Local Business Archives - Page 12 of 48

More than eight in ten Singapore companies are using digital marketing to advertise products and services, but half face challenges measuring returns on investment: HubSpot research

HubSpot, the customer platform for scaling companies, and LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network and leading advertising partner for brands, today announced the findings of a survey, conducted by Milieu Insight, that explored how companies in Asia, Singapore included, perceived digital marketing. The survey also looked at how companies were leveraging digital marketing, and how they could revitalise and improve strategies to drive business growth.

The survey revealed that more than eight in ten (84%) Singapore respondents shared that their companies were leveraging digital marketing to advertise products and services. Among the companies engaging in digital marketing, more than seven in ten (78%) currently have a digital marketing strategy in place. For respondents in companies without a digital marketing strategy, more than half (57%) said their organisation had plans to implement one in the future.

Insufficient ability to track results may be limiting the full potential of digital marketing

Despite the prevalence of digital marketing among local companies, only 17% of all Singapore respondents strongly agreed that there was a link between a good digital marketing strategy and increased revenue. This figure is significantly below the regional average of 41%, as well as the other countries included in the survey.

A potential contributing factor could be insufficient adoption of specific tools such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms that play an essential role in tracking and measuring the outcomes of marketing campaigns. This data provides brands with an understanding of how their marketing activities may be impacting business goals, allowing them to better assess any returns on investment. Among Singapore companies engaging in digital marketing, only 41% are using CRM tools, the lowest among all countries surveyed.

Beyond the low adoption of tools to measure success, nearly a quarter (24%) of Singapore companies engaging in digital marketing are not confident in their team’s ability to effectively use digital marketing tools. Nearly half (49%) felt that their digital marketing strategies had not contributed to organisational goals in 2023. These figures are the highest across the countries included in this survey, and point to a possible skill or knowledge gap among Singapore’s marketers that is limiting the full potential of digital marketing.

Matt Tindale, Head of LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, APAC, emphasises the crucial role of learning and development (L&D) in Singapore’s digital economy, stating, “In Singapore, with the pace at which technology is advancing, there is an opportunity for marketers to enhance their skills. Upskilling and reskilling will not only help professionals adapt to changes but leverage new technology for increased productivity and enhanced outcomes.”

When asked about the measurement used to assess the impact of digital marketing efforts, more than half (52%) of Singapore respondents cited brand awareness as the primary metric. This differs from regional sentiments, where the majority consider sales or revenue as the key indicator of success.

“Findings from the survey indicate that while the majority of local companies are focusing on brand awareness, the real challenge is converting that awareness into actionable growth. With the integration of AI into digital marketing strategies — as indicated by 60% of companies in our survey — Singapore is on the brink of a transformative era in digital marketing. Success requires the use of effective measurement frameworks and tools to support data-driven decisions, which are essential for maximising ROI. One example is LinkedIn’s Revenue Attribution Report, which connects CRM data to information from marketing touchpoints across the customer journey. These can help marketers better demonstrate the impact of their LinkedIn campaigns on key metrics such as pipeline generated, deal cycles, and revenue, ultimately helping them to make better business decisions,” added Tindale.

This trend towards digital marketing is on track to continue in 2024. Among Singapore companies engaging in digital marketing, more than a third (35%) were spending S$10,000 or more on related activities each month. Most companies (28%) are currently allocating 21% to 40% of their monthly marketing budget to digital marketing, with similar levels of investment registered across all countries surveyed. Survey findings indicate that more than a third of Singapore companies were planning to maintain their current level of investment into digital marketing in 2024 instead of increasing budgets. This is the highest proportion among countries surveyed.

Social media, content, and search engine marketing established as the key channels of digital marketing in Singapore

Among Singapore companies with digital marketing strategies, a majority (62%) identified social media as the key channel for digital marketing, followed by content marketing (50%) and search engine marketing (49%). Nearly half (42%) of these respondents also ranked social media as one of the top three critical channels for their digital marketing activities. These findings correspond with observations from a separate HubSpot study that identified social media as the preferred platform for shopping and brand discovery among global consumers, with a majority of brands surveyed attesting to the effectiveness of social media marketing for their business. In Singapore, nine in ten social media marketers predict that local consumers will increasingly choose to engage in social commerce and social search in 2024.

The rise of social media as a leading digital marketing channel can also be observed in budget allocation and tools. Among Singapore companies engaging in digital marketing, social media marketing receives the lion’s share of marketing budgets (23%), while social media management platforms are the most popular tools, in use by more than half (51%) of these respondents. This aligns with the growing adoption of social media in Singapore, where 85% of its population are estimated to be social media users according to We Are Social and Meltwater’s Digital 2024 Global Overview Report, ranking the country first in Southeast Asia in terms of social media use.

“Social selling and commerce are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, offering a highly effective platform for brands to reach, target, and engage on a personal level with their audience. Despite the growing popularity of social media platforms, brands should avoid being over-reliant on a single channel. More than half of global customers today leverage anywhere between three to five different channels throughout their buying journey. Success will increasingly be contingent on the ability of brands to establish a presence on the channels their customers and prospects reside on, and to leverage CRM platforms to accurately measure the impact of their marketing efforts. This will be essential to actively engage and deliver frictionless experiences to audiences regardless of channel,” said Kat Warboys, Senior Marketing Director, APAC at HubSpot.

