Ace Media Network acquired by SG-based media firm, aims to be largest SEA influencer network

Digital media technology firm Ace Media Network (AMN) has been acquired by Singapore-based digital media company Mediaload. AMN currently owns and operates two portals, 88Razzi.com, Rileklah.com. It also established and manages influencer tech company KOMACI Network and worked with more than 100 brands over the past six years including Tourism Malaysia, Domino's, AirAsia, and Carlsberg.

AMN also partnered up with 50 other media publishers which include Oh Hangat, Bawang Rangers among many others, collectively reaching more than 20 million followers. AMN's COO Nicholas Ng told A+M that this is not a full acquisition but declined to disclose the value. He added that it is business as usual for AMN and there will be no senior leadership changes.

Mediaload CEO's Vichet In said the acquisition signifies its strategy of capitalising on AMN's experience while using a dynamic market such as Malaysia to enhance its position in the region.

"In line with Mediaload’s presence in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and India, we see a huge growth opportunity in digital economy, and we believe AMN would contribute positively to our own expansion plans and income stream. This would also provide us with a competitive edge in offering integrated solutions across the region with AMN as an innovator," he added. Mediaload offers entertainment and tabloid news in Cambodia and Myanmar and drew series A funding from True Digital Group, the digital arm of Thai telco True Corporation, in 2020.

AMN CEO Ben Wong said Mediaload's track record, innovation and interest in developing and nurturing digital media technology will be a bigger impetus for the company to create more dynamic and fluid solutions to its clients in Malaysia and the rest of the region.

Wong is targeting a minimum growth of 50% year on year for the next three years, despite the current grim global economic climate outlook. "Our digital content, assets, and commerce platforms form AMN’s nucleus, and as consumer behaviour changes due to the pandemic, more companies are being pushed to invest and to digitalise their business. Therefore, we are uniquely positioned to provide a seamless connection on digital media platforms for all types of commerce transactions," he explained.

According to Wong, KOMACI Network's of more than 9,000 influencers has the ability to help AMN's existing clients such as Tourism Malaysia to speak to the domestic audience. "Now, they will be able to reach the region through our synergistic partnership with their vast network and resources," he said.

With this acquisition, AMN will be able to replicate its Malaysian success in neighbouring nations, as its offerings can be tailor-made to needs that are unique to each country. Along with KOMACI, the company is also focused on developing SaaS offerings to partners and clients that are interested in leveraging influencer marketing campaign management, analytics, and social commerce. AMN also works with media owners to offer their own clients the chance to work with KOMACI's influencers.

"We will be focusing on helping such businesses and brands on their consumer journey, to realise their potential through AMN’s result-oriented marketing experience, Wong said.