains a powerful channel, with connected TV and sports programming driving both scale and precision. Meanwhile, print continues to decline, and out-of-home and audio advertising grow modestly, with digital formats expanding steadily. In this “algorithmic era,” dentsu advises CMOs to adopt holistic strategies that integrate AI, programmatic media, data-driven measurement, and evolving content formats to capture consumer attention, drive engagement, and maintain competitive advantage. Related articles: CMOs must adapt, as global ad spend becomes overwhelmingly digitalGlobal digital ad spend hits US$690 billion, poised to dominate in 2030 Survey: HK ad spending saw 6% YOY decline in Q2 2025  source

Leigh Terry has exited his role as CEO of IPG Mediabrands APAC as the Omnicom–IPG merger triggers major leadership consolidation across the region, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has confirmed. Tony Harradine will take on responsibility for Omnicom Media across APAC following Terry’s departure. In a statement on LinkedIn, Terry said that he will be leaving the business but not the industry. “I want to thank our people, clients and partners for a chapter I’m incredibly proud of. Leading this team has been a privilege, and I’m grateful for the trust and support shown throughout my time here,” he wrote. “I’ll be taking some time out before considering my next chapter, and I leave with deep appreciation for the work we’ve done together,” Terry added. Terry has led Mediabrands across 16 markets since January 2017, overseeing more than 5,000 staff across the region, and guiding the network through shifts in digital, data and media investment. His remit included oversight of its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub in addition to specialised business units Healix, KINESSO, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab during a period of rapid technological and consumer change. Don’t miss: Omnicom to shutter longstanding agencies, cut 4,000 jobs following IPG merger   Before joining Mediabrands, Terry spent nearly six years as CEO of Omnicom Media Group Australia and New Zealand, where he oversaw agencies including OMD, PHD, M2M and Resolution. Earlier in his career, he held the position of managing director at OMD Australia alongside Peter Horgan and also served as managing partner at OMD Australia. He had relocated from the UK in 2005 after launching OMD Digital and later led the network’s early direct and data capabilities. A long-time digital operator, Terry built his reputation on navigating evolving media ecosystems and advising brands through market fragmentation, consumer shifts and new technology adoption. His exit marks a major chapter change for Mediabrands APAC as the merged Omnicom–IPG organisation realigns leadership structures across Asia Pacific. Further regional changes are expected as integration plans roll out in the coming weeks. Related articles:  ‘A defining moment’: Omnicom ANZ folds DDB and FCB into new regional structure The Omnicom–IPG mega merger changes everything, especially for CMOs  How are industry players coping with the consolidation wave?  source

Edelman has expanded its Asia Pacific leadership bench with two senior appointments, naming Pooja Rawat (pictured left) as chief strategy officer for APAC and Quang Nguyen (pictured right) 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.  Rawat, a seasoned strategist with 18 years of experience across India, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and China, joins Edelman from MullenLowe Lintas and will be based in Mumbai. Her portfolio includes shaping narratives for major brands such as Axis Bank, Tata Motors, Jeep, Vim and Lifebuoy. Edelman’s APAC CEO Rakesh Thukral said her arrival comes at a pivotal time for the region. “Pooja’s appointment strengthens our strategic consulting capabilities across the region. Her analytical rigor, creative vision and cultural instinct will help us deliver even greater value to clients,” he said. “This is a moment of transformation for Edelman APAC, and Pooja’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping how we show up for our clients and our people.” Don’t miss: Edelman names new APAC COO Rawat said she looks forward to shaping strategy across diverse markets and collaborating with teams to develop bold, integrated solutions. “Edelman’s commitment to creativity, data-driven insights and cultural relevance aligns perfectly with my passion for building meaningful connections between people and brands,” she added. In Vietnam, Edelman has appointed Quang Nguyen as managing director as the firm sharpens its focus on expanding its capabilities in the market. She succeeds former CEO Thi Thien Thanh (TT) Nguyen, who remains with the firm in an advisory capacity to ensure continuity. With more than 15 years of experience across marketing, branding and communications, Quang brings a track record of growth and team leadership, most recently serving as managing director at BCM Vietnam, where she led a 100-strong team and built partnerships with clients including Unilever Food Solutions, Organon, Masan and Vinamilk. Thukral said Quang’s leadership marks “an exciting new chapter for Edelman Vietnam,” praising her strategic vision and collaborative approach. “Her proven ability to