Priority Consultants

The arrival of the Christmas season brings a hectic balancing act of year-end parties, next year’s planning sessions, the year-end reviews and frantic shopping. Amid the frenzy, there are some rituals that are never missed, whatever happens! That’s exactly how we feel, and arguably the most important rituals here at Priority Consultants are getting our different clients together to share a drink, tell some stories and demonstrate how much we appreciate working together with them over the past months. When we say “clients”, we mean not only the companies who trust us across the region to design and execute communications plans, but also our media friends whom we also identify as clients that work together with us to assemble the great content that hits the spot. Monday was the “Very-Nearly-Christmas” drinks, and the Singapore team was thrilled to welcome friends who are familiar and new, from close and far away. The diverse experience and perspectives made for great conversations. Over wine and food, there were lots of new story ideas for what promises to be a turbulent year ahead but one which will bring a wealth of opportunities as the Asia powerhouse steams on. From the fastest growing region in the world, Southeast Asia and India, we want to wish all of our friends a fantastic holiday season filled with friendship, laughter and loved ones. Looking forward to see you in 2025. (L to R) Clarinda Ong, Nolan Ovinis, Zhong Ci Lee, Leonard Low, Jane Prior, Fatimah Mujibah, Cristie Hilado, Zagros Lam, Klariss Tew, Seng Jim Lim

As we celebrate our 12th year in Indonesia, we take a moment to step back and reflect on the changes and development of the vibrant and striking country over the past decade. From an influx of technology enterprises looking to leverage the growth in Indonesia to an evolving media landscape that creates more value on a fundamental and aspirational level for the people, these events channeled inspiration into our own insights that are distilled from our decade-long presence in Indonesia: 📌 the transformation of multi-channeled media platforms that displaced traditional mediums 📌 stories that change or influence the average Indonesian living in first-tier metros or secondary rural centres 📌 the growing demand of content that comes with press freedom since the journalism reforms of the post-Suharto era in 1999 Read more about our insights here: https://lnkd.in/gXmuF9Ci #teamIndonesia #PriorityConsultants #ChangeMandate Nolan Ovinis, Muhammad Z., Belladonna Iskandar, Solehal Wani, Seng Jin Lim, Sherry T., Jullia Pecayo, Zhong Ci Lee, Clarinda Ong, Cristie Hilado, Jane Prior

"Since 1999, the freedom afforded to the media – and today the social media, has seen an explosion of communications channels estimated at more than 50,000 known platforms. Not surprisingly Indonesia is one of the more vibrant influencer markets and ranks in the top five globally." Indonesia, the fifth largest country in the world with a population of over 270 million, is a flourishing media landscape multi-layered with a vastitude of communication platforms. Center to this growth is the fact that widespread access to the Internet (79.5%) is available, and a mobile-first market supported by an estimated 80% of the population - which largely contributes to the media and communications scene in Indonesia. How does the media landscape in Indonesia impacts today's business media or influence the consumer scene in the region that could pave way for B2B business opportunities? We highlight the key points of Indonesia's robust media and communications arena in our blog post, "Multilayered communications – a snapshot of Indonesia’s media landscape". Read about: ✅ The publishing centre of Indonesia ✅ Broadcast media in Indonesia ✅ Traditional printed press with consequential online presence ✅ International brands that dedicate teams for Indonesia ✅ Spirited business media ✅ Key Opinion Leaders and Influencers Read here: https://lnkd.in/g49q3QaB #multilayeredcommunications #Indonesia #medialandscape #B2Bcommunications #PriorityConsultants #ChangeMandate Nolan Ovinis, Muhammad Z., Belladonna Iskandar, Solehal Wani, Seng Jin Lim, Sherry T., Jullia Pecayo, Zhong Ci Lee, Clarinda Ong, Cristie Hilado, Jane Prior

Internal Comms and the Hidden Crisis by Nolan Ovinis   Every year-end brings its challenges. Long known as the “silly season” it’s the time when the annual review competes for attention with next year’s planning, everyone is overloaded, personnel feedback and promotions are looming and then in the middle of it all, it’s party time.    If all this is not enough to strike the annual horrors, the announcements of pending change and company direction are all going to plant seeds of Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt within an organisation.    Today it is the introduction of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) based solutions that are taking centrestage across sectors and geographies as companies explore how they can benefit from innovation and change.   We have explored this as an example of the change within an organisation that can rapidly escalate into a full blown crisis if all stakeholders across the organisation are not updated on the benefits and implications - with the “What’s In It For Me” perspective.   This is where business communicators need to take charge – so alongside the year-end updates, remember that somewhere Fears and Uncertainties are hiding and need some urgent attention. Read more about our toolkit for communicating change here: https://lnkd.in/gQQqK7Yq

