Tag: Singapore

Philippines – Cadbury teamed up with Ogilvy Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore for a Valentine’s Day campaign celebrating the beautifully imperfect nature of real love.

Cadbury’s campaign highlights how the most meaningful love stories often defy clichés and expectations. It embraces the complexities of real relationships—from the rollercoaster of emotions and differing tastes to shared vulnerabilities and steadfast support through life’s ups and downs.

The campaign features a film depicting a couple embracing their imperfections and celebrating the unique differences that strengthen their bond.

Alongside the campaign film, Ogilvy, in collaboration with Bulletproof, has introduced a limited-edition split-heart package design for the campaign. The design, which symbolises two halves of a whole, highlights individuality within relationships, representing contrasting preferences such as music genres and travel destinations.

The packaging visually conveys the campaign’s central message: that love finds harmony in difference, illustrating how two distinct individuals can come together to form a meaningful connection.

The limited-edition Cadbury split-heart packaging was released in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Singapore – Insurance company AIA Singapore has teamed with Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s Rainforest Wild Asia, set to open on March 12. As part of the collaboration, AIA Singapore announced its partnership of a playground and tapir habitat in the park. 

Promoting healthier lifestyles and wildlife conservation, AIA Singapore has sponsored the AIA Vitality Bounce within the wildlife park and a habitat of two Malayan tapirs.

The AIA Vitality Bounce is a space for dynamic play and physical activity, immersed in nature. While promoting physical activities, it also allows social social interactions and supports mental welfare of visitors of all ages.

AIA Singapore’s move is part of its effort to foster social and environmental impact. It reinforces its AIA One Billion initiative, which aims to empower one billion people to have healthier, longer, and better lives by 2030.

Starting March 12, all AIA customers can enter Rainforest Wild Asia with discounted tickers during certain periods.

“AIA Singapore is delighted to be a part of the exciting opening of Rainforest Wild Asia, through the sponsorship of the AIA Vitality Bounce and the habitat of the two beloved Malayan tapirs. In our increasingly digital world, taking time to immerse ourselves in nature is more important than ever. We hope that through this initiative, we provide everyone with a space to disconnect, cultivate deeper relationships with nature and loved ones, and to be inspired to protect our wildlife,” Wong Sze Keed, chief executive officer at AIA Singapore, said.

Singapore – Automotive manufacturer Audi, in partnership with advertising agency DDB Group Singapore, has launched a campaign for the debut of House of Progress in Singapore. House of Progress is the vehicle brand’s flagship showroom, set to welcome the public on February 15.

As part of the campaign, DDB Group Singapore unveiled a film featuring Cyr wheel artists performing inside the House of Progress. With the strategic use of Cyr wheels, the film highlights Audi’s imagery and logo.

The one-minute film provides a glimpse of spaces within the showroom, including the Quattro Golf Lounge, Audi x Burnt Ends Bakery, and Audi Performance Suite.

The film runs across social and digital channels, and will also be rolled out on the ground. It is also accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video and teasers.

The House of Progress, soon to be opened, is located at Cross Street Exchange.

Vinod Savio, CCO of DDB Group Singapore, commented, “Singapore welcomes a new icon with House of Progress. Our vision was to create something truly unforgettable to mark this new chapter for the brand. We’re inviting people not just to witness, but to truly feel the future of Audi in a way that’s never been experienced before.”

“At DDB, we’re bridging the gap between human experience and technological advancement, crafting a campaign that resonates on a personal level,” Neel Chhaya, managing partner at DDB Group Singapore, said.

Jamie Lee, general manager of marketing at Audi Singapore, said, “House of Progress is Audi Singapore’s tribute to Vorsprung durch Technik, and we truly appreciate how DDB’s creative concept captures and elevates our brand story for the future. People drive cars, but they are driven by so much more. This collaboration brings to life our vision of automotive retail and deepens the connection with our customers, who share our passion for innovation, sustainable progress, and a range of enriching experiences.”

Singapore – Scoot, a low-cost airline under Singapore Airlines, has launched Lunar New Year couplets in honour of culture and tradition. The couplet designs, made in collaboration with SPH Media, aim to resonate with audiences as it reinforces Scoot’s brand identity.

Transforming the traditional couplets for the festive season, Scoot and SPH Media integrated wordplay into the designs for a brand experience.

The couplets bear the messages “Soar on blessings from East to West” and “Land with happiness from North to South,” signifying travel experiences from the airline.

Additionally, each couplet integrated Scoot’s Chinese name as the first character written on it, creatively amplifying the brand.

Transcending tradition, Scoot also released WhatsApp stickers and social media campaigns. Leveraging SPH Media’s reach, Scoot featured its couplets in print, digital, and social platforms to engage audiences.

Kuek Yu Chuang, deputy chief executive officer at SPH Media, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with an innovative partner such as Scoot to explore creative and impactful solutions to engage our audience. This partnership has allowed us to deliver an integrated solution that harnessed SPH Media’s creative expertise and extensive network to bring Scoot’s festive message to life effectively.”

“We are delighted to work with SPH Media on blending tradition and innovation with a travel-inspired twist, allowing us to bring festive joy across the community and digital spaces locally and around the region. Together, we’ve started 2025 in a meaningful and memorable way,” Agatha Yap, director of marketing communications and loyalty at Scoot, commented.

Singapore – Audi Singapore has unveiled its flagship showroom, Audi House of Progress,  ahead of its public opening. The showroom located at Cross Street Exchange, which will serve as the brand’s lifestyle destination, is set to welcome visitors starting February 15.

