Asiya Bakht
Singapore
Summary
Collaborative and result oriented marketing communications specialist with two decades of experience in public relations, journalism, and reputation management across 17 markets in Asia Pacific. A former journalist, I combine storytelling skills with strong media relationships and a nuanced understanding of local and international media.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Chair
APAC Association of Comms Directors (APACD) Singapore
01.2023 - Current
- As the co-chair of PR industry association APACD for the second consecutive year, I have been leading the Singapore chapter and organizing regular events and networking opportunities
- In 2023, we organized four events and six networking sessions for the volunteer-run body.
Founder
Beets Public Relations
07.2021 - Current
- Founded the boutique PR agency Beets PR, which is focused on media, marketing & advertising and technology (marktech, adtech and startups) brands across APAC.
- Working with a group of remote employees and freelancers, I have delivered high-impact PR consulting, strategy, and execution to 20+ clients including DEPT, Ebiquity, Supermom, M&C Saatchi, MMA, and Lemma.
- Led the expansion of Beets PR to new markets including ANZ, US, and the UK through strategic collaborations.
- The agency manages clients across India, SEA, and North Asia in addition to the above-mentioned markets.
Regional Communications Director
BBH Asia
07.2018 - 04.2021
- Delivered high-impact PR strategy for BBH's three offices in Asia - Singapore, China & India
- Enhanced global and regional reputation and visibility through high-quality coverage and strong relationships with the press/media in APAC
- Expansion of BBH's presence on social and content platforms in collaboration with local, regional, and global teams across functions
- Set up a clear process and strategy for social media platforms in collaboration with the creative team.
Director
Marketing Communications Havas Group, Asia Pacific
03.2016 - 06.2018
- Led the marketing integration of nine business units of the Havas group in Asia Pacific, thus driving higher cost efficiencies and greater market impact
- Implemented Havas Group's global positioning - To Better Together - in the region
- High-impact results in events, media coverage, awards, and social media in all areas showing 30% YoY growth.
Director
Marketing Communications Havas Media Group, Asia Pacific
05.2010 - 01.2016
- Established the Marketing & Communications function of the Group
- Enhanced Havas Media's visibility on par with other big major media competitors
- Led the rebranding exercise for the group with the flagship brand MPG rebranded as Havas Media.
Senior Reporter
Campaign Asia Pacific
04.2008 - 04.2010
- Covered media and marketing industry in Southeast Asia for Hong Kong-based magazine and website Campaign Asia
- Enhanced Campaign's relationship with senior marketing and media stakeholders in Asia Pacific.
Editorial Roles
Questex Asia / Reed Business / ADOI Magazine/ ANI Reuters
06.1998 - 04.2008
- Senior editorial roles at several leading trade publications including Television Asia, Charged & Adoi Magazine
- Worked as a reporter for India's largest TV news agency ANI Reuters.
Education
MA English Literature -
Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi
05.1997
BA English Literature -
University of Delhi
05.1995
Skills
- Public Relations
- Media Relations
- PR Strategy
- Thought Leadership
- Content Development
- Stakeholder & Reputation Management
- Internal Communications
- Social Media Marketing
Industry Involvement
- Judge - Campaign Asia AOY Awards, 09/2009
- Judge- Smarties APAC, 08/2014, 08/2015
- Judge - Mumbrella Asia Awards, 09/2017
- Judge – Media Savvy Awards, 10/23
Accomplishments
- Led the PR launch of International Women's Day 2019 initiative that saw BBH partnering with stock image website Unsplash to create a collection of photos showcasing the diversity of Asian women. (08/2019)
- A member of Havas Group's Global Communications Committee (06/2017 – Present)
- Drove Havas Group's partnership with Campaign Asia's Mandate for Change initiative aimed at furthering Gender Equality in media and marketing industry. (02/2017)
- Represented Havas Group at IAS - EDB Talent Round Table (07/2017)
Timeline
Co-Chair
APAC Association of Comms Directors (APACD) Singapore
01.2023 - Current
Founder
Beets Public Relations
07.2021 - Current
Regional Communications Director
BBH Asia
07.2018 - 04.2021
Director
Marketing Communications Havas Group, Asia Pacific
03.2016 - 06.2018
Director
Marketing Communications Havas Media Group, Asia Pacific
05.2010 - 01.2016
Senior Reporter
Campaign Asia Pacific
04.2008 - 04.2010
Editorial Roles
Questex Asia / Reed Business / ADOI Magazine/ ANI Reuters
06.1998 - 04.2008
MA English Literature -
Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi
BA English Literature -
University of Delhi
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