drive growth makes her the ideal leader to build on TT’s legacy and lead our business into its next phase,” he said. Quang shared her enthusiasm for the role, noting the momentum within both the market and the industry. “I am thrilled to join Edelman Vietnam at such a pivotal moment. I look forward to working with the firm’s talented teams and valued clients to drive growth, build trust, and deliver impactful work that elevates Vietnam’s reputation on the global stage,” she said. Edelman said both leaders will be instrumental in strengthening the firm’s regional footprint and accelerating its commitment to delivering integrated, insight-driven solutions across APAC. These two appointments come half a year after Christiane Schulz was named Edelman’s new chief operating officer for Asia Pacific, effective 1 April. She reports to Thukral, and is focusing on enhancing operational excellence and client growth across the region. Schulz transitioned from her role as CEO of Edelman Germany, a position she has held since 2019. During her tenure, she successfully expanded the firm’s presence, strengthened its market position and drove business growth. Related articles:Leading the charge: Edelman’s Delicia Tan on confidence and inclusivenessEdelman’s Delicia Tan takes on expanded role as SG CEOEdelman lays off 330 people globally amidst restructuring source

As the fallout from the Omnicom–IPG merger takes shape, James Hawkins has also departed IPG Mediabrands APAC, leaving his role as chief client officer a year after it was created as the merger claims more senior IPG leaders.  In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Hawkins said that he’s had “a fantastic year working with the IPG Mediabrands team across Asia Pacific.”  “Rolling out the Craft model and seeing real impact across existing and new business has been a highlight. It’s a chapter that now comes to a close for me but I take-away a huge sense of pride in the client wins (Volvo, H&M, KFC, Bayer, Unilever etc.) and real sense of accomplishment,” said Hawkins. ”As always it’s the people that make an organisation and there is some exceptional talent across the network that are a real pleasure to work with. I wish all my ex-colleagues and friends from both organisations all the best for the integration. Time to recharge and focus on my next chapter, news to follow,” he added. Don’t miss: Leigh Terry exits IPG Mediabrands APAC amid Omnicom–IPG integration  Hawkins is a well-established industry leader with close to two decades of experience across media and creative agencies. Before joining Mediabrands, he spent six years as CEO of PHD Asia Pacific, where he was tasked with sustaining the agency’s regional momentum and strengthening its future-facing capabilities. He previously held several senior roles within dentsu, including managing director of Asia Pacific at dentsu X, chief digital officer at Dentsu Media, and president of digital capabilities at Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific. He also served as CEO and managing director at DM2.  In tandem, Leigh Terry has also exited his role as CEO of IPG Mediabrands APAC, as the Omnicom–IPG merger triggers major leadership consolidation across the region, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has confirmed. Tony Harradine will assume responsibility for Omnicom Media across APAC following the departures of Terry and Hawkins. The dual exits mark a significant chapter change for Mediabrands APAC as the merged Omnicom–IPG organisation realigns leadership structures across the region. Further regional changes are expected in the coming weeks as integration plans take shape. Related articles:Omnicom to shutter longstanding agencies, cut 4,000 jobs following IPG merger ‘A defining moment’: Omnicom ANZ folds DDB and FCB into new regional structure The Omnicom–IPG mega merger changes everything, especially for CMOs   source

Standard Chartered has rolled out the second phase of its “Now’s your time for wealth” campaign, putting its chief investment office (CIO) at the centre of its regional wealth narrative. The latest phase is targeted at affluent clients managing cross-border portfolios, as more investors diversify into regional wealth hubs and reassess their risk exposure amid market volatility. At the core of the campaign is the delivery of CIO-led market intelligence, including real-time outlooks, sector calls and cross-market guidance. Standard Chartered said the insights will be distributed through a mix of editorial partnerships and digital content releases timed to market movements. Don’t miss: How StanChart inspires consumers to maximise wealth right here, right now The bank added that the move is aimed at giving clients more direct access to its investment expertise across markets and cycles. To support the rollout, the full-funnel integrated media strategy is led by dentsu Singapore. The campaign spans out-of-home advertising as well as digital channels such as Meta, LinkedIn, YouTube, programmatic media, Google Demand Gen and AI-enabled search. Offline-to-online retargeting will also be used to align messaging with users’ investment behaviours across traditional and digital touchpoints. Additional channels include podcasts, online radio and connected TV to reach audiences based on evolving media