BDO Malaysia brings in new marcomms manager

Hanim Hamdan has been named Head of Communications and Sustainability at U Mobile in Malaysia.

In the role, she leads a suite of communications activities, spanning media relations, issue management, brand storytelling, events and social media initiatives.

Hanim brings close to two decades of communications experience across the agency, transportation, oil and gas, and retail sectors.

Independent communications, public affairs, and research group, Sandpiper, has announced the promotion of three senior leaders.

Elizabeth Chu has been promoted to Managing Director, Financial Services and Managing Director, Singapore. She will oversee the growth of the financial services practice and take on broader regional leadership responsibilities. Elizabeth previously served as Deputy General Manager of Sandpiper Singapore before being appointed to lead the Singapore business in 2024.

Kimberley Spear has been appointed Managing Director, Financial and to the newly created role of Head of Employee Experience. Previously General Manager, Hong Kong, for five years, she will now oversee employee experience, including consultant development, and workplace culture.

Unice Liu has stepped into the newly created role of Head of Growth Markets. She will lead Sandpiper’s efforts in supporting organisations entering, expanding, and investing in growth markets, with a focus on risk management, reputation, and stakeholder engagement across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

"Our success has been built on two pillars: exceptional people and an unwavering focus on delivering results for our clients,” said Emma Smith, CEO of Sandpiper Group.

”As organisations continue to invest in growth across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, they need advisers who combine local insight with regional reach, specialist expertise, and deep stakeholder understanding. These promotions reflect our commitment to investing in the next generation of our leaders who will help shape Sandpiper's future, strengthen our capabilities and continue delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients. Developing talent from within isn't just part of our culture; it's part of our DNA.”

(Pictured, from left: Elizabeth Chu, Kimberley Spear, and Unice Liu)

Asep Budiman has joined Priority Consultants as Account Director, based in Jakarta.

In the new role, he leads the firm's operations in Indonesia, overseeing client strategy, strategic communications, reputation management, business development and team growth.

Asep brings more than 18 years of experience in journalism, agency and in-house communications. He joins from Redhill, where he most recently served as Senior Account Manager.