Digital happenings this week from Google, Tencent, Isobar and more

US-based agency Rocket Fuel appointed Ken Mandel to its board of advisers as part of its efforts to gear up for expansion in Asia. Mandel, head of Singapore-based Interactive Advertising Bureau, previously held executive regional roles with Yahoo, OgilvyOne Asia-Pacific and Neo@Ogilvy.

Air Koryo, North Korea’s national airline, rolled out a Facebook page to attract fans and encourage tourism to the reclusive state. The Facebook page, in English, currently has over 2,000 likes and features an active conversation with its fans.

A joint study by Google and Ipsos has revealed that Asia-Pacific had the highest mobile phone penetration in the world and using their smartphones to shop and play more than any other region. The study, covering over 30,000 sample responses, also found that more consumers in Asia-Pacific (except Australia and Malaysia) find their smartphone more interesting than TV than those in the US. 

Isobar Hong Kong named Munhoe Tung as its creative director as part of its efforts to boost digital capabilities across the network. He joins from JWT where he was digital creative director, and also spent six years as the senior art director for XM Singapore.

Tencent's search engine business, SOSO.com, has selected Optimedia Beijing to handle its media account. The agency had also worked on Tencent's branding account over the past five years.

Jonathan Ip rejoined Saatchi & Saatchi as its head of digital creative following stints at BBDO and Proximity China. His previous stint at the agency was with Saatchi & Saatchi Guangzhou from 2006 to 2010. 

Google celebrated Malaysia's 54th Independence Day with a new 'Google doodle' on its Malaysia page featuring the Malaysian flag and a ketupat or 'packed rice'. Google had previously dedicated a 'doodle' logo to celebrate Malaysia's 50th anniversary of its independence in 2007.

DG, a Nasdaq-listed digital media solutions and technology provider acquired EyeWonder from Limelight Networks for US$66 million in cash. EyeWonder is a video and rich media advertising unit that has its regional office in Sydney. 

Mediacom added NRMA Motoring & Services’s paid search marketing account after a pitch against several specialist search agencies. NRMA Motoring & Services provides members roadside assistance along with travel and lifestyle benefits, products and services. 

PHD China appointed Lars Bjørge to the newly-created role of digital strategy director and report to Mark Heap, CEO of PHD China. He joins the agency after a one-year stint at OgilvyOne China where he was digital lead.