This PR Life is a new series by PRovoke Media where we profile people in and around communications as an industry and find out more about what they do and what makes them tick. Today, we are chatting with Kelvin Koh, managing director at media intelligence firm Truescope. 

Koh started at Truescope in 2020 and manages a team of comms-tech professionals. He pioneered the establishment and management of the Singapore office, steering the growth of the team to 30. In his time there, Koh has led the closure of over 70 new contracts across regional enterprise and government sectors worth over SGD$5 million.

Previously, he was with Isentia as its senior regional director of strategic partnerships and government business for Southeast Asia.


PRovoke Media: In a nutshell, how would you describe your role in comms to someone who has no idea what it entails?

Kelvin Koh: We enable our clients to see their world more clearly and be the smartest person in the room by utilizing our media intelligence tool and reports.

PM: Is there anything about your role that your colleagues don’t get?

KK:  When I was in a more junior role, I often wondered, what exactly does my boss do all day? Now that I’ve had the opportunity to run an organization, I’ve come to appreciate just how much happens behind the scenes.

One of the most underrated skills of a market leader is the ability to code-switch seamlessly. With multiple departments; sales, client success, research, data, and tech — leaders must navigate back-to-back conversations that require shifting mindsets in an instant. One moment, you’re optimizing operations; the next, you’re driving revenue or refining marketing and branding strategies. This constant switching demands immense mental agility and adaptability, and it does take a toll.


In fact, I recently did a lunch and learn session for my team on “What does Kelvin do?” so they could better understand how I view the organization and the rationale behind certain decisions.

PM: What is the highlight of your job that always puts a smile on your face?

KK: The organization is only as good as the team. It puts a smile on my face when I see clients praising the team and our outputs whether it’s appreciation for our support during a crisis or how much their bosses love our reports.

The highlight here is that we want to be a stable rock that clients can depend on. I’m glad we have a great culture that encourages and rewards our team for going the extra mile because I know firsthand how much clients need extra support during stressful periods.


⁠PM: What’s the first thing you do when you step into the office to kickstart your day?

KK: Being in the data intelligence space, the first thing I do is read some of the daily reports and updates we produce for my clients. It’s both a way to do quality checks and to stay updated on global media and social media topics that matter - It’s important that whenever I host meetings with any of my clients, I understand what’s going on with their business and their industry, and how to adapt our services to best serve their needs. 

Well, unless something is on fire.

 

PM: What are three must-have items in your work bag that you can't live without?

KK: A powerbank and cables – Being in the media intelligence industry, we are always on call to help our clients through crisis. My team and I always have to be connected, 24/7. The lack of these important items gives me battery anxiety, hence I need to make sure my devices are always fully charged.

A notebook – I try not to bring my laptop for meetings as much as possible, and bring a notebook instead. Writing important points down from a client lets them feel heard and allows me to better focus on the conversation.

Finally, workout attire – Working in such a fast-paced environment, plans always change and it’s hard to keep to a fixed workout schedule. I always have a kit in my bag and squeeze in an hour whenever I can.

PM: What’s your go-to office lunch that never fails to brighten your day?

KK: It's a strategic decision every time. I weigh the risks (when I’m wearing a white shirt), cost, rewards, and somehow always end up with Mala– dry or soup, all are welcome. Consistent return on indulgence.

PM: What is it about comms that draws you in and keeps you passionate?

KK: Working in an agency gives us a unique opportunity to collaborate with clients worldwide across both public and private sectors, spanning industries from finance and logistics to charities.

Being entrusted with their communications objectives and monitoring frameworks allows my team and me to gain first-hand insight into how different organizations operate, the diverse ways they approach communications, and how they leverage our data to drive impact.

Most importantly, I’m passionate about the relationships we build. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with amazing professionals who see Truescope as a trusted partner and, over time, become valued friends.

PM: If you weren’t in comms, what would you be doing?

KK: Honestly, I’ve never even considered it. From the moment I entered the communications industry, I knew it was where I belonged and I’ve never looked back. The field is incredibly diverse, with countless specializations and complementary services, making it a space where there’s something for everyone.

More than that, I firmly believe the future of communications is bright, and I’m committed to playing an even bigger role in shaping its growth and impact.

 

PM:  What’s the first thing you do to unwind when you clock off for the day?

KK:  Unashamedly, happy hour. I love to catch up with clients over a drink, and I’m glad that many of them in comms also need a drink at the end of the day.