Team lead Malaysia for Beijing’s New York-led Olympics bid campaign incl. local & regional media relations, sports marketing, opinion-leader endorsements, strategic & crisis counsel, message development, media monitoring, online consulting, and translation services.

Following Beijing’s successful bid, Mr. Stelling was appointed China lead for O5 (McCann World Group's Olympics marketing specialist comprised of 5 IPG agencies: Weber Shandwick, Momentum, FutureBrand, MRM Partners and McCann-Erickson) liaising with the Beijing Organizing Committee BOCOG. In 2008, China hosted what was widely regarded the best Games ever.

Background Reading:

Beijing Facts & Figures - International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Strategic counsel, crisis preparedness, coaching and media relations services to a newly established national asset management company during the Asian financial crisis.

The country emerged from the crisis relatively unscathed and the work received an Asian PR Award for 'Best Financial Campaign'.

Background Reading:

Cleaning Up Malaysia's Bad Debts - The New York Times

Conceptualizing and conducting a reputation research and management program for a highly regarded Asian central bank at the height of the Asian financial crisis.

The bank cemented its status as a competent and independent adviser to the Government.

Background Reading:
Malaysia Hurries Bank Mergers, Raising Controversy About Plan - The Wall Street Journal

Development and international coordination of an extensive 16-months communications campaign for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, spanning 29 markets in Asia and the Middle East.

With over 36,000 positive news reports achieved globally, the phased campaign was a massive success, creating a lasting legacy for the host country, paving the way to Qatar's successful FIFA World Cup bid.
 

Background Reading:

Asian Games Close in Spectacular Arabian Fantasy - China Daily (via Reuters)

International coordination of all PR activities around the first two high-profile property acquisitions in Europe by a newly created state holding company, overseeing the activities of over 30 portfolio companies.

At times of increasing economic uncertainty, the closely watched acquisitions were well received and established the holding company internationally as a responsible player and a reliable source of economic information.

Drafting a comprehensive global communications strategy and road map for an intergovernmental organization representing the producers and exporters of a particular fossil fuel.

The strategy was presented to and approved by all member states at ministerial level.

Conceptualization, content development and design of a bilingual paper on “Environment Protection & Energy Management” for a German Government organization assisting in sustainable development worldwide and in this case, China.

The publication served as a reference point for the client's engagement in China and was widely distributed among Chambers of Commerce, embassies and consulates, as well as other government entities.

About GIZ (formerly GTZ)

Strategic review of all internal & external communications by Qatar's leading real estate group.

The 3-months exercise with the executive board led to a repositioning of the group and an overhaul of its stakeholder engagement strategy.

Background Reading:

Qatar Property Firms Struggle Amid Construction Boom - Reuters

Planning and implementation of a multiple day media training exercise for dozens of distinguished Gulf and North African healthcare professionals and opinion leaders charged with public education on the risks and dangers caused by Hepatitis C.

The training was a success and the team was invited to speak at a health congress in Cairo.

Background Reading:

Global Health: A Uniquely Egyptian Epidemic - Nature Middle East

Strategic communications counsel to analysts and consultants tasked with the restructuring and rebranding of Saudi public and private sector companies in line with the Kingdom’s National Transformation Program 2020 and the wider Saudi Arabia Vision 2030.

The sessions helped structuring new client-side assignments and led to several follow-up engagements and referrals.

Background Reading:

Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 - Government Website

Market research and media intel for an Asian beauty & wellness brand preparing to boost its presence in the Arab world.

The tactical advice helped paving the way for the successful expansion of the company's footprint in the region.

Background Reading:

Middle East and Africa Cosmetics Products Market – Market Trends and Forecasts (2015 - 2020) - Mordor Intelligence

Development of the messaging platform for the election campaign of a former interim Prime Minister in the run-up to the country's second post-war national election.

The client beat out the incumbent by two seats. However, after several months of brinkmanship and bargaining the opponent managed to form a coalition bloc, securing his re-election.

Background Reading:

Iraq's Last Patriot - The New York Times