With nominations now open for the 2025 Council term (April–October 2025), we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you understand the nomination process, time commitment, and the benefits of participating.
Whether you’re a returning council member or new to the process, this FAQ will walk you through everything you need to know.
What are Regional Councils?
Regional Councils are expert-led working groups that develop solutions tailored to Southeast Asia and India’s unique digital landscape. Unlike global frameworks, these councils tackle region-specific challenges head-on, creating practical resources like guidelines, tools, playbooks, and research that drive responsible growth and real business impact. Each council brings together diverse perspectives from brands, agencies, publishers and platforms to create meaningful industry change.
What are the benefits of joining a regional council?
Companies whose teams participate in councils gain strategic advantages:
Industry Influence
– Design and shape standards and practices that impact your sector
– Position your company at the forefront of digital transformation
– Drive industry-wide solutions that benefit your business
Business Intelligence
– Gain early insights into industry trends and challenges
– Access diverse perspectives from across the digital ecosystem
– Understand emerging opportunities and potential disruptions
Talent Development
– Enhance your team’s strategic capabilities through hands-on experience
– Build cross-industry relationships that benefit your business
– Bring fresh perspectives and solutions back to your company
As one senior leader notes:
"Council participation has brought fresh perspectives and new ideas back to our teams. Our team members return energised, with a broader understanding of industry challenges and opportunities. This not only enhances our client service but also strengthens our position as a thought leader in the region."
Who is on a regional Council?
Councils bring together diverse senior leaders from across the digital ecosystem. 2024 council members represented roles such as:
Responsible Privacy Council:
- Tech Transformation Leaders
- Partnership Specialists
- Marketing Science Experts
- Measurement Leaders
- Policy Specialists
IAB Academy Council:
- Client Growth Leaders
- Digital Strategy Directors
- Agency Business Heads
- Platform Solutions Specialists
- Client Services Leaders
Retail Media Council:
- APAC Digital Operations Leaders
- eCommerce Specialists
- Retail Media Partnership Heads
- Advertiser Solutions Directors
- Investment Strategy Leaders
This breadth of expertise ensures councils benefit from multiple perspectives, creating solutions that work for the entire industry, not just one sector.
What do council members say about their experience?
In 2024 our council members consistently report exceptional satisfaction levels:
- 4.5/5 Overall satisfaction with experience
- 4.4/5 Likely to recommend to a colleague
- 4.5/5 Equal opportunities to contribute
Here’s what council members value most:
Cross-Industry Collaboration
Professional Development
Leadership Growth
"Interacting with privacy peers has been very valuable and a reminder of the true purpose of coalitions. In an industry often focused on individual gain, this council stands out with leaders who genuinely prioritise the greater good. Witnessing their dedication and willingness to roll up their sleeves inspires me to consistently aim higher and do better."
"It's been invaluable to learn about the different opportunities and challenges from each of the members. It adds to my own perspective and gives a more holistic understanding of where the industry is heading collectively."
"Learning from a variety of experts in their fields has been very beneficial. Getting the chance to work with industry leaders is such a privilege. Seeing their passion for this topic, and their desire to future-proof our industry through inclusive, accessible education for our future leaders, is really inspiring to me."
What Impact Do Regional Councils Make?
In 2024, our councils delivered high-impact resources:
Responsible Privacy Council – Designed SimPri, a customGPT that will help companies navigate privacy compliance across SEA+India, starting with Philippines and India.
Retail Media Council – Published a strategic playbook featuring insights and case studies from 17 industry leaders across Southeast Asia and India’s growing $1.3T digital economy, reaching 70,000+ downloads globally,
IAB Academy Council – Developed the region’s first digital marketing certification framework based on comprehensive skills and knowledge research.
Which Councils Are Available in 2025 and What Will They Do?
- Responsible Privacy Council – Simplifying privacy compliance by continuing to develop our SimPri tool alongside local market privacy law analysis.
- Retail Media Council – Building on the success of the past two years to further advance industry understanding and accelerate growth in retail media.
- IAB Academy Council – Selection committee for training modules to be included in the IAB SEA+India Academy’s launch certifications, while also identifying new certification opportunities.
- NEW: Social Commerce – How the intersection of short-form video, the creator economy, and user-generated content is driving e-commerce success in the region.
- NEW: AI – Establishing IAB SEA+India’s perspective on AI and how it is reshaping digital advertising, content creation, and automation across the region.
- NEW: Measurement – Developing a regional playbook of member measurement frameworks for cross-channel attribution, performance tracking, and audience insights.
- NEW: CTV/OTT – Developing IAB SEA+India’s POV with a focus on long-form video advertising and content strategies. This council will define key regional opportunities for brands, publishers, and platforms in this growing sector.
- NEW Special Opportunity: GTM/Marketing Council – Specifically PR and marketing specialists to help craft compelling narratives and content strategies to amplify Council initiatives and progress to our global audience.
Note: A minimum of 12 selected members is required for each council to operate. Active councils will be confirmed after nominations close.
Are There regional Council Chairs?
Yes! Each regional council offers this leadership opportunity:
Regional Council Chair Role
- Lead your council’s strategic direction
- Represent your council on the Industry Council Leadership Board
- Inspire and guide project focus and ensure deliverables
- Connect with work streams from other IAB Chapters globally
- Represent the Council at industry events
What’s the council member Time Commitment?
- Approximately 4 hours per month
- Includes monthly 2-hour meetings (April-October 2025, excluding July)
- Each Meeting includes:
- IAB updates
- Dedicated 1:1 networking time
- Group project work
- Clear action items and next steps
Note: Meetings are held in-person in Singapore with virtual dial options always available.
Who can apply?
Nominations are open to employees of current IAB SEA+India member companies who:
- Have 8+ years of relevant digital marketing experience
- Bring expertise in their council’s focus area
- Excel at collaboration and problem-solving
What Needs to Be Prepared for the nomination form?
The nomination form submission requires:
- Professional headshot
- Short statement of motivation for nominating (less than 500 words)
- Your Endorser’s contact details. Your endorser (a manager or senior leader) confirms their support for your participation
How to apply
Members check your inbox for an EDM with the nomination form link to apply.
Key Dates:
- Nominations open: February 24, 2025
- Deadline to apply: March 21, 2025
- Selection notifications: April 10, 2025
- First council meetings: Week of April 21, 2025
Council seats are exclusive to IAB SEA+India member companies. Not a member yet? Reach out to hello@iabseaindia.com for information on how to join.