In 2007, Australian Michael de Kretser, along with his son Peter, began a public relations company in Petaling Jaya called GO Communications. With over 30 years in the PR business, de Kretser was already something of an industry leader in the ASEAN region, owing to his success with his Singapore-based firm, MDK Consultants, which he ultimately shuttered in part due to a dispute with the London-headquartered company which acquired it. Now, the PR magnate has regrouped, learned from his experience, and set his sights even higher, stating a goal of building Asia’s largest independent PR network.

To that end, GO Communications Group recently acquired one of the top PR agencies in Thailand, DC Consultants, kicking off a strategic acquisition exercise over the next year in which the company, whose Malaysia office has been recognised as the best PR agency in the country, sets out to expand its regional footprint. Negotiations are already underway with PR firms in Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Sri Lanka.

Of the ambitious outlook, CEO de Kretser tells us, “We are extremely excited about this formation, and what’s in store in the coming months. The Group structure as well as momentum behind us will enable the scale and depth required to really position us as the leading communications group in the region.”

Expats should be encouraged by not only the favourable business climate in Malaysia, but the recognition afforded to expat-owned companies. We are eager to see GO Communications reach its goals and continue making a positive impact as expats in Malaysia.

Source: The Expat September 2012
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