PR News
Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard moves to KSA for a new tourism role

Stephen Howard has been appointed Head of Tourism PR & Communications for the Tourism Sector at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). Based in Saudi Arabia, Stephen leads global communications and PR for the tourism sector, driving integrated advocacy and storytelling strategies with the aim of positioning AlUla as a world-class cultural and tourism destination.

His remit includes international media relations, government and industry engagement, and reputation-building for the tourism sector, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

Stephen commented on his appointment, "This opportunity is made even more meaningful being part of the Tourism Sector led by Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer, whose vision continues to shape its direction."

"I will also be collaborating with Melanie de Souza, Executive Director of Destination Marketing - someone I have greatly respected since her Visit Victoria days - and her destination management and marketing team, whose expertise plays a vital role in positioning AlUla globally. Together, these efforts will ensure the destination’s tourism story continues to inspire audiences everywhere."

Prior to joining RCU, Stephen was Group Director of Marketing at Ovolo Hotels in Hong Kong, where he led brand, digital, and communications initiatives across Asia Pacific. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles with EVT and Hyundai Motor Company Australia.

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Eastwest Public Relations has been appointed by International SOS to support its strategic communications in Singapore and Asia Pacific.

Working alongside the company’s regional and global communications teams, the agency will provide strategic counsel, media relations and press office support across the region.

Raymond Lau, Partner, Eastwest Public Relations, said: "The assumptions that once underpinned business as usual no longer hold. Geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty, and more frequent disruption now shape how organisations operate. Communication has become a strategic function against this backdrop - it determines how employees, clients and regulators judge an organisation's readiness when events unfold.

"International SOS sits at the centre of these issues, helping employers protect their people from security, health and wellbeing risks worldwide. We look forward to working with International SOS to raise the profile of their expertise in the region and that it reaches journalists and decision-makers who need it, accurately and at the right moment."

Syazlina Haniff, Head of Marketing and Communications, Singapore, International SOS, added: "International SOS has served organisations in Asia Pacific for over four decades, and the region remains central to our work.

”As employers contend with more complex risks to their people, from geopolitical instability to extreme weather and evolving health threats, clear and credible communication has become integral to how we support them – shaping how business leaders understand their duty of care and where they turn for guidance.”

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Event wrap-up: Telum Talks to The Sun Malaysia

On 14th October 2026, Telum Media hosted an exclusive in-person discussion in Kuala Lumpur featuring Himanshu Bhatt, Acting Managing Editor of The Sun Malaysia. The session was also joined by Irene Tan, the publication's General Manager of Advertising and Marketing.

Moderated by Mary-Jane Tan from Telum Media, the discussion explored The Sun Malaysia’s core audience across its print and digital platforms, alongside its editorial priorities and the evolving trends shaping news consumption. More than 100 PR and communications professionals in attendance also gained insights into identifying stories that resonate with everyday readers.

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During the session, Irene urged communicators to move beyond hard-sell approaches by offering relevant knowledge, timely insights and valuable information that reflect current trends and wider public interests.

The discussion also covered how communicators can develop compelling story angles to improve their chances of securing mainstream media coverage. Tips included demonstrating a direct impact on consumers, addressing wider industry issues and offering solutions to societal challenges.

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In the audience Q&A segment, communicators representing different sectors shared their respective concerns and sought editorial suggestions. The segment also addressed questions about pitching and the current media landscape.

Stay tuned for more Telum Media events by subscribing to our News Alerts for the latest updates.