Industry veteran: Matt was known for his vast knowledge in the advertising and media space.
PETALING JAYA: Known as the advertising walking dictionary and an inductee to Malaysia’s Advertising Hall of Fame, Mathew Jacob’s demise will be felt dearly in the advertising fraternity.
The ad industry veteran passed away last Thursday at his home. He was 73.
Known for his vast knowledge in the advertising and media space, industry leaders described his demise as a great loss to the industry.
When contacted by StarBiz, Datuk Johnny Mun, who is the senior adviser of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) said Matt, as he was fondly known among his colleagues, had been an industry colleague, adviser, partner but most of all, a friend for over 35 years.
“A quiet, unassuming humble gentleman, Matt was ever willing to lend an ear to anyone who needed counselling. Known as the walking library of the advertising industry, having served all the related associations, Matt was the ‘go to’ person for any and every information historical or current.
“I am glad that Matt has been recognised by the advertising industry through his induction into the Malaysian Advertising Hall of Fame. He is a true loss to all of us and I bid him good rest and farewell on his journey home,” Mun added.
4As honorary life president Tan Sri Vincent Lee said it’s indeed sad news to hear the passing of Matt. He was the mainstay of the association who was knowledgeable of the rules and regulations of the industry, he noted.
“As a person, he possessed a quiet demeanour, calmness and was positive all the time.
“A great friend and a great asset to any incoming 4As president. May he rest in peace and deepest condolences to his wife and family,” Lee said.
Former Star Media Group group managing director and chief executive officer Datin Linda Ngiam said throughout her years in The Star, Matt had been her go-to-person for all matters and issues related to the media industry.
His knowledge and wisdom were second to none and nothing could faze him as he sorted all problems in his usual, calm, composed and inimitable manner, she said.
“He was a likeable, dependable and trustworthy friend to many of us. Matt, I will miss your chuckle and that wicked wink,” Ngiam added.
Meanwhile, 4As chief executive officer Andrew Lee described Matt as a man brimming with knowledge and always sharing his wisdom with grace and humility.
“He never offered unsolicited advice, but when asked, his insights were both profound and invaluable,” he added.
IPG Mediabrands Malaysia chief executive officer Bala Pomaleh said he knew Matt since he started working in the media and ad industry over 30 years ago, describing him as calm and composed and ever ready to help and guide.
“He has been the backbone of our industry through Macomm Management Services Sdn Bhd. He kept everyone sane through all the industry challenges we had to deal with. It’s a huge loss to the industry. Rest in peace, Matt,” he said.
Another close aide of Matt, former Star Media Group business development manager, who is also Moving Hearts Ambassador at Moving Walls, Joe D Silva, said many grew in the media industry learning from Matt.
“When I visited him on Wednesday, a day before his passing, I tried to get him to eat porridge. Even in that critical condition due to cancer, he was calm and uttered to me to stay composed.
“His favourite word was always ‘relax’. Indeed he was so calm in any crisis,” he said.
Equating Matt like the library of Alexandria of the Malaysian advertising and regulations, Malaysian Advertisers Association president Claudian Navin Stanislaus said he was a true pillar of the industry; but mostly, he was a friend to all and would be sorely missed.
Skandessh Kumar, who is the chief executive officer of Macomm Management Services and a colleague, said Matt was a mentor.
His words were more than just wisdom, they acted as a compass, guiding us forward, inspiring action and fostering both growth and knowledge.
Matt, was a former Methodist Boys School Sentul alumni who completed his studies in law.
He began his career at Goonting and Chew, an accounting and secretarial firm in the mid-1980s.
In 1992, driven by his passion for fostering the growth of associations, he established Macomm Management Services with the aim of providing management services to national trade associations in the advertising and marketing industry.Under his leadership, the company expanded its services from initially serving two national trade bodies, the 4As Malaysia and MAA, to nearly a dozen others. Matt retired in 2018 but remained a “friend” of the industry.
