Cal State

Vice President, Talent Management & Marketing -  Def Jam South East Asia

Universal Music Group

Vice President, Talent Management & Marketing - Def Jam South East Asia

At the core of YZ International’s operations are the artists the firm manages: its roster includes such luminaries as Joe Flizzow, Pop Shuvit, Mizz Nina, turntablist crew Stylustiks (and its separate members, DJs Fuzz, Uno and Cza), Thaitanium (Thailand) and the regional all-star supergroup Project E.A.R. All of YZ International’s Malaysian artists are winners of the prestigious Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM), or the Music Industry Awards, the Malaysian equivalent of the Grammys. 

I have also facilitated East-West musical collaborations, namely singles by Too Phat and Warren G; Joe Flizzow and KRS-One; the Teh Tarik Crew and Zion I; Pop Shuvit and Inspectah Deck of the Wu-Tang Clan, Nitro Y Fanta, Dabo of Def Jam Japan, and Big Pooh, Cesar Comanche and L.E.G.A.C.Y.; and most recently Mizz Nina and Florida. YZ International works closely with imprints owned by its stable of artists as well, locking down endorsement deals and securing international and regional promotion opportunities for Pop Shuvit’s Shuvit Management, Joe Flizzow’s Kartel Records, Thaitanium Entertainment, DJ Fuzz’s Mixology DJ Academy and Mizz Nina Productions. In addition, I also act as a booking agent for local and regional bands and a host of party DJs from across the globe. 

I have also left an indelible mark further behind the scenes, laying out the groundwork for not only one-off collaborations but also a comprehensive global network of production, licensing, distribution, and radio and online distribution channels for the projects under YZ International’s purview. Consulted for SonyKartel Records, a division of Sony Music Malaysia based in Kuala Lumpur.

YZ International

Managing Director

Developing, organizing, and promoting of campus wide events that provide and encourage student involvement, along with a positive and fun campus experience.

Developed and implemented several new events and programs successfully.

Created annual budget for department.

Project Manager for 300 page annual Student planner.

Communicated with venues to secure business, promotions and marketing.

Instilled team work and trained department staff

Print Material Production: concept, design and printing coordination for all events.

Marketing & Promotions: target market identification, social media marketing campaigns, direct mail, advertising and public relations. 

Online Marketing: content and design coordination for websites, email campaigns, e-invitations and e-newsletters.

Yaniz Merican