MAS sets deadline for agency creds

<P>KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia Airlines has given agencies until 29 September to submit credentials as the national carrier searches for new creative and media partners.</P> <P>As reported in Media's 8 September edition, the creative and media pitches will operate separately, with the process overseen by MAS senior GM of communications, Indira Nair. According to an MAS statement, interested agencies must be 'part of an international network and should not be working with any competing full-service carrier currently'.</P> <P>In addition, the airline has stated that channel planning will lead its marketing communications strategy. Following the review, three agencies will be shortlisted separately for creative and media, to present a 'proven case study based on past experience with an international brand'.</P> <P>Shortlisted agencies will be announced in early October, before presentations in mid-October, at which agencies will also be asked to disclose account staffing details. </P> <P>"As part of the presentation process, the team will be given a scenario which they will have to discuss and present their ideas on," said Nair. "This will give us the opportunity to evaluate how the team works and their thought process."</P> <P>Final selection of agencies is set for mid- to late November. </P>