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New SAMA Alliance Branches Launch in Malaysia and Singapore: Strategic Move to Bolster the APAC Market

Economic News, Jakarta – The Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA) has achieved a major milestone in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) creative industry with the official launch of its Malaysia and Singapore branches at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Mid Valley. The event saw the participation of SAMA Indonesia representatives, including Arianto Bigman (CEO of IDEOWORKS), Raymond Buana (CEO of Omeoo), and partners from Ivosights, Krona, GLO, and Naikkreatif. Building on its successful debut in Indonesia, this expansion underscores SAMA’s commitment to hyperlocalisation—a critical strategy for brands aiming to connect with APAC’s diverse markets. The launch comes amid a global surge in branding investments, with worldwide advertising expenditures projected to hit USD 1 trillion by 2026. Businesses are increasingly prioritizing culturally tailored branding to gain a competitive edge and foster deeper customer relationships. With over 600 million consumers across 11 countries, APAC presents vast opportunities for growth. According to the World Economic Forum, the creative industries in the region currently contribute around 5% to GDP, a figure expected to rise as more companies adopt localized marketing strategies. SAMA Alliance’s expertise and deep local insights make it a valuable partner for brands seeking to make a meaningful impact in this complex and dynamic market. The Alliance unites top marketing agencies from across APAC and offers a full range of services, including branding, public relations, search engine optimisation (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media management, content marketing, influencer marketing, and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. By leveraging a hyperlocalised, data-driven approach, SAMA enables brands to effectively connect with APAC’s evolving consumer landscape. “Brands in APAC face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges, where success often depends on understanding cultural nuances,” said Teng Chan Leong, Founder of SAMA Alliance and CEO of Skribble. “Our mission is to help brands connect authentically with consumers in this diverse region through tailored, culturally relevant strategies. With 88% of companies in the region viewing brand perception as essential to their business strategy, and many linking market share growth to brand trust and cultural alignment, hyperlocalisation is key to achieving genuine engagement and sustainable growth in APAC,” he added. Hyperlocalisation: Unlocking APAC’s Potential Consumer behavior in APAC is profoundly shaped by its unique cultures, languages, and values, making hyperlocalisation essential for brand success. As regional and multinational companies increasingly invest in personalized campaigns to engage local markets, SAMA provides unmatched expertise in navigating APAC’s cultural complexities, helping brands build trust and resonance in every market. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Head of Digital Industry Acceleration at MDEC, highlighted Malaysia Digital’s alignment with SAMA’s vision to promote hyperlocalisation across Malaysia and the APAC region. He emphasized the importance of a “local-first” approach for brands to thrive in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, projected to reach a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of USD 263 billion by 2024. “With nearly 70% of APAC consumers favoring culturally aligned brands, developing local digital talent and enabling technology transfer are critical,” he said. “This aligns with Malaysia Digital’s goals to drive national economic growth through innovation, digital upskilling, and strategies that reflect both local and regional priorities.” Driving Innovation Through Thought Leadership The launch event also featured a thought leadership panel discussing the future of hyperlocalised marketing. Industry leaders from iWISERS, Superminted, GSC Cinemas, Asia Pop Culture Con, Beutea, and others shared insights on branding, digital talent development, and the role of technology transfer in advancing hyperlocalisation. SAMA Alliance aims to set new benchmarks for branding excellence in APAC. Strengthening an APAC-Ready Network With its expanding network—including SAMA Indonesia and new additions from Malaysia (Skribble, Battle Mind Creative, BLWN, iWisers, Suppagood, Visual Retale, Jiggee Asia, and Ironwoods) and Singapore (iFoundries, Superminted, Grow PR, and Moving Bits)—SAMA is enhancing its ability to deliver invaluable local insights and expertise. Supported by brands and partners like GSC, Nestle, Faber Castell, Etika, Colgate-Palmolive, Ajinomoto, FMT, Marketing Magazine, Captain Oat, and Mahsuri Food, the Alliance is committed to fostering impactful brand connections across APAC and beyond. For more information about SAMA and its hyperlocalisation services, visit samaalliance.com. Read more on WartaEkonomi

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Harnessing APAC Potential with SAMA: Leveraging Hyperlocalisation for Brand Success in Southeast Asia

JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA) has reached a major milestone in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) creative industry with the launch of its Malaysia and Singapore branches at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Mid Valley. The event was attended by key representatives from SAMA Indonesia, including Arianto Bigman, CEO of IDEOWORKS; Raymond Buana, CEO of Omeoo; and teams from Ivosights, Krona, GLO, and Naikkreatif. Following its success in Indonesia, this expansion reaffirms SAMA’s dedication to hyperlocalisation—a vital strategy for brands seeking to connect with APAC’s culturally diverse markets. This growth comes as global corporate investment in branding continues to climb, with advertising spend across formats projected to hit USD 1 trillion by 2026. Companies are increasingly acknowledging the importance of culturally tailored branding in gaining a competitive edge and fostering stronger customer relationships. With over 600 million consumers across 11 countries, APAC offers immense growth potential. According to the World Economic Forum, the region’s creative industries currently contribute around 5% of its GDP, a figure expected to grow as more companies focus on locally tailored marketing strategies. By leveraging its expertise and deep local insights, SAMA Alliance positions itself as a key partner for brands aiming to achieve long-term impact in APAC’s complex and varied markets. Uniting top marketing agencies across APAC, SAMA Alliance delivers a wide array of services, including branding, public relations, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media management, content marketing, influencer marketing, and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. Its data-driven, hyperlocalised approach enables brands to effectively engage with APAC’s evolving consumer base. “APAC presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for brands, where understanding cultural nuances is often the difference between success and stagnation,” said Teng Chan Leong, Founder of SAMA Alliance and CEO of Skribble. “Our mission is to empower brands to authentically connect with consumers through tailored and culturally relevant strategies. With 88% of companies in the region identifying brand perception as critical to their business strategy—and many attributing market growth to brand trust and cultural alignment—hyperlocalisation is the key to unlocking sustainable success,” he added. Hyperlocalisation: Unlocking APAC’s Potential Consumer behavior in APAC is shaped by unique cultural, linguistic, and value-driven factors, making hyperlocalisation crucial for brand success. As regional and multinational corporations increase investment in personalised campaigns to engage local markets, SAMA Alliance provides unparalleled expertise in navigating APAC’s cultural diversity, helping brands foster trust and resonance. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Head of Digital Industry Acceleration at MDEC, emphasized MDEC’s commitment to SAMA’s vision of driving hyperlocalisation across Malaysia and the broader APAC region. He stressed the importance of adopting a “local-first” approach for brands to succeed in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, which is projected to reach a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of USD 263 billion by 2024. “With nearly 70% of APAC consumers preferring culturally aligned brands, developing local digital talent and facilitating technology transfer are essential,” said Wan Murdani. “This focus aligns with Malaysia Digital’s objectives to drive national economic growth through innovation, upskilling, and initiatives that reflect both local and regional priorities.” Advancing Innovation Through Thought Leadership The launch event featured a thought leadership panel discussing the future of hyperlocalised marketing. Industry leaders from iWISERS, Superminted, GSC Cinemas, Asia Pop Culture Con, Beutea, and others shared their perspectives on branding, talent development in digital industries, and the role of technology transfer in advancing hyperlocalisation. SAMA Alliance is committed to setting new benchmarks for branding success across APAC. Strengthening a Resilient APAC Network With a growing network that now includes new members from Malaysia—Skribble, Battle Mind Creative, BLWN, iWisers, Suppagood, Visual Retale, Jiggee Asia, and Ironwoods—and Singapore, including Foundries, Superminted, Grow PR, and Moving Bits, SAMA Alliance enhances its ability to provide localised expertise and insights to brands. Supported by major brands and partners such as GSC, Nestle, Faber Castell, Etika, Colgate-Palmolive, Ajinomoto, FMT, Marketing Magazine, Captain Oat, and Mahsuri Food, the Alliance underscores its commitment to fostering impactful brand connections across APAC and beyond.  Read more on SAMA’s Launch in Malaysia on JakartaDaily.

