MAM
Gutenberg launches Singapore office
MUMBAI: Integrated digital marketing communications firm Gutenberg will launch its ninth office in Singapore, which will be strategically important for expanding into the Association of Southeast Asian (ASEAN) market.
Gutenberg founder and CEO Harjiv Singh says, “I am excited to launch our Singapore office. Singapore is truly a global digital hub with fantastic infrastructure and opportunities for expansion into ASEAN. We are also delighted to announce a new client Smarten Spaces, a Singapore-headquartered company focused on Artificial Intelligence-based smart communities and smart city solutions”.
Adding his reasons for the expansion, he says, “McKinsey, in a recent report, called the 10 member states of ASEAN an economic powerhouse. ASEAN’s 600 million people comprise one of the largest trading blocks in the world, and the rapid growth of its digital market will be an exciting business opportunity for us”.
Speaking on behalf of Gutenberg’s new client, Smarten Spaces, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that helps real estate companies and enterprises globally digitise spaces and experiences that enhance performance and productivity, Smarten Spaces founder and CEO Dinesh Malkani expressed his delight at Gutenberg’s expansion to the ASEAN market. He mentions, “Smarten Spaces partnered with Gutenberg as we were looking for a global integrated marketing communications firm that brought industry expertise around AI, a strong global footprint and marketing experts who understand how to build our brand”.
With 70 per cent of the population under the age of 40, ASEAN’s GDP is expected to have rapid growth in the coming decade from its current US$ 2.3 trillion. Economic growth will be accompanied by strong growth in the digital sector. The digital market in ASEAN is estimated to grow to more than US$ 200 billion by 2025.
With the launch of its new office, Gutenberg brings its global branding initiative, “Global Storytelling Series” to Singapore. There will be a panel discussion with CEOs on “Leadership and Storytelling in a Digital World”
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