There’s no denying that AI has revolutionised industries across the globe. While it can offer organisations a significant competitive advantage, its adoption often encounters resistance due to the unexpected shifts it brings. In this insightful post published in The Manila Times, Nolan Ovinis sheds light on how AI is transforming communication in the Philippines market, exploring both the hurdles and the innovations. For businesses looking to stay ahead in this evolving space, this is a must-read! Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gwDPbqmX #AI #Philippines #Communication #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork

Building a strong relationship with industry observers, or better known as, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) can significantly elevate your brand image. These influencers hold the power to shape market perceptions, guiding critical business decisions through their insights and endorsements. But engaging with influencers isn’t just a box to tick. It’s a strategic move that requires a well-executed influencer relations programme that can open doors to broader recognition and credibility within your industry. With more than three decades of experience in B2B communications and influencer relations, we are happy to share our top three lessons on building strong partnerships with the influencers who matter most. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gXsV4wiH #B2BCommunications #InfluencerMarketing #KeyOpinionLeaders #PRinSoutheastAsia #StakeholderEngagement #PriorityConsultants

Differences and Similarities - a quick look next door as Malaysia celebrates by Cristie Hilado As Malaysia celebrates its 67th year of independence, it's timely to reflect on the nation's remarkable growth amid a tumultuous time for many Asian nations. Emerging in 1957 as an independent former British colony, Malaysia faced the challenge of uniting a majority indigenous, agrarian Malay population with a smaller, urban, and highly educated community (often British), concentrated in the rapidly expanding cities along the West and South coasts of the Malay Peninsula. The early leaders sought to unify not only the contrasting economic classes but also the various cultures that shaped Malaysia's unique identity. The "Malaysia Truly Asia" tagline captures this multicultural blend, where Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European cultures have not only coexisted but also created a unique & inclusive national culture. In 67 years, Malaysia has evolved into a modern, digital nation. Kuala Lumpur’s skyline now features three of Asia's tallest buildings, including the Petronas Twin Towers. Global brands like Apple, AWS, Alibaba, BMW, Dell, Google, Intel, and Mercedes-Benz have set up their marketing and logistics hubs here. Bank of America, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, and BNP Paribas highlight Malaysia’s role as an international and Islamic finance hub, with a presence in the country since 1959. Today, Malaysia boasts a young, dynamic, educated population (average age 30), that is digitally savvy, English-speaking, multilingual, and highly skilled. The diversity is seen in the media landscape, too. In a regulated environment, we find key vernacular titles cater to niche audiences, while widely read dailies offer critical insights into the community, private sector, and federal government. In keeping with the global businesses, major media brands like Bloomberg, Reuters, and AFP have a significant presence in Malaysia. The national media scene, while more varied and plural, is a mature landscape, with competitive media titles producing content that meets global standards. Reflecting this global outlook, the national news agency Bernama offers a range of channels, from wire services to online and broadcast platforms, catering to diverse audiences. It also syndicates content internationally, reaching audiences across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Reflecting on Malaysia's ongoing journey, one is inspired by its energy, humour, and creativity. A melting pot of cultures and a culinary paradise, Malaysia seamlessly blends rich diversity with a confident, modern society. As a founding member and cornerstone of ASEAN, the world’s fifth-largest economy, Malaysia plays a pivotal role. At Priority Consultants, we celebrate this diversity and the "Jiwa Merdeka" (Independent) spirit that is uniquely "Malaysia Truly Asia". We wish all our Malaysian friends a Happy Merdeka and remember the spirit of '57.   #Merdeka #JiwaMerdeka #MadaniMalaysia

