Hume Brophy has become the first Irish PR firm to set up shop in Asia.

The consultancy, which has offices in Dublin, London, Brussels and Paris, is opening a new base at the heart of Singapore's central business district.

“From its Asian hub, the company will deliver communications and public relations services to international and Asian companies across the South East Asia region,” the company said in a statement.

The new office will be headed up by Dubliner Una McGirr, a former communications director at BT Ireland.

"As companies increasingly look to the East, the establishment of an Asia operation was a logical next step in providing existing and prospective clients with a global communications and public relations network, and the opportunity to build their profile and reputation across the region," founding partner John Hume said.

“This is an important milestone for us, and we believe we are now ideally placed to help Irish and international companies to establish a foothold across Asia while simultaneously advising Asian companies seeking a greater understanding of, and presence in Europe.”

The Hume Brophy consultancy was founded by Mr Hume, son of the former SDLP leader, and Eoin Brophy in 2005, and has a team of over 60 staff working at its four European offices.