Alongside social media management platforms, other popular tools among Singapore companies engaging in digital marketing include CRM platforms (41%) and email marketing solutions (37%). An effective approach to digital marketing should also include the implementation of these tools alongside a robust marketing strategy to optimise outcomes. This enables brands to better engage customers on the various channels they reside on today. By using a CRM platform, brands can consolidate customer data from disparate channels and sources and create a single source of truth to accurately measure the impact or effectiveness of marketing activities and deliver a better customer experience.

“As the popularity of digital channels explode, the key to success will lie in ensuring customer data doesn’t reside in siloes across multiple platforms. Solutions could include the use of Conversion APIs that enables brands to accurately track and measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts on social media platforms. As a server-side tracking option, Conversion APIs can still deliver observable data that would otherwise have been restricted by privacy controls, something marketers need to consider as third-party cookies are phased out. By adopting CRM solutions that can seamlessly integrate with such tools, marketers will be better positioned to make the most of information gathered throughout the customer journey. This unfettered information flow can empower marketers with the necessary insights to drive more targeted campaigns, automatically follow up on leads generated from social media, and clearly track ROI of every ad campaign.” said Warboys.

About HubSpot

HubSpot (NYSE: HUBS) is the customer platform that helps your business grow better. HubSpot delivers seamless connections for customer-facing teams with a unified platform that includes AI-powered engagement hubs, a Smart CRM, a connected ecosystem, and a team of over 7,600 employees. With over 1,500 App Marketplace integrations, a community network, and educational content from HubSpot Academy, that has helped over 459,000 professionals. Today, over 216,000 customers, like DoorDash, Reddit, Eventbrite, and Tumblr, across more than 135 countries use HubSpot to attract, engage, and delight customers. Learn more at www.hubspot.com.

Press contact for further information, assets and interview requests:

Yanchang Tan
Sling & Stone for HubSpot
E: yanchangtan@slingstone.com

Q&M Dental Group Advanced “Treatment Plan” AI-Module Released Today

Mainboard listed Q & M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (“Q & M” or “the Group” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is proud to announce the release of the “Treatment Plan” on its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-module developed by its 49%-owned subsidiary, EM2AI, in collaboration with AI Singapore.

The “Treatment Plan” AI-Module leverages state-of-the-art technology including Large Language Models (LLM) to optimise treatment recommendations. It combines the strength of conventional clinical decision support systems, with the advanced processing capabilities of LLM to understand and interpret all data and input effectively.

The tangible benefits for patients are as follows:

Early detection of oral health issues with suggested treatment options based on conditions detected and analysed by AI;
An iterative platform that learns continuously;
Allows patients to be informed of all available treatment options for their individual condition, that is AI-based, resulting in more objective decision-making.

To ensure safety and accuracy, we have implemented thoughtful measures to mitigate potential issues such as inaccurate, over or under-diagnosis to maintain precise control over treatment outcomes. By integrating the latest advancements in LLM, this innovative approach not only enhances the accuracy of treatment options, but also instils confidence in dental professionals by providing reliable insights tailored specifically for each patient.

Furthermore, with the introduction of this “Treatment Plan” Module, the patient journey through advanced AI digital dentistry is now covered from start to end. Starting with the initial consultation and followed by x-ray imaging, the AI swiftly analyses the x-rays for pathologies, auto-generates treatment options and the journey ends with a dental health report that patients can bring back home. This complete and streamlined workflow not only enhances patient satisfaction but also empowers Q & M to deliver superior care to patients with confidence.

Dr Ng Chin Siau, Group Chief Executive Officer of Q & M, said, “This latest release of the AI-Treatment Plan module signifies a significant advancement in our dental clinics’ digital capabilities and enables the Group to offer this enhanced service to patients within its network. Most importantly, our dentists will be able to deliver superior care to our patients, enhancing both clinical outcomes and elevating the overall patient experience. All this, while greatly strengthening our overall value proposition as patients will be provided with holistic analysis with recommendations that will be unbiased and objective. “

“After successfully supporting EM2AI in developing their AI capabilities through the 100E programme in 2018, this new module marks a significant extension of our collaboration under the Short Industry Project (SIP) programme. I am thrilled to see our engineers partnering with EM2AI’s domain experts and AI team to harness large language models (LLMs) for cutting-edge dental treatment planning, ensuring precise, reliable, and patient-centered care. We are committed to continuing our support for local enterprises as they innovate with AI integration, striving to deliver tangible benefits, elevate consumer experiences, and make a positive societal impact,” said Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation, AI Singapore.

About Q & M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI)

Q & M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (QC7.SI) (“Q & M” or together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is a leading private dental healthcare group in Asia.

The Group owns the largest network of private dental outlets in Singapore, operating 105 dental outlets across the country. Underpinned by about 270 experienced dentists and over 350 supporting staff, the Group sees an average of 40,000 patient visits a month in Singapore. The Group also operates 5 medical clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company.

Outside of Singapore, the Group has 44 dental clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company in Malaysia. Q & M is also the substantial shareholder of Aoxin Q & M Dental Group Limited, a dental Group listed on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange that operates dental clinics and hospitals primarily in the north-eastern region of the PRC. The Group aims to expand its operations geographically and vertically through the value chain in Malaysia, the PRC and within the ASEAN region.

The Q & M College of Dentistry was established in 2019 to offer postgraduate dental education as part of its commitment to continual education and professional development of dentists. It offers Singapore’s first private postgraduate diploma programme in clinical dentistry.

In 2020, the Group expanded into the medical laboratories and research industry with the strategic investment into Acumen Diagnostics Pte. Ltd. (“Acumen”). Currently, Acumen focuses on developing its range of medical research, tests and solutions to secure viable patents and to achieve successful commercialisation of the medical products in the near future.

