Timothy Oh on making Singapore the launchpad for COL’s global growth in latest leadership role for media group

Chinese media group COL has recently appointed Timothy Oh as its general manager for Southeast Asia and head of the International Press Center, as the IP and media group targets to launch what it describes as the ‘largest global content distribution division for microdramas.’

In his new role, Oh will oversee COL’s operations in Southeast Asia and manage its global press engagement. He brings with him 17 years of international expertise spanning marketing, business strategy, and commercial leadership. 

Role’s significance and objectives

Speaking to MARKETECH APAC on this move, he said, “This role is about making Singapore the launchpad for COL’s global growth. COL has such a rich legacy in content, IP and storytelling, and now we are taking that to a whole new level. We are at a point where Chinese companies are reshaping entire industries from social media to e-commerce to entertainment, and I want Southeast Asia to be right in the middle of it.”

He added, “Singapore is the perfect base for cross-border collaborations, and launching our microdrama content distribution arm is just the beginning. There is so much more we can do, and I am excited to help make it happen.”

Starting his career in marketing and communications, he later advanced into broader roles covering business operations and strategic management worldwide. Among his key achievements, he served as General Manager for a multinational corporation in Taiwan, where he led a 50-member team and delivered substantial regional growth.

Lessons learned from previous roles

Within the entertainment sector, Oh established himself as a celebrity publicist at FLY Entertainment, where he managed global stars including Girls’ Generation, Super Junior, and Henry Golding. 

During his tenure at Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia, he spearheaded award-winning campaigns for Running Man and Death Note, achievements that earned him PromaxBDA Marketing Awards in both 2016 and 2017. 

He also played a key role in forging a landmark joint venture with Japan’s Nippon TV. Building on this foundation, Oh later broadened his expertise into app marketing, gaming, and content distribution, blending creative storytelling with data-driven strategies to drive growth.

Reflecting on these past experiences, Oh said, “I started in filmmaking, moved into marketing and PR, then stepped into commercial and general management roles. That mix has been great because I can bridge the creative and business sides. Sony Pictures taught me how to really grow an entertainment IP, capture audiences, build loyalty and keep them coming back. Microgaming showed me how to grow a brand in competitive markets and why strategic partnerships are essential. If there is one thing I have learned it is that you have to keep evolving, especially now with AI and technology changing the game every day. That is the energy I am bringing to COL. I am open to new ideas, ready to experiment and excited to see what is next.”

Opportunities for SEA brands tapping into microdramas

Reflecting on the rise of microdramas, Oh said, “Microdramas are still fresh here but audience habits have already shifted and people are hooked on short-form content. It is becoming its own genre but many traditional broadcasters and platforms are still figuring out how to play in this space. That is where COL’s experience from China and the US comes in.”

He added, “In the short term I want to get people talking about microdramas, run pilot projects and secure partnerships that show how powerful this format can be. In the long term, I see us building an entire ecosystem in Southeast Asia where local creators, distributors and brands all work together to make microdramas part of everyday entertainment.”

COL’s newly established distribution division brings to market a catalog of more than 1,000 microdrama titles in English and Chinese, catering to broadcasters, streaming services, telecommunications providers, and digital platforms worldwide. The expansion aligns with the rising global appetite for short-form serialized storytelling. Its content slate also features major intellectual properties such as The Legend of Hei 2, produced by Hanmu Chunhua (HMCH), a Chinese animation studio that became a COL majority-owned subsidiary in 2023.

Looking ahead into the future 

Beyond its extensive IP library, COL is also advancing AI-driven production workflows, including the development of AI-generated anime series, with the goal of accelerating content delivery and reducing time-to-market. Under Oh’s leadership in Southeast Asia, these initiatives will be adapted for local audiences while reinforcing COL’s broader global growth ambitions.

Reflecting on this objective, Oh said, “Microdramas are such a powerful way for brands to tell stories. They are emotional, easy to watch and made for the way people consume content today. We have already seen skincare and beauty brands in China and even Nivea in Malaysia use microdramas to connect with audiences in new ways.”

He concluded, “I would love to see more brands here try it. COL is in a perfect position to help, whether it is through creating the content, distributing it or connecting it with the right audience. The potential is huge and we are just getting started.”