Tag: WE Communications

Singapore – The Energy Market Authority (EMA), a regulator and facilitator of energy development, has tapped WE Communications as its communications agency of record. The appointment comes after a competitive pitch.

As part of the partnership, WE Communications will develop strategies for EMA’s campaigns focused on its efforts to decarbonise Singapore.

The partnership will focus on enhancing public awareness of Singapore’s energy transition, especially of the ‘energy trilemma,’ which balances security, affordability, and sustainability.

EMA’s decarbonisation efforts are part of Singapore’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2025.

“WE Communications stood out with their integrated and creative approach to help drive our vision for a sustainable energy future. Their team demonstrated an understanding of complex energy transformation challenges, and we look forward to working with WE to champion meaningful conversations that will help lift awareness and understanding of Singapore’s energy landscape,” Juliana Chow, director of corporate communications at EMA, said.

“I’m excited that we get to help drive Singapore’s energy story in such a pivotal time. Our ability stands behind the nation to contribute to this collective vision of a sustainable Singapore is important and I’m glad we can play a big part in helping Singapore move in that direction. This reflects our ongoing commitment as an agency to advocating for the Singapore story,” Daryl Ho, managing director at WE Singapore, commented.

Malaysia – WE Communications (WE), the global communications consultancy, has expanded into Malaysia, launching a new office in Kuala Lumpur through its affiliate, Chase Advisors.

WE’s entry into the Malaysian market is a strategic response to the rising demand for regional communications and advocacy services across diverse sectors, including consumer goods, finance, healthcare, and technology.

The consultancy firm is pursuing further expansion in Asia, strengthening its regional footprint by blending global expertise with local market insights to effectively engage and resonate with local audiences.

“Malaysia is a crucial market for businesses expanding both regionally and globally. With Southeast Asia’s expanding middle class, dynamic digital ecosystem, and strong economic ties between the United States and Malaysia, it’s the perfect time for WE to deepen our presence here and leverage opportunities for growth across the region,” said Kass Sells, CEO of international at WE. 

The new office was officially inaugurated by the Honourable Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, a highly respected former Malaysian cabinet minister.

With this launch, Chase Advisors will provide a full suite of WE services, encompassing policy advocacy and advisory, data and analytics, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. The new office will be led by Kanesan Veluppillai, managing director for Malaysia, supported by a team of seasoned communications professionals.

“Our team in Malaysia brings a wealth of knowledge in local market dynamics and regulatory environments. We are eager to deliver insights and strategies that will help our clients thrive in this rapidly evolving environment,” Veluppillai shared. 

Meanwhile, Nitin Mantri, regional executive managing director for Asia-Pacific at WE and group CEO of Avian WE, commented, “Due to the dominance of social media, mobile-first audiences, and an appetite for hyper-localised content, businesses need a trusted partner to help them navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Our blend of experienced local talent combined with our global specialists creates a compelling advantage. I am excited to see the great work that will come out of our Kuala Lumpur team.”

Manash Neog, managing director at Chase APAC, added, “Malaysia plays a strategic role in global trade and digital infrastructure, and we believe there is significant opportunity ahead of us. Expanding into Malaysia is a natural next step in the Southeast Asia growth strategy, and we have our sights set on further growth into Indonesia.”

Singapore – A new global study from WE Communications recently found how corporate reputation and disease-specific leadership significantly influence physicians’ prescribing choices when medicines are otherwise similar, with key findings including: 81% of physicians say reputation affects their perception of medicine value.

In said study, it highlighted that majority of physicians agree that disease-specific leadership (59%) and corporate reputation (58%) are very or extremely influential on which medicine they choose to prescribe. 

Of the four biggest drivers of corporate reputation, physicians see ‘reliability and credibility’ as the most important, ahead of ‘trust,’ ‘transparency and communication’ and ‘innovation.’

The report detailed how physicians view a company’s reputation on different levels. At the highest level, it is the strength of the company’s reputation. At the next level, it is the depth of the company’s reputation in a specific disease area, and then at the foundational level, it is the reputation of specific brands.

“Companies that invest in building their above-brand, disease-specific reputation will be able to speak beyond specific treatments and paint a more holistic, highly valued picture of their commitment to a therapeutic area — one that may prove influential in tipping the scales in favor of their treatments,” said Stephanie Marchesi, president of WE Global Health.

