The advertising and media industries are on the cusp of transformation in the Asia Pacific region, and Yahoo is leading the charge. Through a groundbreaking partnership with the Cairns Hatchlings Yahoo is reaffirming its commitment to fostering talent and driving meaningful change.
Scheduled to run alongside the Cairns Crocodiles Festival from May 13-15, 2025, the Hatchlings program is set to spotlight creativity and innovation across seven categories, including Audio, Design, Digital, Marketing, Media, PR, and Video. As one of the program’s key sponsors, Yahoo is aligning with its long-standing mission to nurture talent and prepare the industry for the challenges of tomorrow.
Yahoo is the presenting partner of the Cairns Hatchlings, presented by Yahoo.
“At Yahoo, we’ve always believed in fostering emerging talent,” said Elika Tamaddoni, head of trade marketing (B2B) at Yahoo ANZ.
“The business has been around for more than 30 years, and in that time, we’ve helped to nurture thousands of young people all over the world. Many of the biggest media businesses in APAC are now run by Yahoo alumni – that’s something we’re extremely proud of”.
“The Cairns Hatchlings allows us to expand this support across more areas, creating a new platform to inspire and empower the next generation who will shape our industry into the future. Given the seismic changes rocking the industry at the moment, these kinds of programs have never been more important”.
This belief has been the foundation of Yahoo Academy, a flagship program that has cultivated leadership and strategic skills for over 14 years.
“More than a decade ago, we launched the Yahoo Academy, our flagship talent development program, which has been a cornerstone of this mission, and hundreds of talented media agency ‘hatchlings’ have found the benefits of this program,” said Tamaddoni.
“Yahoo Academy is designed to help promising media talent develop the skills and experience needed to thrive in a fast-moving industry. Over the past 14 years, it has supported young professionals across Australia and Southeast Asia in building leadership skills, refining strategic thinking, and tackling real-world challenges in a collaborative setting.”
The Hatchlings’ high-pressure, real-world format reflects Yahoo’s understanding of the industry’s evolving demands. Participants will face a 24-hour challenge to develop creative solutions for a live brief, culminating in a pitch before esteemed judges.
“Let’s face it—our industry thrives on creativity, and the pressure is just part of the package,” Tamaddoni said.
“The Hatchlings’ competitive format throws participants right into the deep end, testing their ability to think on their feet and come up with bold ideas under tight deadlines. This isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a valuable learning experience. Participants refine their problem-solving skills, enhance their adaptability, and build confidence by stepping up when it matters most.”
“At Yahoo, we know this kind of training is essential for tackling real-world issues. Tools like Yahoo Backstage, which connects agencies to inventory while reducing carbon footprints and Yahoo’s Next-Gen Solutions, which offer privacy-forward ways to reach audiences, are examples of how we’re helping the industry adapt to change. However, their true impact lies in the hands of the people who use them”.
“Programs like Hatchlings are essential for preparing young professionals to not only master these tools but also understand how to apply them in innovative ways, addressing both industry demands and broader societal shifts,” said Tamaddoni.
Enter the Cairns Hatchlings now!
Yahoo’s investment in emerging talent is also about equipping future leaders with the tools to navigate seismic industry shifts, such as the rise of AI and increasing focus on sustainability.
“The future of advertising and media relies on the next generation’s ability to navigate more than just industry challenges,” Tamaddoni explained. “In APAC, rapid technological shifts and changing consumer behaviours are redefining the landscape, so nurturing young talent is essential to maintaining industry momentum and relevance. These young professionals are the ones whose immediate future will be most impacted by these tools, and it is vital they know how to use them ethically and effectively.”
The Hatchlings promises to be more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad for careers, ideas, and a stronger industry. As Yahoo and the Cairns Hatchlings set their sights on the future, one thing is clear: this partnership is not just about recognising talent—it’s about shaping an industry prepared to adapt, innovate, and thrive.
