BACKGROUND

The ASEAN Foundation, supported by United Way Worldwide and LEGO, is implementing the CALM MRI – Fear to Confidence: Learning through Play with LEGO MRI Kits Programme to enhance the well-being of children and families. This initiative provides educational and therapeutic resources through the distribution of LEGO MRI scanner toys to help reduce anxiety and stress in children undergoing MRI procedures.

A total of 1,002 LEGO MRI scanner toy sets will be distributed across the Indo-Pacific through local United Way offices and/or participating organisations. Of these, the ASEAN Foundation is leading the distribution of 324 kits in Indonesia and 324 kits in Singapore. The sets aim to help children better understand MRI procedures, reduce fear, build emotional resilience, and foster confidence through play-based learning—ultimately creating a more positive healthcare experience.

As part of its commitment to amplify the impact of the programme, the ASEAN Foundation is seeking a media engagement consultant to develop a compelling feature article after the programme concludes in November 2025. This article will capture the outcomes, human stories, and overall impact of the CALM MRI Programme and will be disseminated to 8 top-tier media outlets in Indonesia and 3 top-tier media outlets in Singapore.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

• Reduce Anxiety and Stress – Familiarise children with the MRI process through play, reducing fear and anxiety.
• Educational Support – Introduce children to MRI machines in a friendly, play-based way.
• Emotional Resilience – Build confidence and resilience by turning a stressful experience into a positive one.
• Enhanced Collaboration – Improve communication between children, families, and healthcare providers.

DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In collaboration with Project Specialist of CALM MRI, Communications Officer at the ASEAN Foundation, and under the guidance of the Head of Communications at the ASEAN Foundation, the Consultant will:

1. Develop one high-quality feature article (English & Indonesian) highlighting the CALM MRI Programme’s impact, outcomes, and human stories from both Indonesia and Singapore.
2. Gather content through post-programme reports, photographs, and beneficiary/partner testimonials provided by the ASEAN Foundation.
3. Ensure the article is written in a way that allows easy adaptation into Malay, Chinese, or Tamil by media outlets if needed.
4. Pitch and secure publication of the article in at least 8 top-tier media outlets in Indonesia and 3 top-tier media outlets in Singapore.
5. Monitor and track all coverage, providing detailed reporting on reach, PR value, sentiment, and demographics.

EXPECTED OUTCOME AND OUTPUTS

Outcome:

• The CALM MRI Programme’s achievements are effectively communicated to the public in Indonesia and Singapore.
• Positive media coverage reinforces ASEAN Foundation’s position as a leader in child-centred healthcare support.

Outputs:

• One detailed media engagement work plan.
• One feature article in English and Indonesian.
• One proposed media list (8 Indonesian outlets, 3 Singaporean outlets).
• Published feature article in at least 11 media outlets (8 Indonesia, 3 Singapore).
• Final media engagement report including clippings, PR value, reach, sentiment, and audience demographics.

TIMELINE AND DELIVERABLES

The duration of the consultancy is from October – December 2025, with details as follows:

Timeline	Deliverables	Indicators
10 – 19 October	Call for application
20 – 24 October	Selection process
27 – 30 October	Work plan developed, and on boarding attended, Identify and confirm target media outlets in Indonesia (8) and Singapore (3)	Detailed work plan and proposed list of media approved by the foundation.
31 October – 9 November	In collaboration with the selected Indonesia Local Implementing Partners, developed the impact story.	Draft of impact story developed and approved.
13 – 27 November	Dissemination to at least 8 top-tier media outlets in Indonesia.	Secured at 8 media pick-up, media report for Indonesia dissemination submitted
7 November	Event in Singapore.
21 – 30 November	In collaboration with the selected Singapore Local Implementing Partner, developed the impact story.	Draft of impact story submitted
14 December	Dissemination to at least 3 top-tier media outlets in Singapore.	Secured at least 3 media pick-up, media report for Singapore dissemination submitted

*The above timeline is subject to adjustments and shall be discussed between ASEAN Foundation and the appointed candidate

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The existing intellectual property rights (including but not limited to patents, copyright and related rights) used in connection with this consultancy shall remain with the respective Party. Any new intellectual property rights resulting from or in connection with the Services under this consultancy (“New IPR”) shall belong to the ASEAN Foundation. For avoidance of doubt, New IPR shall include, but not limited to all or any reports as generated in accordance to the TOR and in relation to the consultancy. This provision shall survive the termination of this consultancy.

The Consultant shall request prior written approval from the ASEAN Foundation for any use of intellectual property rights owned by the ASEAN Foundation as a result or in the course of the implementation of this consultancy.  The ASEAN Foundation shall not be responsible to provide any approval whatsoever to the Consultant for any use of intellectual property from any other third party.   

DISBURSEMENT

The payment will be disbursed in two tranches as follow:

1. First Payment (40%) after Signing the Agreement and Deliverable 1-2 is completed;
2. Second Payment (60%) after Deliverables 3 – 5 are completed.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

1. A professional PR Agency/consultant
2. Has experience in working/engaging ASEAN entities  
3. Has excellent media networks in ASEAN, especially Indonesia, and, Singapore
4. Possess good flexibility in receiving last-minute changes and request from the client 
5. Able to work under pressure and meet tight timelines without affecting the quality of the work  

APPLICATION PROCESS

All interested applicants are required to submit their portfolio and quotation (in USD) using the ASEAN Foundation’s Request for Quotation (RFQ) template (accessible here) by 19 October 2025. Submissions should be sent to procurement@aseanfoundation.org, with CC to lusiana.rotua@aseanfoundation.org, fatima.alifha@aseanfoundation.org, and ahmad.afryan@aseanfoundation.org, using the subject line:
“Media Engagement Consultant – CALM MRI”.

All submitted applications will be thoroughly and fairly evaluated based on various criteria, including the quality of the proposal and price. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

IMPORTANT NOTES

In line with the ASEAN Foundation’s payment terms, the final payment will be made within 14 calendar days upon completion of all deliverables and receipt of the vendor’s invoice.