The Group was listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX- ST”) on 26 November 2009.

For more information on the Group, please visit www.QandMDental.com.sg

Investor and Media queries, please contact:

Waterbrooks Consultants Pte Ltd
Wayne Koo: wayne.koo@waterbrooks.com.sg (+65) 9338-8166
Derek Yeo: derek@waterbrooks.com.sg (+65) 9791-4707
General: query@waterbrooks.com.sg

Proud Investor Relations partner: https://www.waterbrooks.com.sg/ and https://www.alphainvestholdings.com/

67% of Philippine Companies Offer LGBTQIA+ Benefits, Signalling Strong Diversity Progress

In today’s globalised economy, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) play a crucial role in driving innovation and competitiveness in the workplace. A recent survey by foundit, a leading talent platform, highlights significant progress and exciting opportunities in D&I practices across Philippine organisations.

The survey unveils a promising landscape in the Philippines’ corporate environment, with a majority of respondents reporting that their organisations offer special benefits for LGBTQIA+ employees and have employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion. These findings point to the substantial strides Philippine workplaces have made in harnessing the proven benefits of diverse teams, such as enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and stronger financial performance.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become critical focus areas for organisations worldwide. DEI initiatives aim to create workplaces that reflect the broader society, ensure fair treatment and access to opportunities for all employees, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

As businesses increasingly recognise the benefits of diverse teams, understanding the current state of DEI practices is crucial.

The survey, conducted as part of foundit’s ongoing commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive work environments, highlights the alignment between organisational intentions and implemented actions regarding diversity initiatives in the Philippines.

While 50% of employees report that their organisations have diversity training programs in place, there’s still room for growth, as 35% of respondents are not at all familiar with the concept of diversity hiring. Encouragingly, 58% feel their organisation is responsive or highly responsive to feedback on diversity issues.

These findings suggest a strong commitment to diversity in principle and significant progress in implementation, with exciting opportunities to further enhance diversity initiatives.

Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, commented on the findings: “The Philippines is demonstrating remarkable progress in creating inclusive workplaces. It is particularly encouraging to see that 67% of companies offer special benefits for LGBTQIA+ employees, showcasing a deep commitment to inclusivity. This positions the Philippines as a leader in the region for LGBTQIA+ workplace support.

The high awareness of employee resource groups and the prevalence of diversity training programs indicate that Philippine businesses are taking concrete steps towards fostering inclusive environments. As we move forward, there’s a fantastic opportunity to build on this foundation, particularly in areas such as diversity hiring awareness and expanding training programs. Organisations that continue to invest in these areas will not only create more inclusive workplaces but also unlock new levels of innovation and competitiveness in the global market.”

Key findings from the survey include:

LGBTQIA+ Support: 67% of respondents report that their workplace supports LGBTQIA+ employees with special benefits, including healthcare coverage, family and relationship benefits, mental health support, and training and education benefits.
Diversity Awareness and Definition: While 35% of respondents are not at all familiar with the concept of diversity hiring, among those familiar with the concept, 62% define workplace diversity comprehensively, including actively seeking diverse individuals, creating an inclusive environment, embracing a diversity mindset, and complying with anti-discrimination laws.
Organisational Commitment: 50% of respondents believe their workplace is highly or extremely committed to hiring a diverse team, while 24% perceive a moderate commitment, and 9% report no commitment at all.
Training Needs and Effectiveness: 50% of respondents state that their organisations have diversity training programs, with 46% having mandatory programs. In terms of effectiveness, 30% reported becoming fully aware from training, while 27% saw no increase in awareness.
Recruitment Practices: Respondents report that organisations are adopting various initiatives to ensure equal opportunities. These include conducting interviews in diversity-friendly spaces (18%), inviting applications from diverse communities (15%), consistent commitment to diversity hiring goals (14%), and regular reviews to update hiring processes to mitigate bias (14%).
Provisions for Applicants with Disabilities: Respondents state that organisations offer specific accommodations, such as accessible online application processes (17%), accessible interview venues (16%), and additional time allowances for assessments if needed (16%).
Work-Life Balance: 51% of respondents state that their organisations have policies in place to support work-life balance with flexible work hours and remote work options, particularly for women with caregiving responsibilities.
Employee Resource Groups: 62% of respondents are aware of employee resource groups focused on diversity and inclusion within their organisations, with 49% finding these groups highly or extremely valuable.
Peer Support and Networking: 42% of respondents state that their organisations frequently or always facilitate peer support and networking opportunities for diverse groups, 25% say they sometimes do so, and 14% report that their organisations rarely or never provide these opportunities.
Responsiveness to Feedback: 58% of respondents perceive that their organisations are responsive or highly responsive to feedback on diversity issues, highlighting a positive trend in organisational communication and action on diversity-related concerns.

“These findings showcase the Philippines as an emerging leader in corporate diversity and inclusion,” Garisa added. ” As we look ahead, there’s an exciting opportunity for Philippine businesses to leverage this strong foundation in workplace equality and lead the way for inclusive workplaces across the region.”

The survey was conducted as part of TRIUMPH, Asia’s leading virtual career fair for diversity, demonstrating foundit’s commitment to promoting inclusive workplaces.

As organisations navigate the evolving landscape of workplace diversity, this survey serves as a crucial benchmark, offering insights into current practices and highlighting areas for future focus and improvement. By leveraging their strengths and addressing opportunities for growth, companies can create even more inclusive and successful workplaces.

