Key Responsibilities
Media Relations & Press Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with automotive media, journalists, influencers, and key industry stakeholders in Malaysia.
- Manage all press-related activities including press releases, media briefings, interviews, and press events.
- Coordinate media test drives, product launches, and automotive exhibitions coverage.
- Ensure consistent and professional brand messaging across all media channels.
Corporate & Brand Communications
- Develop and execute corporate communication strategies aligned with company brand direction and product positioning.
- Prepare and distribute press materials including press releases, corporate announcements, and product communication content.
- Ensure brand tone, messaging, and public communication are consistent and aligned with headquarters strategy.
- Support brand storytelling and reputation building in the Malaysian market.
Product PR & Launch Support
- Lead PR activities for new vehicle launches, including press preview events, media test drives, and launch coverage.
- Work closely with Product Marketing, Sales, and Marketing teams to ensure effective product communication.
- Translate technical product features into clear, compelling media and consumer messages.
- Ensure strong media visibility and positive coverage for new products and campaigns.
Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
- Handle crisis communication situations in a timely and professional manner.
- Monitor media coverage, public sentiment, and potential reputational risks.
- Develop and implement communication strategies to mitigate negative publicity.
- Coordinate closely with headquarters for crisis response alignment when required.
Event & Stakeholder Management
- Support major brand events, auto shows, roadshows, and corporate activities from a PR perspective.
- Manage media attendance, press kits, event messaging, and post-event coverage.
- Build and maintain relationships with automotive associations, industry bodies, and key opinion leaders (KOLs).
Market Insight & Reporting
- Monitor automotive industry trends, competitor PR activities, and media landscape in Malaysia.
- Provide regular reports on media coverage performance, brand perception, and competitor communication strategies.
- Share local market insights and recommendations with headquarters and regional teams.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Malaysian citizen (mandatory), preferably Malay or Malaysian Chinese with strong local market understanding.
- Bachelor’s degree or above in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related fields.
- Minimum 5–8 years of PR experience in the automotive industry in Malaysia.
- Strong established network within Malaysian automotive media and press community is required.
- Proven experience in automotive product launches, media test drives, and press event management.
- Strong writing, communication, and presentation skills in English; Bahasa Malaysia is required. Mandarin is an advantage.
- Experience handling corporate communications and crisis management in a corporate environment.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and multinational (China HQ) environment.
- Familiarity with Chinese automotive OEM culture and reporting structure is an advantage.
- Willing to travel locally for events and media engagements.
