SINGAPORE: The Warc Prize for Asian Strategy has received 183 entries in 2014, a record total for the competition.

Entries came from 13 different markets around the region. As in previous years, India was the biggest single source of entries, accounting for 73 of the 183 entries. Next came China (37) and Singapore (23).

Now in its fourth year, the Prize is the region's leading showcase for strategic thinking in marketing. Entrants had to submit a case study showing how smart strategy had delivered brand success. It is free to enter, and the winners will share a $10,000 prize fund.

"The record number of entries to this year's Prize show how important it is becoming for brands and agencies to prove their creative thinking is rooted in sound strategy," said David Tiltman, Warc's head of content.

"Over the four years we have run the Prize, we have noticed a growing sophistication in the case studies we receive. It is clear that strategy is growing in importance in Asian marketing."

The entries have been sent to the judging panel for first-round scoring. The judging panel comprises senior client-side marketers and agency-side strategy experts. This year's judges are led by Freddy Bharucha, chief marketing officer of Procter & Gamble Asia.

The Prize hands Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to the best entries. The author of the overall Grand Prix will win a $5,000 cash prize, and there are a further five $1,000 prizes for entries that show excellence in specific areas. Full details of the Prize, plus videos from last year's competition, can be found on the Prize website.

Warc expects to announce the shortlist in early September, then the winning entries in early October.

Data sourced from Warc