DOF scores $30m in Asia Pacific contracts

US President Donald Trump failed to finalize a deal to sell Chinese-owned TikTok to American investors and issued an executive order extending the deadline by 75 days to keep the app operational. Trump stated in a Truth Social post that more work is needed for necessary approvals, expressing hope to reach an agreement with China despite tensions over tariffs. The US Supreme Court upheld a TikTok ban, leaving the app's fate uncertain as it faces...

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been ousted from office by the Constitutional Court for violating the constitution and declaring martial law, becoming the second president to be impeached, with the court ruling his actions as an attempt to seize emergency power. The country remains in a political crisis, exacerbated by US President Trump's tariffs on South Korean exports, with efforts to address the economic impact and prepare for new elections in June to...

In March 2025, Southeast Asia's tech startup ecosystem saw a surge in funding, reaching US$99.5 million across 22 rounds, an 82.1% increase from the previous month but 10.31% lower than the same period last year. Iterative was the most active VC firm, with notable deals by Higala and Filum. The growth reflects renewed investor confidence, despite fundraising challenges highlighted by January Capital's report. Full Article

Authorities in South Korea are bracing for tens of thousands of protesters in central Seoul as the Constitutional Court deliberates President Yoon Suk Yeol's fate, with 14,000 police deployed, drones banned, and businesses closed. Protests are set to begin ahead of the court's decision on Yoon's removal from office, following his impeachment and detention on insurrection charges, raising fears of clashes between supporters and opponents. A fortresslike environment has been created around the court to...

On April 3, US stocks plummeted in response to Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs, resulting in the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 4.0% to 40,545.93 and the S&P 500 closing down 4.8% at 5,396.52 - its worst day since June 2020. The Nasdaq Composite also saw a significant decline, falling 6.0% to 16,550.60, marking its largest one-day drop since March 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Full Article

In 2024, the ad industry faced financial challenges, with layoffs and budget cuts impacting agencies. Generative AI adoption was rapid but results were mixed, raising questions about its impact on creativity. The Agency Report Cards for APAC networks showed a concentration of B and C grades, with media agencies performing well and a focus on business growth and innovation. Despite accolades, creative performance was average due to economic factors and industry shifts towards AI. Full...