Malaysia BPO firm apologizes for anti-Philippines ad

MANILA, Philippines - Global business process outsourcing company Aegis Malaysia apologized on Monday night for a viral video advertisement criticizing the Philippines.

The company said it did not approve the contents of the video, which was developed and "uploaded in error" by a Malaysian agency.

"Since acquisition of People Support in 2008, (the) Philippines has been a catalyst for Aegis' growth. We would like to articulate that Aegis has had a wonderful experience in the Philippines -- great clients, great leadership team and above all great employees," the company said in a statement posted on its social media accounts.

"We apologize and regret any communication that may have inadvertently hurt any sentiments," it added.

The Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur earlier asked Aegis Malaysia for an explanation about the video, saying it has placed the Philippines in an "unfavorable light."

The video cited the country's poor infrastructure and security issues, among other concerns, to point out that Malaysia is a better investment destination than the Philippines.

The nearly three-minute video, which also presented the Philippines as a disaster-prone country, has gone viral and earned criticisms from netizens.