Campaign Asia

Taiwan brands step away from the workshop

It's no secret that China wants to ditch its reputation as the world's workshop.

All about Apple's Safari Reader

Apple's latest version of its Safari internet browser comes with a sting in the tail - for publishers, at least. A feature called Safari Reader has been introduced that allows consumers to fade out the ads around an article on a website.

All about Apple's Safari Reader

Apple's latest version of its Safari internet browser comes with a sting in the tail - for publishers, at least. A feature called Safari Reader has been introduced that allows consumers to fade out the ads around an article on a website.

Taiwan brands step away from the workshop

It's no secret that China wants to ditch its reputation as the world's workshop.

All about Apple's Safari Reader

Apple's latest version of its Safari internet browser comes with a sting in the tail - for publishers, at least. A feature called Safari Reader has been introduced that allows consumers to fade out the ads around an article on a website.

Can payment-by-results work in Asia?

The model has the potential to weaken procurement's squeeze on fees.

Can payment-by-results work in Asia?

The model has the potential to weaken procurement's squeeze on fees.

Can payment-by-results work in Asia?

The model has the potential to weaken procurement's squeeze on fees.

Is digital outdoor living up to the hype?

Spend, screens and innovation are rising, but a lack of solid measurement remains a pressing concern.

Music's comeback mobilises brands

With the music industry finally embracing the online space, brands are learning to build relationships through entertainment.

The breakdown of tribal borders

Young people in the region are moving away from single 'tribes' as a means of affirming their identity, using online platforms to build specialist status and flit between a variety of sub-cultures.

Can Apple make mobile ads work?

The company is making its first foray into advertising with the launch of iAd. The platform has the potential to raise mobile marketing’s game, but there are also some drawbacks.

Can Apple make mobile ads work?

The company is making its first foray into advertising with the launch of iAd. The platform has the potential to raise mobile marketing’s game, but there are also some drawbacks.

Can Apple make mobile ads work?

The company is making its first foray into advertising with the launch of iAd. The platform has the potential to raise mobile marketing’s game, but there are also some drawbacks.

Perspective... Shedding light on Asians' media habits will remain a piecemeal process

It's media research season.

All about growing automation and the rise of ad exchanges

Buying digital display ads is becoming an increasingly complex process. Growing automation has led to the rise of ad exchanges, so-called 'real-time bidding' (RTB) and a host of other services. What do Asia's marketers and agencies need to know?

Insurance giants AIA and Prudential set for battle of the brands

The two insurance giants AIA and Prudential may struggle to survive as seperate entities, even with a differentiation strategy.

All about YouTube at five

Happy birthday YouTube! The world's leading online video site turned five last year. As its user base rockets in Asia, we wonder how can the online video site grow old gracefully?

Perspective... Pay-TV still has work to do to convince brands it can be an ad medium

This week, Asia's pay-TV industry gathers in Hong Kong for its annual knees-up, otherwise known as the Casbaa (Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia) Convention.

Perspective... IAB Singapore's launch shows that digital needs more champions in Asia

The big news that emerged from last week's ad:tech Singapore was the launch of the Interactive Advertising Bureau(IAB)in the city-state.

Google vs Apple: The fight for Asia's mobile ad sector

CHINA - Google and Apple seek global supremacy, but who is best placed to cater for Asia?

Kraft's Asia-Pacific VP Shawn Warren shares his recipe for success

SINGAPORE - Fifteen years after starting out Kraft's Asia-Pacific vice president, Shawn Warren (pictured), proves to Media that his passion for promoting food shows no signs of abating.

Asia's untapped engagement tool

Custom publishing is a staple in Europe and the US, but has ample room for growth in Asia. Used correctly, branded titles have serious potential to build relationships and drive sales.

Live coverage deal between IPL & YouTube gives TV sport a wake-up call

As cricket's Indian Premier League (IPL) strikes a global deal with online video kings YouTube, traditional broadcasters of sport, their advertisers and sponsors are left to consider the future implications of the groundbreaking deal.

Perspective.... 2009 won't be missed, but 2010 promises to be just as exhausting

This issue, we look back on 2009.

AirAsia & Jetstar: The deal that could make or break them

The battle for passengers in Asia's burgeoning budget airline industry took a surprising new turn this month when AirAsia and Jetstar decided to get into bed with each other.

Beijing unveils global 'Made in China' ad campaign

BEIJING - The Chinese Government has launched its long-awaited global advertising campaign designed to boost the reputation of Chinese-made products in overseas markets.

