Creativeans Co-Founder recognised for redefining branding through AI, innovation, and design-led impact across Asia

Singapore, 13 November 2025 — Kimming Yap, Co-Founder and Managing Director of award-winning consultancy Creativeans, has been named to Campaign Asia-Pacific’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list for 2025, spotlighting rising stars transforming the region’s marketing and creative landscape.

A globally recognised designpreneur, Kimming’s journey began with a passion for design in high school, eventually leading him to Milan where he earned a Master in Design from Domus Academy and a Master of Arts from the University of Wales. That European influence shaped what would become one of Singapore’s most innovative branding consultancies: Creativeans, with offices in Singapore, Jakarta, and Milan.

His commitment to using design as a strategic business tool becomes the heart of Kimming’s success. He co-developed the firm’s ISO-certified BrandBuilder® methodology and spearheaded the launch of BrandsBuilder.ai, Singapore’s first AI-powered brand consultancy platform. The platform allows SMEs and enterprises to access automated brand audits, strategic positioning, and identity creation tools, making branding smarter and more scalable.

Kimming also co-founded HOVARLAY, a no-code solution that transforms physical packaging into immersive digital experiences using AR and real-time updates. Clients like Indonesia Game Expo and Happy Harvest (Summarecon Group) have used it to drive both engagement and sustainability, as two values central to Kimming’s leadership.

Over the past year, Creativeans has achieved a 150% year-on-year revenue increase in Indonesia, thanks to Kimming’s deep understanding of local markets and strategic partnerships with cross-border partners. 

“Kimming’s leadership is decisive and methodical,” said Khairul Hussin, Co-Founder of Creativeans. “He consistently pushes boundaries without losing sight of what matters most: people, purpose, and progress.”

Yulia Saksen, International Brand Consultant and fellow Co-Founder, added: “His journey proves that creative leadership can be commercially impactful, socially meaningful, and nationally significant.”

Beyond business growth, Kimming is deeply involved in shaping the design ecosystem in Southeast Asia. As Vice President of the Design Business Chamber Singapore and an academic advisor to institutions like Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Institute of Technical Education, he influences both national strategy and education.

Kimming’s social-impact work also spans health and youth support, where he has worked with the Brain Tumour Society (Singapore) and collaborated with community organisations such as Strong Olive, which supports young cancer patients. He continues to mentor young creatives through DesignSingapore Council’s Learning by Design initiative and has co-led a dementia-care design collaboration with Apex Harmony Lodge and NAFA that engaged students in empathy-led making, encouraging them to leverage design to solve real-world problems.

His environmental advocacy with the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore)  has driven campaigns like “Care For Each Otter,” promoting wildlife conservation through design, and his contribution towards Tour of Hope, a four-day programme celebrating Dr Jane Goodall’s 90th year to rally public and corporate support for conservation education.

Kimming Kimming’s recognition in the 40 Under 40 list reflects a noteworthy moment in the evolving landscape of branding, design, and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region