I&CO, the global innovation firm co-founded by Rei Inamoto, ex-global CCO of AKQA, has expanded to Singapore. The new office in Singapore is the company’s second in Asia, following its Tokyo office in 2019, and will spearhead business development in the Asian market.

Norikuni Takamiya will be appointed head of I&CO APAC, the new Singapore Office, and Kyohei Takeuchi, business development manager.

As the APAC region is expected to be the fastest-growing region of the world economy in 2024 and Singapore is already proving itself as a popular hub and strategic entry point for investors and global companies. However, this comes with high hurdles as Singapore presents unique challenges with its local consumer preferences, the recent announcement to tighten work visa conditions for foreigners, and restrictions on local recruitment.

Against this backdrop of higher barriers for companies, I&CO APAC and its new Singapore office will leverage its extensive experience in global strategy and design to provide bi-directional support to assist companies entering the APAC market, and Asia-based companies expanding out of APAC. I&CO has successfully initiated connections between Japan and its surrounding countries with the following projects.

I&CO has already established relationships with over 200 Asia-based start-ups and aims to strengthen connections and partnerships further with the launch of its new office.“

Since our inception in New York in 2016 and the Tokyo office’s launch in 2019, I&CO has worked on numerous branding projects for Japanese and international companies. With our new Singapore office in 2024, we will leverage our global portfolio to foster cultural and economic exchanges across Asia and worldwide. Our mission is to create global brands, services, and innovation from Asia,” stated  Norikuni Takamiya, head of I&CO APAC.

The new office will be located at Twenty Anson #11-01, 20 Anson Rd, Singapore 079912.