Top drivers for corporate reputation amongst physicians

The report found that 62% of physicians described ‘reliability and credibility’ as “confidence in product quality and efficacy.” Brands should emphasise evidence-based outcomes, quality control and transparency about clinical trials. Moreover, more than half (53%) of physicians believe that when companies demonstrate a long-term commitment to patients and well-being, this helps earn physicians’ trust. Storytelling should focus on ethical drug development practices, safety record and patient support programs. 

‘Transparency and communication’ is also a driver for corporate reputation, with the study highlighting transparency in clinical research (39%) and clear communication with stakeholders (31%) as top priorities. For younger physicians, transparency in clinical research is especially important, so communications should reflect openness about challenges and successes. 

Lastly, around 47% of respondents say that being a leader in R&D innovation is one of the top actions that pharma/biotech companies can do to improve their reputation. Highlighting commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions will resonate with physicians, particularly with the increased adoption of artificial intelligence in drug development, care management and patient access. 

“Reputation can make the difference between a physician writing a script for your treatment or not,” Marchesi said.

Meanwhile, Emma Hussey, head of health, Australia, at WE Communications said, “Our research shows that advocating for access to medicine and taking a patient-centric view is good for patients, reputation and business. It’s time for the industry to better tell that story.”

How to properly build positive corporate reputation

To begin with, the report showed that brands should evaluate the strength of their company’s reputation at the corporate and brand level, as well as understand which areas of reputation are working well for them and which areas need bolstering.

Moreover, brands must educate their internal stakeholders about the power of reputation–in this context as a physician influencer and bottom-line business driver.

The report also highlighted that brands should consider leading with their innovation story if the company needs to improve its reputation, adding that innovation is the fourth most important lever of reputation in the eyes of prescribers.

It also shed light on the importance of stakeholders and viewed in the context of the healthcare industry, to not just view them as customers, but also as allies. Physicians are willing to partner, lock arms and act in the interest of patients and industry.

Another recommendation from the report is for brands to highlight both the scientific and patient journey from molecule to medicine, embracing opportunities along the way to showcase pioneering approaches to drug discovery, delivery, clinical trials, data collection, patient access and education — especially in areas with underserved medical needs.

The biggest takeaway for communications and marketing pros is to be deliberate in evaluating the strength of their reputation at each level, so they know where to focus to fully leverage the power of reputation as a lever to influence prescribing behaviours.

***

Corporate reputation in the healthcare industry offers valuable lessons for marketing and communication professionals aiming to strengthen their own brand reputations. In healthcare, trust, transparency, and consistency are essential in building credibility with patients and stakeholders—principles that apply across industries. Marketing professionals can learn from healthcare’s focus on delivering clear, honest communication and demonstrating social responsibility, which enhances public perception. 

By prioritising customer engagement, addressing concerns promptly, and maintaining ethical practices, brands can build a strong, lasting reputation. Understanding how reputation management in a highly regulated, trust-dependent field like healthcare operates provides a blueprint for fostering brand loyalty and long-term success.

Singapore – WATATAWA, a WE Communications company, has just recently announced the appointment of Stephen Robertson as managing director, effective immediately.

In his new role, Robertson will now oversee WATATAWA’s day-to-day operations and management of the business, while strengthening the agency’s footprint in Singapore and across Asia-Pacific.

He will be reporting to Nitin Mantri, regional executive managing director at WE Communications APAC.

Robertson succeeds Simon Pangrazio, who has decided to step down after 14 years and has been supporting the leadership transition. He will be leaving the firm on July 5. 

“Stephen is a leading strategist, client counsellor, and trusted voice in the industry,” said Mantri. “This succession has been long planned, and under Stephen’s leadership the agency will only continue to evolve, with WATATAWA’s clients in the very best hands.

”Speaking on his own appointment, Robertson said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead WATATAWA and maintain the high bar that Simon has set. It has been a privilege to work closely together over the decade and to develop a business and consulting model that is as relevant to our clients as ever and encourages and engages our people.”

Meanwhile, Kass Sells, CEO, international at WE Communications, commented, “This transition is a passing-of-the-torch moment to the next -generation of leadership and an example of how WE invests in and develops our leaders from within. A long-time business partner to Simon, Stephen is a seasoned communications professional who knows the market, our people and our clients, with a strong vision for the future of WATATAWA.”

Singapore – The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Oasia Resort Sentosa, The Outpost Hotel Sentosa, and Village Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality have appointed WE Communications (WE), a global integrated communications agency, as their PR and social media agency of record.

