From global consumer brands to national development programmes, we turn complex goals into clear, credible communication — designed from evidence, measured to the end.
We bring together public relations, brand strategy, and creative to help organisations be understood — building reputation, shaping conversations, and moving audiences to act. Every campaign is grounded in cultural insight and measured by real outcomes.
From global brands to national institutions and development programmes, we’ve helped clients earn attention, build trust, and deliver measurable results. Explore our work to see how.
For donors, ministries and development partners, creative is only half the work. Our in-house research practice builds the evidence base first — and measures what changes.
Baseline and endline studies, focus groups, key-informant interviews and Knowledge–Attitudes–Practices surveys that ground campaigns in how audiences actually think and behave.
Social and behaviour change communication built on tested messages — materials piloted with target audiences before a single asset goes public.
Indicator frameworks, pre/post assessments and campaign impact reporting aligned to donor requirements — so results are demonstrated, not asserted.
Research-backed programmes delivered for international donors, UN agencies, international NGOs and Cambodian ministries. Explore the practice →
Mekhala is a Cambodia-based strategic communications agency blending public relations, branding, and research to help brands create meaningful connections, shape conversations, and build lasting influence across Cambodia and Indochina.
Our team, led by Managing Partner Kounila Keo and Partner Anirudh Singh Bhati, is a diverse group of communications strategists committed to delivering top-tier strategic counsel and services in corporate communications.
Kounila leads the firm’s Cambodian operations with a unique blend of journalism experience and strategic communications expertise. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Kounila’s innovative approach continues to shape impactful narratives and successful campaigns across diverse sectors in Cambodia.
Anirudh is a seasoned strategic communications specialist and Partner at Mekhala, excels in crafting incisive strategies and impactful narratives for corporate communications and public relations. With a rich background in law and commerce, Anirudh’s analytical acumen and deep market insights drive Mekhala’s success across Cambodia and Southeast Asia.

Anirudh is a seasoned strategic communications specialist and business development expert at Mekhala, with a distinct focus on corporate communications and public relations in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Transitioning from a legal career in 2018, Anirudh has since applied his analytical acumen and deep understanding of local markets to deliver incisive insights and craft bespoke, impactful strategies for clients.
Anirudh’s diverse background in commerce and law from Gujarat National Law University (India) has been effectively repurposed into the realm of strategic communications. His expertise lies in ensuring compliance with local customs and practices, and in developing strategic plans that resonate with the unique dynamics of the Cambodian market. Anirudh is proficient in English, Hindi, and has an intermediate understanding of Khmer, which further enhances his ability to navigate the local market dynamics.
Since joining Mekhala in 2018, Anirudh has been a driving force behind the agency’s growth and success. His unique blend of analytical thinking, communication expertise, and understanding of diverse markets positions him as an invaluable asset for clients aiming to enhance their corporate communications and public relations capabilities. His innovative approach to strategic communications consistently brings fresh perspectives to the industry.

Kounila, the managing partner at Mekhala, expertly guides the firm’s Cambodian operations, specializing in integrated marketing strategies, public relations, digital campaigns, and market research.
With a background in journalism and a six-year tenure reporting for Agence France Presse (AFP) and other international media outlets, Kounila brings a profound understanding of the Cambodian media landscape. She has partnered with a diverse array of clients, from multinational corporations to international organizations and government agencies, crafting impactful narratives for communities and target audiences.
Kounila has led numerous successful campaigns across both the corporate and development sectors, demonstrating her versatile expertise in strategic communications. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Communications from the Royal University of Phnom Penh, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a specialization in International Relations from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (NUS).
Recognized as a leader in her field, Kounila was listed in Forbes 30 under 30 Asia for marketing and media category in 2017. Her impactful approach continues to make a significant mark on the strategic communications industry in Cambodia.