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SAMA in Unlocking APAC’s Potential

Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA) reached a key milestone in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) creative industry today with the launch of its Malaysia and Singapore chapters at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Mid Valley. Following its successful debut in Indonesia, this expansion highlights the Alliance’s dedication to hyperlocalisation—a critical strategy for brands aiming to connect with APAC’s culturally diverse markets. This expansion comes amid a global surge in corporate branding investments, with total advertising expenditure across all formats projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2026. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of culturally tailored branding to enhance competitiveness and build stronger customer relationships. With a consumer base of over 600 million across 11 countries, APAC presents immense growth potential. According to the World Economic Forum, the region’s creative industry currently accounts for approximately 5% of its GDP, a figure expected to grow as more businesses embrace tailored, localised marketing strategies. As brands shift their focus to hyperlocalisation, SAMA Alliance’s expertise and profound local insights establish it as a crucial partner for those striving to make a meaningful impact in APAC’s complex and diverse markets. Bringing together top marketing agencies from across APAC, the SAMA Alliance delivers a wide range of services through its network, including branding, public relations, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media management, content marketing, influencer partnerships, and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. By leveraging a data-driven and hyperlocalised approach, SAMA Alliance helps brands effectively connect with APAC’s fast-changing consumer landscape. “Brands in APAC face a dynamic but challenging environment, where understanding local nuances often determines success or stagnation,” said Teng Chan Leong, Founder of SAMA Alliance and CEO of Skribble. “Our goal is to help brands build authentic connections with consumers across this diverse region through tailored, culturally relevant strategies. With 88% of companies in the region identifying brand perception as a core part of their business strategy, and many linking market share growth to brand trust and cultural alignment, hyperlocalisation is the key to achieving meaningful engagement and long-term growth in APAC,” he added.   Hyperlocalisation: Unlocking the Potential of APAC Markets Consumer behavior across APAC is heavily shaped by its diverse cultures, languages, and values, making hyperlocalisation a critical strategy for brand success. As regional companies and multinational corporations (MNCs) ramp up investments in creative and personalized campaigns to engage local markets, the SAMA Alliance stands out with its expertise in navigating APAC’s cultural complexities, enabling brands to build trust and establish meaningful connections in each market. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Head of Digital Industry Acceleration at MDEC, reiterated MDEC’s support for SAMA Alliance’s mission to champion hyperlocalisation across Malaysia and the wider APAC region. He highlighted the importance of adopting a local-first approach for brands to thrive in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, projected to achieve a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of USD 263 billion by 2024. “With nearly 70% of APAC consumers preferring brands that align with their cultural identity, the development of digital talent and the facilitation of technology transfer are essential,” he said. “This priority aligns with Malaysia Digital’s vision to drive the nation’s digital economy through innovation, skill enhancement, and growth tailored to both local and regional needs.” Fostering Innovation Through Thought Leadership The launch event spotlighted thought leadership panels on the future of hyperlocalised marketing, featuring insights from brand leaders representing iWISERS, Superminted, GSC Cinemas, Asia Pop Culture Con, Beutea, and others. Discussions focused on branding, talent development in digital industries, and the critical role of technology transfer in advancing hyperlocalised marketing. Through these initiatives, SAMA Alliance seeks to reshape industry practices and set a new standard for branding excellence across APAC. Building Connections for an APAC-Ready Future With the recent inclusion of agencies from Malaysia—Skribble, Battle Mind Creative, BLWN,  iWisers, Suppagood, Visual Retale, Jiggee Asia, and Ironwoods—and Singapore’s iFoundries, Superminted, Grow PR, and Moving Bits, SAMA Alliance has expanded its network to deliver unmatched local insights and expertise. Backed by leading brands and partners such as GSC, Nestle, Faber Castell, Etika, Colgate-Palmolive, Ajinomoto, FMT, Marketing Magazine, Captain Oat, and Mahsuri Food, the event reaffirmed SAMA’s dedication to creating impactful brand connections throughout APAC and beyond. For more details about SAMA Alliance and its hyperlocal marketing expertise, visit samaalliance.com.

