on 14 september 1980, martino was named apostolic pro-nuncio to thailand, apostolic delegate to laos, malaysia, and singapore, and titular archbishop of segerme. on 24 june 1981, his responsibilities were divided into the roles of delegate to singapore and delegate to laos and malaysia. on 7 december 1983, they were reorganized further and he took on the titles delegate to laos and delegate to malaysia and brunei.