With the appointment, WE will offer full assistance for all communication initiatives, including influencer engagement, campaign launches, media relations, social media management, content creation, creative production, and other services.

With this new partnership, the four hotels’ brand narratives will be improved and their influence will be expanded into important markets. WE will focus on developing compelling storylines through creative content and social media interaction, with a first emphasis on Southeast Asia, South Korea, and China. These narratives will highlight the unique features of the four hotels that make up a single Sentosa precinct: the adult-only vibe of The Outpost Hotel Sentosa, the practical wellness of Oasia Resort Sentosa, the bespoke luxury of The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, and the family-friendly entertainment of Village Hotel Sentosa.

Speaking about the appointment, Daryl Ho, managing director, Singapore, said, “We are excited to partner with the four hotels to showcase their signature Singapore-inspired hospitality and unique experiences in the island destination of Sentosa. With our insights into the travel and hospitality industry and creative storytelling expertise, we look forward to helping the hotels deepen guest relationships and drive more response with each of their distinctive audiences.” 

Singapore – WE Communications (WE), a worldwide communications agency, announced the appointment of Charmaine Lin as director of sectors and Michelle Lim as associate director of sectors in Singapore. Lin and Lim joined WE in February and report to Troy Lee, the head of sectors. 

Together, they are tasked to expand WE’s skills in tourism, travel, and hospitality, as well as technology, B2B, and crisis communications. 

Lin will oversee the Singapore Tourism Board account in her new role and manage WE’s growing clientele in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. 

Lin joins WE with more than 17 years of brand marketing and communications expertise. She spent ten years in Shanghai, where she occupied a number of leadership roles. Her most recent position was five years as managing partner at Gusto Collective. Lin was the vice president of client experience at Weber Shandwick for five years before that.

For many international tourism, travel, hospitality, fashion, and beauty companies, such as the Estée Lauder Companies, Marriott International, Royal Caribbean, Shiseido Group, Tourism Australia, and Victoria’s Secret, she has advised and led campaigns throughout her career.

Meanwhile, Lim has a decade of expertise in B2B, technology communications, public affairs, and crisis communication. Her most recent position was as account director at Fifth Ring, where she worked with brands including BASF, CHINT Global, Delta Electronics, Smith+Nephew, and XSQUARE Technologies. For nearly ten years before joining Fifth Ring, she directed communications and crisis planning for many Home Team units within Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking about the appointments, Daryl Ho, managing director of WE Singapore, said, “Charmaine and Michelle bring a wealth of experience and expertise to WE, and their combined talent in integrated communications, strategic storytelling and crisis communications will be an unstoppable force in supporting our clients as we chart the agency forward. I am beyond thrilled to welcome both of them to the team and am grateful that they’ve chosen to call WE their home.”

Singapore – WE Communications (WE) has announced it has been named agency of record for Elastic, a search analytics company, in Australia and Singapore. WE’s appointment follows a competitive pitch.

The communications partnership, effective immediately, will help Elastic promote and protect its brand and thought leadership positioning in Asia-Pacific countries.

Moreover, WE will draw on its full range of capabilities, including corporate reputation and brand purpose, media and influencer engagement, content development, digital marketing, and creative. 

Madge Miller, vice president of global communications at Elastic, said, “Cutting through market noise, to showcase the value of search-powered solutions, is essential to our communication strategy. WE’s strong technology sector knowledge, extensive media relations experience and creativity have motivated us to choose WE as our agency of record in Australia and Singapore.”

Meanwhile, Ayla Fitzgibbon, head of technology at WE Australia, commented, “For years, the Elasticsearch platform has empowered millions of businesses to find the answers that matter in milliseconds with the power of AI and search.”

She added, “WE is honoured to be selected as Elastic’s agency of record for Australia and Singapore, and we look forward to delivering communications strategies that promote the search analytics company’s growth in the region.” 

Lastly, Daryl Ho, managing director at WE Singapore, stated, “Elastic joins WE’s growing technology client roster in the region. Tapping our extensive experience in helping technology brands tell their stories, the team is excited to help write the next chapter of Elastic’s growth as a leading provider of search-powered solutions.” 

Singapore – How companies respond to global challenges and employee reputation is directly correlated with corporate reputation in today’s business environment, according to the latest ‘Brands in Motion’ global study by global communications firm WE Communications.

Data from the report mainly suggests that a company’s reputation is increasingly determined by its response to immediate and public concerns that have universal reach, such as cost of living and the climate crisis.

