The Media Specialists Association (MSA) at its Annual General Meeting held recently re-elected Ranganathan Somanathan as the President of the Association for another term of two years.

In the previous two years under his presidency, MSA has actively pursued a policy that ensures that the media agency business in this country thrives and grows rapidly.

ln order to do that MSA have taken steps to identify programmes to ensure the 'How' of skilled and talented people into the industry by working alongside universities and colleges, and enhancing the knowledge of the people in the industry through intensive training using sourced experts in the field. Steps have also been laid down to ensure that clients recognize the value that the media specialists’ brings into the marketing equation to create brand value and ultimately shareholder value.

A number of initiatives to gain traction for the industry included laying down pitch guidelines, seeking accountability in the digital space by reaching a level of engagement between ABCÍ, the Malaysian Digital Association and the vendor, sharing thoughts and ideas with media owners on optimization of research and ROI and paying tribute to the contributors of effective marketing communication strategies by partnering the 4As and the in the Effie Awards.

Ranganathan said “The dramatic challenges taking place in the media environment makes this period an exciting time for media practitioners to deliver cutting edge solutions connecting our clients’ brands with their consumers over multiple platforms.”

Girish Menon, CEO representing Mindshare was re­elected Vice President.

The new Council consists of Honorary Secretary Neal Estavillo from Mediacompete, Honorary
Treasurer Tan Sio Chian (Natural Media) and Council Members Margaret Lim (Carat Media
Services), Mr Gerald Miranda (Zenith Media), Mr Law Chan Keong (MEC), K Sivanathan
(Trapper Media Services), Prashant Kumar (Universal McCann) Sherene Mak (Sen Media),
Andy Miller (Vizeum Media Services) and Andreas Vogiatzakis (OMD).

The next event on the calendar is the 9th Malaysian Media Awards which will be held 13
July 2012 to recognize the work that has delivered strong business results for the clients, via
excellent strategy, solution and execution. It is also about the recognition of the people behind
the success of these campaigns.