Profile... Glock swaps $8 billion budget for life on his own

Procter & Gamble's former global VP of media is keen to improve agency-client relations in his new role.

Perspective... Why there's more to digital than skinny jeans and trips to nightclubs

You have to hand it to Sir Martin Sorrell; he certainly knows how to stir things up.

Perspective... Bring the party to the people, but don't forget to bring the lesbians

After a gruelling week covering Spikes Asia, it's time for something light-hearted.

Patrick Stahle to depart Aegis Media as Nick Waters takes over APAC

ASIA-PACIFIC - Patrick Stahle (pictured) is leaving his role as CEO of Aegis Media Asia-Pacific, to be replaced by Nick Waters, currently CEO EMEA at Mindshare.

JWT and Ogilvy dominate Spikes winners list

SINGAPORE - JWT and Ogilvy & Mather were the big winners at the Spikes Asia Awards, held in Singapore on Friday night.

How should Kraft handle Cadbury?

ASIA-PACIFIC - The American food giant's marketers must walk a tightrope to ensure the chocolate brand's success in key Asian markets.

Nokia reshuffles global marketing team as Chris Leong takes China role

SINGAPORE - Finnish mobile giant Nokia has announced a senior-level marketing overhaul, with Chris Leong, the brand's global marketing chief, set to take over as head of the Nokia Greater China, Japan and Korea sales unit.

Simon Handford and Sandy Chan quit M&C Saatchi for Ogilvy & Mather

HONG KONG - Simon Handford and Sandy Chan, joint MDs at M&C Saatchi Hong Kong, are leaving the agency to join Ogilvy & Mather.

Live Issue... Creative talent eyes Asian opportunity

As recession bites in the West, creatives look to Asia to advance their careers.

Nokia seeks to 'elevate digital' with Carat

GLOBAL - Nokia has appointed Carat to its global media account in a bid to 'elevate' its digital activity.

UM wins Australian Government brief

CANBERRA - Universal McCann has been reappointed as the Australian Federal Government's lead media agency.

All about triple play in China: Combining voice, broadband & TV services.

Triple play, the combined offer of voice telephony, broadband internet and television services, was given the green light in China in mid-January.

Social networking is expanding its reach into the 35+ market and beyond

Social networks were once the domain of the young and tech-savvy. Not anymore, as Facebook reports a huge growth in older users last year.

Profile: Comcast president Kevin MacLellan is Asia's Mr Hollywood

The Comcast president seeks to broaden the reach of E! Entertainment by finding local solutions.

All about online privacy & the Google Buzz saga

The backlash Google faced when it launched its Buzz social product highlights the issues online media owners face when it comes to privacy. As media becomes more 'social', the amount of personal data media owners store is growing.

Beckoning Asia's digital community

Inconsistency and regulation present a challenge, but Vietnam is an attractive prospect for experimentation and opportunities are there for marketers who make time to engage.

Asia's top digital brands: Embracing social channels

Brands need to embrace social channels more fully if they are to raise trust levels.

All about social media experts

McDonald's decision to appoint its first director of social media in the US underlines the growing importance of channels such as Facebook and Twitter to major consumer brands.

China to launch overseas ad campaign

BEIJING - The Chinese Government is to launch an international advertising campaign this summer to reassure consumers of the quality of Chinese-made goods.

All about Pakistan's print sector

Newsweek raised a few eyebrows earlier in March when it unveiled an agreement to launch a local edition of the title in Pakistan.

Redesigning China's out-of-home media

With the LED transition in full flow, Media asks whether new clutter is simply replacing old clutter.

OgilvyOne agrees Chinese mobile JV

SHANGHAI - OgilvyOne is partnering with German mobile specialist iconmobile to create a Chinese joint venture.

Profile... Cathay's Asia Miles chief is in for the long haul

He may not be a typical marketer, but Paul Loo's analytical background makes him suited to his new role.

Live Issue... Which brands claimed gold in Beijing?

Li Ning and Coke are among the firms that seized the Olympic opportunity.

Cathay overhauls website to push service

HONG KONG - Cathay Pacific has upgraded its 'Experience' website as it switches the focus of its marketing onto its service.

Coke rolls out Olympic Bluetooth campaign

BEIJING - Coca-Cola is turning to Bluetooth to cash in on Olympic fever in Beijing and Shanghai.

CCTV-led alliance to oversee online Olympic copyright

BEIJING - CCTV.com has set up an Olympic Copyright Protection Squad in conjunction with nine partners.