consumption patterns. Standard Chartered is also leveraging its customer data platform (CDP) to personalise messaging, with clients receiving CIO insights based on their investment behaviours and preferences. “Investors today are navigating a far more complex landscape, with geopolitical developments and market shifts influencing decisions across borders. With this next phase of our ‘Now’s your time for wealth’ campaign, we aim to give clients clearer access to the insights and connections that matter most,” said Haymans Fung, Global head of marketing for wealth and retail banking at Standard Chartered. She added, “By combining our international network with our 170 years of expertise, and timely perspectives from our Chief Investment Office, we are committed to supporting clients in making confident, well-informed decisions wherever they are in their wealth journey.” In tandem, Sumeet Parab, client president, media, dentsu Singapore, said, “Reaching affluent investors today requires a fully connected strategy that brings together data, content and media in a meaningful way. Our role was to ensure that Standard Chartered’s insights reach the right audiences across the platforms they trust, supported by an integrated mix of formats and personalised journeys. “This collaboration reflects how strategic media, powered by data and technology, can help financial institutions engage clients with relevance and consistency across markets,” he added.  The latest wealth push follows a broader shift in how the bank is framing its relationship with affluent clients. In August, Standard Chartered rolled out its “WellnessNOW” campaign, which positioned financial wellness as part of overall well-being. The three-part video series explored themes such as breathwork, mindfulness, Ayurveda and detox, drawing parallels between personal routines and financial decision-making. Unlike traditional bank advertising, the campaign carried no direct call-to-action or product placement, and was aimed at affluent consumers prioritising emotional, physical and mental clarity alongside wealth growth. Related articles: How Standard Chartered ditches the numbers to tell real stories of wealth   Standard Chartered’s new global platform champions bold moments and decisive action    Standard Chartered names new global corporate coverage marketing director source

Maybank Singapore has appointed Ampersand Advisory Singapore to handle PR duties, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE understands. The move follows a PR pitch conducted earlier this year. The scope is understood to cover media management, PR strategy, and crisis communications. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more.  Don’t miss: Maybank SG goes full wrap from heartlands to causeway in biggest bus campaign The appointment coincides with a recent surge in the bank’s PR initiatives. In September, it hosted “The Kindness Market” at Singapore Expo Hall 2B for Global CR Day, supporting 2,000 seniors and families with SG$100 worth of essentials, guided by 1,500 Maybank volunteers acting as personal shoppers and senior befrienders. The initiative drew social media attention, prompting the bank to release a follow-up video that reinforced authenticity while highlighting stories of inclusion, ageing, and community connection. In addition, the bank has been strengthening its brand and corporate positioning with a full-wrap corporate bus fleet for its 65th anniversary. In a previous conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Annie Lee, head of country corporate office at Maybank Singapore said the brand campaign focuses on the bank’s commitment to client-centricity and its promise to deliver reliable services and expertise for its clients. Maybank Singapore adds to Ampersand Advisory’s list of growing clients. In Malaysia, the agency has worked with notable brands including Etika, delivering award-winning campaigns such as “Goodday Kidstart 2.0,” as well as AI-driven projects for Mead Johnson and branding work for Coway Malaysia. Related articles:  Maybank Singapore and American Tourister turn everyday spending into a getaway  Maybank SG connects ‘kopi kakis’, communal dining traditions and banking Maybank serves up cross-border bonds with ‘Hungry neighbours’ campaign  source

2025 has been a wild ride for marketers. From nostalgia-fuelled activations that brought memories back to life, to unexpected collaborations that had Singaporeans stopping in their tracks, and food-focused campaigns that turned ordinary moments into shareable experiences, brands pulled out all the stops this year. Creativity has been at an all-time high, and the results prove that you don’t need a screen to make an impact. Some campaigns turned heads across the city, others rewrote the rules of engagement, and a few managed to do both while leaving a lasting mark on culture. Whether it was clever storytelling, immersive experiences, or reimagining beloved icons for a new generation, the brands that dared to think differently stood out, while the rest were playing catch-up. Before 2025 fades into the history books, here’s our roundup of the five campaigns that truly defined the year, proving that marketing isn’t just about selling; it’s about creating moments people actually remember. Don’t miss: When scale meets