DO Agency expands to Southeast Asia

Australian independent creative network, DO, has further expanded its Asia-Pacific footprint with the launch of a new South-East Asia (SEA) business.

The launch of DO SEA marks the second international market for DO, as the multi-disciplinary creative agency continues to grow its business in Asia-Pacific by partnering with ambitious people and brands seeking accelerated growth across the region.

Following on from the micro-networks launch of DO Japan in 2022, DO now has operations across Australia, Japan and three South-East Asian markets, Singapore, Bangkok and Manila, with expansion plans for Europe, UK, MENA & North America.

DO has acquired regional Digital Media & KOL Agency, Ambient Digital Group and partnered with leading regional agency executives Matthew Collier (pictured right) and Beer Poonnotok (pictured left), as joint founding partners and Managing Director and Executive Creative Director respectively.

DO Founder & Group CEO, Andrew Dowling said the opening of DO SEA continues the agency’s growth roadmap, creating a multi-disciplined global micro-network.

“The launch of DO across South-East Asia, is another momentous achievement for our growing team. The acquisition of Ambient Digital Group was the first step in our South-East Asia ambitions. Their expertise in digital media is something which we can utilise across our other offices in Asia- Pacific and brings key marketing disciplines under the one roof. The second and most important step was partnering with the best regional talent in Collier and Beer, two proven and effective leaders with decades of in-market experience. Both have worked with the biggest networks and clients across the region, on occasion crossing paths. Their joint ambition was a natural fit for the DO brand and business model,” said Dowling.

Collier said: “Dowling and I have known each other for over 10 years. He approached me at the right time and our minds were converging into the same space. The DO model of ‘Talk Less, DO More’ is something I’ve always been a proponent of. Our industry talks too much, trying to create a perception of value versus getting things done and delivering measurable success for our clients, that’s what DO is focused on. Also, the benefits of having digital media and creative services under the one roof is exciting. Clients spend far too much time managing agencies, our nimble one-stop-shop solution makes their lives easier, not harder.”

Poonnotok said: “It’s indeed an extremely exciting step for me after dedicating 20 years working across all markets in South-East Asia. This opportunity to partner with Tom Ormes and the DO team was an exciting one that I couldn’t miss. The emergence of micro-networks and the thriving regional economy, coupled with the agency’s strong team, shared beliefs, and efficient structure, make it an irresistible chance to seize. As I always say, Let’s DO this!”

DO & Ambient Digital SEA has already had a successful kick off, after their team in Philippines recently landed a deal to help set-up Newport World Resorts’ digital eco-system, ensuring its efficient operations.

Launched in 2017 by Andrew Dowling and Tom Ormes, DO has established itself as the up-and- coming agency in the advertising industry and was named as an agency to watch in 2021. With backing from both local and international investors, DO is continuing to search for local partners and industry leaders to build its strategic network around the globe.