How Malaysian Brands Can Get Featured in International Media

Getting covered in international media like BBC, Reuters, or South China Morning Post is a dream for many Malaysian brands. But how do you move from local coverage in The Star or NST to global headlines? 

It takes more than luck. It requires the right PR strategy, storytelling, and let’s be very honest here, connections.

Today, the leading PR agency in Malaysia will break down practical steps for Malaysian businesses to earn that global spotlight and make Malaysia proud.

Why Should Malaysian Brands Care About International Media?

International media coverage gives Malaysian brands credibility that advertising alone can’t buy. 

When your name appears in outlets like CNN or BBC, it tells the world that your story matters beyond Malaysia’s borders. It’s no longer a local affair, it’s an international story.

Builds Investor & Partner Confidence

Global coverage acts as a trust stamp. Venture capitalists in Singapore or Hong Kong often Google a company before taking meetings. If they find your name in TechCrunch or Nikkei Asia, they instantly see you as a serious player, not just a local SME.

Attracts Cross-Border Customers

International stories expand your reach beyond Malaysia.

• A Johor-based fashion brand featured in Vogue Business can suddenly get enquiries from Jakarta, Manila, or even Dubai.
• Tour operators in Langkawi covered in Lonely Planet or Skift often see booking spikes from European travellers who had never heard of them before.

Strengthens Employer Branding

In Malaysia’s competitive job market, talent wants to join brands that feel global. Coverage in respected media helps SMEs attract skilled hires who might otherwise prefer multinational corporations.

Example: A Penang-based semiconductor manufacturer profiled by Bloomberg might recruit engineers returning from Singapore because the company looked globally recognised.

Read more: Digital PR: How Podcasts, Blogs & Social Media Drive Results

Enhances SEO & Digital Authority

Media sites like CNN or Reuters have strong domain authority because they are internationally recognised. A backlink from them boosts your SEO far more than a local blog mention.

This means when potential clients in the US or UK search for “ASEAN logistics startup,” your Malaysian company could rank higher thanks to global PR mentions.

Adds Resilience During Crises

When negative local news hits, having positive international coverage balances your reputation. It shows you are trusted beyond domestic headlines.

For instance, if a Malaysian tech company faces backlash on Twitter Malaysia, its feature in Financial Times still positions it as a credible regional innovator.

In short: International media isn’t just about bragging rights, at least most of the time. For Malaysian brands, it translates into funding, sales, talent, SEO authority, and growth.

How to Get Featured on International Media

First, let’s be clear: PR is earned media. 

Unlike paid ads, you cannot buy your way into BBC or Financial Times. Not many agencies can guarantee placements, though we are one of the exceptions!

That said, there are proven steps that can improve your chances of being noticed by international journalists. Here’s how Malaysian companies can move from local headlines to global recognition:

Step 1: Build a Story That Journalists Care About

Journalists don’t write about products, they write about stories.

Instead of sending a bland product launch announcement, focus on what makes your brand newsworthy and impactful:

• Show impact: Highlight how your solution is changing lives, industries, or communities.
• Prove traction: Share real numbers, user adoption, revenue growth, or regional partnerships.
• Make it unique: Position your brand from a Malaysian perspective but tie it to a global issue.
  

Example: Instead of saying “Drone company launches new model,” a Johor-based agritech startup could pitch “How Malaysian drones are revolutionising rice farming in Southeast Asia.” 

The second story has both regional and international relevance because it frames SEA making technological advancements.

The drone company is changing lives, creating stories but important, helping communities.

Step 2: Create a Media-Ready Press Kit

International journalists value speed and clarity. When they receive your pitch, they should instantly find what they need without chasing you for details. A professional press kit should include:

• High-quality visuals: Founder headshots, product images, and lifestyle photos.
• Fact sheet: Key company milestones, market reach, and team background.
• Past coverage: Links to articles in local media like The Star or Malay Mail to show credibility.
• Clear quotes: Ready-to-use statements in English (and Bahasa Malaysia for regional relevance).

This saves time for journalists, making your brand easy to cover, a big advantage when competing with dozens of other pitches.

“The easier your story is to write, the higher chances your story will get featured.”

Step 3: Target the Right International Platforms

Not every outlet will suit your story. Shotgunning press releases rarely work. Instead, identify where your story naturally fits:

• Regional media: CNA (Singapore), SCMP (Hong Kong) for Southeast Asia relevance.
• Global business outlets: Bloomberg, Reuters, BBC Business for economic or corporate stories.
• Industry-specific platforms: TechCrunch (tech), Vogue Business (fashion), Skift (travel & hospitality).

International journalists often ask, “Why does this matter beyond Malaysia?” If your story is only framed for a local audience, it may not land. Tie it to ASEAN trends, global movements, or international markets. 

Always put yourself in the journalist’s shoes and ask “why should I write this story and not others?”

Step 4: Build Thought Leadership

PR isn’t just about being featured, it’s about being quoted as an authority. 

Journalists constantly look for credible voices to comment on industry shifts. Position yourself as that voice by:

• Writing opinion pieces or guest articles in respected publications.
• Speaking at international conferences or trade events.
• Publishing insights on LinkedIn where global journalists often scout for expert commentary.

Example: A Malaysian CEO of a digital payments company who shares data on ASEAN fintech adoption trends might get quoted in Nikkei Asia or The Business Times (Singapore).

Step 5: Leverage Partnerships & Collaborations

International media loves cross-border stories. When your brand collaborates outside Malaysia, it automatically gains global relevance.

• Partner with NGOs or global initiatives like UN sustainability campaigns.
• Collaborate with Singaporean or Indonesian brands to show regional expansion.
• Tie your product or mission to global themes like climate change, artificial intelligence, or digital transformation.

This positions your brand as part of a bigger international narrative, not just a local business update.

Step 6: Work With a PR Agency That Has International Networks

DIY outreach has limits. You may land coverage in Malaysia, but breaking into international outlets often requires insider knowledge and journalist relationships.

• Agencies with global journalist databases can pitch to the right editors.
• Experienced PR teams know how to frame stories for international relevance.
• Connections with regional partners increase the chances of cross-border pickup.

Working with a local PR agency with international connections is a great step, but as an advice, we always advise business and brands to secure the domestic front before going after global mentions.

Read more: IFRS Malaysia: Guide for Businesses Expanding Abroad

Conclusion: Turning Global Aspirations Into Media Reality

For most Malaysian businesses, getting featured in international media is no easy feat.

Global outlets receive hundreds of pitches every day, and without the right story angle, press kit, or journalist connections, even the most innovative companies can be overlooked. 

This is where working with the right PR partner makes the difference. 

At Press, we don’t just share your news, we create stories that make people want to read more. We will pitch it to the right journalists, and ensure your brand has the credibility to stand alongside international players.

With our Digital PR Services, we help Malaysian brands earn both local and international visibility. So if you’re looking to go global and become an international player, reach out to us and we will share your tale.