KUALA LUMPUR – In a much anticipated event, attended by more than 300 friends and partners, Havas Media Group marked the official launch of its Malaysia operations last Wednesday September 28th, at Jaya One.
The launch was done in true Malaysian style and it was marked by the longest and loudest Yum Seng (Malaysian cheers) Jaya One has ever witnessed!
While two caricature artists were making drawings of the guests, the well-known Malaysian acapella group Back2Basixx entertained the crowds.
Guests had a feast with the most delicious nasi lemak, to-die-for rendang and many other Malaysian delicacies. More than a dozen lucky guests won several prizes of value and significance, with the Havas Media KL team volunteering to free dance lessons for the winners and their teams, cook and serve breakfast for them at their office, and work for the community for a charity of the winner’s choice.
Among several well-known personalities from the local and regional scene, the launch had as chief guests Alfonso Rodés Vilà, Global CEO of Havas Media Group, and Vishnu Mohan CEO of Havas Media Group, Asia Pacific.
Helmed by Andreas Vogiatzakis, the fully owned Havas Group operation launched in a state-of-the art Havas Village. The Village model, organized to promote seamless collaboration between media and creative teams, has already been implemented in 45 cities. The Malaysia office now also houses the creative arm, Havas Malaysia and Havas Group’s pure player specialist brands Affiperf (programmatic), Socialyse (social media), Mobext (mobile) and Ecselis (online performance marketing brand).
Commenting on the launch, Andreas Vogiatzakis, CEO of Havas Media Group Malaysia, said: “Our new office has been developed on the collaborative and integrated principles of Havas Village with solutions that are customized for every individual brand. Our people have been handpicked from the best and the brightest folks in the industry, full of energy, happiness, generosity, and a collaborative, curious and entrepreneurial spirit. Working hand in hand with all the Havas companies and teams, we are already seeing a lot of traction, serving current clients and having partnered with several new clients already. I am also humbled by all the support extended by our global and regional teams and happy that we have started off on such a successful good note. Above all, I am thankful to all our friends and partners who have joined us to officially launch our Havas Kampung in Malaysia. A village full of energy, passion, and determination to create history and change the game in the industry. Malaysia Boleh, kampung Havas style!”
Alfonso Rodés Vilà, the global CEO of Havas Media Group said: “The KL launch was the loudest and one of the most fun and happy ones that I have seen around the world. It truly demonstrated the Malaysian spirit, full of energy, passion, and collaboration. As the launch was exclusively designed and directed by the Havas Malaysian Kampung team, it demonstrated the capability, ethos, and positive attitude of our Malaysian Havas Village. I am truly proud of the Malaysian team and honoured to be their Chief launch guests.”
Vishnu Mohan, CEO of Havas Media Group, Asia Pacific, added: “I am very excited to be part of this launch event. As Malaysia is an important market in the region a robust presence here is vital from a client’s perspective. While the team is in its early days I can already clearly and loudly sense the positivity and optimism it has! Havas Media, as the fastest growing global media group, we are always looking to invest in important markets. We have been registering strong growth in Asia Pacific and we are truly excited to expand our footprint in one of Southeast Asia’s most significant markets. I am confident that Andreas and his team will continue our story of growth and prosperity for our clients in Malaysia.”