India's recent Independence Day celebrations highlighted the country's escalating impact on the global stage. In his speech, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi identified three key takeaways that resonated with us and our business in helping organisations shape their communications strategies when doing PR in India: 1. 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬: India continues to be an attractive market for global companies, across a wide range of industries, including technology and manufacturing, due to its vast talent pool and also huge domestic market. According to EY, global corporations have set up over 1,500 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and India is home to almost half (45% ) of these. In the same report by EY, more than 50% of the global headcount for technology and operations are based out of India. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? The talent story can be compelling. Showcasing opportunities to embrace or seek local talent, making a commitment to transfer knowledge and through investment, you can obviously use these as a platform to build a strong brand narrative. 2. 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: India has made incredible strides in the technology sector, particularly in digital infrastructure, space exploration, and innovation, establishing itself as a role model for other emerging and even developed nations. These strengths led the Modi government to introduce the phrase "Techade" to define this "digital decade" and India's coming of age in the sector. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Use the "Techade" story to highlight how your organisation is contributing to local businesses and assisting them to become more tech-savvy or digital-focused. Align your narrative with the national focus on technological advancement. 3. 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: India's growing stature on the global stage continues to rise, with achievements in various sectors, including technology, satellite, and infrastructure as well as is one of the world's largest populations at 1.4 billion. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? Discuss how your organisation benefits the mass audience, not just a targeted segment. For example, if you're an international fintech company, explain how your platform or technology can be used to meet the needs of the underbanked or unbanked population. India is a hugely promising market, but also a complex one. Having the right communications partner is crucial to navigate the local intricacies and align with national priorities. If you are looking for a communications partner to support your brand in India, then our local team will be there to guide you. Nolan Ovinis

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆: 𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 by Seng Jin Lim, Senior Director, Client Services In a seminal moment for the country, Indonesia celebrated its 79th Independence Day last Saturday in two capital cities—the traditional capital of Jakarta as well as the new capital of Nusantara in Borneo for the first time. The country is embarking on new beginnings and this year's celebration was drenched in symbolism and hope for the future. The country selected controversial ex-military general Prabowo Subianto, who is 73, in a hotly-contested and oftentimes contentious election earlier this year. In an unprecedented move, President Joko Widodo made his support for Prabowo in public as well as endorsed his own son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as the Vice Presidential running mate. President Widodo will hand over the reins to Prabowo in a couple of months. The paradoxical symbolism of the new President bringing in ideas and energetic leadership amid hope for growth in a stable transition is not lost on industry watchers, intelligentsia and foreign investors. The country, ASEAN and indeed the world wait with bated breath. The incoming President will have to guide Indonesia through an era of change characterised by global geopolitical, economic shifts and most importantly, a rapidly developing, digital, young population looking to realise their modern aspirations in line with their global peers. Amidst this President Prabowo will have to balance driving the regeneration of ageing infrastructure, overseeing digital transformation (Indonesia is home to some of the largest e-commerce firms in Asia) and growth aspirations with environmental sustainability and increasingly meeting global standards of modern governance. The celebration marked the start of the capital city's handover from Jakarta to Nusantara. Jakarta, a bustling and dynamic city, faces challenges like overpopulation, strained infrastructure, and environmental issues. In contrast, Nusantara, a new city in East Kalimantan, is designed to be smart, sustainable, and a model for future urban development. In his Independence Day speech, President Widodo reiterated the vision for growth, renewal, regeneration and significantly the aligning of public service with the aspirations of the growing and increasingly enlightened population. The new capital is also a symbol of the country's transformation into a modern economy, but the ability to pull off the transformation is dependent on how well the new and future administrations communicate to inspire the country to transform. Our colleagues in Indonesia represent this new thinking—energy blended with a mature, quiet and confident outlook. We enjoy and appreciate their insights and desire to always push the boundaries. Here's wishing one and all 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘺𝘶 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘢! #indonesia #independenceday #publicrelations #priorityconsultants

The business communications space is overloaded with data and information. What works and what doesn't is becoming hard to differentiate. We are all seeking a guiding voice to help us navigate this world of information and data. A trusted advisor, one whose counsel rings true and connects to help leaders learn, and make decisions is the one that the media and industry alike look to for insights. But how do you become one? Becoming a trusted advisor is a journey, not a quick fix. It involves authentic engagement, with influencers, commentators and the media alike. By leveraging industry bodies and trade organisations to build a role, the trusted advisor is a conduit to making informed decisions. In this series, we explore the role of this Trusted Advisor what it means; what it takes and how it can transform your company’s brand identity in the industry. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gt5Eerr5 #ThoughtLeadership #TrustedAdvisor #PRinSoutheastAsia #B2BCommunications #MediaRelations #IndustryInfluence