BrazilSPAG expands services into four new South East Asia markets
At a time when most professional services firms are struggling with a sluggish market, SPAG has announced a significant expansion drive across South East Asia.
Founded in 2013, SPAG is a communications, creative and public relations consultancy specialised in the pharma, healthcare and life sciences sectors. Since its inception in India, the firm has added an office in Singapore (in 2019), and now, facing “increased demand for integrated communications support from clients in the region,” said Priyanka Bajpai, SPAG’s Regional Head, four new markets have been entered: Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and The Philippines.
Demand is on the up for two reasons, said Bajpai, who is based in the firm’s growing Singapore office. First, “demand for better health services is increasing due to the higher income levels. Specifically, Malaysia, Indonesia, The Philippines and Thailand are fast-growing economies, bustling with health innovation and the health stakeholders understand the need for communications.”
According to a recent report from YCP Solidiance, aggregate spending on healthcare in Southeast Asia will have jumped by more than $320 billion in the ten years up to 2025. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 crisis has accelerated the demand for digital health solutions, found a report by L.E.K. Consulting, with telemedicine and assistive technology touted as the fastest growing segments.
Second, Bajpai – recently named a leading Indian business person outside of India by Reputation Today – said the firm is attracting a growing roster of clients thanks to its unique positioning in the communications landscape. “With our medical and science background, and experience working with large players in the market, we can leverage our specialised approach to play a critical role in crafting communication plans, fulfilling their PR and creative needs.”
In the four new markets, SPAG will work for clients in the pharmaceuticals, medical technology, nutrition and wellness sectors, ranging from multinational corporations to start-ups. The focus will be on helping them through the damaging effects of the outbreak, while retaining trust amongst their employees, consumers and industry partners, and on taking a more long-term lens to reputation and positioning.
Earlier this month, SPAG was named one of Asia Pacific’s leading PR & Communications consultancy firms for the healthcare sector by Provoke, an industry platform.
