SINGAPORE — Mastercard is parting ways with Golin and seeking new PR agency support for its Asia-Pacific hub mandate in Singapore, PRovoke Media has learned.

According to sources familiar with the situation, at least three firms have been invited to contend for the six-figure assignment. However, it is understood that incumbent agency Golin — which has held the assignment for more than three years — is not participating in the review.

The remit involves leading corporate communications, storytelling and strategic engagement for Mastercard at a regional level, but does not include local market PR assignments in Asia-Pacific. The majority of these remain handled by Weber Shandwick.

In addition to Weber Shandwick, Mastercard also works with Ketchum at a global level, notably in the US. 

In Asia-Pacific, the company's communications are led by SVP Barkha Patel-Zinzuwadia, while Julie Nestor oversees all marketing and communications. Mastercard representatives did not respond to request for comment as this story went live.

In Asia, Mastercard recently became a top-tier sponsor for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, after acquiring title sponsorship rights for India's domestic internationals one year ago. Other key regional initiatives under Mastercard's 'Priceless' brand platform include gastronomic events in Hong Kong and Vietnam, sponsorship of the Australian Open tennis tournament, and the Gamer Xchange loyalty program.