The first Digital Marketing World Forum (DMWF) of the year kicked off in Singapore this February, bringing together top marketers from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the biggest trends shaping 2025. Across two packed days of panels and keynotes, a few key themes kept surfacing.
AI: No Longer a Buzzword, But a Business Essential
If there was any lingering doubt about AI’s role in digital marketing, this forum put it to rest. Of the 36 sessions, 7 had AI in their titles, while many more explored how AI is transforming strategy and execution.
Kat Warboys, Senior Director of APAC Marketing at HubSpot, delivered a talk titled “From Hype to Reality: AI’s Evolution from Buzzword to Growth Essential.” She emphasized AI’s potential beyond content creation, highlighting its ability to support broader business strategies.
While skepticism around AI adoption is understandable, Warboys’ message was clear: AI isn’t going anywhere, and the key is learning how to use it effectively. Her takeaway? “AI can help teams work smarter.” But that doesn’t mean handing over the reins. It’s about strategic implementation to enhance, not replace, human expertise.
Influencers: Still a Marketing Powerhouse
Influencer marketing remains a force to be reckoned with, as proven by multiple sessions dedicated to the topic. Two standout talks included, a panel, “The Key to Creator & Influencer Success” and “Driving Your Way to Influencer Success” by Rosebel Garcia, Head of Marketing & Commercial at Hertz Philippines.
For brands looking to refine their influencer strategy, we’ve got you covered. Check out our article, Influencer Marketing: A Powerful Way to Grow Your Brand, for a deep dive into making influencer partnerships work.
SEO: Adapting to AI and Zero-Click Searches
SEO is evolving fast, and marketers need to keep up. Day one of the forum featured two key talks on the subject: “Winning in AI Search: Navigating Zero-Click & AI Overviews” by Tom Koh of MediaOne and “Is Your SEO Agency Bullshitting You?” by Fabian Seow of First Page Digital.
Koh shared a striking stat: “60% of Google searches now result in zero clicks.” [Source] This means traditional SEO tactics won’t cut it. Marketers must rethink strategies to engage users before they even land on a site.
Meanwhile, Seow tackled SEO agency tactics, noting that search engines aren’t the only sources people turn to for information anymore. As a result, businesses need a more flexible, goal-oriented approach to search visibility.
Empathy: The Human Side of Marketing
While AI and SEO took center stage, another recurring theme was the importance of empathy in marketing. Silvia Román, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Booking.com, spoke on “Empathy’s Power: Leading a Customer-Centric Marketing Team.” Her core message? Brands that truly understand their customers’ emotions and needs will build stronger connections and loyalty.
We’ve said it before, and it bears repeating: personalization matters. Consumers are savvier than ever, and they expect brands to speak to their specific needs, not just push generic campaigns.
More Insights to Come
This was just the first of four DMWF events in 2025, with more forums set to take place across Europe and North America. We’ll be updating this article with fresh insights as the year unfolds. So stay tuned for the latest trends and how to apply them to your marketing strategy.
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