KUALA LUMPUR (June 20): Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd has launched its digital marketing arm, Blaze Digital, which will offer integrated digital solutions for marketers across Astro's 21 digital brands as well as 11 independent digital publications.

Blaze Digital has a cumulative average of 20 million users and a reach of over 100 million people on Facebook monthly, said Astro, citing data from Google Analytics.

As such, it is in a strong position to help marketers connect directly with a growing socially-connected and tech-savvy population, said Astro group director of media sales TH Chong.

"We will continue to introduce new and innovative digital content that can travel regionally to both users in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to ensure that Blaze Digital stays ahead of the curve," Chong said in a statement today.

Blaze Digital is a local platform designed for local brands, added the digital unit's general manager Jayaram Nagaraj.

The service enables independent local publishers such as Siakap Keli, Siakap Keli TV, Makchic, Nak Bebel, Tongue in Chic, Islam Itu Indah, Poskod.my, Amanz.my, Semuanya Bola, Futsalvaganza, Wiser.my, as well as Vodus to connect with marketers.

"As a mobile and cloud-first, analytics driven organisation, we have put in place a robust data analytics system to provide marketers with the ability to match the right audience to the right content," said Jayaram. "This will be strengthened by our partnerships with local prominent publishers which will drive campaigns outside of our own properties, allowing additional quality audiences."

Astro's share price closed down 3 sen or 1.1% at RM2.69, with some 1.42 million units traded. The group has a market capitalisation of RM13.96 billion.