strategy: Agency shake-ups that shaped 2025 FairPrice’s SG60 chips puts local flavour in every crunch FairPrice didn’t just celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, it served it up in a bag. The supermarket giant launched three limited-edition housebrand chips inspired by local favourites: kopi, laksa, and black pepper crab. Available from July to September, the tongue-in-cheek flavours let shoppers literally taste Singapore’s hawker heritage. The campaign went beyond store shelves, too. FPG sponsored over 400,000 packs of its truffle chips for National Day Parade funpacks, putting the brand front and center during the country’s biggest annual celebration. Nearly half a million snack-sized moments ensured FairPrice wasn’t just part of the holiday, it was part of the conversation. Read more here.  The mysterious sponge man along Orchard Road is actually a Lazada campaign Lazada kicked off 2025 by turning Singapore’s iconic Orchard Road into an impromptu fashion runway. Enter “Sponge man”: a model donning a gown made entirely of sponges, strutting past shoppers who couldn’t resist snapping photos. The stunt, created in collaboration with BLKJ Havas, highlighted Lazada’s playful approach to turning everyday items into style statements, while reinforcing its promise of competitive prices across essentials and trending fashion alike. Sometimes, all it takes is a little sponge to make a big splash. Read more here.  LiHO TEA unveils edible cup covers that melt into your drink LiHO TEA brewed up a sweet twist for Chinese New Year with its limited-time “God of fortune” milk tea. Each classic milk tea came with a glutinous rice paper cover that melted into the drink, plus an exclusive festive cup sleeve spreading wishes for prosperity. Taking the celebration further, customers who ordered two large milk teas scored a set of limited-edition snake-themed red packets, a playful nod to tradition with a collectible twist. By turning a seasonal favourite into an interactive experience, LiHO TEA made sure its brand was front and centre during one of Singapore’s most important cultural moments. Read more here.  Milo SG marks 75 years with plushies that look good enough to eat To mark its 75th anniversary, Milo Singapore turned nostalgia into collectibles. Following the launch of its Milo van sachets, the brand released a series of exclusive plushies inspired by local breakfast and snack favourites, from kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs to gem biscuits and Milo packets. Showcased across Instagram as a “breakfast party” and “breaktime party”, the campaign leaned on playful, shareable content while reminding consumers that Milo has been fuelling Singaporeans for generations. It was a soft, cuddly way to blend brand heritage with cultural relevance. Read more here.  UNIQLO serves up local breakfast with Ya Kun Kaya Toast collab For Singapore’s SG60 celebrations, UNIQLO turned local breakfast culture into wearable art. Partnering with heritage brand Ya Kun Kaya Toast, the fashion retailer launched a limited-edition UTme! T-shirt collection featuring six exclusive Singapore-themed designs, from scenes of Ya Kun’s original Far East Square store to playful coffee shop lingo like “Order coffee like a pro”. Shoppers could customise their tees in-store for the first time, while limited-edition keychains tied to the collaboration gave fans another collectible keepsake. By merging fashion, heritage, and foodie culture, UNIQLO made it easy for Singaporeans to show off their local pride, and maybe even their kopi order skills. Read more here.  Related articles: Next wave of creativity: What’s in store for 2026?    Why food and fashion is a delicious combo marketers can’t seem to resist    2025 in review: Malaysia’s campaigns that won hearts and feeds source

2025 has been a year of major strategic leadership moves across Singapore’s brand landscape. From modern tea and consumer electronics to luxury hospitality, insurance, and corporate banking, seasoned marketers have stepped into pivotal roles that will shape brand strategies, customer experiences, and growth trajectories for years to come. It has also been a year of change at the top, with some of the region’s most notable marketers moving between brands, bringing fresh perspectives and signalling bold ambitions for the organisations they join. From newly created roles to elevated positions, these appointments are not just about filling seats, they are about defining the direction of Singapore’s most visible brands in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving market. These five appointments, in particular, have captured the attention of Singapore’s marketing industry, spotlighting leaders with proven track records taking the reins to drive international expansion, shape customer-centric strategies, and steer integrated marketing efforts. Their vision and experience offer a glimpse into how brands intend to navigate disruption, embrace innovation, and connect with consumers in meaningful and culturally relevant ways. Don’t miss: 2025 in review: Campaigns that turned heads in Singapore CHAGEE lands Eugene Lee as APAC CMO, accelerates international expansion efforts In April, CHAGEE tapped Eugene Lee to lead its APAC marketing as the modern tea brand ramps up international expansion. In his role, Lee oversees brand and business growth across the region, balancing a cohesive brand identity with localisation strategies for diverse markets. Reporting directly to the APAC CEO and global CMO, he also joins CHAGEE’s global leadership team. Lee told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that he was drawn to CHAGEE by the founder’s vision and the brand’s mission to reinvent tea. He noted that CHAGEE aims to modernise the tea experience, elevate the category, and reshape how consumers perceive tea, positioning itself as a pioneer in making the beverage more appealing and culturally relevant. Read more here.  