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SAMA Alliance Extends Network to Malaysia and Singapore

Kuala Lumpur, itechmagz.id – The Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA) has officially launched its new branches in Malaysia and Singapore, marking a significant step forward in the growth of the creative industry across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The launch event, held at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Mid Valley, welcomed representatives from SAMA Indonesia, including Arianto Bigman (CEO of IDEOWORKS), Raymond Buana (CEO of Omeoo), along with partners from Ivosights, Krona, GLO, and Naikkreatif. Building on its initial success in Indonesia, this expansion is part of SAMA’s commitment to implementing hyperlocalisation—a crucial strategy for brands aiming to tap into APAC’s culturally diverse markets. As global investment in branding continues to rise, with advertising expenditures projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2026, localised strategies are becoming increasingly essential. According to the World Economic Forum, the creative industries in APAC contribute approximately 5% to the region’s GDP. With businesses focusing more on localised marketing, SAMA positions itself as a vital partner to help brands succeed in this evolving landscape. “Brands operating in APAC face both exciting opportunities and significant challenges, where success often depends on their ability to navigate cultural nuances,” said Teng Chan Leong, Founder of SAMA Alliance and CEO of Skribble. “Our goal is to empower brands to connect authentically with consumers across this complex region through tailored, culturally relevant approaches. With 88% of companies in APAC viewing brand perception as a core business strategy, and many attributing market growth to brand trust and cultural alignment, hyperlocalisation is key to unlocking sustainable success,” he added. Hyperlocalisation remains a cornerstone for building trust with APAC consumers. To support this, SAMA Alliance offers a comprehensive range of services, including branding, public relations, SEO, SEM, social media management, content marketing, influencer marketing, and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, MDEC’s Head of Digital Industry Acceleration, voiced strong support for SAMA’s vision of advancing hyperlocalisation in Malaysia and the wider APAC region. He highlighted the importance of a “local-first” strategy for brands aiming to thrive in Southeast Asia’s burgeoning digital economy. “With nearly 70% of APAC consumers favoring culturally aligned brands, developing digital talent and enabling technology transfer are critical,” Wan Murdani said. The launch event also included a panel discussion on the future of hyperlocalised marketing, featuring key industry leaders such as iWISERS, Superminted, GSC Cinemas, and Beutea. These discussions provided valuable insights into branding, talent development, and the role of technology in driving hyperlocalisation efforts. With its expanding network, including new members from Malaysia and Singapore, SAMA Alliance continues to strengthen its presence in APAC. Major brands like GSC, Nestle, and Faber Castell are backing SAMA’s mission to help businesses create impactful cultural connections throughout the region. For more details about SAMA Alliance and its hyperlocalisation services, visit samaalliance.com.

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New Coalition Of Agencies Form Across SG and MY

A new coalition of agencies, named the Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA), has launched in Singapore and Malaysia, following a successful debut in Indonesia. This alliance brings together agencies with diverse expertise to better serve clients. By uniting marketing agencies from across Asia, SAMA Alliance provides a wide range of services, including branding, public relations (PR), search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media management, content marketing, influencer partnerships, and digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising. The network has recently expanded with new members from Malaysia, including Skribble, Battle Mind Creative, BLWN, iWisers, Suppagood, Visual Retale, Jiggee Asia, and Ironwoods; as well as Singapore-based agencies like iFoundries, Superminted, Grow PR, and Moving Bits. This expansion enhances the alliance’s ability to offer valuable local insights and expertise to brands. SAMA Alliance is currently supported by prominent brands such as GSC, Nestle, Faber Castell, Etika, Colgate-Palmolive, Ajinomoto, Captain Oat, and Mahsuri Food. According to the organisation, as brands increasingly turn to hyper-localisation, SAMA Alliance’s deep local knowledge positions it as a key partner for companies aiming to make a lasting impact in APAC’s diverse and evolving markets. The alliance’s expansion comes at a time when corporate investment in branding is soaring globally, with businesses recognizing the importance of culturally relevant branding to enhance competitive advantage and foster deeper customer connections. With over 600 million consumers across 11 countries, APAC presents significant growth opportunities. The World Economic Forum notes that the region’s creative industry contributes approximately 5% to the region’s GDP, a number expected to rise as more businesses invest in localized marketing strategies. Through its data-driven, hyper-localized approach, SAMA Alliance helps brands connect effectively with APAC’s fast-changing consumer landscape. “Brands face both exciting and challenging conditions in APAC, where success often depends on understanding local cultural nuances,” said Teng Chan Leong, founder of SAMA Alliance and CEO of Skribble. “Our mission is to help brands connect authentically with consumers across this complex region using tailored, culturally relevant strategies. With 88% of companies in the region viewing brand perception as central to their business strategy, and many attributing market share growth to brand trust and cultural relevance, hyper-localisation is key to unlocking genuine engagement and long-term success in APAC,” he added. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, MDEC’s head of digital industry acceleration, emphasized that brands must adopt a local-first approach to succeed in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, projected to reach a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of USD 263 billion by 2024. “With nearly 70% of APAC consumers preferring brands that resonate culturally, developing local digital talent and enabling technology transfer is essential. This focus is in line with Malaysia Digital’s objectives to drive the nation’s digital economy by fostering innovation, enhancing digital skills, and promoting growth that meets both local and regional needs,” he said.

