Once a feisty, rip-roarin’ reporter, I’ve been jostled by Hillary Clinton’s Secret Service bodyguards, forced to push wooden trawlers in the Celebes Sea at low tide and made to write ten stories a week. Journalism taught me the joys of working long hours and crafting stories that make people tick; all wonderful lessons that honed a sharp-shootin’ copywriter, PR consultant, brand advocate and social media manager. Though I miss the days of being part of the fourth pillar of democracy, so I try to give back in other ways — crafting socially and environmentally friendly campaigns.
Stephanie Goh, publicist & social media mediator
I’ve danced and choreographed for many of Malaysia’s top artists, graduated in fashion and retail design (if you’ve got a fashion issue, I’m your fashion tissue), and make up one-third of the KRU-signed girl group TIGA . So, what does krumping and one-armed handstands have to do with PR? Heck, a lot actually, if you’re trying to self-promote on a micro budget. After 2 years as an apprentice here I’ve been whipped into PR shape, and am now public relations manager and social media mediator. I’ve got my eye on all things hot and it reflects on the projects I handle and the brands I manage.
Julia Taslim, designer, publicist & social media mediator
Born in Jakarta, I was a little girl dwarfed by a mega-city, in search of big adventures . OD-ing on Teh Botol during playtime, I’d take to any possible creative outlet within reach (usually paper, pen and scissors). A couple decades on I’m still hooked on Teh Botol and making art. I found Johnny and Ying through Facebook and once I realised we shared the same love of pretty things, I knew we were a perfect match. Having worked for many advertising agencies, I know what it takes to make a great PR campaign. I like to think of myself as more than a designer. I’m a communicator, a thinker, a problem-solver; and still the little girl dreaming of big adventures.
Johnny McGeorge, creative director & co-founder
I’ve spent the last five years developing a multi-disciplined portfolio across Southeast Asia with a base in Kuala Lumpur. As brand consultant I create computer game concepts and engaging awareness strategies. As a social media maestro I am on edge 24/7 to generate solid online families ensuring my clients sustain a unique enriching experience. Design work includes magazine templates, brand identities, infographics and guerilla campaigns. Photojournalism gives me the freedom to work all across Asia and copywriting helps me to sell it all. It’s just about saying the right things, in the right place, at the right time. Check out my portfolio at www.jayemmcee.com.
Maryann Tan, copywriter & internet marketer
I was once an eager financial journalist with Malaysia’s top business weekly. For a while It was a fulfilling career until it started to feel like a scene from Groundhog Day. So I upped and left for the UK, just in time for the financial carnage of 2008. I went home after two years but I couldn’t stay put for long. My gut-searching thus landed me in Central, South and finally North America. In the process I’ve had many cultural experiences and even learned a new language. This itinerant life has truly taken me out of the box. Resourcefulness is not born but made. And that’s how I’ve got a mixed bag of abilities that includes Internet, search engine and social media marketing. I maintain a core skill set of top-notch writing and copyediting. Just ask my colleagues. I’m the go-to person if you want dull copy SEO-ed and spit-shined into words even the most hard-nosed news editor would approve of.
The Team