OSIM International Named as Title Sponsor of Singapore Masters

OSIM International Ltd, one of the world's market leaders in healthy lifestyle products, has been named as title sponsor of the Singapore Masters at Laguna National Golf & Country Club from March 9-12.

Announcing the agreement, Ron Sim, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OSIM International, said: "We're delighted to form a partnership with this prestigious event. The Singapore Masters offers fantastic entertainment for golf fans and has been won by some of the biggest names in world golf.

"The time is right for us to take OSIM to the next level of corporate sponsorship. This is an expansion of the global platform that we have built and marks the beginning of our quest to be known in the global sports and leisure arena.

"As part of the Asian and European professional golf circuits, OSIM is pleased to support the Singapore Masters as it will help us reach key consumers around the world."

He added: "Golf, with its emphasis on an outdoor lifestyle, healthy living and exercise for people of all ages, is a natural partner for us. At the same time, it is ideal for an international brand such as OSIM to team up with a sport that has truly global appeal."

Brilliant young English golfer Nick Dougherty, the 2005 winner, has already confirmed he will be returning to defend his crown.

Keld Kristiansen, managing director of event promoter Parallel Media Asia, welcomed OSIM on board. "It's fantastic news for the tournament. OSIM is a global brand and their sponsorship fits perfectly with the vision we have for the Singapore Masters," he said.

"The tournament has become an integral part of the world golf calendar in the five years since it was established and it is continuing to expand and evolve. OSIM's support will help us maintain this momentum."

The OSIM Singapore Masters at Laguna, which will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours as well as the Singapore Professional Golfers Association, will feature a 144-player field chasing total prize money of US$1 million.

"This sponsorship announcement is great news for Singaporean golf fans," said Lim Kian Kee, president of the Singapore PGA. "We have seen some world-class golfers in action at the Singapore Masters over the past five years and that is set to continue next month."

Global beer brand Carlsberg, the presenting sponsor of the Singapore Masters since the tournament was established in 2001, has confirmed its continuing support for the event.

"Carlsberg has been a long-time supporter of the Singapore Masters and we are delighted to return this year as a main sponsor and the official beer," said Hans Hallan, general manager of Carlsberg Singapore.

"For more than five years, the Singapore Masters has been one of the most exciting and fan-friendly stops on the Asia golfing circuit and we look forward to the exciting atmosphere and memorable experiences in store for golfers and fans alike.

"Our participation in this premier golfing event enables us to broaden the Carlsberg brand and to reinforce our 'World of Friends' spirit with consumers."

Three-time Major winner Vijay Singh was the first winner of the Singapore Masters when he triumphed at Singapore Island Country Club in 2001. India's Arjun Atwal, now a star on the US PGA Tour, was successful the following year, when the event moved to Laguna.

Lian-Wei Zhang carved his name in history in 2003 when he birdied the final hole to beat Ernie Els by one shot and become the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event.

Colin Montgomerie took home the trophy in 2004 while Dougherty last year became the youngest winner of the Singapore Masters at the age of 22.

"This is a very exciting period for the golfing scene in Singapore, "said Daniel Metcalfe of the Singapore Sports Council. "The Singapore Sports Council is privileged to welcome OSIM International Ltd as the new title sponsor for the Singapore Masters.

"Hand in hand with the government's pledge of commitment to grow and develop the local sports industry, the active involvement of private corporations such as OSIM will demonstrate the benefits that can be yielded from the power of sports and sports marketing.

"We look forward to a long-term relationship with OSIM and building a bright future for a world-class event such as the OSIM Singapore Masters at Laguna."