M&C Saatchi Introduces Two Regional Units in Malaysia

It’s one thing to celebrate a milestone like hitting the 15-strong landmark; for M&C Saatchi Malaysia, it’s better to announce the next step to remain as the local and regional industry innovator. With blessings from global level, the Malaysian branch is rolling out two global platforms for the region: The Source and Watermelon Productions.

The Source, a UK-based one-stop research agency, is the platform’s first foray into Asia. It will be servicing clients from Malaysia and around the Southeast Asia region. While the brand isn’t new in Europe, Source Asia will be accelerating its presence here; all thanks to the rise in demand for data use and analytics.

By utilising both traditional and innovative research methodologies, this all-new agency will process facts and figures into digestible, graphically-appealing charts. With its still-growing team of in-house designers and art directors, it can turn research findings into eye-catching infographics. Of course, this will ensure understanding consumers would not be a task reserved for experts.

For Datin Sri Sharifah Menyalara Hussein, CEO and Founding Partner for M&C Saatchi Malaysia, opening Source Asia’s office in Malaysia is significant. “Being the first branch in Asia, this move is a proud moment for us as Malaysia will be the launchpad for this region,” she shared.

Choosing Malaysia to break into Asia is a no-brainer for M&C Saatchi Global CEO, Moray Maclennan. “It’s been something the folks at The Source has been considering for a long time. Of course, there are primary points to consider as well, like how M&C Saatchi here has a strong presence in the country. That and our client base here is very strong. Second, we believe Malaysia is more Asian-centric in terms of market approach; this is true when comparing to Singapore as that is more globally focused. Third, and most importantly, the talent pool here is incredibly vast and rich!” he added.

Watermelon Productions, meanwhile, is home-grown with a global outlook. According to M&C Saatchi Malaysia, this new content service provider is an all-rounded audio-visual hub; its goal is to connect content creators with brands at all levels. “We envisioned Watermelon to be a comprehensive content hub that represents and connects fresh young talents with established brands,” added Sharifah Menyalara.

This Malaysian concept will specialise in productions that require quick turnarounds in film and video content. Of course, the talent it wants to tap onto includes film directors, editors, content creators, v-loggers, and producers. The main idea here: to disrupt the video production industry with unconventional creative processes.

Watermelon Productions, inevitably, also shares the M&C Saatchi Group’s mission of giving back to the industry. It does so by representing young directors and put in plans that will recruit fresh graduates from design schools to nurture young talents; specifically those who are starting out in the ever-dynamic advertising industry.

Text by: Victor Yap

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