We represented Peugeot Malaysia – spearheading the launch of the all new Peugeot 308 THP, alongside supporting the brand with other PR services. The launch of the 308 was an astounding success. With the car’s sleeker design, and its success as the European Car of the Year 2014, the launch garnered great attention from the media, even before the announcement. The media were curious from the start, wanting to know what the French marque had to offer for the Malaysia debut.
Media support is essential for brands, especially in the competitive automotive industry. Peugeot has built quite a reputation among the local media as being one of the major marques in the market that offers stunning and innovative products for consumers, and provides good quality aftersales services. As a way for the brand to acknowledge and to give back to the media for their support, as well as to involve them in moments of celebrations with the brand, we invited media and friends to gather for an appreciation party night.
Held at The Ballroom, Jaya Shopping Centre, the media appreciation night offered a chance for media and friends to catch up, and unwind after a long week. Speeches from the client; guests treated with dinner and drinks; and billiards and bowling was played among other relaxing activities.
The event almost ended way before it started. No, just kidding. The host accidently got her speech mixed up. Without realising, she referred to the wrong script and ended her opening speech with a thank you and goodnight. The crowd was bemused at first, but got cracked up by the confusion soon after. To boot, the big boss of Peugeot got a phone call from his wife during his speech, to which he announced “Hold on, need to get this important call from the boss,” – leaving the crowd to burst with laughter. It was a fun night for all that, and everyone was left entertained.
For the client, this event served as a chance to give back and to catch-up. What’s important was the outcome – better and healthier relationships with the media, and a good portrayal of the client as being interested in more than just coverage.
Not everything we do in PR is about getting publishable outcomes. Sometimes, the core of what we do is people, and function / get-together such as this are purely to just enjoy. Life should not always be “All work and no play”; it should be “Work hard, play harder”.
Fithri Faisal is a Public Relations Executive at Orchan Consulting. He is dedicated to having fun in the pursuit of delivering excellence. To Fithri, public relations is just one of a plethora of integrated tools a brand can use to get its name out there, and he is here to assist with making that happen for clients. If he’s not at his desk, he’s most likely sipping tea somewhere contemplating life (and business).
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