Nurturing young talent, inspiring collaboration a priority, 4As says at AGM

Friday, 27 March 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Keith Wijesuriya (Adviser), Peter Solomon (Director), Aman Ashraff (Director), Selonica Nalawansa (Treasurer), Sheron Jayasundara (President), Dharshi Thambiah (Director), Dushantha Ahangama (1st V. President), Adrian Ferdinands (Director), Hari Krishnan (Director), Alann Lopez (Gen. Secretary), Sarva Amarasekare (2nd V. President) – absent The Sri Lankan Chapter of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As) which represents advertising and marketing communications practitioners, agencies and related businesses in Sri Lanka recently elected its new Board members for the 2015/2016 period at its Annual General Meeting (AGM). “4As in Sri Lanka is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the very best the advertising industry has to offer. This year the organisation is committed towards resurrecting the advertising awards – The Chillies. There is a great need for everyone in the industry to join hands to uplift the industry standards and bring back the pride of place in the country. Unless we come together and make it happen, no one will,” commented Bates Strategic Alliance COO Sheron Jayasundara, who was officially appointed the new incoming President of 4As Sri Lanka at the AGM. Apart from this, the need of the hour is for new young talent to join the creative industry, she added. “We need to infuse interest in the younger generation to join the industry and make it a vibrant sector to work in. Attracting new talent is a top priority,” Jayasundara said. Other board members appointed at the AGM include Dushantha Ahangama, who was appointed 1st Vice President, Sarva Amarasekare (2nd Vice President) Alann Lopez (General Secretary) and Selonica Nalawansa (Treasurer). Adrian Ferdinands, Dharshi Thambiah, Peter Solomon, Aman Ashraff and Hari Krishnan were also appointed board members, with past President Keith Wijesuriya named an advisor to the Board. Going forward, 4As plans to work closely with SLIM (Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing) on the Effie Awards, which recognises effective marketing communication. In addition, 4As encourages young talent in the local advertising community by acting as facilitators for the ‘Young Lotus’ competition. The winners of this competition will receive the opportunity to participate at AdFest, held in Pattaya, Thailand which is an annual advertising festival celebrating and raising the standard of creativity, with participants from around the world. Led by prominent members of the advertising industry, the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Sri Lanka is charged with maintaining high standards and integrity among member agencies. The association also assists people wanting information about the industry and encourage discussion between those involved in the industry.