SG ad agency GOVT starts up new arm, brings on board veteran ad man Kelvin Koo

GOVT Group has brought on board veteran ad man Kelvin Koo to launch a hybrid consulting and agency model called MINISTRY. According to a statement to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, MINISTRY is dedicated to driving digital growth and transformation tailored to the contemporary needs of business owners and marketing leaders.

Koo will take on the role of managing director and partner and as the agency aims to integrate strategic advisory and data with creative storytelling, design, tech, and digital performance to deliver tangible, impactful results. With his previous roles as CEO at FALCON Agency and MD at ADK Connect, Koo brings a wealth of experience to this new venture. 

Don't miss: PUMA runs with GOVT SG for Standard Chartered Marathon activation

He returns to the ad scene after a brief hiatus to focus on nurturing the next generation of digital leaders and consulting with rapidly growing companies on digital transformation and business growth. He explained to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE that his decision to return was sparked by the compelling vision and ambition of the partners at GOVT Group and the unique opportunity to construct an agency model with a distinctive culture.

“Our game plan at MINISTRY is straightforward - marry sharp strategic advice with creativity, the latest tech, and strong digital know-how. This way, we can get into the nitty-gritty of what CMOs and business owners are up against and offer them insights and solutions that hit the mark,” said Koo. With Foo, Foong Min Mei, previously digital and social lead at GOVT Singapore, has also been appointed growth director and Partner at MINISTRY. 

MINISTRY is committed to providing strategic consulting and execution across diverse domains, including social and content, UI/UX, tech, digital media, CRM, and data analytics, ensuring a holistic approach to digital growth and transformation.

Leon Lai, co-founder and CEO of GOVT said, “Our vision has stayed the same since day one - create a company that has longevity, possesses ambition, and champions foolish bravery.”

“It has been 11 years since we started this journey, but we're still not done nor content with what we have built. As a partner-led business, we're excited to attract someone of Koo's calibre onboard this journey as we take deliberate steps towards fulfilling our mission of being a leading Asian communications company,” said Lai.

Koo initially joined GOVT as a consultant earlier this year, contributing to GOVT’s strategic efforts in bolstering its digital capabilities. This collaboration has culminated in the assembly of a robust team of specialists adept in delivering comprehensive digital marketing solutions, including data analytics, digital product planning, and expert consultation for seamless digital ecosystem integration and implementation.

“Koo’s leadership and proven track record in building agencies and delivering results-driven digital solutions to clients makes him the ideal figure to spearhead MINISTRY,” said Alvina Seah, group managing director of GOVT Group.

“His commitment to growth and culture aligns perfectly with our mission, making this collaboration strategic and synergistic,” she added.

Related articles:
PUMA runs with GOVT SG for Standard Chartered Marathon activation
GOVT Singapore beefs up creative team with 2 senior hires
Creative Catch-Up: GOVT Singapore's Timothy Chan