Next Digital acquires FutureLab Asia; to expand to Manila next

This acquisition will see FutureLab Asia rebranding as Next Digital, and the former’s social media strategy skills will be integrated into Next Digital’s service offering that includes creative, web, mobile and digital marketing services.

Next Digital has offices in Australia and Shanghai. FutureLab Asia, meanwhile, has offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, working with clients such as Maxis, Johnson & Johnson, AirAsia and 7-Eleven.

Andrew Burke, chief executive officer at Next Digital, said, “Next Digital undertook extensive research into digital marketing businesses in the ASEAN region and found FutureLab Asia to be a great business, with world class talent and services that really complement what we already offer.”

He went on to say that the acquisition will enable Next Digital to improve the way the agency delivers on the social media needs of the clients. “Their idea processes, creative thinking and ability to execute amazing and award-winning campaigns will add that extra level of firepower to Next Digital. Acquiring FutureLab Asia is a key step in our growth strategy and follows our continued strong growth in China.”

On further expansion within the region, Burke told Campaign that Next Digital was looking at an organic growth plan in Manila, with an announcement to be made in the next three months. The company is also considering opportunities in Indonesia, as well as Vietnam and Thailand.

“We see fantastic growth in the digital industry in Asia and Indonesia is a very interesting country. We are looking at options of venturing into the country and we think partnership is the most likely in this case,” he added.

Founders of FutureLab Asia, Janet Teo and Vic Sithasanan, will be joining Next Digital and heading up two separate locations in Southeast Asia. Teo has been named the CEO of Next Digital Kuala Lumpur, while Sithasanan will lead Next Digital Singapore.

Sithasanan noted that being part of Next Digital provides the agency with the scale to compete with global agencies. “Next Digital is developing a strong network across the region, has great talent across its offices and focuses on developing exceptional work. We are all really excited to be part of this vibrant company and feel a close kinship because we share similar values.”