About foundit – APAC & Middle East

foundit, formerly Monster (APAC & ME) is a leading talent platform offering comprehensive employment solutions to recruiters and job seekers across APAC & ME. In addition to a powerful AI-powered job search, foundit offers e-learning, assessments, and services related to resume creation, interview preparation, and professional networking. Since its inception, the company has assisted over 90 million job seekers across 18 countries in upskilling and connecting them with the right job opportunities. foundit is now also the Official Talent Partner of the Badminton World Federation across 20 key world tour events.

Over the last two decades, the company has been a leader in the world of recruitment solutions and has recently launched a cutting-edge solution to give recruiters access to passive candidates in addition to active ones. With the use of advanced technology, foundit is seeking to efficiently bridge the talent gap across industry verticals, experience levels, and geographies.

Today, foundit is committed to enabling and connecting the right talent with the right opportunities by harnessing the power of deep tech to sharpen hyper-personalised job searches and offer precision hiring.

Contact:
For media inquiries or further information, please contact
Namrata Sharma – Namrata.sharma@adfactorspr.com
Contact number – +65 81383034

Singapore’s ‘Samsui Woman’ Mural Controversy: Asia’s Prestigious 28 Fevrier Gallery Signs American Artist Sean Dunston

In stringent rules-based Singapore, locals, who were quickly dubbed ‘Karens’, noticed that a 2-story high fresh mural depicting a ‘Samsui Woman’ was smoking a lit cigarette. International political controversy ensued. The Karens claimed that the mural went against Singapore’s public policy to discourage smoking, sparking a public debate that prompted government regulators to comment and possibly intervene.

The dispute over the mural catapulted its American artist, Sean Dunston, into infamy. Dunston welcomed the palaver, stating publicly that he embraced the discourse.Now, Asia’s premier urban art gallery, 28 Février, helmed by Dominic Khoo, who also founded the alternative investment vehicle WatchFund, has signed Dunston to the gallery as their first artist of Q3 2024.“Whatever happens to the decision rendered by the authorities and the Karens, we aim to preserve this piece of Singaporean culture with immediate effect,” remarks Khoo.“The ‘Samsui Woman’ art is a tribute to the hardworking women who contributed significantly to Singapore’s development,” states Khoo. “I don’t see how you can deny them their day in the sun.”The brouhaha has drawn the attention of the international arts community due to its provocative portrayal of a significant cultural figure. Aside from the smoking cigarette, the Karens argued, the mural may not accurately or respectfully represent the Samsui women. A resilient, determined group of Chinese immigrants, the Samsui women came to Singapore in the early 20th century, primarily from the Sanshui (Samsui) district in Guangdong province, China. They were known for their distinctive red headscarves and hard work in labour-intensive jobs, particularly in construction and as domestic helpers. They contributed greatly to the building of the city by playing a significant role in the development of Singapore’s infrastructure, thus shaping its history.Khoo recognizes that these women and others hold significance in the fabric of Singapore society, and that, through art, Dunston has sought to convey what they represent to the nation.It’s Khoo’s opinion that it is essential to preserve one’s culture. “Every Singaporean bears a duty to contribute to our cultural fabric. You don’t realize how powerful “soft power” is to a country.” Khoo himself as photographer has thirteen works purchased by the National Heritage Board and stored in the National Archives. “It is imperative as Singaporeans we recognize the cultural value of Dunston’s work too, and as friends we must help him come out at the other end of this stronger.”In this sense, he observes, the public outcry has had a Streisand Effect. “I’m not sure if the Karens know that by being Karens, they’re actually giving a lot of good attention to artists that we have taken for granted. For that, we thank you.”The Samsui Woman’s mural artist, Sean Dunston concurs: “It’s an unexpected wild ride,” he says. “I set out simply to do what I love: respectfully creating the essence of beauty in the world. I’m grateful to everyone who engaged with my work, regardless of differing opinions, as this is what art is all about—creating emotions and thoughts—bringing back the pulse of life. Ultimately, we don’t see things as they are; we see things as we are.”Share A Piece Of Singapore’s History With Dunston’s PiecesIn honour of the stand, 28 Février Gallery will celebrate Dunston by hosting a specially curated “Bastille Day” Opening Event for an exhibit of limited edition ‘Samsui Woman’ artworks painted by him. Khoo is inviting guests from around the world to attend, and private collectors may also express their interest by registering a request.Pesh Eng, gallery maven says, “Expect the opening night to be revved up by supercars and graced with the presence of international collectors. Plus, Er Cai Fang, the co-founder of GelatiAmo, an establishment that churns fine Italian gelato from scratch, has cheekily designed a welcome snack for the event called ‘exploding sour grapes’, which she dedicates to ‘the rebellious pursuit of freedom, just for laughs.’”28 Février Gallery is inviting art connoisseurs and collectors who may be interested in attending the Opening Night event or privately viewing the artworks to register their interest.About Dominic KhooDominic Khoo retired as a professional photographer at age 35. Dominic photographed over 150 international celebrities including Cate Blanchett, Tony Leung, and the Dalai Lama. In just seven years of practice he met several milestones including being nominated for Asia Pacific Photographer of the Year in 2011 alongside Annie Leibovitz, his idol. Notably he also produced the world’s most expensive photography coffee table book where 100% of the revenue, and not just proceeds, went to committee approved and vetted charities.Dominic also has an intense passion for watches which has seen him transition from a watch collector, watch journalist and to a watch expert. Throughout his career he has managed watch brands, written about watches for top magazines, and trained at Antiquorum, where he appraised and auctioned watches internationally. He is the founder of WatchFund, the world’s largest watch investment vehicle, for which has been winning international peer-reviewed awards and accolades for the past 9 years.Dominic has great influence in art and luxury. His gallery 28 Février hosts prestigious events for international guests and houses iconic works. He continues to endorse international brands and invest in cutting-edge technologies.About 28 Février Gallery28 Février Gallery, located at 6 Kay Siang Road, Singapore, is Asia’s international urban art gallery, showcasing a dynamic mix of paintings, sculptures, and installation pieces from all around the world. The gallery is integrated within the OOZI building, a historic pre-war British officer’s mansion. With a focus on having art that teaches people about other people’s perspectives, the gallery believes that there is art at any level, and that there are always things that we can learn from others. Visitors to the gallery have included French football legend Eric Cantona, and NBA superstar Dennis Rodman.28 Février Gallery 6 Kay Siang Road, Singapore 248924 https://www.whereisthesite.com/For more information and to schedule an appointment, please visit 28 Février’s website or contact: ops@28thfevrier.com