Former marketer Kwek-Perroy Li Choo takes on newly created MD role at Great Eastern In August, Great Eastern Group appointed Kwek-Perroy Li Choo to a newly created role overseeing customer segments, experience, product development, digital platforms, brand, marketing, and communications. Reporting directly to the group CEO, she is tasked with driving a unified, customer-centric strategy that delivers innovative propositions, integrated solutions, and personalised experiences. A seasoned insurance leader, Kwek-Perroy brings extensive experience in customer-centric transformation from senior roles at AXA Group, Manulife, and Zurich Insurance Group across APAC and Europe. Her appointment underscores Great Eastern’s focus on integrated strategies and holistic customer experiences. Read more here.  Samsung Electronics Singapore elevates Lynn Chong to head of marketing Samsung Electronics Singapore promoted Lynn Chong to head of marketing earlier this year, where she now oversees a cross-functional team and leads all marketing and communications efforts for the brand’s mobile and consumer electronics divisions. Her responsibilities span integrated marketing communications, media, social, digital, communications, and brand partnerships. Chong previously served as head of brand marketing for Samsung’s mobile eXperience division for over four years, managing marketing for the Galaxy portfolio and spearheading the market introduction of the brand’s foldables and AI offerings. Her promotion reflects Samsung’s focus on integrated marketing leadership to strengthen its presence in Singapore’s competitive consumer electronics landscape. Read more here.  Shangri-La Singapore names new director of marketing In July, Shangri-La Singapore appointed Koo Sok Hoon as director of marketing, as the flagship hotel looks to strengthen its brand positioning and expand its reach among local and international guests. Koo will lead the hotel’s overall marketing and communications strategy, covering brand positioning, integrated campaigns, digital and social partnerships, PR, and guest engagement, while also driving both brand equity and commercial performance. Speaking to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Koo described the role as a “unique opportunity and responsibility”, reflecting the scale and reputation of the hotel and its potential impact on Singapore’s luxury hospitality scene. Read more here.  Standard Chartered names new global corporate coverage marketing director Standard Chartered appointed Cheryl Lim as its global corporate coverage marketing director within the corporate and investment banking division in July. In this newly created role, Lim will shift her focus from B2C to B2B marketing, driving storytelling and campaigns that resonate with corporate clients while aligning with business objectives and maintaining integrity. Lim returns to banking after beginning her career at DBS Bank and HSBC, and brings extensive leadership experience from roles at Manulife, StarHub, and most recently CHAGEE Singapore. Her appointment underscores Standard Chartered’s emphasis on strategic marketing that bridges brand, communications, and business impact in the corporate banking space. Read more here.  Related articles: When scale meets strategy: Agency shake-ups that shaped 2025   PR in the spotlight: 5 lessons Malaysian brands learned in 2025   Next wave of creativity: What’s in store for 2026? source

StarHub has inked a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NeutraDC, the data centre arm of Telkom Indonesia, marking a significant step toward delivering quantum-safe, low-latency connectivity across Southeast Asia. The agreement, signed in Singapore on 28 November 2025, reinforces the companies’ joint ambition to advance secure digital infrastructure linking Indonesia and Singapore. The collaboration pairs StarHub’s Low-Latency Data Centre Connect solution with NeutraDC’s fast-growing, carrier-neutral data centre ecosystem, which supports hyperscale and enterprise workloads across both markets. By integrating secure, high-performance interconnectivity with next-generation encryption, the partners aim to strengthen the region’s readiness for a quantum-driven future. As part of the partnership, StarHub will establish a Point of Presence (PoP) at NeutraDC SNG-3 in Singapore. The move is designed to provide enterprises with faster routes between data centres, cloud environments, and mission-critical services – enabling cross-border digital operations that are more secure, more reliable, and more responsive. Don’t miss: StarHub introduces Hublings in playful ‘We got you’ brand push The initiative