Beyond the hype – how AI is truly transforming CX in APAC

In 2026, AI-powered CX will  represent a fundamental shift toward agentic systems—intelligent entities capable of reasoning, maintaining long-term memory, and executing complex workflows autonomously. For businesses across Singapore, Australia, Japan, and beyond, the priority has moved from merely automating interactions to orchestrating outcomes that drive measurable loyalty and revenue. Major regional players, such as Singapore’s …

Mind the Gap – Why consumer perception is the new battleground for Australian SMBs

The Australian small and medium business (SMB) sector is entering 2026 facing a paradox. While business owners report high levels of confidence and gold-standard performance, their customers are signaling a different reality. According to the newly released Thryv 2025 Business Index and Consumer Report, a widening “Experience Gap” has emerged. For the modern entrepreneur, simply …

4 best billing and payment solutions for government agencies

Government agencies face increasing pressure to modernize, driven by citizen expectations for convenience and fast, secure experiences similar to those offered by private companies. However, many state and local organizations still rely on legacy systems that no longer meet today’s demands. This gap often results in slower processing times and limited payment options, frustrating users, …

The shift to conversational CX – Interview with Sinch’s Angus Mansfied

The traditional “omnichannel” approach is being replaced by something far more dynamic: a living ecosystem of intelligent, two-way dialogues. As brands move away from simple automation toward sophisticated “digital labour,” the focus has shifted from mere efficiency to deep, trust-based customer connections. To explore how these trends are manifesting in the Australian market, Mark Atterby …

Bankwest’s ‘Just Enough Bank’ requires a balance of both positioning and customer execution

2025 saw a campaign that had some in the Australian marketing fraternity all a-flutter. Bank West is betting on a new platform in market. “Just Enough Bank”. In straight positioning terms, it does appear to tick a few boxes. If we assume there’s good market diagnostics informing the strategy, and we have no reason not …

Winning the 2026 experience race – Moving from ‘AI-first’ to ‘trust-first’

Organisations have been told that AI is the key to unlocking unparalleled customer experiences. Yet, as we move toward 2026, a significant gap remains between the promise of AI and the reality for consumers. Many businesses are investing heavily in AI, but those investments largely sit behind the scenes, optimising internal processes rather than delivering …

Why 2026 is the tipping point for Australian banking CX

Switching suppliers is becoming less painful and that means local players will need to lift their game and fast. Get them in young and you’ll keep them forever. This has been the prevailing marketing philosophy in the financial services sector for decades and it’s informed the way institutions have engaged with their customers and delivered …