Rockbird Media’s HR Leaders & HR Tech Strategy Meeting 2024 Wraps Up Successfully in Manila

On the heels of its successful 2023 run across Southeast Asia, Rockbird Media‘s HR Leaders & HR Tech Strategy Meeting, themed “Rehumanizing Work with Emerging Technologies,” held from June 26-27, 2024 at Shangri-La The Fort, BGC, Manila, concluded on a high note.

The two-day event brought together over 150 CHROs and HR leaders from diverse industries to explore the intersection of human resources and technology. Attendees engaged in keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking sessions, gaining insights into the latest trends, strategies, and innovations reshaping the HR landscape globally.

“One of the biggest challenges HR professionals are facing right now is how to integrate these emerging technologies in HR practices seamlessly, without losing the core responsibility of human resources, which is humanizing organizations. I think this event is a platform to give ideas of these emerging trends,” said Dr. R.L. Fernando Garcia, Director & Head of Corporate Training and Development at Brittany Hotels & Leisure, one of the event speakers.

Another speaker, Lilybeth Magno, AVP and HR of HR Business Partnering at AboitizPower shared, “As HR, we embrace the role of making ourselves reliable by using data that links to what matters most to the business and to the people to contribute to the organization.”

Key highlights included discussions on leveraging AI in talent acquisition, enhancing employee experience through digital transformation, and strategies for upskilling the workforce in the era of automation.

On networking opportunities, Rajiv Nair, CHRO of Ramco Systems, one of the event sponsors said, “I think it’s a win-win for everybody who can learn about Philippine’s market as a whole. We could also look at Asia Pacific as a region because most of the companies are global or regional… This event has definitely helped in giving us new perspective as to how to look at the same data differently.”

About rockbird media

Rockbird media is an international business media company that produces B2B events and offers business solutions.

Whether it is through online media and content, must-have business intelligence and analytics, effective networking, and partnering solutions, we help businesses and professionals learn more about the latest trends, and know more about their customers, peers, and competition, to make that decision that allows them to grow.

For more information, you can visit: https://rockbirdmedia.com/

Media contact:
annjubelle@rockbirdmedia.com

2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) to honour Japan’s premier resort market

The 2024 edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) is now accepting entries across a broad range of categories that aims to elevate the standards of development and design in Japan’s alpine real estate markets.

Submissions from eligible entrants from the Greater Niseko region are being accepted via asiapropertyawards.com until 13 September 2024.

People’s Choice Awards return for 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty

PropertyGuru Group (NYSE:PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, is delighted to present the return of the highly anticipated People’s Choice Awards as part of the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty 2024.

Voting for the People’s Choice Awards is now open until 14th July 2024

The People’s Choice Awards are special honours conferred upon Malaysia’s distinguished development companies based on their project quality, brand reputation, and consumer satisfaction. These categories are entirely voted for by consumers and audited by a third-party supervisor.

The first 500 voters will have the chance to win a prize voucher. Vote now via: https://peopleschoiceawards.asia/malaysia/vote/

This year’s voting runs from 1 July to 14 July 2024, offering property seekers the opportunity to make their voices heard and vote for their favourite and trusted developers. Only residents based in Malaysia are eligible to cast their vote.

Voting for the People’s Choice Awards 2024 is now open via: https://peopleschoiceawards.asia/malaysia/vote/

By participating in the People’s Choice Awards at the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty 2024, voters take part in Malaysia’s leading real estate awards programme.

The People’s Choice Awards are in addition to the competitive categories of the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty. The black-tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony will be held on 25 October 2024 at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.

Key dates of the 2024 edition:
1-14 July 2024 – People’s Choice Awards voting period
15-17 July 2024 – Live Judging Days
25 October 2024 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Empowering consumers

Kenneth Soh, country manager for Malaysia at PropertyGuru Group, said: “We are excited to present the latest edition of the People’s Choice Awards, an initiative empowering you, our esteemed consumers, to identify and recognise developers who have distinguished themselves in the property sector. By participating in the voting process, you assert your preferences and incentivise Malaysian developers to prioritise the best interests of consumers. The feedback from property seekers is crucial, and these awards honour those who successfully build spaces for the greater good of the community.”

Introduced in 2014, the People’s Choice Awards have been integrated into the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards programme since PropertyGuru Malaysia and iProperty, the country’s two leading property portals, set a new single benchmark for excellence in real estate in 2022.

