McCann Msia announces productive partnership with Saito College

Advertising agency McCann Erickson (M) Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saito College, Petaling Jaya to mark the launch of the McCann Next, an industry initiative that encourages the development of Malaysia’s next generation of creators and innovators.

Present at the signing ceremony in McCann Erickson’s office at Ascent Paradigm, Petaling Jaya on 15 June 2017 were McCann Erickson (Malaysia) CEO Sean Sim and Saito College principal Ooi Chee Kok.

The creative collaboration pairs Saito College’s students with experienced mentors at McCann Erickson, a key player of the global advertising industry.

Some 60 Saito College students are expected to be in the McCann Next community of like-minded talent who will push the boundaries of creativity.

“The McCann Next initiative not only enables these students to be taken under the wings of experienced mentors, it also provides a platform for young like-minded talents to come together to share and co-create.

“We hope it will help us attract and retain the enormous pool of young and brightest talents and skills for our industry. It appears that the youth of today are so keen on the idea of becoming entrepreneurs and joining small start-up companies that they overlook the thrill and value of working alongside creative peers in a professional setting with long-time industry experts.

“Through McCann Next we are showing that the advertising industry is always at the forefront of innovation and thriving with entrepreneurial spirit. It allows freedom to explore possibilities, applauds original thought and appreciates the next-generation’s drive to push creative boundaries,” said Sean Sim.

The project complements the two and a half year courses offered at Saito College. The students gain valuable insight and experience through attending talks and workshops, undertaking real time briefs and realising conceived ideas in an encouraging and inspirational environment.

Upon completion of the program and their tertiary education, the graduates will have a stronger foundation and be better prepared to enter the workplace.