Digital spend enjoys accelerated growth

BEIJING - The Olympics has boosted Chinese online adspend by 73 per cent year on year in the second quarter.

Nurun scoops Olay website overhaul

SHANGHAI - Olay is to revamp its Chinese website after Procter & Gamble reappointed Nurun China to the brand's digital account.

Baidu benefits from paid search boom

CHINA - Chinese search engine Baidu has unveiled a 100% leap in second-quarter revenues as marketers increase their use of paid search.

Chinese online adspend soars

BEIJING - Investment by brands in Chinese online media shot up 73 per cent in the second quarter, according to new research from Analysys International.

Chinese web users pass 250 million

CHINA - The Chinese web population has grown to 253 million, having expanded by 91 million in the past 12 months.

Baidu benefits from paid search boom

CHINA - Chinese search engine Baidu has unveiled a 100% leap in second-quarter revenues as marketers increase their use of paid search.

Chinese web users pass 250 million

CHINA - The Chinese web population has grown to 253 million, having expanded by 91 million in the past 12 months.

OMG hires regional director for digital

ASIA-PACIFIC - Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has appointed a regional digital head as it looks to bolster its interactive operations.

Perspective... Why Google's flu service means digital shops are becoming researchers

The rather dry world of search may seem far removed from the annual battle to control the spread of influenza, but a recent story released by Google suggests otherwise.

Microsoft names head of Asian ad division

ASIA-PACIFIC - Microsoft has appointed its first Asia-based head of its advertising operations as it looks to expand its business in the region.

Profile... Mildenhall builds on Coke's brand mythology

Moving to Atlanta has not been good for Jonathan Mildenhall's social life.

Chinese web usage surges as netizens take global lead

BEIJING - The Chinese web population has grown to 253 million, having expanded by 91 million in the past year.

SPTI seals mobile cartoon distribution deal

HONG KONG - Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has secured a mobile content deal with UK-based ZAC Toons covering Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and India.

Sohu ad revenue surges

BEIJING - Chinese web portal Sohu has posted a 53% year-on-year rise in ad revenue for the second quarter.

WPP invests in Chinese in-game ad firm

SHANGHAI - WPP has taken a minority stake in a Chinese in-game advertising firm to boost its exposure to one of the region's fastest-growing online sectors.

Profile... Dunmall begins battle to raise Microsoft's game

Microsoft's new regional head of advertising intends to boost the computer giant's profile locally.

China issues media blackout on lip-synching episode

BEIJING - Chinese authorities have imposed a ban on coverage of the lip-synching episode from the Olympic opening ceremony.

Telstra acquires Chinese assets

CHINA - Telstra has boosted its presence in China's digital market with the purchase of majority stakes in two website companies.

Chinese sites win US$100 million funding

CHINA - China's digital sector has continued to attract heavy investment, with more than US$100 million flowing into the sector in the past week.

Facebook hits trouble in China

CHINA - A series of problems connecting to Facebook in China has led to rumours of a crackdown by authorities.

Kodak in regional first with Facebook

ASIA-PACIFIC - Kodak is switching investment into social media for the first time in Asia-Pacific.

Youku confirms US$30 million investment

BEIJING - Youku, one of China's 'big three' video-sharing sites, has secured US$30m in private equity funding.

Do digital agency joint ventures make sense in China?

Saatchi & Saatchi's tie-up with digital agency Energy Source requires careful planning if it is to work.

Motorola's Chapman-Banks promoted to general manager

HONG KONG - Motorola's mobile handset marketing chief, Ian Chapman-Banks (pictured), has been promoted to take charge of the entire mobile business in Asia outside of China.

WPP eyes mobile and gaming in China

SINGAPORE - WPP is shifting the focus of its digital acquisition strategy in China onto mobile and gaming, according to the agency holding group's online chief.

Beijing reins in online video

BEIJING - China's online video sector is coming under intense Government scrutiny, raising questions about its future as an advertising medium.

Asian campaigns make UK award shortlist

LONDON - Two Asian entries have made the shortlist of the Effectiveness Awards held by the UK's Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.

WPP strengthens its Asian digital offering

ASIA-PACIFIC - WPP has bolstered its Asian digital offering through initiatives in in-game advertising and digital production.

WPP Asian assets join digital production unit

ASIA-PACIFIC - Some of WPP's biggest digital agency assets in Asia will join Deliver, a newly formed global production division.

MTV appoints Japan digital chief

TOKYO - MTV Japan has hired Paul Greenberg as vice-president and general manager for digital media, charged with expanding the company's digital business.

