Rice Communications Kicks Off 2012 with Buddy Media Partnership, Strengthens Digital Media Practice

Singapore, February 3, 2012 – Buddy Media, the social enterprise software of choice for eight of the world’s top ten global advertisers, announced the appointment of Singapore-based Rice Communications as its PR partner for stakeholder outreach in the Asia Pacific region, supporting programmes in Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

“Asia is a dynamic social media market and key to Buddy Media’s growth plans,” said Joe Ciarallo, Vice President for Communications, Buddy Media. “We see a strong demand for strategic initiatives among brands as they engage with their customers through social networks. Rice’s wealth of experience in digital media makes it a strategic partner to support Buddy Media’s outreach in the region.”

Buddy Media recently reported record growth in 2011, fuelled by signing up over 300 customers that include some of the most recognizable global brands such as Citibank, IBM, and Volvo among others. To meet global demand, Buddy Media has opened new offices in London, San Francisco besides Singapore, and has doubled its workforce from over 100 employees in January last year to 225.

“Social engagement is considered a critical cornerstone in customer engagement today. Brands and their agency partners need to manage multiple touch points seamlessly, which is exceptionally hard keeping in mind the cultural mosaic that is Asia,” said Sonya Madeira, Managing Partner at Rice Communications. “Buddy Media is uniquely positioned to deliver results to global brands with its full suite of social marketing solutions and we are delighted to be chosen as its partner in this region.”

“We are excited about contributing to build Buddy Media’s brand equity and presence in the region. As digital marketing continues to pick up pace, this partnership bolsters Rice’s growing digital media practice and client portfolio,” added Madeira.

Rice Communications has carved a niche in strategic communications for companies interested in targeting brands and agencies across Asia Pacific’s diverse markets. With key clients such as the Mobile Marketing Association, InMobi, Out There Media, Interactive Advertising Bureau, e-Dialog, BluGrapes and others, Rice continues to strengthen its status as a strategic communications partner. Rice has also managed media outreach for regional events such as Festival of Media Asia 2011 and the Mobile Marketing Association Forum Asia Pacific since 2009.