Buds Theatre taps SW Strategies as communications partner for organisation’s initiatives across SEA

Singapore — Singapore-headquartered strategic communications and public affairs firm SW Strategies has been appointed as the official communications partner of Buds Theatre, a non-profit organisation focused on nurturing emerging creative talent and producing socially relevant works across Asia.

The appointment will see SW Strategies provide communications and media relations support on a pro bono basis for 12 months until December 2026, covering Buds Theatre’s initiatives in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Buds Theatre runs several programmes, including Buds Youth Theatre and a range of education and outreach initiatives designed to equip young people with creative and transferable skills. 

One of its flagship platforms is the Asian Youth Theatre Festival (AYTF) Movement, which brings together youth theatre groups and young artists across Asia through performances, workshops, dialogue and exchange programmes. 

Since its inception in 2016, AYTF has engaged more than 1.5 million youths from countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan and Bangladesh.

Jose Raymond, founder and managing director of SW Strategies, said, “Our partnership with Buds Theatre reflects our longstanding mission to support at least one non-profit or community organisation on a pro bono basis every year. Over the years, we have supported charities such as Ambulance Wish Singapore, Parabowls Singapore, Intercultural Theatre Institute and the Lutheran Care Community Services, among others.”

He added, “Buds Theatre has been a nurturing ground for creative talent and a strong advocate for socially conscious storytelling, and we are honoured to support them and amplify their very meaningful work in the Southeast Asian region, where we have an interest in.”

Under the partnership, SW Strategies will support media outreach, donor and sponsor-facing materials, and social media efforts to strengthen Buds Theatre’s public profile, stakeholder engagement and regional reach. 

Buds Theatre will also name SW Strategies as its official communications partner for the duration of the agreement.

Claire Devine, co-artistic director of Buds Theatre, said, “Buds Theatre’s longevity is largely based on the multiple volunteers and partner organisations that offer their time and commitment to help develop our work across the region. Therefore, we are delighted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to SW Strategies for joining our journey.”

She added, “Their pro bono partnership over the next twelve months will be instrumental in amplifying our initiatives in Singapore and across Asia. SW Strategies will help us strengthen our voice, engage new audiences and partners, and bring greater visibility to our programmes. We are honoured to be able to collaborate with a team that shares our belief in the transformative power of the arts. We would like to thank SW Strategies, for joining us on this creative journey and for helping us continue to tell stories that matter.”

The appointment further strengthens SW Strategies’ growing portfolio in the arts and culture sector, reflecting its commitment to supporting purpose-driven organisations and socially impactful storytelling.