The media partnerships team partners and collaborates with the world’s largest and most exciting media organizations, public figures and influencers on high profile product opportunities. In the fast-growing Asia Pacific landscape, the team is working closely with media partners on driving business value on Facebook through building, reaching and engaging audiences, and pushing the envelope for innovative content experiences.

We had a chat with Hedirman S., Partner Services Manager, and Jen P., Strategic Partnerships Development Manager to get a first-hand account of what it's like to work in media partnerships in Asia Pacific.

Hedirman: I was a print journalist for close to a decade and was most recently a digital editor, leading a team for my media company's digital transition. I now work on partner services in the media partnerships team. We provide audience insights, data analysis and tools to media companies, publishers and public figures across Asia so they can grow and increase engagement for their Facebook and Instagram presence, as well as add value to their editorial and business strategies. I also work on data and market analysis that helps inform the media partnerships team's strategy in the region.

Jen: After spending years in the broadcasting industry, where I was in many roles such as being cast in front of the camera, tackling on-the-ground challenges and working in the control room, I was hungry for more. I wanted to be where the future of media is, so I joined Facebook as a Strategic Partnerships Development Manager. Our team helps media partners, publishers and influencers leverage both Facebook and Instagram to connect in a meaningful way that brings value to their businesses.

Hedirman: The scale and impact of the work that we do really shapes how people around the world consume digital content and how a person experiences the world.

Jen: To me it was realizing just how incredible is the impact that we are making to the media landscape through the work that we do.

Hedirman: We’re a really passionate bunch of media industry veterans who want to transform and grow the media industry!

Jen: We're super lean and mean. People have the impression that we're a team of 30-40 people, when in reality our team is a quarter of that size.

Hedirman: The challenges we face can be tough and complex, so being self-motivated and solution-oriented will go a long way. Due to the scale of our work, we need to be very collaborative when working with internal and external stakeholders, so someone who enjoys partnering and working with people will do well.

Jen: At Facebook, one of our core values is to move fast. To do well, you will need to hit the ground running by thinking strategically and being lazer focused on impact.

1. We live in exciting times! The media industry is undergoing a sea of change and Asia is Facebook’s biggest growth driver - and we get to work in the thick of it all.

2. The traveling: I love the fact that I could be in Jakarta and Manila in the same week for work, involved in vastly different and challenging media ecosystems, and then jetting over to Bali over the weekend for a well-deserved break. In fact, I flew to New York in the same weekend to meet with my global colleagues who work with the news industry!

3. You get a lot of support for your personal development and interests. I managed to complete my part-time Masters program despite my hectic schedule and learnt to fly a drone as part of Facebook Singapore’s drone-flying club.

1. I love the Facebook work environment. Everyone has so much passion, drive and talent!

2. Workplace by Facebook is awesome! It is an efficient and effective enterprise platform to stay in touch with colleagues and work updates.

3. I am well taken care of by Facebook's benefits program, Life@. It gives Facebookers the support we need to ensure that our energy is focused on creating the biggest impact in our work through providing the best care and resources for us to thrive both inside and outside of Facebook.

Hedirman: I’m a big science fiction fan, and would love to time-travel to see what things would look like in a millennium. On a more pragmatic note, I would spread ultimate empathy and connection so everyone can stop fighting and hurting each other - just like the ultimate hippie.

Jen: I'd cure cancer, AND I'll create a pink Facebook app!