Singapore Tourism Board draws up shortlist for full-service review

Media agencies MEC and PHD are likely contenders for the media account, said a source close to the pitch. On the digital side, Ogilvy, XM Asia, BBH and TBWA Digital Arts Network have made the cut.

The incumbent agencies are BBH, MEC and XM Asia. STB launched its open tender from 8 November to 13 December 2012 on GeBiz, the procurement portal for the government. STB said it was looking for agencies to become partners in STB’s destination brand-building efforts for a two-year contract beginning in April this year. There is an option to extend the contract for a further two years, subject to performance.

When contacted, a spokesperson from STB said the agencies tender process is ongoing, and the government body is unable to reveal any information at this juncture.

In an earlier interview with Campaign Asia, Sophia Ng, assistant chief executive of marketing group at the Singapore Tourism Board, stressed that the board will be looking for the three selected agencies to integrate and work together.

“As much as we might be going out for a tender for three separate agencies, we definitely welcome the leading agencies to form consortiums and pitch for the tender themselves, because I think that will ensure greater chemistry among them,” she said.

The pitch is being managed by R3.