PATTAYA, THAILAND – ADFEST has announced its first three super-creatives, who will lead their juries as Jury Presidents for 2026. In March, ADFEST Lotus Awards will bring together seven creative stars in Pattaya, Thailand led by Grand Jury President, Yasuharu Sasaki, Global Chief Creative Officer of dentsu, who is also Jury President of Creative Strategy Lotus, Effective Lotus, INNOVA Lotus and Sustainable Lotus and a keynote Speaker. Sasaki’s appointment was announced last week.
Sasaki commented, “ADFEST is a wellspring of creativity born from Asian culture and history, and I am truly looking forward to seeing powerful ideas born from unique insights and exceptional crafts. Furthermore, I am also very focused on ADFEST’s value as a learning centre. I feel it is a truly valuable award where young creatives gather and engage in discussions day and night, and it is a great honour to be able to participate in it.”
The first three ADFEST Lotus Awards Jury Presidents are:
- Theresa Ong, Head of Creative Shop at Meta, SEA & India, Jury President of Digital Lotus and Digital Craft Lotus
- Jim Ingram, Group Chief Creative and Co-Founder of Thinkerbell, Sydney, Jury President of Brand Experience Lotus, Commerce Lotus and Direct Lotus
- Michael Ahmadzadeh, Partner & Executive Producer, APAC & MENA, Jury President of Film Craft Lotus and New Director Lotus
As the Head of Creative Shop at Meta, Theresa, leads a global crew of adventurers, dreamers, entrepreneurs, marketers, data hackers, inventors, and creators who are hungry to build communities and empower brands to innovate in meaningful ways. She oversees the creative vision and direction for some of the most dynamic and diverse markets in the world, Southeast Asia and India. Ong is passionate about helping brands, large and small, to connect with their audiences in authentic ways. To 20 years of global marketing and advertising experience, Ong adds a keen specialisation in the tech industry. She has also lent her expertise as a judge for numerous prestigious awards across the world, recognizing excellence in creativity, innovation, and marketing effectiveness.
Theresa commented, “The past year has demonstrated significant developments in the digital and social landscape in SEA, and I anticipate this year’s submissions will showcase further innovation and creativity. I look forward to recognising outstanding work that drives cultural impact and audience engagement.”
Jim is the Group Chief Creative and Co-Founder of one of Australia’s most recognised communications agencies. Thinkerbell is currently recognised as the #1 ranked agency globally on BestAds, multiple Agency of the Year winner in Australia and one of the fastest growing advertising companies in the world. Across his 25+ year career, Ingram has judged and chaired multiple international creative award shows, has spoken on stage at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and helped nurture the next generation of talent by chairing the highly regarded creative education program, AWARD School. He’s still trying to get over the fact that he created the second most awarded film globally in 2009 with Schweppes Burst, being pipped by a gorilla playing the drums. He hates that fucking gorilla.
“In my opinion, the judging process at ADFEST is one of the best judging experiences you can have. It’s extremely well organised, allows for complete and open discussion around the work, with plenty of time to assess it all properly as a panel. I’m particularly excited to be involved as Jury President of Brand Experience Lotus, Commerce Lotus and Direct Lotus because to me, these three disciplines are the ones that really matter – the experience a customer has with the brands, related directly to the brand itself, and work that ultimately helps create and amplify commerce. I’m looking forward to rewarding real work, for real brands, that really has a commercial impact. Not just creative, for creative sake. Oh, and Pad Kra Pao, I look forward to that too,” Jim commented.
Michael has amassed more than a decade of experience leading cinematic commercial work across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Australia, as Partner and Executive Producer of electriclimeº, a global boutique production company with offices in Singapore, Dubai, Sydney, Seoul, and Thailand.
Michael has infused the industry in his regions with his passion for innovation, storytelling, and culturally resonant filmmaking. He is a strong advocate for sustainability, inclusive representation, and the development of emerging talent – values deeply embedded across electriclimeº’s creative practice and director roster. Under his leadership, the company has shaped a distinct visual identity that blends artistic expression with bold commercial work.
“I’ve always admired ADFEST for the incredible culture it has built — it’s more than a festival; it’s a creative community. The organisers have done such a brilliant job of fostering an inclusive, collaborative spirit that champions regional talent and craft. I’m honoured to serve as Jury President, and I’ll be looking for work that’s bold, meaningful, and executed with intent,” Michael commented.
ADFEST 2026, Human+, will be held Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 March 2026 at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group in Pattaya, Thailand. ADFEST is open for delegate registrations. Find out more about the ADFEST delegate registrations here.
As the beacon of Asian branded marketing communications creativity, ADFEST is the dynamic annual celebration of Asian cultures. It offers an unparalleled combination of learning, inspiration, and networking—no other regional event provides such a rich mix of industry forums, breakout sessions, cultural connectivity, and multi-event awards. At its heart, ADFEST is the place to meet and be inspired.
ADFEST is a not-for-profit entity that believes passionately in its role to nurture and support the creative industry in the Asia Pacific and MENA region. It is 1 of only 7 regional creative festivals included in the WARC Creative 100 Rankings, 1 of 12 awards included in the Campaign Brief Asia Rankings, and 1 of 22 awards included in The Drum World Creative Rankings.
adobo Magazine is an official media partner of ADFEST 2026.
