image via NST
Sony Music Entertainment (SME) has named Kenny Ong as the new Managing Director for Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Special Projects in Southeast Asia. This appointment, effective immediately, aligns with SME's focus on the robust and continued growth experienced in Asia, where revenue has surged by 15.4%, according to a statement by the company.
Kenny Ong, in his new role, will take charge of driving SME's expansion and strategic development in the dynamic and rapidly growing entertainment landscape of the region. His responsibilities include championing the careers of Southeast Asian artists, building the music merchandising presence across offline and online retail, identifying partnership opportunities, exploring new IP rights possibilities, and seeking non-traditional revenue streams.
Prior to joining SME, Ong held the position of CEO at Astro Radio and served as the director of Astro Media Solutions. He also assumed the role of Chairman at the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia and was the Managing Director of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indochina at Universal Music Group.
Shridhar Subramaniam, President of Corporate Strategy and Market Development for Asia and the Middle East at SME, expressed confidence in Ong's abilities, citing his proven track record in forging partnerships, driving audience engagement, and prioritising artists.
Ong himself shared his excitement about joining SME at a pivotal moment, expressing his eagerness to unlock the immense potential of Southeast Asia's vibrant entertainment market. He aims to highlight the brilliant talent of Southeast Asian artists, fostering compelling experiences and meaningful connections through collaboration and musicality.
As SME focuses on Southeast Asia's thriving entertainment market, Ong's appointment is expected to contribute significantly to the company's strategic initiatives and strengthen its position in the region.