The short list for the 2016 Warc Prize for Asian Strategy was released today with McCann, BBDO, MullenLowe BBH and Ogilvy & Mather as the frontrunners of the lot.

More than one fifth of this year’s shortlisted entrants are from smaller markets such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand –while nearly half came from India.

MullenLowe India, which took top honors last year, is among the finalists with three campaigns.

“This year’s shortlist demonstrates the very best in smart strategic thinking delivering awesome business results,” said Sanjeeb Chaudhuri, global head of brand and chief marketing officer, Standard Chartered Bank and chair of the judging panel.

“The wide range of brands, categories and markets represented is a fitting testament to the reputation within the industry that the Warc Prize for Asian Strategy has built since its inception in 2011,” he added.

Agencies with a strong showing in this year’s shortlist include BBDO, BBH, McCann, MullenLowe and Ogilvy & Mather.

The winners for this year’s Warc Prize for Asian Strategy will be announced at an event in Singapore on November 3rd.