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Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance sets up Malaysia, Singapore chapters

KUALA LUMPUR: The Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (Sama) today celebrated a major milestone in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) creative industry by launching its Malaysia and Singapore chapters. Building on a successful debut in Indonesia, this expansion highlights the alliance’s dedication to hyper-localisation, a critical strategy for brands aiming to connect with the diverse markets across APAC. The expansion coincides with a global rise in corporate investment in branding, with total advertising spend across all platforms expected to hit US$1 trillion (RM4.4 trillion) by 2026. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of culturally tailored branding to strengthen their competitive edge and deepen customer relationships. With a dynamic consumer base of over 600 million people across 11 countries, APAC presents significant growth opportunities. According to the World Economic Forum, the region’s creative industry contributes approximately 5% to its GDP, and this figure is set to grow as more companies invest in localised marketing strategies. As brands turn to hyper-localisation, Sama’s expertise and deep cultural insights make it an invaluable partner for those looking to leave a lasting impact in APAC’s complex and diverse markets. Bringing together leading APAC marketing agencies, Sama offers a comprehensive range of services through its network, including branding, public relations, SEO, SEM, social media management, content marketing, influencer engagement, and digital out-of-home advertising. Sama’s data-driven, hyper-localised approach helps brands engage effectively with APAC’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape. “Brands in APAC are navigating an exciting yet challenging environment, where success often hinges on understanding local nuances,” said Sama founder Teng Chan Leong, also CEO of Skribble. “Our goal is to empower brands to connect authentically with consumers across this diverse region through culturally relevant, tailored approaches. With 88% of companies in the region viewing brand perception as central to their business strategy, and many attributing market share gains to brand trust and cultural relevance, hyper-localisation is essential for fostering genuine engagement and sustainable growth,” he added. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, head of digital industry acceleration at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), expressed MDEC’s commitment to Sama’s vision of promoting hyper-localisation across Malaysia and APAC. He stressed that brands must adopt a local-first approach to succeed in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, which is projected to reach a gross merchandise value of US$263 billion by 2024. “With nearly 70% of APAC consumers preferring brands that align with their culture, developing digital talent and facilitating technology transfer is crucial. This aligns with Malaysia Digital’s objectives to drive the nation’s digital economy through innovation, digital skills development, and growth that meets both local and regional needs,” he explained. The launch event featured thought-leadership panels discussing the future of hyper-localised marketing, with brand leaders from iWISERS, Superminted, GSC Cinemas, Asia Pop Culture Con, Beutea, and others sharing insights on branding, talent development in digital industries, and the role of technology transfer in advancing hyper-localised marketing.

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SAMA Alliance Resmi Berekspensi ke Malaysia dan Singapura

