Tom Simpson
Founder, Digital in Asia · Managing Partner, AK3R
Twenty years of building, investing in, and writing about technology companies across Asia. Specialising in gaming ad tech, digital advertising, and the intersection of AI and Asian digital markets.
Background
Tom Simpson is the founder of Digital in Asia (DIA), an independent publication covering technology, gaming, e-commerce, fintech, and AI across the Asia-Pacific region since 2013. He is also Managing Partner at AK3R, a gaming and ad tech consultancy that works directly with publishers, platforms, and advertisers across Southeast Asia.
Tom’s professional experience spans two decades across media, technology, advertising, and venture capital in Asia. He has held roles in digital strategy, business development, and investment across Singapore, Hong Kong, and the broader APAC region. His work at DIA draws on first-hand operational experience with gaming studios, ad tech platforms, programmatic supply chains, and digital media businesses throughout the region.
Areas of Expertise
Gaming Ad Tech
In-game advertising, rewarded video, mobile game monetisation, and the programmatic supply chain across Southeast Asia. Direct operational experience through AK3R.
Digital Advertising in Asia
Platform dynamics, programmatic buying, CTV, retail media networks, and ad spend trends across China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
Vietnam Digital Economy
Gaming, e-commerce (Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop), digital payments (MoMo, ZaloPay), and the broader digital transformation landscape.
AI & Emerging Tech in Asia
Sovereign AI programmes, agentic commerce, super-app ecosystems, and the application of AI to advertising and commerce across APAC markets.
Research & Reports
DIA publishes original data-driven research on Asian digital markets. Reports draw on primary research, industry data, and first-hand market knowledge.
Vietnam Gaming & Esports 2026
57 pages · Market sizing, player behaviour, competitive landscape, esports ecosystem, investment opportunities
AI Ecosystem Across Asia 2026
57 pages · Market size, government strategy, technology, and investment across 11 APAC markets
Professional History
Over twenty years in Asian technology markets, Tom has worked across the media, advertising, gaming, and investment sectors. His experience includes building and scaling digital businesses, advising international companies on Asian market entry, and investing in early-stage technology ventures. He is based in Asia and has worked across Singapore, Hong Kong, Greater China, and Southeast Asia.
Through AK3R, Tom works directly with game publishers, ad tech platforms, and advertisers on monetisation strategy, supply chain optimisation, and market development across the APAC gaming advertising ecosystem.
At a Glance
Years in Asia Tech
20+ years across media, advertising, gaming, and technology in Asia-Pacific
Markets Covered
China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong
Reports Published
Vietnam Gaming & Esports 2026, AI Ecosystem Across Asia 2026, plus ongoing market analysis since 2013
Current Roles
Founder & Editor, Digital in Asia. Managing Partner, AK3R (gaming ad tech consultancy)
Get in Touch
For editorial enquiries, speaking engagements, consultancy projects, or partnership opportunities.