MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Following The One Club for Creativity’s announcement of Tay Guan Hin’s appointment as APAC Regional Director for Awards, Programs, and Partnerships, adobo Magazine caught up with him to discuss his new role and vision for the future of creativity in the region.
Previously Creative Chairman at BBDO Singapore, Guan expressed, “After years in agency life, I felt the pull to make a larger impact across the entire creative landscape in APAC. While my time at BBDO was incredibly rewarding, this new role at The One Club allows me to step back from the day-to-day operations of an agency and focus on nurturing and supporting talent on a broader scale.”
He emphasized his desire to contribute to building a thriving creative ecosystem in the region, noting that “The One Club offers a unique platform to do just that. It’s a chance to create something that can benefit the entire industry, not just one agency or brand.”
This newly established role presents an exciting opportunity for Guan to help shape the future of creativity across APAC, which is what attracted him in the first place. The scope of the position —overseeing awards, programs, and partnerships — allows him to blend his expertise in recognizing outstanding work with his passion for connecting people and developing talent. With The One Club’s esteemed global reputation, Guan is eager to bring its prestigious programs, such as The One Show and ADC Awards, into the spotlight across Asia. “It’s a chance to amplify the region’s talent and create platforms that showcase the incredible work happening here,” he said.
When asked about his approach to expanding The One Club’s presence and industry support in APAC, Guan shared, “My primary goal is to build a strong, sustainable presence for The One Club in APAC by fostering deeper relationships with local agencies, creatives, and brands. I aim to introduce more regional programming tailored to the unique needs of the markets here while maintaining the global standards of The One Club.”
Guan’s commitment to nurturing talent at every level is central to his vision, which is why mentorship plays such a critical role in his plans for the region. “Mentorship is a huge focus for me,” he explained, outlining his strategy to boost participation in prestigious awards while also introducing initiatives that nurture young talent. By expanding programs like Portfolio Night and developing localized efforts such as ONE School and ONE Creator Lab, Guan aims to ensure that underrepresented creatives across APAC have the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.”
“APAC’s creative community is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and perspectives, and it’s crucial to support its growth because it has the potential to shape global trends,” Guan noted. “A thriving regional creative community not only boosts the local economy but also fosters innovation and cultural exchange. By nurturing talent and providing platforms for creatives to connect, collaborate, and grow, we can unlock the true potential of the region’s creative industries.”
With a clear vision and a strong commitment to collaboration and mentorship, Guan is poised to make a lasting impact on the creative landscape of APAC, ensuring that its diverse voices are celebrated and its talent flourishes.
