Benjamin Ang, Editor of Asia Advisers Network, and Editorial Director of Asia Insurance Review, was featured in the latest edition of Telum Media's "Telum Talks To" where he shared his views on what sets the company apart and his favourite inspirational quote.
Telum Media, Singapore Alert, 8th December 2017
Telum Talks To... Benjamin Ang, Editorial Director, Asia Insurance Review
Tell us more about Asia Insurance Review and what makes it stand out?
Asia Insurance Review is the premier insurance publication trusted by the industry’s leaders and key decision makers.
After 27 years of dedicated service to the region’s insurance industry, we get unparalleled access to regulators, CEOs and thought leaders. AIR is the official media partner of leading industry events in Asia, including the East Asian Insurance Congress (EAIC), the Pacific Insurance Conference (PIC), and the Singapore International Reinsurance Conference (SIRC), and is the Permanent Observer of the ASEAN Insurance Congress.
AIR also promotes the industry's move towards higher standards and greater professionalism. Over the years we have launched the Asia Insurance Industry Awards, the Australia and New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards, and the Asia Trusted Life Agents & Advisers Awards, to recognise and salute excellence.
We have also just launched Asia Advisers Network to serve the needs of insurance advisers and agency leaders. This is in response to calls from the market for AIR to play an even more active role in raising the bar and professionalism.
How has the publication evolved since you started in 2011?
Social media has got to be right up there. There is now a greater focus on tapping the benefits of the various social media platforms. I believe that a well-written article’s full potential is only realised when as many people as possible read it. Of what purpose is an excellent article if nobody reads it?
Other than through the company’s channels, I’m glad that fellow colleagues are also starting to get on board through their individual accounts after realising the results and potential.
But some things remain the same. Especially our intimate connections with the market and our focus on serving the industry. We believe in being on the ground and visiting the different markets to have face-to-face interviews and to connect with key leaders. That’s when you can really get in-depth insights and that’s something that you cannot achieve working in the comfort of your office behind screens.
Not everything on the website gets into the magazine, how do you decide which stories are news-worthy for the magazine?
How is AIR keeping up with the shift of content delivery in the digital age? I believe that looking at it from the angle of what should go online and what should go in print is the wrong approach. What types of content will work on the different platforms? In what form should a particular content be presented? The timeliness of the content produced? These are more important questions.
What is exciting to me is that I believe no publication has found the winning formula just yet. And the wonderful thing about launching a brand new Asia Advisers Network platform is that we can be more adventurous in testing new ideas without worries of affecting the legacy and reputation of AIR. Successful initiatives can then be adopted and implemented for AIR.
How should PR professionals get in touch with you to pitch stories?
Email is the preferred way. But I’ve received pitches on LinkedIn and even Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
High touch still matters despite all the high tech. Nothing beats chatting over coffee, meal or beer.
Try not to call though. I’m just not much of a “phone person”.
Favourite inspirational quote?
"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” - Zig Ziglar
Telum Media is Asia’s most comprehensive media intelligence organisation. It is a Singapore, Hong Kong & Sydney registered company founded by former PR & journalism professionals.
Follow Benjamin online on twitter and LinkedIn.
You may also be interested in Asia Insurance Review launches Asia Advisers Network.