Orchan Consulting | Asia Sdn Bhd

Take one slightly over-ambitious blogger, add to the mix a stubborn hotel founder, and wait for the fireworks. I’m sure that you have all watched over the past day or two the story unfold, now referred to as #bloggergate. Tonight, as I scroll through my social media feed, the latest is a certain hotel billing a certain blogger for “exposure” in the millions of pounds, claiming that his treatment of her email provided substantial publicity for the young blogger. As the “crisis” deepens, I thought I’d view it in a different perspective – who benefited? Frankly, in my humble opinion, neither. The blogger comes across as a needy sponge, whilst the hotelier comes across as vindictive and inflexible. Working with some amazing regional bloggers, we always get requests. But these requests are always respectful, and they come with a realistic set of outcomes. Have I been asked to provide five nights accommodation? No. Most who express interest do so professionally by ...

Humans of Orchan – Christeen Akkarawatte | AKA, Ms Water This is Christeen reporting from the Orchan den. I am 20 years old, and approaching my third and final year of university. I study Communications and Media Studies with a specialisation in Global Studies in Monash University.   Although I very much look like a local (trust me, if I had a dollar for every time someone spoke Malay / Tamil to me or asked me if I’m local– I would be loaded right now…. well, kinda). I’m Sri Lankan, born and raised in Kuwait, been in Kuwait my whole life basically. Before I get into Orchan, I’ll write a bit about myself. I adore animals (cockroaches are not included please, thanks). I enjoy doing volunteer work for NGOs (non-government / non-profit organisations), whether it comes to helping out senior citizens, writing about women’s rights for my Journalism units, or even volunteering at an animal shelter. Although I studied Science in high school and have the love for biology...

In October 2017, UNICEF teamed up with Petrosains Malaysia to host an inclusive designing and prototyping competition, as known as “Makeathon” in conjunction with the release of a study which shows that six (6) in ten (10) Malaysians surveyed lack knowledge about disability. With this kind of perception going around society, we have to take action to build a more inclusive Malaysia. UNICEF’s Malaysian Representative, Marianne Clark-Hattingh, delivered the summary of the study to guests and media. Popular Malaysian actress Lisa Surihani, UNICEF’s National Ambassador was also there to congratulate and present the prizes to the “Makeathon” winners. The “Makeathon” competition proved that disabilities don't limit a person from being creative and innovative. Take 7-year-old Branden Lim for example. Branden's team developed an assistive device which enables children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) like Branden to move his wrist to draw, write, and paint. His parents claim...

Well – sort of. No matter what industry you are in, networking is an essential skill. Events and other opportunities to meet people from all dimensions of industry not only provide the (hoped for) business opportunities), but the opportunity to share ideas with fresh faces, garner new perspectives and insights, and even to just catch up on gossip with friends new and old. Although not a member, both Farrell and I are supportive of AMCHAM , the American Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia. We met the Executive Director last year at another event (book launch) and have held many fruitful discussions since.  Just a couple of weeks ago we headed to AMCHAM’s “Business Speed Dating” event. Hosted jointly with the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, it was a fun event with plentiful networking opportunities.  Approximately 40 people. Two circles. Sixty (60) seconds each for a quick elevator pitch. Wow, not only does time fly, but saying the same things nearly twe...

Interning with the Orchan family can be quite a roller-coaster experience, in a good way, of course! Just ask Richard Low, Orchan’s most recent intern, who finished up a rather successful four month stint last Friday. Quiet, meek, shy, timid – all words once used to describe Richard. Now confident, more articulate, and eager to take on the world. Richard came to us with one goal in mind – to improve his communication skills. He studied PR, understood the ‘industry from the textbook’, but wanted to improve himself first, prior to graduating. And that he did! During his internship, in addition to all the usual clipping reports, media calls, and client research, Richard got involved in other areas too – being part of the team to brainstorm and craft proposals, working with Orchan’s Directors to prepare and execute corporate training opportunities for clients, draft posts for the company blog, attend a few industry events (both talks, ceremonies, and even the occasional party), ...