To maintain the integrity of the voting process, the results are independently verified by the official balloting partner, HLB Ler Lum Chew, a member of the “2024 Network of the Year” winner HLB International, the esteemed global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers.

Fair, credible, transparent judging

An 18-member, professional judging panel will provide their fair, credible, transparent perspectives on the entries to the PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty. The judges, comprising experts in real estate and various fields, will take part in the Live Judging Days from 15 July to 17 July 2024 to recognise the best developers, developments, and designs in 105 award categories.

HLB Ler Lum Chew is also entrusted with overseeing the entire judging process and ensuring that it is conducted with integrity and transparency.

The PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala dinners and awards ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year.

Top winners in Malaysia in the competitive categories will get the chance to compete with their peers abroad for the coveted titles of “Best in Asia” at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which will be presented on 13 December 2024 in Bangkok.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE: PGRU), Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Awards Malaysia in partnership with iProperty are supported by official portal partners PropertyGuru.com.my and iProperty.com.my; official ESG knowledge partners GreenRE and Malaysia Green Building Council; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners Kopi & Property, Marketing In Asia, Niaga Times, Penang Property Talk, The Grid Asia, The Malaysia Voice, and Top 10 Malaysia; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: asiapropertyawards.com.

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU ASIA PROPERTY AWARDS

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent.

In 2024, the Awards series is open to key property markets around the region. The exciting gala events welcome senior industry leaders and top media, as well as reach property agents and consumers via live streaming. Recognising excellence within each Asian market with a variety of categories, including green and sustainable development, each local awards programme will culminate in the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which takes place after the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit during ‘PropertyGuru Week’ in December 2024.

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 34 million property seekers2 to connect with almost 55,000 agents monthly3 to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.8 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 16 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; home services platform, Sendhelper; a host of proprietary enterprise solutions under PropertyGuru For Business including DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2023 and December 2023.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2023 and December 2023.
(3) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023.
(4) Based on data between October 2023 and December 2023.

PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:

General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com

Sales & Nominations:
June Fong, Events Director & Head of Awards (Malaysia)
M: +6019-319 0127
E: june.fong@iproperty.com.my

Media & Partnerships:
Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 701 2519
E: nate@propertyguru.com

ONERHT Foundation’s 7th Edition of Annual GAIL Forum Returns on 25 June 2024 at Suntec Singapore

The 7th edition of the Greening ASEAN: Initiatives and Leadership (“GAIL”) forum is set to take place on 25 June 2024 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Business and Industry leaders, as well as sustainability domain experts, gather to share actionable insights and strategies to drive ASEAN’s Green Future. The forum will be graced by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, as the Guest-of-Honour.

The GAIL forum aims to facilitate the sharing of expertise, experience, and practical strategies for businesses and other stakeholders within ASEAN to respond to the region’s growing call for sustainable development. Attendees will be able to hear directly from business and industry leaders as well as sustainability domain experts as they share their insights and experience on future-proofing SMEs for sustainability, integrating ESG at Board level, and navigating the carbon economy with strategies and cutting-edge technologies.

Kaylee Kwok, Chairman of ONERHT Foundation, said, “For businesses, sustainability transcends being just a necessity. By its impact on the physical environment, supply chains, natural resources, on the general population, and the economic environment, it has become a fundamental issue for businesses on which their viability and success depend. GAIL serves as a crucial platform for promoting sustainable practices throughout ASEAN.”

A key highlight of event will be a fireside chat with Mr. Vivek Kumar, CEO of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore.

Abe Jacob, Director of RHT Green, said, “Sustainability isn’t just a choice; it’s a shared responsibility for our future, and we are passionate about educating and empowering individuals to make sustainable choices. GAIL serves as a reminder that through regional collaboration, we can achieve significant progress towards achieving net zero.”

Recognising the importance of sustainability in addressing climate change, adverse social and community impact, and corporate governance issues, ONERHT Foundation launched the GAIL initiative at the 2018 annual RHT ASEAN Summit. Today, GAIL has become a much-anticipated annual event for the region’s business and industry leaders looking for actionable insights and strategies to advance their sustainability goals.

GREENING ASEAN: INITIATIVES & LEADERSHIP (GAIL) will facilitate the sharing of expertise, experience and practical strategies with the aim of helping the ASEAN businesses and other stakeholders gain the confidence and capabilities to embed and grow sustainability into their business models.

For more information and to register for the ONERHT Foundation GAIL Forum 2024, please visit: GAIL 2024 https://www.gail2024.com/#/lang=en

ONERHT Foundation Ltd

A Singapore registered charity and grant-making philanthropic organisation, ONERHT Foundation Ltd (“Foundation”) enables RHTLaw Asia LLP and the RHT Group of Companies (collectively, “ONERHT”) to do right and do good through various charitable endeavours.

Set up by ONERHT in 2015, the Foundation was registered as a Singapore charity by the Commissioner of Charities and a grant-making philanthropic organisation by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore on 16 September 2016 and 28 November 2016 respectively.

The Foundation seeks to establish, inspire and encourage the right philanthropic culture among the corporate and legal fraternity of giving back to the community in a focused, hands-on and meaningful manner. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than S$5 million to support more than 30 beneficiaries involved in education, the environment and sustainability, disadvantaged groups as well as the arts and sports.