jpnn.com, JAKARTA – Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA) secara resmi meluncurkan cabang Malaysia dan Singapura di Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Mid Valley. Acara peresmian tersebut juga dihadiri oleh anggota SAMA Indonesia, termasuk Arianto Bigman (CEO IDEOWORKS), Raymond Buana (CEO Omeoo), serta perwakilan dari Ivosights, Krona, GLO, dan Naikkreatif. Setelah kesuksesan perdananya di Indonesia, ekspansi ini memperkuat dedikasi SAMA terhadap hiperlokalisasi, sebuah strategi penting bagi brand yang ingin menyesuaikan diri dengan pasar APAC yang beragam.Ekspansi ini dilakukan seiring dengan meningkatnya investasi global dalam branding, dengan proyeksi total belanja iklan lintas format mencapai USD 1 triliun pada tahun 2026. Bisnis kini semakin memahami pentingnya branding yang disesuaikan secara budaya untuk meningkatkan daya saing sekaligus membangun hubungan yang lebih mendalam dengan pelanggan. Dengan lebih dari 600 juta konsumen di 11 negara, APAC menawarkan peluang besar untuk pertumbuhan.Laporan Forum Ekonomi Dunia menunjukkan bahwa sektor kreatif kawasan ini saat ini menyumbang sekitar 5% dari PDB, angka yang diperkirakan akan terus meningkat karena lebih banyak perusahaan mengalokasikan investasi untuk pemasaran yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan lokal. Dengan meningkatnya fokus pada hiperlokalisasi, keahlian SAMA Alliance dan pemahaman lokal yang mendalam menjadikannya mitra strategis bagi brand.Mengintegrasikan agensi pemasaran terkemuka di APAC, SAMA Alliance menyediakan berbagai layanan seperti Branding, Public Relations, SEO, SEM, Social Media Management, Content Marketing, Influencer Marketing, hingga Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH). Melalui pendekatan berbasis data yang mendalam, SAMA Alliance mendukung brand dalam menjangkau pasar konsumen APAC yang terus berkembang secara efektif. “Brand menghadapi tantangan dan peluang yang unik di APAC, di mana pemahaman akan budaya lokal sering kali menjadi pembeda antara sukses atau stagnasi,” ujar Teng Chan Leong, Pendiri SAMA Alliance sekaligus CEO Skribble, dalam keterangannya, Kamis (14/11). “Misi kami adalah mendukung brand untuk berkomunikasi secara autentik dengan konsumen melalui pendekatan yang relevan dan sesuai secara budaya,” tambahnya. Perilaku konsumen di APAC sangat dipengaruhi oleh budaya, bahasa, dan nilai yang unik, menjadikan hiperlokalisasi kunci sukses bagi brand. Seiring dengan meningkatnya investasi perusahaan regional dan multinasional dalam kampanye kreatif yang personal untuk menjangkau pasar lokal, SAMA Alliance siap membantu brand memahami keragaman budaya di APAC, membangun kepercayaan, dan menciptakan resonansi di berbagai pasar. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Kepala Digital Industry Acceleration MDEC, menekankan dukungan MDEC terhadap visi SAMA Alliance dalam mendorong hiperlokalisasi di Malaysia dan kawasan APAC.Ia menggarisbawahi pentingnya pendekatan yang berfokus pada lokal agar brand dapat berhasil di ekonomi digital Asia Tenggara, yang diproyeksikan mencapai Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) sebesar USD 263 miliar pada 2024. “Hampir 70% konsumen APAC lebih menyukai brand yang sesuai secara budaya, sehingga pengembangan talenta digital dan transfer teknologi menjadi prioritas utama,” ujarnya. “Fokus ini sejalan dengan tujuan Malaysia Digital untuk mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi digital nasional melalui inovasi, peningkatan keterampilan digital, dan pengembangan yang relevan dengan kebutuhan lokal maupun regional,” tutup Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad.

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Ad Agencies Expected to Get a Boost from Wider Collaboration

