The media, marketing, advertising, and creative industries are at a critical juncture, facing the rapid advancements in technology, particularly with the rise of generative artificial intelligence. To thrive in this evolving landscape, these sectors must innovate and adapt. Collaboration among industry players is essential to develop effective strategies that address the unique needs of each sector.
Dr. Dinh Le Dat, co-founder and chairman of Antsomi, shared valuable insights at the 10th Asia Pacific Media Forum (APMF 2024) in Bali, Indonesia, held from May 1 to 3. He discussed how Southeast Asia’s MarTech solutions are set to transform the digital future of publishers.
Key Challenges in Southeast Asia’s Publishing Landscape
During the panel discussion titled “Do Brands Still Need Publishers?”, Dr. Dat, alongside Dian Gemiano, Chairman of the Indonesian Digital Association, and Eileen Ooi, President of the Malaysian Digital Association, underscored the pivotal role of digital transformation in the publishing sector.
Dr. Dat emphasized the importance of integrating marketing technology to create a comprehensive 360-degree view of customers and readers.By leveraging advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and omnichannel strategies like Online Merge Offline (OMO), publishers can deliver personalized content and experiences that resonate with audiences across all platforms.
The Path to Digital Transformation
Dr. Dat outlined several key steps for publishers to adapt to the digital age:
- Transforming Sales Teams: Evolving sales teams into digitally integrated omnichannel agencies.
- Empowering Journalists: Shifting journalists into GenAI-driven creators to enhance content production.
- Personalizing Content: Moving from mass content to tailored content experiences that engage readers.
- Adopting Customer-Centric Strategies: Implementing marketing technology to foster strong relationships with customers and brands.
These transformations are crucial for building meaningful connections among customers, readers, brands, and agencies, ultimately driving sustained growth in the digital era.
The Importance of Trustworthy Content
Eileen Ooi emphasized the significance of credible and trustworthy news in an era plagued by misinformation and fake news. This commitment to integrity is vital for maintaining audience trust and engagement.
Strengthening Publisher-Brand Relationships
Dian Gemiano concluded by highlighting the critical nature of the publisher-brand relationship for societal improvement. Strong collaborations between publishers and brands can lead to better content and meaningful societal impact.
Conclusion
As Southeast Asia’s media and marketing industries navigate these challenges, embracing innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making will be essential. By working together, these sectors can create a dynamic and sustainable digital ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of audiences and businesses alike.