Tom Simpson

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.

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.

team@digitalinasia.com