further reinforces Singapore’s position as a regional digital hub, offering enterprises efficient access to data resources and cloud infrastructure throughout Southeast Asia. StarHub’s Low-Latency Data Centre Connect solution supports Singapore’s ultra-low-latency backbone, featuring a sub-1 millisecond path to cable landing stations. This performance foundation is increasingly critical as organisations expand hybrid and multi-cloud deployments across borders. “Enterprises today are navigating unprecedented data demands, and they need infrastructure that can keep up with their growth,” said Tan Kit Yong, chief, regional enterprise, StarHub. “Through this collaboration with NeutraDC, we’re making it simpler for businesses to move, protect, and scale their data, helping them unlock real performance advantages and accelerate their digital transformation across the region.” With the threat landscape evolving rapidly, the partnership highlights the growing urgency for quantum-safe security standards. The agreement introduces capabilities including post-quantum cryptography, software-defined networking, and secure orchestration across NeutraDC SNG-3.  Through the enhanced PoP, customers gain access to: direct DC-to-CLS Connectivity for end-to-end regional reach; software-defined networking, enabling network slicing, multi-tenancy and bandwidth-on-demand; quantum-safe encryption, designed to safeguard future data flows; and automated service orchestration for faster, more agile provisioning. “We are excited to work with StarHub, a leader with a proven track record of connectivity solutions. This strategic initiative strengthens NeutraDC’s strategy of providing seamless, secure and cloud-ready connectivity to our regional Neutra Compute GPU clouds. Quantum secure connectivity represents the new frontier of security, overcoming the limitations of current encryption standards. This will empower our customers to stay ahead of emerging threats and meet evolving business requirements,” said Sendang Praptomo, CEO of NeutraDC Singapore. Related articles:StarHub concludes media pitchStarHub and Mediacorp join forces to create stronger content and ad opportunitiesStarHub launches Singapore’s first real-time ad replacement for live TV source

Ogilvy Group Singapore has appointed Shirley Tay as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 January 2026. In her role, Tay will oversee the streamlined operations of the group’s agency brands in Singapore, including Ogilvy Singapore and Grey Singapore, while maintaining their distinct identities and client portfolios. She will also work across both agencies to leverage their collective capabilities. Tay, who joined Ogilvy Singapore in 2000, previously served as managing director of advertising, leading campaigns for clients including Singapore Tourism Board, Health Promotion Board, BMW Asia, and NEA. Don’t miss: Agency agenda: Ogilvy ASEAN CEO Kunal Jeswani on his 3 big bets for 2026  She later founded a regional hub for ZOO Group, an Australia-based digital creative agency, and went on to serve as CEO of Young & Rubicam Singapore before returning to Ogilvy in 2019. Most recently, as chief client officer, she has driven strategic and creative excellence for major clients such as Changi Airport Group, HSBC, Prudential, Decathlon, Japan Airlines, and Nestlé. Commenting on her role, Kunal Jeswani, CEO of Ogilvy Group ASEAN, said: “Tay is a brilliant, powerful leader who is deeply committed to delivering exceptional value for our clients. She lives our belief in borderless creativity and I am sure she will leverage the full width of talent and expertise, across Ogilvy and Grey, to drive growth and success for our clients in Singapore.” In addition, Tay said that she is “privileged to take on this responsibility.”  “My focus will be on nurturing the distinct strengths and rich legacies that both Ogilvy and Grey have established in Singapore, while driving collaboration and innovation to deliver world-class creativity and business impact for our clients,” she added. Jeswani will continue as CEO of Ogilvy Group ASEAN, remaining fully committed to the growth and success of the business and clients in Singapore. Tay’s appointment follows key leadership transitions across the region. Most recently, Kapil Arora was promoted to CEO of Ogilvy Group Indonesia, effective 1 January 2026. He succeeds Sieg Penaverde who will depart the agency after six years at the helm to pursue a new opportunity.  Arora’s promotion follows a 24-year career with Ogilvy spanning five offices. He has held leadership roles including heading the Vodafone business in India, leading Ogilvy Delhi, and steering 82.5 Communications. Since 2024, he has served as COO in Indonesia, working closely with Penaverde. Similarly in October, Ogilvy named Kirsty Muddle as CEO of Ogilvy Network Australia and New Zealand. Muddle joins from Dentsu, where she served as CEO of Practices & Products for ANZ, overseeing a broad portfolio spanning creative, PR, government, customer experience, Salesforce, data and tech, commerce, and B2B marketing. Related articles:  Cindy Rose reshapes WPP leadership, Ogilvy handed to Ezekiel in global revamp  Ogilvy Asia’s senior regional business director departs after 21 years  Burson names HS Chung APAC CEO as Adrian Warr exits  source