For more information, please visit www.onerht.foundation

For media enquiries, please contact:
Elliot Siow / Elliot@waterbrooks.com.sg / +65 8375 0417

The 11th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are now accepting entries across new, diverse categories

Organisers of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) have announced an expanded roster of categories for the programme’s 2024 edition.

The 11th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are now accepting submissions ahead of the highly anticipated presentation ceremony on Friday, 13 December 2024. This prestigious event will be held at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, promising a day of celebration and recognition for outstanding achievements in the Chinese property sector.

Submissions from eligible entrants are currently being accepted via asiapropertyawards.com until 13 September 2024.

Key dates for the 2024 edition:
13 September 2024 – Entries close
23 September – 14 October 2024 – Site Inspections (Hong Kong and Macau)
16-17 October 2024 – Final Judging
13 December 2024 – Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand
13 December 2024 – Regional Grand Final Gala Presentation in Bangkok, Thailand

Embracing change, underscoring innovation

The latest edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) features an expanded list of categories that embrace change and underscore innovation in the real estate industry.

New categories in 2024 include titles for affordable residential developers as well as the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) awards for companies that lead in sustainable design, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and social impact.

Outstanding projects can also compete for new categories distinguishing the country’s finest investment properties; lifestyle developments; nature-integrated projects; and sales galleries.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Awards and Events, said: “Following the successful return of our awards programme to a physical format last year, we eagerly anticipate another celebration of success in China this year, recognising exemplary leaders and professionals in property development, architecture, and design. With innovative ideas and a commitment to quality, the real estate industry across Asia demonstrates resilience and adapts to challenges. As the Gold Standard of real estate, we believe the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards inspire creativity, stimulate solutions, elevate standards, and will ultimately help drive positive outcomes for the property sector in China.”

The Best in Asia

Top winners will have an opportunity to compete with their peers for the coveted titles of “Best in Asia” at the 19th Annual PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final on 13 December 2024.

China showcased exceptional projects at last year’s 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final where developments such as The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong by Sino Land Company Limited; M8 by China Construction Engineering (Macau) Company Limited; and New Bund 31 by Shun Tak Qiantan (Shanghai) Cultural and Real Estate Company Limited garnered regional acclaim.

The winners of the 2024 awards will be determined by an independent panel of judges, composed of experts in the property sector and related fields. The judges conduct a transparent, fair, and impartial selection process under the supervision of HLB, the global advisory and accounting network.

Ken Ip, chairperson of the Awards in Mainland China and chairman of Asia MarTech Society, said: “The Mainland Chinese property market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of headwinds. Last year’s landmark edition of our awards programme showcased the incredible dedication and creativity of developers and designers, setting new benchmarks across China’s real estate industry. Building on this success, we are glad to open entries for the latest edition of our awards, featuring exciting new categories that reflect current trends and opportunities.”

Paul Tse, chairperson of the Awards in Hong Kong and Macau and president of the Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers, said: “Last year saw the remarkable achievements of the Hong Kong and Macau property sectors showcased on the international platform of the awards. As we embark on a new edition of the awards in 2024, we anticipate an even more robust display of excellence, growth, and development in these cities. We look forward to developers and designers embracing change, exploring fresh opportunities, and guiding consumers towards a more brilliant, sustainable property market in Hong Kong and Macau.”

The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with exclusive gala events and ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE:PGRU), the 11th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau) programme is supported by official partner Anjuke; official marketing partner Global Design Awards Lab; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; official publicity partner Molihua Media Group (MMG); media partners Mingtiandi and The Standard; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: asiapropertyawards.com.

About PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards

PropertyGuru’s Asia Property Awards, established in 2005, are the region’s most exclusive and prestigious real estate awards programme. The Asia Property Awards are recognised as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the Asian property sector. Boasting an independent panel of industry experts and trusted supervisors, the Awards have an unparalleled reputation for being credible, ethical, fair, and transparent.

For more information, please visit AsiaPropertyAwards.com

About PropertyGuru Group

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia’s leading(1) PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 34 million property seekers(2) to connect with almost 55,000 agents’ monthly(3) to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.8 million real estate listings(4), in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 16 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its core markets; mortgage marketplace, PropertyGuru Finance; home services platform,Sendhelper; a host of proprietary enterprise solutions under PropertyGuru For Business including DataSense, ValueNet, Awards, events and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com;PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn

PropertyGuru Contacts:

General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com

Media & Partnerships:
Nate Dacua, Media Relations & Marketing Services Manager
M: +66 92 701 2510
E: nate@propertyguru.com

Sales & Nominations:
Kai Lok Kwok, Solutions Manager
M: (+66) 97117 8595
E: kai@propertyguru.com

Yiming Li, Solutions Manager
M: +66 082 292 1309
E: nick@propertyguru.com

Startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia and India show signs of maturity – Profitability and customer-centricity take centre stage: HubSpot Study

HubSpot, the customer platform for scaling businesses, today announced the findings of a study conducted by Milieu Insight that explored the trends and innovations shaping the startup landscape in Southeast Asia and India.

Despite current global economic headwinds and private funding in the region declining to its lowest levels in six years, the startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia and India remains resilient, demonstrating significant signs of maturity. HubSpot’s new report reveals that on average, about half (53%) of startups across the region found it easier to grow their businesses in the past year compared to previous years. Notably, startups recognise the need to balance growth and profitability, with the majority of regional startups agreeing that a clear path to profitability (98%) has become more important in the last year as compared to the years prior.

