In Conversation | From meme pages to shaping SEA's creator economy

In Conversation | From meme pages to shaping SEA's creator economy

June 16, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

Karl Mak discusses the evolution of HEPMIL Media Group and the impact of the creator economy in Southeast Asia.

In this episode of “In Conversation,” Karl Mak, co-founder of HEPMIL Media Group, shares how a failed regional expansion and the rise of TikTok led them to pivot into the creator economy, culminating in HEPMIL’s acquisition by Publicis Groupe. He discusses maintaining their cheeky brand identity, nurturing Southeast Asian creators, and why the future of media, commerce, and culture will be shaped by the creator economy. HEPMIL houses SGAG, MGAG, HEPMIL Creators’ Network.

People in this episode

Guest: Karl Mak

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HEPMIL Media Group, Publicis Groupe, SGAG, MGAG

Products: TikTok

Places: Southeast Asia

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