Photon hires Y&R's Davie for Asian growth

SYDNEY - Australian holding company Photon Group has hired former Y&R executive Andrew Davie as head of its integrated and digital operations ahead of expansion in Asia.

Photon hires Y&R's Davie for Asian growth

SYDNEY - Australian holding company Photon Group has hired former Y&R executive Andrew Davie as head of its integrated and digital operations ahead of expansion in Asia.

China portals clear up Olympic coverage

BEIJING - Three of the mainland's biggest internet portals have jointly announced plans to offer online video coverage of the Olympics in opposition to official website Sohu.

GroupM China inks deal with Madhouse

SHANGHAI - GroupM is targeting China's rapidly growing mobile market after securing a strategic partnership with mobile ad network Madhouse.

GroupM secures China mobile deal with Madhouse

SHANGHAI - GroupM has formed a strategic partnership with mobile ad network Madhouse to expand its presence in China's mobile market.

Chinese portals secure Olympics video rights

BEIJING - Three of China's biggest internet portals have jointly announced plans to offer online video coverage of the Olympics in opposition to official website Sohu.

Live Issue... Asian brands need time to warm to affiliate marketing

It's worth billions of dollars to advertisers in the West, but is the affiliate marketing model suitable for Asia?

Economist plans brand blitz in Singapore

SINGAPORE - The Economist is to launch a marketing blitz in Singapore as it attempts to broaden its appeal.

Economist launches US election tool

HONG KONG - The Economist is launching an online tool to show how the rest of the world would vote in the US presidential election.

Turner seals Taiwan mobile deal

TAIPEI - Turner Broadcasting System is expanding its mobile content operations in Taiwan under a deal with distributor iScreen.

All About... Mobile World Congress

What are this year's major trends in the mobile sector?

Live Issue... Maxus seeks its own niche within a crowded market

The appointment of Neil Stewart as regional CEO of Maxus is a huge statement of intent.

OgilvyOne, OMG seal JVs with internet specialists

ASIA-PACIFIC - Two of the region's biggest networks have unveiled digital joint ventures as they seek to bolster their online marketing offering.

Mindshare unveils regional line-up

ASIA-PACIFIC - Mindshare has unveiled its full regional management team following its reorganisation in April.

Media unveils revamped website

ASIA-PACIFIC - Media magazine today relaunches its website as it increases its focus on online news.

Abbott hires M&C for infant milk brief

SHANGHAI - Abbott has hired M&C Saatchi Shanghai as creative agency-of-record for its infant milk formula in China ahead of a concerted push to gain share in the market following the melamine scandal.

Nike scoops Digital Brand of the Year award

HONG KONG - Nike has been named as the Digital Brand of the Year ahead of next week's Digital Media Awards.

Aegis looks to China as Western markets hit

BEIJING - Aegis Media is looking to China for growth as its key Western markets suffer a slowdown.

Olympics Watch - The Aftermath

BEIJING - With the Olympic flame extinguished on Sunday, the most eagerly awaited marketing event in China's history has drawn to a close.

Olympics Watch - Day Ten

BEIJING - Puma led the field again last night, after Usain Bolt turned in a stunning performance in the 200m final wearing its shoes.

Olympics Watch - Day Six

BEIJING - With a week of the Beijing Olympics out of the way, the first stories of disgruntled sponsors are emerging.

Olympics Watch - Day Eight

BEIJING - There's still a palpable sense of shock following Liu Xiang's pull-out from the 110m hurdles, though early signs are that his sponsors will stand by him.

Olympics Watch - Day Seven

BEIJING - Puma emerged as the big brand winner over the weekend after Jamaican runner Usain Bolt broke the world record in the 100 metres wearing Theseus II spikes.

Olympics Watch - Day Four

BEIJING - Perhaps the biggest marketing faux pas of the Games to date has surfaced in the form of a Spanish newspaper ad featuring the nation's basketball team making a 'slit-eyed' gesture.

Olympics Watch - Day Five

BEIJING - The latest data from Carat shows that non-sponsors are matching official Olympic partners for ad presence during coverage of the Games.

Olympics Watch - Day Three

BEIJING - Speedo has been hogging the limelight so far in the race for exposure at this year's Olympics.

Olympics Watch - Day Two

BEIJING - Friday's opening ceremony ended up turning into a masterpiece of ambush marketing, as former Chinese Olympic gymnast Li Ning, now head of the eponymous clothing label, lit the Olympic flame under the noses of official sportswear supplier adidas.

David Tiltman