A look back at the early work and academic studies of Bobby Syed

Bobby Syed attended the University of South Bank before transferring to the University of Bradford, where he gained a BA (Hons) degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. A collection of Bobby Syed articles online provide further insights for anyone who wishes to find out more about working in an academic or PR-centered environment.

Here, much of his study focused on the Cold War and for his dissertation topic, he chose the effects of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. On a similar theme, he organised a debate between Russian and American students to time with the signing of the INF Treaty between the Soviet Union and the United States. This debate managed to attract press coverage. An internship at the British American Security Council saw Bobby put his knowledge into practice. Working under Dr Dan Plesch, his work here included writing reports on topics linked to the Cold War, including issues surrounding nuclear weapons.

A Master’s Degree at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) was to follow. Here, Bobby’s focus was South East Asian politics, with a thesis covering the relationship between India and Pakistan. Shortly afterwards, he was employed by SOAS as a project to set up the International Diplomatic Training School, an organisation that still exists – and is now known as the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy. This was a wide-ranging role, requiring him to develop a new diplomatic course with just one week’s notice for three Thai diplomats. His responsibilities included liaising with diplomats, delivering lectures, giving up to date diplomatic training, organising visits to leading institutions, conducting research. He convinced SOAS of the value of such a course in the long run, through his excessive marketing and promotion for this.

Starting in 1992, Bobby Syed also spent a two-year stint working for the Rowland Company, doing PR work for Saatchi and Saatchi. Through an extensive PR programme, Bobby worked with foreign governments with a view to promoting their respective countries as attractive emerging markets. Much of this involved elements of sports marketing; including work based around the Cricket World Cup, the Johnny Walker Classic golf tournament and the Football World Cup. Three years at Hearsay Communications Worldwide followed, where Bobby was Founder/Director. Here, the focus was once again on emerging markets – as well as the ethnic minority market in the United Kingdom. Following this, Bobby focused his efforts on helping to turn the EMMA Awards into a success.

Bobby Syed Lead EMMA Drive against the Far Right

EMMA, the Ethnic Multicultural Media Academy, was founded by Bobby Syed in order to bring awareness to cultural diversity and the discrimination that often plagues such groups. The organisation used various forms of media as a promotional vehicle to get their message to the masses. Many of the upward steps to success enjoyed by many of the cultural groups representing British society were accomplished by the efforts of Bobby Syed and the EMMA organisation.

One the main concerns of Bobby Syed and one of the main drives of EMMA was to inform British citizens of the dangers of the far-right wing political party that was becoming a threat to many, particularly those of culturally diverse backgrounds. This is seen as a growing emergence of a Fascist mentality that was encouraged to be defeated through education and voting responsibly.

Various viral ads were used during key elections which were provided through the creative advertising expertise of Saatchi & Saatchi. UK press print ads, online ads and outdoor ads were used by the EMMA Trust Election Awareness Campaign to get their message across. The viral online ads were aired on the popular show Love Music, Hate Racism and appeared just prior to the Barnsley performance by the British group UB40 which specialises in reggae and pop music.

Print ads were distributed to various press sources around the UK. The outdoor ads created by EMMA were strategically posted near strong BNP areas including Dagenham and Barking. This was considered a vital move to counter the MP election campaign of far-right BNP candidate Nick Griffin.

Information also went out on various blogs run by EMMA that were used to educate the population on the dangers and signs of fascism. These internet outlets included Stand Up to Hate, Politics.Co.Uk, Vote No to BNP and One Million United. Various YouTube videos also experienced many thousands of viewings from concerned British citizens. The EMMA message was also posted on the Saatchi & Saatchi blog which is known around the world.

EMMA activities and information that were directed by Bobby Syed can be viewed on Bobby’s YouTube page.