Record number of entries judged today in MSA Awards 2023

The MSA Awards 2023 has witnessed over 300 entries, as all the top media agencies of Malaysia compete in the most prestigious media industry awards.

With a combined media buying clout of over RM 4 billion, the members of the Media Specialist Association competed fiercely today, as 128 shortlisted entries from the original submissions were judged by the crème de la crème of the marketing and media industries at the One World Hotel today.

Over 60 judges, 6 moderators, 130+ presenters and key sponsors were involved as the industry came together to decide the winners in 17 best use of media categories and 5 people and talent categories.

MSA Awards 2023 was expanded from last year, seeing the introduction of new categories like Best use of AI, and the return of some categories like Best use of TV/Video Best use of Radio/Audio, Best use of Print/OOH.

The President of Media Specialist Association, and CEO of Mediabrands Malaysia, Mr Bala Pomaleh said, “In the ever-evolving world of media, we reimagine tomorrow by crafting today’s innovations into tomorrow’s classics.

This awards season has shown us work that reflects new discoveries, courage, and a relentless pursuit for what’s next, reminding us that in this dynamic industry, the only constant is our ability to innovate, adapt, and inspire. So, let’s keep reimagining tomorrow to make it bigger, bolder, and feistier, because our best work is yet to come.”

The Organizing Chairman and Chief Judge of the MSA Awards 2023, who is also the CEO and co-founder of Ampersand Advisory, Mr Sandeep Joseph, said, “We’re delighted that the theme of Reimagine Tomorrow has been embraced by the participants: their work shows that the best of media in Malaysia is reimagining what’s possible in communication.

Furthermore,  the MSA Awards 2023 is a sustainable event, showing that it is possible to run in-person events and keep a low carbon footprint. It’s a responsibility we owe our future.”

Sandeep is ably assisted by two MSA Awards 2023  Co-Organizing Chairpersons, CEO of Mindshare Group Malaysia  Ms Sheila Shanmugam and Head of Media, Publicis Media Ms Pi Yee Wong.

The team is organizing, for the first time ever, a full day Festival of Media that will precede the Gala Awards night on 20^th  October 2023, when the winners of this titanic competition will be announced.

The Festival of Media promises to create innovation and discussion around how media will be reimagined for tomorrow.

Media Prima Omnia gave all judges food for thought as Nicholas Sagau, COO of Rev Media spoke about first party IDs after lunch, thus injecting more of the theme of Reimagining Tomorrow into proceedings.

The 60 judges today included CMOs and senior marketers of leading telcos, MNCs and GLCs of Malaysia, including Maxis, CelcomDigi, U Mobile, MITI, Hong Leong Bank, Etika, Sime Darby Property, PETRONAS, Malaysia Airlines, Time, Telekom, Oppo, Paynet, Grab and more.

The illustrious list also included representatives from the Malaysia Advertisers Association and senior media agency personnel from the top media agencies of the country.

Sponsors so far of the MSA Awards 2023 include Innity, Media Prima Omnia, Etika Holdings, Seni Jaya and Skyblue Media.  MARKETING Magazine is the official Magazine partner.