VCCP acquires GOVT and merges Singapore operations to form GOVT VCCP

VCCP has wholly acquired independent agency GOVT and merged its Singapore business with GOVT Singapore and sister agency Ministry to create a new 'global-local' entity, GOVT VCCP.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The combined operation set the foundation for VCCP’s Singapore hub and a base for further expansion across Asia. The agencies stated that the new structure is designed to deliver integrated services to regional and global clients based in Singapore.

GOVT VCCP will operate under VCCP’s 'one roof' model and offer specialities like advertising, data and analytics, social and content, technology and AI, and customer experience services.

The combined agency will continue to work with clients including OCBC Bank, Cathay Pacific, Sentosa, Julie’s Biscuits, Puma, Chick-fil-A, Deliveroo and Canon, as well as multiple Singapore government agencies and statutory boards.

Campaign learns that no roles will be eliminated in the process. 

GOVT's Tim Chan will continue as chief executive of the newly formed GOVT VCCP, whilst VCCP Singapore's managing director Katya Obolensky, has been elevated to chief growth officer, with a mandate to drive the network’s expansion across Asia. Both will report to group CEO Julian Douglas. GOVT co-founder Aaron Koh will serve as chief creative officer. GOVT co-founder Leon Lai will remain involved in the business but step back from day-to-day operations.

Chan said the deal was driven by the need to scale and that there are no client conflicts.

“Being small and nimble got us here, but staying that way would also mean saying no to bigger opportunities we’ve earned the right to pursue,” he said. “Merging with VCCP is like having a new big brother… We’re thrilled to fly the VCCP flag in our part of the world.”

Obolensky said the two agencies were aligned from the start.

“In GOVT, we found the perfect match,” she said. “From our first meeting, the synergy was undeniable… I am thrilled to join forces with Tim and his world-class team.”

Background and added context

GOVT was founded in 2012 by Leon Lai and Aaron Koh and has grown into a 70-person creative agency. Its sister agency, Ministry, was launched in 2023 to bring GOVT’s digital and social capabilities under one roof, led by partners Kelvin Koo and Min Mei Foong.

The merger formalises that structure under the VCCP network, combining GOVT, Ministry and VCCP’s Singapore operation into a single entity.

The formation of GOVT VCCP adds to a string of agency consolidations in Singapore since last year.  In October, Publicis Groupe acquired Singapore-based influencer marketing agency Hepmil Media Group, parent company of creator-led platform SGAG.​ Meanwhile, following the Omnicom-IPG acquisition, McCann and MullenLowe's Singapore operations were integrated into a single creative agency under the McCann banner in December.

VCCP currently employs over 1,600 people across 11 offices worldwide, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Singapore.