This shift has occurred alongside an increase in scepticism, with only 44% of brands seen to be delivering on their commitments, as half of survey respondents said that some brands that do take a stand on societal issues are just doing it for the sake of selling more products and services.

Notably, even as consumers are calling on companies to speak out more about issues such as cost of living (60%), employee pay and benefits (54%), the climate crisis (41%), and the responsible use of technology and artificial intelligence (38%), they expect brands to keep talking about and maintain a focus on social justice, DEI and gender equality.

When it comes to employee reputation on the other hand, social media and crowd-sourced rating sites are now fueling greater openness in the workplace about work conditions, benefits and pay. Beyond business performance, companies now must be transparent about employee experience, with 92% of respondents believing that employer-employee relations are among the essential characteristics of a company to build and maintain a great reputation.

Talking about these findings, Hannah Peters, EVP, corporate reputation & brand purpose at WE Communications, said, “In a world where the need for stability has never felt more personal, companies must go further to demonstrate progress and impact in areas people are feeling most acutely in their daily lives. This being said, long-term commitments remain important, but brands must also meet growing expectations to see and feel urgent action.”

Meanwhile, Rebecca Wilson, executive vice president at WE International, added, “It’s a delicate balance. The old rules of media relations, crisis communications and employee engagement need to evolve to respond to today’s accelerating demands. Brands that successfully pivot to embrace and commit to change will see long-lasting positive effects on their reputation and business success.”

United States – Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible forest management, has partnered with WE Communications (WE) as its global creative agency.

The partnership between FSC and WE Communications will focus on developing global marketing and communication programs, enhancing brand campaigns, creating impactful content, and engaging consumers and businesses worldwide in responsible forest stewardship. Services include strategic planning, consultation, social media content, and video production.

In a statement, Trevor Armel, Global Marketing Director of FSC, emphasised the critical role that forests play in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity, hence the need for a creative partner with strong strategic capabilities to combat environmental degradation effectively.

Moreover, Armel also expressed full confidence in WE’s ability to support FSC’s mission and enhance its standing as the leading authority on forest stewardship.

Affirming FSC’s trust, Daniel Blank, EMEA Head of Integrated Marketing at WE Communications, said that WE has its full dedication to sustainability and delivering outstanding results. 

Currently, WE’s international borderless experience team has taken charge of FSC’s global program, leading proposal development and providing ongoing support. The team comprises senior leaders from Germany, the UK, and Australia, offering data capabilities, strategic insights, and creative expertise. 

With this collaboration, FSC and WE Communications are poised to make significant steps in their shared mission to protect the world’s forests and combat environmental challenges on a global scale.

Singapore – Global communications firm WE Communications has appointed Troy Lee as its senior director and head of sectors and Ayden Ong as its director and head of digital, experience, and Technology (DXT), and strategy.

The appointments are targeted at enhancing the firm’s Singapore leadership team, delivering value to clients, and steering the next phase of growth for the agency while strengthening its strategic integrated communications offerings.

In the new role, Lee brings with him over two decades of experience in strategic communications, reputation management, C-suite positioning, and crisis management. He is also a seasoned practitioner with experience in crisis and issues management at Temasek.

He will also play a lead role on the Singapore Tourism Board account and will provide senior counsel for WE Communications’ clients such as Capgemini, Johnson & Johnson, Honeywell, and Adobe.

Meanwhile, Ong was elevated from being the firm’s Associate Director of DXT. He has been with WE Communications for over two years and has played a key role in developing and growing its DXT team.

Ong will also lead the Singapore team’s integrated marketing, digital, and data capabilities for the agency’s clients, including its predictive data intelligence, content, creative, social, digital marketing and production teams. 

“His ability to blend communications, digital platforms, data, creative and strategy together, has made him an invaluable partner to clients and brands that are transforming the way they communicate,” said Daryl Ho, managing director at WE Singapore.

Ho also added that Lee and Ong have extensive experience and diverse knowledge and believes that the two will be great leaders to the teams and incredibly valuable partners to their clients.

“Our industry has been in an extended transformative season, pre, during and post-COVID. The ability to make communications and marketing valuable again is truly a mix of art and science. It is no longer just about great storytelling, but how you blend the science in data and utilize technology to be extremely agile and efficient in building a brand,” he added.

Recently, WE Communications has also announced two new regional executive promotions for its APAC and EMEA businesses.