1998 POSITIVE YEAR FOR PR INDUSTRY

Bangkok--27 Jan--MDK CONSULTANTS (THAILAND) LTD While Thailand's economic problems have affected many companies in the country's industrial, manufacturing and service sectors, others have managed to escape much of the turmoil. The public relations industry is one that promises to avoid the same trouble that has beset most others. "One of the primary reasons that many PR agencies will survive is the results clients can achieve with a significantly lower budget than is required for advertising," says the Managing Director of MDK Consultants (Thailand), Danai Chanchaochai. As one of Thailand's most successful PR companies, MDK Consultants remains strong and healthy and has maintained a solid client base. The company has undertaken a number of initiatives to ensure its continued success, including a drive to boost the awareness of the impact and benefits of a solid PR campaign. "With spirited teamwork, we have survived last year's economic downturn with no lay-offs, no salary reduction, and full bonuses for every member of staff. This year we are working harder to achieve a better results," Mr Danai says. MDK's base of multinational corporate clients stem from a variety of sectors, including information technology, the service industry, the consumer product sector, and government agencies. The consultancy is successfully expanding its client base, and expects to continue to do so throughout the remainder of the first quarter. Some of the current clients are the World Gold Council, Emirates Airline, Miller Freeman (the world's leading exhibition and event organiser), Rolls Royce (the British icon which manufactures aero engines and power generation plants), household electrical goods manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric, software giant Microsoft, Asia's first international health resort Chiva-Som, and DHL (the world's leading air courier). One of the company's underlying strengths is its extensive Asian network. MDK has offices in Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Australia, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and India. "The future for MDK looks very bright indeed," says Mr Danai. The good news for the Thai economy is that there are a number of international company strongly committed to Thailand, and who are now consolidating their businesses in preparation for an economic recovery. "All of our present clients are committed to their enterprises in Thailand, and we will target companies with a similar outlook during our expansion", says Mr Danai. "Co-operation among group with common interests will also be a key to surviving the crisis," he adds. As an example of this co-operation, Mr Danai points to the Reporter Rescue Campaign, recently launched by The Reporter's Association of Thailand in association with MDK, and focuses on the estimated 3,000 journalists who have been seriously affected by the economic slump. The campaign seeks to offer academic and vocational training. Initiatives include IT traning sponsored by Microsoft, hospitality industry training sponsored by MDK client Chiva-Som, an English language workshop and others. "We want to work hand-in-hand with the media throughout the crisis" says Mr Danai "If we work together and help each other, while remaining adaptable and flexible in our thinking we can all benefit through these hard times. "Close cooperation with the media will be emphasised throughout the year to create the best PR products in response to demand. Moreover, while the mass communications industry is downsizing, only work of the most outstanding quality is acceptable to clients, the media, and the PR industry," Mr Danai says. For more information, please contact : MDK Consultants (Thailand) Ltd. Baralee Intararut Sinual Reugsirinukul Tel : 254-5152 or 251-7708-9 End.