A group of creative agencies highlights the importance of tailoring content to local needs as a key strategy for brands to connect with the diverse Asia-Pacific market. A group of creative agencies highlights the importance of tailoring content to local needs as a key strategy for brands to connect with the diverse Asia-Pacific market. PETALING JAYA: The advertising sector in Malaysia and Singapore is set to benefit from new collaborative opportunities with creative agencies across the Asia-Pacific region. The Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA) stated that these partnerships would strengthen brands seeking to engage with the region’s culturally varied audience. Following its successful launch in Indonesia, SAMA has now extended its reach to Malaysia and Singapore. In a statement yesterday, SAMA emphasized its dedication to “hyper-localisation,” a strategy focused on creating highly specific content tailored to local communities, including districts and cities. This approach is essential for brands to establish meaningful connections within the Asia-Pacific’s diverse consumer landscape. SAMA founder Teng Chan Leong, who also leads Malaysian advertising agency Skribble, explained that the alliance’s goal is to help brands navigate and connect across varied markets. He noted that success in the region depends heavily on a deep understanding of cultural nuances. With over 600 million consumers spread across 11 nations, Asia-Pacific offers tremendous growth potential, according to SAMA. Global advertising spending is anticipated to hit US$1 trillion (RM4.45 trillion) by 2026, further emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive branding strategies. SAMA’s network provides a comprehensive suite of services, including branding, public relations, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media management, content creation, influencer partnerships, and digital out-of-home advertising. All of these are customized to resonate with the distinct cultural contexts of different regions. Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) CEO Koh Mei Lee highlighted the effectiveness of leveraging local language and humor to build strong, culturally relevant connections. At the launch event held at GSC Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, she pointed to the widely used “Hello. Cannot” tagline during the Covid-19 pandemic as an example of effective local engagement. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, head of digital industry acceleration at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), stressed the critical role of hyper-localisation in driving the Asia-Pacific digital economy, projected to reach a gross merchandise value of US$263 billion by 2024. He noted that around 70% of consumers in the region prefer brands that align with their cultural identity, emphasizing the need to cultivate local digital talent to spur innovation and economic growth. Free Malaysia Today, serving as the event’s media partner, underscored the importance of hyper-localisation for brands aiming to engage audiences in Southeast Asia. SAMA recently added top agencies to its network, including Malaysia’s Skribble, iWISERS, and Visual Retale, as well as Singapore-based Superminted and Grow PR, further solidifying its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. With support from partners such as GSC, Nestle, Faber Castell, Colgate-Palmolive, and Ajinomoto, SAMA reiterated its commitment to creating impactful brand connections across the region. For further details about SAMA’s expertise in hyper-local marketing, visit samaalliance.com.

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The Genius Behind the SAMA Concept

News The Genius Behind the SAMA Concept sama_admin November 8, 2024 The Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance (SAMA) is a visionary partnership that is poised to revolutionise the marketing landscape across the APAC region. Conceived by powerful trailblazers in the industry, SAMA brings together creative, innovative and data-driven agencies from various countries, fostering collaboration and empowering brands for the ultimate benefit of the marketing industry. The ingenuity of bringing together people of different backgrounds for a common goal is not to be understated.  A Beacon of Collaboration Picture this: A Malaysian brand wants to broaden their market and tap into potential customers from Singapore and Thailand. In any other scenario, a campaign like this would be tedious, and not to mention being heftily priced. Now imagine if that same brand gets in touch with SAMA where they can now leverage the expertise of a social media guru in Singapore, a marketing strategist from Thailand and a social data analyst from Malaysia. That is the power of SAMA – a collective of brilliant minds working together to deliver unparalleled marketing experiences. SAMA’s core principle lies in the act of collaboration among marketing agencies in the APAC region. By breaking down geographical barriers, SAMA creates a platform for agencies to share best practices, exchange talents and pool resources. This dynamic environment will naturally breed innovation and empower agencies to constantly develop integrated marketing strategies that cater to the diverse needs of clients from every region within APAC. Leadership Enhancement and Growth SAMA recognises the absolute importance of leadership development within the marketing industry. The alliance aims to provide its members with countless opportunities for leadership enhancement through workshops, conferences and mentorship programs. Not only does the alliance take care of the growth of individual agencies, but it also strengthens the bond in the overall marketing landscape in Asia. A Stepping Stone to the Future The ever-evolving digital marketing industry could seem overwhelming, and that’s why SAMA aims to equip its members with tools and knowledge necessary to stay ahead of the curve. See, SAMA isn’t just about the present, it’s a strategic alliance with a vision for the future. By providing a platform for learning, sharing and collaboration, SAMA empowers agencies to constantly develop cutting-edge marketing strategies that cater to the needs of the future. SAMA is a testament to the genius of collaboration. By uniting some of the brightest and most creative minds in the APAC region, SAMA is looking to transform the marketing landscape in Asia and propel the industry forward. As the alliance continues to grow and evolve, it is certain to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital marketing. iWISERS has a multitude of social intel solutions and custom objective research services working with brands across APAC. Drop an email at [email protected] or chat with us on LinkedIn, iWISERS for social intel or industry studies that enable people-centric data-based decision making.

