Astro-4As Scholarship Winner Announced

The Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) and Astro, in partnership with the Berlin School of Creative Leadership, has announced the second recipient of the Astro-4As Scholarship Award awarded exclusively to 4As members annually.

This year's winner, Lau Kuan Cheng, Account Director with OgilvyOne Worldwide, heads off to Berlin to pursue the Executive MBA (EMBA) in Creative Leadership commencing 18 March.

Lau Kuan Cheng, Account Director, OgilvyOne Worldwide

Lau, delighted with being awarded the prestigious scholarship, promised to "make Malaysia proud, particularly the 4As and Ogilvy."

"I'm truly grateful to the people who placed their faith in me and made this wonderful opportunity a reality," said Lau. "At Ogilvy, we work with a team of supportive bosses who believe in developing talents for the greater good."

The Executive MBA in the Berlin School of Creative Leadership is a postgraduate programme founded on the primary premise of building a unique and global community of creative thought-leaders for every creative enterprise. It is based on five two-week modules spanning one year and five cities, covering Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Shanghai.

"I'm looking forward to embarking on this fantastic journey, for my personal growth as well as sharing my experience with my peers in advancing the vision of our industry's leaders and practitioners," Lau said.

The scholarship committee was impressed by Lau's personal statement reflecting on her journey in the advertising industry and the exciting prospects the future holds.

"The Berlin School EMBA has participants from over 45 countries globally, and we are particularly proud that Malaysia is represented," said Sheridan Johns, Director of the Berlin School of Creative Leadership. "We look forward to welcoming Kuan Cheng and engaging her in our programme."

Johns added that the 4As Malaysia and Astro are performing exemplary work in supporting the leadership development of creative talent. "We've enjoyed the collaboration with the 4As on many different levels to date, and look forward to exploring other opportunities in building a formidable creative talent base in Malaysia."

4As Council Member and Chairman of Professional Practice and Knowledge Management, Omar Shaari, is equally appreciative of the collaboration. "On behalf of 4As, I would like to thank Astro and the Berlin School of Creative Leadership for making this possible once again."
Omar congratulated Lau on her achievement, and expressed his belief that she has a bright future ahead. "We are confident that she will leave a mark at the Berlin School, the agency she serves, the industry, and the community as a whole," he added.

The scholarship package, valued at RM300,000 covers the full fees and a stipend for expenses. In complying with the requirements of the programme, Lau has to submit a thesis, and upon completion, remain within the advertising industry for a minimum of three years.

Lau follows in the footsteps Gavin Hoh, the previous recipient of the Astro-4As scholarship.