The Move Capitalizes on the Shifting Global Priorities of the Luxury Landscape Following Its Slowdown
Thailand-based talent agency The Venture Management, led by Nichatapt Suphap, has announced a deeper expansion in southeast Asia. Founded in 2023, the agency is already set to expand with the launch of The Venture SEA, a branch headquartered in Bangkok that will focus on talents and projects across Southeast Asia. The move reflects increasing international attention on the region as the luxury slowdown prompts consideration for new markets.
“This is not just to work with luxury brands because [they] all have local press agencies or offices,” Suphap explained. “Right now the spotlight is moving to Southeast Asia and there’s cross-market synergies. The Venture aims to globalize local stars and localize global brands.”
As Southeast Asia becomes a focal point, brands in the region are finding a new path to global expansion. “When you’re a brand from, say, Thailand, kickstarting expansion outside the country’s borders starts in the region, not in Europe or the U.S., as there is a high entry barrier in terms of product exports but also communication and other practical concerns,” she added.
According to Statista, Southeast Asia is projected to generate $1.71 billion in luxury goods sales in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.86 percent over the next five years. By 2029, the market is expected to reach a volume of $2.74 billion, matching the growth forecast for the U.S. over the same period.
The Venture SEA’s initial talent roster includes Thailand-based stars like Vachirawit “Bright” Chivaaree and Nattawin “Apo” Wattanagitiphat. Additionally, the agency represents four seasoned talents from the region whose combined Instagram following exceeds 65 million.
Among them is Indonesian actress and presenter Luna Maya, who boasts 38 million Instagram followers and is known for her work in horror films. Other stars include Chi Pu, a prominent singer and actress from Vietnam; Malaysian actress, model, and TV host Scha Al-Yahya; and Pia Jauncy, the Filipino model and actress who won the 2015 Miss Universe title and later represented her country at a United Nations meeting on AIDS awareness.
“As A-list stars from the region, they are driving strong conversations and community in their respective countries, while growing their international relevance thanks to a global interest in culture and entertainment from the region,” Suphap said.
Suphap’s experience in corporate communications includes completing executive training programs at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s in the 2010s, followed by six years of scouting brands for Central Retail Group as a freelancer. Currently pursuing a master’s in public administration at Harvard, she leveraged her expertise as an image consultant and personal manager for actress and model Praya Lundberg, along with collaborations with Southeast Asian actresses like Maya, to establish The Venture last year.