Media community mourns the passing of former MSA president
PETALING JAYA: The late Tan Siang Lin, the Media Specialist’s Association’s (MSA) former president who passed away on Sunday, will be fondly remembered for her never-say-never attitude, passionate energy and warm personality.
“She was a very loving and passionate person. Everything that she did, she gave 101%,” said Aegis Media Malaysia executive chairman Margaret Lim.
Tan, who passed away at the age of 49, succeeded Lim as MSA’S president in 2008.
“Siang Lin made a lot of difference in terms of morale. She was also bighearted and always wanted to share things with everyone. I will miss her bubbly nature... she won’t be replaceable,” Lim said.
Star Publications (M) Bhd executive deputy chairman Datuk Vincent Lee she was a very motivated person. “She was a great leader in the media industry, full of ideas and energy while she was president of the MSA. She initiated some reforms during her tenure and had to step back due to her illness.
“We have lost a good friend, a game-changer and leader,” Lee said.
Vivaki Malaysia Sdn Bhd chief executive officer and current MSA president Ranga Somanathan recalled Tan as being a very strong “people person.” “She played an important role in grooming many of today’s talented media professionals. When she served as MSA president, she took up and addressed industry issues with a passion.”
Astro chief operating officer Henry Tan said: “Siang Lin is one of the most enthusiastic persons with a positive can-do attitude that I have known. If you ask her to climb Mount Everest, she would say let’s do it.”
“Then when you ask ‘ are you sure you can,’ she will pause, go away and comeback with aplan. Siang Lin will be dearly missed but never forgotten.”
Omni com media group chief executive officer Andreas vogiatzakis said he was saddened to hear of Tan’s demise.
“With great sadness we heard the news. Our deepest, heartfelt and most sincere condolences to all her family and friends.”
Tan joined media specialist firm Mediacom in 2000 as an associate media director and quickly rose through the ranks to become managing director.
Her commitment and dedication at Mediacom helped steer the company’s above-the-line and belowthe-line communications planning and buying. Tan helped pioneer sponsorship marketing and branded entertainment services.
She also steered Mediacom to be a powerhouse in the independent media specialist scene, achieving excellent growth in their direct business portfolio.