Influencer platform Hiip expands into 3 SEA markets

Southeast Asian influencer platform Hiip has expanded into Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Co-founder and chief executive officer of Hiip, Phi Nguyen, explained that adding these three markets to Hiip's network will further cement its position as a technology solution provider for brands and influencers in Southeast Asia, as it can now offer its artificial intelligence throughout the entire region. 

Hiip is an influencer technology solution provider in Southeast Asia using social data and end-to-end software. To date, it has partnered with more than 1,000 brands and advertisers to work with more than 20,000 vetted social influencers. Among the list of brands that Hiips has worked with include Oreo, Heineken, Unilever, Senka, Lazada, and CJ Entertainment. It also has operations in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Among its list of investors include 500 Startups, Vulpes Investment Management and Cocoon Capital.

According to Nguyen, it now has more than 100 employees and with its recent market expansion, the company is now "even better placed" in the region. Hiip's in-house tech team provides both key opinion leader marketing, as well as eCommerce capabilities so that brands can optimise their budgets for maximum returns. With Hiip's foray into the three markets, it will now be able to provide influencer marketing and eCommerce technology solutions to its clients on a regional basis.

He told MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that the team loves to work with local talents in business development, account management, operations and influencer relations. The team plans to serve both local and multinational brands in its markets. "Of course, there will be more regional clients where we can add a lot of value with our network and presence in all major countries in Southeast Asia, plus our unique technology in this field," Nguyen said. While he did not disclose who are some of the clients that have come on board, Nguyen said Hiip's current plan is to become the top player in each market that it is present in.

This is especially helpful for the Singapore market since many MNCs have their regional headquarters in the country. CEO of Hiip Singapore, Cecilia Cheng, said. Meanwhile, Nikki Fedelicio, CEO of Hiip Philippines, explained that the country is one of the largest and fastest-growing influencer markets globally.

Meanwhile, Hiip's chairman Eric Rosenkranz said US, Europeans and Asian clients are seeking opportunities in the rapidly growing Southeast Asia region, and that Southeast Asia is the fifth largest economy in the world. He added that Southeast Asia's digital economy is projected to exceed SG$300 billion by 2025, on the back of over 400 million active Internet connections and a young, tech-savvy middle-class. In light of this, Rosenkranz said Hiip has strongly positioned itself to take advantage of this exciting opportunity. 

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