Petaling Jaya, 13 November 2015 : The Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA) and the Malaysian Retailers Chain Association (MRCA) today announced a membership affiliation of the two organisations during an official ceremony at the latter’s headquarters.
The MAA was represented by President, Margaret Au Yong while Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang inked the agreement on behalf of MRCA as its President.
The membership affiliation is seen as a positive step for all parties involved as each association is able to tap into their respective strengths and emerge as a stronger force in the face of continuous global challenge.
The MAA with over 100 members represent the interest of advertisers in all areas of commercial communications. The objectives of the association are to promote the importance of advertising in driving competition in the economy, promote self-regulation and work with government, media owners and advertising agencies in ensuring an environment conducive to the growth of the industry.
President Margaret Au Yong notes, “The MAA strength lies in its restructuring of its committee into 4 pillars. These pillars represent sectors that will focus on the specifics, such as Members Relations, Industry Relations, Training, Administration and Finance, as well as Regulatory Committee”.
“Furthermore, the MAA is seen as a valued partner by the authorities and various industry bodies, while the MRCA is noted for in its entrepreneurial-ship endeavours throughout the country as well as its good Government Relations”. That is what makes our affiliation with the MRCA practical”, adds Margaret.
The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) came to fruition in 1992 and is represented by more than 288 leading retail chain stores operators and franchisors throughout the country. MRCA believes that by pooling all their resources together, Malaysian chain retailers could harness networking power to expand their business and facilitate the enhancement of chain stores management through education and training.
Dato’ Liaw said, “MRCA acts as an excellent avenue for retail businesses to network and exchange ideas, share resources and to promote the healthy expansion of the retail industry in Malaysia and abroad”.
“This is how we see our affiliation with the MAA developing, by ensuring a cooperative environment to enhance retails businesses through the exchange of ideas, experiences and knowledge”, he adds.
Margaret concurs, “The MAA envisions a similar objective, albeit with a focus on the development and enhancement of brands within its association. “Strength in numbers is not the criteria. We want to exchange ideas, to become more of a force when facing the impeding challenges worldwide”.
This strategic partnership between MRCA and MAA is in support of the World Federation of Advertisers Global (WFA) conference on March 17th 2016.
The WFA is the only global organisation representing the common interests of marketers. It brings together the biggest markets and marketers worldwide, and is at the forefront of responsible and effective marketing communications.
This is what makes the participation of MRCA and MAA at the global conference very opportune as it enables members from both associations to understand and appreciate the need for Global Marketing practices and processes.
This global conference, being held for the first time in South East Asia is seen as the first of many strategic partnerships between MAA & MRCA. Themed, “Connecting Brand Builders”, the 2016 conference will feature multinational marketers from 30 nationalities networking and sharing business opportunities.
Margaret and Dato’ Liaw both agreed, “By combining the knowledge and expertise of each individual association, the MAA and MRCA will be able to make positive strides and implement progressive changes to meet the global challenges ahead”.
