Kantar partners with EDB to launch Asia R&D hub

Kantar has established its first research and development lab in Asia, in partnership with Singapore’s Economic Development Board.

Focusing on advanced analytics, big data, AI and machine learning, the lab will be part of Kantar’s newly-announced analytics practice. The aim is to take siloed and unstructured data, and turn it into deep insights for brand growth.

Tim Kelsall, Kantar APAC chief client officer and member of the global Kantar innovation board, said choosing Singapore for the first Asia lab “highlights the strategic importance of the country as a base for developing world-class services that can be exported regionally”.

In collaboration with the EDB, the lab will hire data scientists and business designers, seeking out the best Singapore talent. The agency said driving Asia-based innovation that supports global clients is a key factor in the lab’s creation.

Kelvin Wong, EDB assistant managing director, said: “Singapore’s professional services sector is growing, and Kantar’s decision is testament to this.”

Hernan Sanchez, managing director of the Kantar brand growth lab, added: “Brands no longer have to rely on hunches, but can instead substantiate their decisions based on intelligent analytics.”

Kantar also has similar analytics labs in London and Frankfurt.