The International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry has announced the appointment of Leong May-Seey to the role of Regional Director for Asia. Leong, who has been the industry association's Regional Counsel and Deputy Regional Director for the region for twelve years, will co-ordinate the IFPI's Asian operations, including legal policy and government affairs. Probably most crucially, this will include efforts to unlock and develop the music business in China, and especially the digital music business there.
Confirming the appointment, IFPI boss John Kennedy told reporters: "May-Seey has a played a key role in leading IFPI's agenda in Asia and I am delighted that she will now be heading our activities across the region. May-Seey has shown herself to be a highly skilled advocate for the recording industry over many years, influencing government policies, handling the challenges of China and helping expand record industry revenue streams. I am very confident that under her leadership we are very well placed meet the challenges and opportunities that we face in Asia over the next few years."
Leong herself added: "Asia has the most diverse and vibrant music markets in the world, and our industry in the region is going through a period of amazing changes. There are huge challenges for us, particularly in China, in the fight against piracy and in creating a digital music business. This is a great time to be co-ordinating IFPI's work in the region and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do so."