Penguin Random House is launching Penguin Random House South East Asia, with headquarters in Singapore, which will focus on English-language publishing in the region, including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Myanmar (Burma).
PRH called the move "the extension and expansion of its commitment to local publishing in Asia, currently represented by its Penguin Random House North Asia and Penguin Random House India companies."
Penguin Random House South East Asia aims to publish some 50 titles in adult and children's fiction and nonfiction, "adding to the robust and diverse literary creativity of the region, which is seen as one of the most promising of the emerging publishing regions, with much great writing across genres in English and regional languages."
Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO of Penguin Random House India and South East Asia, will oversee Penguin Random House South East Asia.
Markus Dohle, CEO of Penguin Random House, said, "This new trade publishing program with original books written by local authors is a natural extension and complement to the longstanding business we have selling adult and children's fiction and nonfiction by our international authors into this vibrant market and community."
The new company's first employee is Nora Nazerene Abu Bakar, who will be executive editor, effective in November. She will be responsible for building the local publishing list, managing acquisitions, and author relationships, with close retailer and marketing support initially from Penguin Random House India.