About the team
We have worked in the media, so we know how the media works. We know what makes them tick and we know how to get your news published. Adding to this, our experience with Government+political parties, our body of work with the private sector/MNCs, GLCs as well as NGOs, provides us with a wide scope of experience in the industry. We started in 2003 and we serve major brands and companies. We are objective and strategic and we have a proven track record. We are affiliated with international PR agencies in Singapore for cross-border support, which provides us with a strategic advantage.
Rene Leow
Managing Consultant
Rene was a journalist with NST before serving as communications manager for Gerakan, the BN-component party.
He then worked at both large and boutique agencies - Ogilvy PR and WYSE Communications, where he managed a tobacco client, supported crisis communications and handled investor relations for several clients.
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Started Emerald Communications in 2003 and then forged alliances with international PR agencies in Singapore for cross-border support.
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Rene holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Management from the University of South Australia.
Muhammad Adib Syazwan
Senior Consultant, Editor
As a senior in the team, Adib has overseen numerous projects for various clients including Google Malaysia, which includes the nationwide Go Global roadshow, the second-ever Doodle 4 Google campaign, as well as conferences on various industry-based insights. He also works on building relations for YouTube Malaysia, and has contributed to projects like the launch of YouTube Kids and YouTube Gaming, as well as the Generation YouTube creator showcases.
Adib holds a joint Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication from IACT University and partner University of Hertfordshire. Previously, Adib has written for online portal Cilisos.my, as well as assisted with marketing development for local denim brand Tarik Jeans. He also dabbles in graphic design, having crafted visual elements for eco-movement Negawatt Revolution and green tech solutions Reneon Technologies.
Timothy Ong
Consultant, Client Services
Timothy holds a Bachelor of Corporate Communications from University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and began his PR journey serving clienteles mainly from the healthcare and lifestyle industry.
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He has supported the execution of PR activities for notable brands such as Google Malaysia, LAM Research, BOH Plantations, The Great Fundamentals (The Majapahit. Tail & Fin, Gajah Mada), Novo Nordisk Pharma, and Canon Marketing Malaysia, among others.
In addition to PR, Timothy also supports the team with its creatives through photography and in-house designs (invites, greeting cards, etc).
Melissa Gasper
Associate Consultant
Before coming on board the team, Melissa was a content writer and design thinking coach with a degree in biotechnology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. As a part-timer, she stands in as support to the general writing needs of various clients.
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Her non-traditional background has afforded her a range of writing experiences such as with web content, technical report writing, marketing collaterals, press releases, social media content, and proposal writing, to name a few. She thoroughly enjoys using the written word to drive clarity and understanding, especially on complex subject matters.
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At Emerald Communications, Melissa is able to tap into her eclectic professional background which has involved a great deal of client servicing, educating, strategizing, and bringing concepts to life, when approaching projects.
Balqis Lim
Associate Consultant
Balqis has over six years experience in the news and media industry, where she contributed to front-page, exclusive, advertorial and feature stories. In her most recent role as a journalist with the New Straits Times, she wrote and created content for the Lifestyle section, specifically on Tech.
She wrote about technology, gadgets, latest tech, mobile, apps, innovations, and related topics. Besides technology, she occasionally wrote travel stories.
Balqis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication (Hons) Journalism from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam.
Kumar Sivagurunathan
Associate Consultant
Kumar is a full-fledged editorial writer, having worked at NST as a journalist before being editor for Golf Malaysia and senior editor for Malaysia Book of Records.
He has had numerous writing project experiences i.e. advertisements, press releases, brochures, corporate videos, radio scripts, newsletters, speeches and catalogues for clients such as: American Express, Maybank Alliance Bank, Srixon, Guthrie Bhd, Samsung, F&N, Wyeth, Sunway Group, Tupperware, National Diabetes Institute, Nutrition Society of Malaysia among others.
His writing has been commended by current clients such as Google Malaysia and Permanis (marketer for Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Wonda, Revive, Tropicana, etc) and others.
Zarik Zainuddin
Associate Consultant, Investor Relations
Zarik serves as the lead for the team in investor relations. Starting as an auditor with KPMG, he went on to build a sound base in areas of insurance, integrated facilities management, and corporate development, before heading IR at CLIQ Energy Bhd.
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Zarik holds a Certificate in Investor Relations, from the IR Society of UK, and is a member of the Malaysian Investor Relations Association (MIRA).
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Zarik currently holds the position of Treasurer and EXCO member of the Western Australia Graduates Association and is an active member of the alumni of the University of Western Australia, having graduated with a Masters in Business Administration from the UWA Business School in 2004.