Digital happenings this week from Mediabrands, Microsoft, Digitas and more

In a report from Zenith Optimedia looking at future ad spend levels, online remains the standout medium for growth in Asia. The total ad spend on the internet is forecast to rise from 16.9 per cent in 2011 to 22.8 per cent in 2014. Traditionally the dominant medium, television is expected to decline from 40.7 per cent this year to 39.7 per cent in 2014.

Forrester Research has penned a paper advising that marketers have been overlooking setting clear objectives for Facebook pages. According to the paper, the lack of focus means fans may not get any real value from 'liking' the brand. The report also notes that marketers misunderstand the platform  and often lack appropriate manpower to run a Facebook page.

Mediabrands has appointed Yean Cheong as head of digital for Asia. Cheong, who returns to her native Singapore to take up the role, will take charge of the agency's online planning teams and the strategy and development of all digital media activities. She reports to UM global digital head David Cohen.

Adam Anger has been promoted to general manager of the advertising and online group for Microsoft Greater China. He replaces Erik Johnson who left the company to join Facebook Asia-Pacific. Anger has spent more than 15 years with Microsoft in different roles, the latest being senior director of Microsoft Hong Kong's business and marketing organisation.

Digitas has appointed Paris-educated Guillaume Merlen as its ECD in Hong Kong. With 13 years experience in design and online marketing, Merlen will lead the creative team, oversee the agency's creative process and deliver creative work for Gucci, Intel, Mean Johnson and Asus.

Audience based media company Thoughtful Media Group (TMG) has hired Timothy Kwok as its GM in the Mainland. TMG creates and licenses online personalities and formats designed to attract recurring audiences for marketers and advertising agencies. The company is active in the US and launched in China in 2010.

SMRT in partnership with Cold Storage has launched a virtual Christmas shopping campaign at MRT stations in Singapore. Commuters can do their supermarket shopping on-the-go by scanning QR Codes to purchase products for pick up or delivery. The clever campaign combines out-of-home and mobile technologies to offer customers convenience, speed and choice this festive season.

Reprise Media, Mediabrands Malaysia's specialist search unit, has scooped the search marketing duties for Taylor's College and Taylor's University. Taylor's Education Group is a private education institution offering a comprehensive range of courses at all levels. 

John Brown, a London-based print and digital media agency, has acquired Hong Kong digital agency Kleio, established 18 months ago. This marks John Brown's first acquisition in Asia. Kleio counts Canon, Time Warner, Swire Hotels, Moet Hennessy Diageo and Cartoon Network among its clients.

Japanese agency Asatsu-DK (ADK) has signed an exclusive strategic partnership in Japan with eYeka, the consumer co-creation network and 200,000-strong online community. The partnership, effective 1 December, will give ADK access to eYeka's global community and consumer generated ideas and content.