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Get to Know JD Sports and Chocolatos, Two Supporting Brands of SAMA Alliance’s Launch

News Get to Know JD Sports and Chocolatos, Two Supporting Brands of SAMA Alliance’s Launch sama_admin October 22, 2024 SAMA Alliance recently established its branding and mission to the public on 29 August 2024 during a press conference held at the GranDhika Hotel in South Jakarta. However, the success of the launch event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of two famous brands whose past digital marketing strategies were assisted by SAMA Alliance’s member agencies: JD Sports and Chocolatos.  SAMA Alliance is highly grateful for their aid, which is why the alliance strives to help more brands follow in the footsteps of their successful digital marketing campaign. How did SAMA Alliance contribute to their marketing? You can find out more here! JD Sports At a Glance JD Sports is a lifestyle and footwear brand from England that opened its first retail store in Indonesia in 2022. Since then, the brand has remained notable among Indonesian consumers for its wide range of well-known labels, such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Focusing on youth culture and modern fashion, it quickly attracted a loyal customer base. The brand’s sleek store designs and strong online presence helped JD Sports gain traction in Indonesia’s competitive retail environment. JD Sports’ Foray into Digital Marketing JD Sports’ online visibility is partly due to its creative digital marketing strategies concocted by one of SAMA Alliance’s member agencies, as detailed below: 1. Latest campaign JD Sports launched a series of TikTok marketing campaigns with the hashtag #JDMau. They published several short-form videos implementing the latest humorous trends among their target audience to attract the younger generations. These videos showed bite-sized lifehacks, highlighted satisfied customers’ testimonials, and showcased their products in various fashion styles and occasions.  They combined those strategies with more sales-boosting tactics, such as holding a free product giveaway, TikTok live shopping sessions with exclusive discounts, and time-limited collaboration campaigns with notable influencers. 2. Output Before the TikTok marketing campaign, JD Sports did not have an active and established social media profile. However, by the time the campaign concluded at the end of 2024’s first quarter, they had created 6 TikTok playlists and amassed more than 162,000 followers, 200,000 likes, and 20 million views in their TikTok profile. About Chocolatos On the other hand, Chocolatos focuses on indulgent snack products. Manufactured by Garuda Food, a leading Indonesian food company, the brand is known for its wafer sticks filled with rich chocolate or vanilla cream. Its appeal lies in offering a premium feel at affordable prices, targeting a wide range of consumers, from children to adults.  Chocolatos built its reputation in Indonesia by leveraging widespread distribution in supermarkets and convenience stores and catchy advertising campaigns. Chocolatos Digital Marketing Case Study However, Chocolatos’ catchy advertisements aren’t just limited to TV commercials. In response to the rise of social media use, it has implemented a creative brand activation strategy to promote the business further. Here is how one of the SAMA Alliance’s member agencies helped with their campaign: 1. Latest campaign In November 2023, Chocolatos held the Chocolatos Trip to Bali event, targeted toward 9-to-5 office workers. Customers were encouraged to buy as many boxes of Chocolatos Delight as possible to win a raffle. Then, Chocolatos would choose fourteen lucky winners for an all-expenses-paid trip to Bali, where they could mingle, visit various notable tourist landscapes, and enjoy a luxurious gala dinner at Jimbaran. How did they sway the customers’ purchasing decisions? The key lies in choosing a destination favored by their target market. Chocolatos discovered Bali was the top choice for many young adults’ travel bucket lists to unwind from their hectic work routines. So, Chocolatos collaborated with famous influencers to promote the raffle. Furthermore, they held various weekly challenges involving the product to build excitement and encourage more people to join. 2. Output Thanks to the creative marketing campaign aided by a digital marketing agency, Chocolatos has attracted more than 5,000 participants for the raffle. However, its achievement doesn’t stop there; it has resulted in more than 143.915 engagements (combined total of likes, comments, and shares) and reached more than 7.335 viewers of its Meta ads. Chocolatos provided snacks and refreshments for representatives from various digital marketing agencies attending the event, and JD Sports provided sponsored sneakers and sportswear clothing. Thanks to their support, SAMA Alliance’s launch event brought a sense of camaraderie to build and strengthen potential partnerships among Asian digital marketing agencies and brand representatives, who are looking forward to attracting more consumers from different Asian countries.

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