GLOBALHealthPR, global independent health and science communications agency partnership, has opened its new Asia-Pacific (APAC) headquarters in Singapore’s Central Business District.

James Yi, executive director, APAC (pictured above) will oversee the operation spanning Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, India and Myanmar.

This follows the recent addition of Madison Communications as GLOBALHealthPR’s exclusive partner in Hong Kong, allowing the network to more closely support emerging client needs in the region.

APAC is an important region for GLOBALHealthPR, which boasts a global presence in more than 40 markets spanning six continents. The unique GLOBALHealthPR model, which has united a roster of best-in-market independent agencies, is now in its sixteenth year of operation, with more than a decade working in APAC.

The GLOBALHealthPR network delivers local, regional and global healthcare communications expertise through carefully selected partner agencies that choose to work together based on shared values, independence and flexibility.

According to Yi, “GLOBALHealthPR has successfully harnessed the dedication and commitment of top independent agencies, creating a communications powerhouse with deep-rooted and focused expertise across the APAC region.

“By aligning the strongest regional agencies, GLOBALHealthPR has created an unmatched ability to deliver health and science strategies, while remaining both nimble and aggressive in communicating with key stakeholders.

“I look forward to forging partnerships with our clients that go beyond the confines of a traditional holding company model,.”

VIVA! Communications principal, Kirsten Bruce, Sydney, welcomed the appointment of Yi, citing the unparalleled benefits of having a regional hub.

“As the exclusive GLOBALHealthPR partner in Australia, VIVA! has top local healthcare insights and has been working successfully with partners and clients across APAC for many years now.

“This appointment enables us to further consolidate our relationships and strategic vision across the region, while continuing to execute programs with local expertise.”

Yi steps into his new role having spent the past 12 years based in APAC, leading both regional and country-level PR programming. Overall, he has 20 years of experience in the health and communications industries, including leading the healthcare team at Fleishman-Hillard in Singapore, successfully starting his own firm focusing on the health sector, and serving as managing director of Ogilvy Public Relations Vietnam and CEO and market leader for Burson-Marsteller Korea.

“The Asia Pacific region is the source of considerable growth and innovation in the healthcare industry, creating an increased need for best-in-class, health-focused strategic communications solutions for clients in the region,” said Jonathan Wilson, president of GLOBALHealthPR, New York.

“James is a proven leader, with more than two decades of experience working across diverse roles and geographies in the health and life-science industries.

“We’re thrilled he’s chosen to join GLOBALHealthPR and believe he has the right vision and expertise to further our position as the top healthcare communications network in the region.”