SPEECHES:

Press Conference
Welcome speech by
Ybhg Datuk Vincent Lee, President of 4As
Friday November 16, 2007

Mr. Tony Savarimuthu, Vice President of the 4As,
Mr Jez Frampton, International Global CEO of Interbrand,
Mr Stuart Green, Interbrand Managing Director and Director, Asia Pacific,
Mr Terrence Oliver, Interbrand President and Representative Director,
Datuk Amirsham Aziz, President and CEO of Maybank,
Mr Sandip Das, CEO of Maxis Communications Berhad,
Mr Lee Choong Yan, President of Resorts World Berhad,
Encik Zalman Aefendy Zainal Abidin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad,
Council members of the 4As,
Friends of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is an important occasion for Malaysian Brands. It is another milestone in a historical period in our country, as we clear 50 years of independence.

In the midst of this free and open global competition, several local brands blossomed and hold their own.  The businesses that grow these brands know how to tease and vet our needs and stimulate our purchase.

The value that strong brands give a company is its ability to secure income. Brands that keep their promise attract loyal consumers who in turn buy that brand. Thus, strong brands are now widely accepted as productive assets. Today, most forward thinking CEO's recognise the value of brands. That it is the most important investment a business makes, and that it ensures a business future.

BRANDS ARE WEALTH CREATORS and thus are the backbone of a Nation's economy. We are gathered here today in an endeavor to record recognition of our nation's big wealth creators.

It is interesting to note that two-thirds of the world's wealth is concentrated in the West. And correspondingly, two-thirds of the top 100 brands are also from the West. It is clear, therefore, that there is a corelation between wealth and brands. It is time enough for Asian brands to increase their contribution to global wealth.

Friends, this league table must be a catalyst to inspire the great players in this country to look forward to being in the Global Top 100 brands.

The 4As is proud to have commissioned the world leader in Brand valuation, Interbrand, to recognise this value and establish the Malaysian brand league table.

However, this is not a beauty parade. So please do not look at it purely as a ranking. This is much more about what brands and companies made the list rather than who is bigger than whom. It is hoped that all of you in the media will add to the sum of stories that must be played to record the brand journey of these top brands.

Above all, we hope this sets in place the necessity for brand building and compels one to study and emulate the brand experiences in an increasingly challenging market environment.

Those of us in the ad industry like to see ourselves as magic makers. At our best, we partner great companies and build trust and equity that are perpetual money-spinners.  This Midas touch that the collective creativity of marketing companies and their advertising agencies have, to make Malaysian brands turn into gold, is what we recognise and celebrate today.

Let me end then with one final message:

BUILD BRANDS. BACK BRANDS. BUILD MARKET GROWTH.
THE FUTURE MY FRIENDS, BELONG TO THE BRAND BUILDERS.