At SYNC, we’ve worked with multiple clients, including startups, SMEs and businesses of all sizes across Asia, helping them craft compelling thought leadership strategies that position them as industry leaders. Thought leadership isn’t just about sharing insights—it’s about shaping conversations, influencing decision-makers, and demonstrating expertise through strategic content and media placements.
Take Cento Ventures, for example. As a venture capital firm focused on Southeast Asia, they needed to showcase their deep understanding of the region’s digital economy. We helped them publish a contributor article on Tech Collective, providing insights into PropTech trends and predictions. This piece highlighted their expertise and positioned them as forward-thinking investors in the region.
Another contributor article on Nikkei Asia featured Cento Ventures’ insights on Indonesia’s eCommerce landscape, focusing on how Tokopedia leverages AI to scale across the country’s vast island chain. By providing data-backed analysis, Cento Ventures didn’t just comment on industry trends—they helped define them.
Similarly, EngageRocket, a people analytics startup, needed to position itself as a thought leader in HR tech and workplace culture. We worked with them to craft a data-driven op-ed for Channel News Asia on the evolution of performance appraisals, challenging traditional HR practices with fresh insights. Another feature in The Business Times further reinforced their authority, providing an in-depth analysis of regional employment trends and shifting workplace dynamics.
These examples illustrate the power of thought leadership—it’s about owning conversations in your niche, whether it’s through expert commentary, data-driven insights, or industry predictions.
In this guide, we will break down how entrepreneurs and business leaders in competitive markets like Singapore, Malaysia and across APAC can leverage thought leadership to boost their brand authority, attract customers, and build credibility—with proven strategies from successful thought leaders featured in leading publications relevant to their industry and audiences.
How to build thought leadership for business growth and branding
1. Publish valuable content on reputable platforms
One of the best ways to establish yourself as a thought leader is through high-quality content marketing. Writing for platforms like e27, Tech Collective, and The Business Times can help you reach a wider audience.
For example, when we worked with Omnistream, we focused on crafting data-driven articles that showcased their expertise in AI and retail analytics. By publishing these insights on high-traffic industry platforms, we helped them build credibility among retailers and investors alike.
If you’re an entrepreneur, start by identifying key topics in your industry, backing up your insights with real data, and pitching your content to relevant publications.
2. Leverage industry events and speaking engagements
Content is one part of thought leadership, but being present at industry events takes it a step further. Tech conferences like Tech in Asia, Innovfest Unbound, and Malaysia Tech Week are excellent platforms to share insights, network, and boost visibility.
I have seen in my almost seven years at SYNC that with proper media training when clients have participated in panel discussions, radio interviews and podcasts, it has solidified their reputation as industry leaders and not only opened doors to new business partnerships but also helped them secure investor interest.
3. Build relationships with the media and PR professionals
PR plays a crucial role in amplifying thought leadership efforts, yet many entrepreneurs underestimate the power of strategic media relationships. While paid advertising offers immediate visibility, organic media coverage builds long-term credibility and positions a brand as an industry authority.
Getting featured in the right publications helps validate expertise, expand reach, and influence industry conversations. Media coverage lends third-party credibility to your brand, making it more trustworthy in the eyes of potential customers, investors, and partners. Unlike paid placements, earned media signals to audiences that your insights are valued by respected industry platforms.
For instance, publications like Tech in Asia, e27, and Tech Collective regularly feature startup founders and business leaders, offering them a platform to share insights on industry trends. Being quoted in these publications increases exposure and positions the featured individuals as go-to experts in their fields.
The long-term benefits of thought leadership as a PR tool
Building thought leadership enhances your brand and it has tangible business benefits:
- Increased trust & credibility: When people see your insights consistently featured, they trust your expertise.
- Better business opportunities: A strong thought leadership presence can attract investors, customers, and strategic partners.
- Stronger media presence: When journalists recognise you as a credible source, they’re more likely to quote and feature you.
Thought leadership is a key strategy for startups to stand out in a crowded market and build credibility. It’s an effective PR tool that not only helps develop brand trust but also shapes how stakeholders perceive your business. Over time, a consistent thought leader becomes a trusted expert, and as a result, the startup gains the positive reputation of that trust.
If you’re curious about how to create a strong thought leadership strategy or want to learn how PR can elevate your brand, feel free to reach out to us at hello(a)syncpr.co.