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In the news release, "Optimism Fades For Asian Marketers" issued earlier today by R3 over Xinhua PR Newswire, we are advised by the Company that Greg Paull's contact telephone number should read "+86-135-110-11591" rather than "+86-143-5110-11591", as originally issued inadvertently. Full, correct release follows:

Optimism Fades For Asian Marketers

-- New research shows 94% of companies forecast the same or less budgets
for 2009

-- 21% forecast big reductions from economic crisis in last two weeks

-- More money moving to digital, events away from media

BEIJING, Oct. 10 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- A new research study by consultancy R3 has highlighted the immediate impact on company marketing budgets for 2009 in Asia, one part of the world that was expected to be more resilient.

"The events of the last two weeks have hit marketers hard," said Greg Paull, co-founder and Principal of R3. "Based on our fieldwork just over the last two days, there will be significant reductions in the coming year -- even in typical growth markets such as China and Taiwan.

The research was conducted via face-to-face, telephone and online with more than 50 marketers, covering 100 of Asia's top 500 brands. The group included multinational and local companies in China, Korea, Taiwan, HK, Singapore, Thailand, India and Malaysia. Despite the diverse country mix, results were quite consistent between developed and developing markets.

The fieldwork was initially completed in September and showed an optimistic view for the coming year -- with 62% of marketers initially forecasting higher budgets. "Post Olympics, particularly in markets such as China, showed a positive trend -- but all that has changed now," said Mr Paull. The same base of companies was re-contacted this week to measure changes. 21% forecast a reduction of more 20% from their initial budgets, and 73% saw some reductions now.

All this has laid out a gloomy outlook for the region for the coming year -- just 6% of respondents forecast an increase in spend for the next twelve months, and 55% are now actively reducing their overall spend with the rest currently maintaining 2008 levels. "Predicting the future has never been more challenging," said Mr Paull "54% of respondents also told us their 2008 budgets declined off their original forecasts, making the annual planning process fraught with danger," he added

This study has also identified a shift in the region from traditional advertising to digital, direct marketing and activation. "More than 40% of respondents now spend more money in these areas than in paid advertising, quite a significant increase from our past research in this area," said Mr Paull. "The successful marketer will be one focused more on engagement and less on just awareness and trial" he added.

About R3

R3 is an independent marketing consultancy whose aim is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of brands and their agencies. Founded in 2002, it works with eight of the world's top twenty global marketers in analyzing marketing spend investment, agency relations and measuring ROI.

For more information, please contact:

Greg Paull
Tel: +86-135-110-11591
Email: greg@rthree.com
Web: http://www.rthree.com/

Xinhua-PRNewswire -- Oct. 10
Website: http://www.rthree.com

Source: R3

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Profile: Media News