This resilience is characterised by an interesting dichotomy: while geographical expansion presents challenges, with 23% of startups finding it harder to enter new markets, customer acquisition and retention have become more manageable. Although 18% mentioned that acquiring customers has become more challenging, more than half (55%) of startups report improvements in customer acquisition and retention. Increased competition (31%), stricter customer demands (31%), and access to capital (29%) were cited as the key challenges to customer acquisition among those who mentioned acquiring customers have gotten harder.

Laurence Butler, Global Senior Director, HubSpot for Startups, commented: “These signs of growing resilience are a testament to the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. While digital transformation has been a focus among the region’s SMBs in recent years, the digital-first nature of modern startups empowers them to swiftly adapt to volatile market conditions by leveraging data analytics and foundational technologies such as CRM platforms. Most startups now recognise the critical importance of having a clear path to profitability, marking a shift towards focusing on core markets and building robust customer relationships, which are crucial for long-term sustainability.”

Potential for technology-augmented growth

The survey findings also revealed that startups in the region have built a robust foundation of technology and are leveraging their tech stack to collect, structure, and analyse customer data to drive business growth.

Almost all (99%) startups say they are using at least one CRM tool and eight in ten (81%) startups are satisfied with their tech stack. CRM platforms consolidate customer data from multiple sources, creating a single source of truth that enables brands to accurately track and measure the impact or effectiveness of their customer engagement efforts.

Consequently, 71% of startups surveyed perceive that they have an adequate amount of data at their disposal to identify new opportunities for business growth. The collective use of data and technology is not only helping drive innovation and build better customer relationships, but may have also contributed to the enhanced resilience and adaptability of startups in the backdrop of a persisting global funding winter.

The report also uncovered a disparity between countries surveyed. More than a third of startups (38%) in the Philippines reported a lack of sufficient data on their business prospects and the customer journey. Only 58% of startups in the Philippines indicated satisfaction with their tech stack, the lowest among all countries surveyed. This could have contributed to local startups’ inability to collect the right data for better decision-making and also their growth prospects. Nearly half (48%) expressed that it is more difficult than before to grow their companies, almost double the regional average of 25%.

Amid ongoing economic uncertainties, the findings collectively suggest that the most successful startups will be those that adopt the relevant technologies to collect and leverage customer data, boosting their growth or expansion prospects.

AI is on the rise but talent is still in short supply

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming the startup landscape in Southeast Asia and India. AI is increasingly seen as a pivotal element in the future strategies of companies, automating repetitive tasks and creating new roles that demand advanced skill sets. However, this technological advancement comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in the area of talent acquisition.

Startups are struggling to fill key positions, with marketing (46%), customer success (40%), as well as sales and business development (38%) roles being the most difficult to hire for among go-to-market positions. For non-go-to-market positions, AI and machine learning engineers top the list of hardest-to-hire roles (35%), followed closely by experts in data analytics (33%), product management, (33%) and industry-specific specialists (33%). Software engineers also remain in high demand (32%).

Cost and experience are identified as the primary shortcomings in the current talent pool across the region. Other challenges include a lack of soft skills among candidates and mismatch of expectations regarding remote and hybrid working arrangements.

The talent landscape varies across different countries:

In Singapore, the lack of diversity in the talent pool (41%) and the shortage of specialised technical skills (37%) are significant challenges, alongside cost (37%).
In India, limited experience in startup environments (49%), expectations misalignment regarding remote/hybrid work (49%), a general shortage of talent (48%), lack of soft skills (47%), and high turnover rates (41%) are prevalent issues, with cost being a major factor (50%).
Indonesia mirrors many of India’s trends, although the challenges related to soft skills, remote/hybrid working expectations, and turnover rates are less pronounced.

With the talent shortage showing no signs of easing, startups must rethink their talent strategies to overcome these hurdles. Solutions could include investing in upskilling and reskilling employees by tapping government-led talent initiatives such as Singapore’s SkillsFuture programme, leveraging remote work to access a broader talent pool, and fostering a culture that values diversity and continuous learning.

Future outlook: The role of AI in driving growth

The majority of startups across the region (98%) agree that AI is important in their future strategy, particularly among those in India and Indonesia. 73% of respondents in India and 63% in Indonesia strongly agreed with this statement, the highest sentiments registered among all countries surveyed.

Leveraging AI offers several key opportunities for startups:

Accelerating Time to Market: 32% of startups see AI as a way to bring products to market faster.
Enhancing Product Delivery: 30% believe AI can help in delivering products more quickly.
Competing with Larger Competitors: 30% view AI as a tool to level the playing field against bigger competitors and incumbents.

“Today, AI is viewed as the single largest economic opportunity since the start of the internet, and data is the currency of AI,” explained Butler. “Residing in some of the world’s fastest growing digital economies, digital-native startups in the region are well-positioned to tap on their established tech infrastructure and quality data that form the basis for effective AI solutions. By leveraging AI, startups can quickly identify gaps in their business models, better anticipate customer needs, and improve their overall ability to deliver highly personalised customer experiences.”

These findings were based on responses from 600 startup founders and decision-makers across Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and India to understand their biggest challenges and opportunities for growth conducted from February to March 2024.

Learn more about the startup pulse report at https://hubs.la/Q02zzr3s0. For more insights like this and helpful tips for founders, we invite you to join HubSpot for Startups. Get a library of free resources, access to top investors, and a place to meet other passionate founders — plus exclusive discounts on AI-powered growth tools. Learn more here: hubspot.com/startups

About HubSpot

Press contact:
Yanchang Tan
E: yanchangtan@slingstone.com