The Audi House of Progress Singapore aims to connect enthusiasts and customers to the brand.  With the goal of providing a holistic experience, Audi will be holding activities centred on the key pillars of performance, lifestyle, sports, and dining.

To enhance customer experience, Audi House of Progress Singapore integrates lifestyle elements into the showroom, making it a home for the brand. Through this, customers can purchase vehicles seamlessly and participate in exclusive experiences among other events.

Marking its debut, Audi unveiled its new vehicle, A5, to the visitors of the showroom. Other vehicle models are also available for viewing in the venue.

The design of Audi House of Progress Singapore takes inspiration from the historical significance of its location while embodying its idea of progressing through technology. Alongside its products are garden elements and ventilation blocks for a human-centric and dynamic design.

The showroom also has consultation areas and a private lounge for its customers, equipped with tools to assist customers.

Meanwhile, the Audi Performance Suite within the showroom highlights the brand’s sports models. This section serves as a bar and lounge at night managed by Burnt Ends Hospitality Group.

Burnt Ends also collaborated with Audi Singapore to launch the Audi x Burnt Ends Bakery, a cafe with a menu inspired by German pastries.

Audi also worked with sports technology company Trackman for a golf lounge where visitors can enjoy virtual experiences.

Additionally, Audi collaborated with electronics company Bang & Olufsen for the showroom’s sound and design company BOLIA for its ambience.

“With the grand opening of Audi House of Progress Singapore, Audi Singapore has crossed a momentous milestone in our journey of transformation. Singapore is the first Audi market globally to fully switch to a direct-to-consumer business model, affirming the strategic importance of the Singaporean market for the Audi Brand. The Audi House of Progress Singapore positions us strongly to enter this new era. We will continue to put our customers in the centre of everything we do and to elevate the Audi experience even higher with our new brand home,” Markus Schuster, managing director at Audi Singapore, said.

Singapore – In a significant reshuffling of its leadership team, Manulife Asia has announced key strategic changes across its operations in emerging markets, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and its finance division.

As part of the leadership changes, Manulife Asia has appointed Dr. Kah Siang Khoo, currently the CEO of Singapore, as the new CEO of Emerging Markets. In this expanded role, he will oversee operations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

Dr Khoo, who joined Manulife in 2018, has played a key role in driving growth and enhancing the company’s position in the region. He has also contributed to digital initiatives and new distribution strategies while overseeing a successful bancassurance partnership with DBS. Prior to his new role, Dr. Khoo served as the president of the Life Insurance Association of Singapore.

During the transition, Dr. Khoo will remain CEO of Singapore until he officially hands over the role to Benoit Meslet on June 1. Meslet, who is currently CEO of Japan, will assume the position pending regulatory approval.

Benoit has been with Manulife since 2020, driving four years of core earnings growth, doubling new business value since 2022, and leading a fast-paced digital transformation that boosted customer satisfaction and employee engagement. With over 20 years of leadership experience in Asia’s life insurance sector, he is well-equipped for his new role.

Following this change, Ryan Charland, currently CEO of Indonesia, will succeed Meslet as CEO of Japan, effective May 1, 2025. He will join Meslet in Japan in April to facilitate a smooth transition.

Since taking the helm in 2019, Charland has led Manulife Indonesia to expand its market share and achieve a strong Net Promoter Score. He also launched a new Syariah-compliant company to serve Indonesia’s underpenetrated Muslim population. His extensive experience in product development, distribution, operations, finance, and risk management is expected to support ongoing growth in Manulife Japan.

Meanwhile, Lauren Sulistiawati will succeed Charland as CEO of Indonesia, starting February 24, 2025, pending regulatory approval. She will collaborate closely with Charland to ensure a smooth transition and will report to Dr Khoo.

Sulistiawati joins from Commonwealth Bank, where she led the transition to OCBC while maintaining customer satisfaction. She has held leadership roles in Indonesian and multinational banks, with a focus on transformation, Syariah business, and regional insurance partnerships.

Last on the roster of leadership changes, Adrienne O’Neill, currently global controller and group chief accounting officer, has been appointed Asia chief financial officer, reporting to Colin Simpson, global CFO, and Phil Witherington, president and CEO of Manulife Asia.

O’Neill has been with Manulife for over 17 years, holding various key finance roles, including global controller and group chief accounting officer. She also served as global head of investor relations from 2018 to 2021.

Speaking on the appointments, Witherington said, “These changes showcase the depth and strength of our leadership across Asia and position us to continue delivering high-quality sustainable growth and be the number one choice for customers.”

“We are well on track to achieve our goal of contributing half of Manulife’s core earnings by 2027, and these leaders have consistently executed our strategy. Their leadership in these new roles will help define the next chapter for Manulife Asia,” he added.

Phil Witherington will assume the role of president and CEO of Manulife on May 9, 2025. Until his successor is appointed, members of the Manulife Asia senior leadership team will report directly to him.

Manulife has also announced the departure of Michael Thomssen, chief financial officer for Asia, and Sachin Shah, head of emerging markets. The company thanked both for their contributions and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Singapore – Delivery company Deliveroo Singapore and grocery retailer Sheng Siong Group have forged a partnership to simplify grocery shopping for its users.

Through the partnership, Deliveroo and Sheng Siong aim to meet the needs of Singaporean consumers as they offer convenience to grocery shopping.

As part of the partnership, 21 Sheng Siong stores have been launched on the Deliveroo platform, with plans to add more locations in Singapore this month.

The availability of Sheng Siong on the platform provides customers with access to various products such as fresh produce and household items among others.

The move is part of Deliveroo’s effort to expand from its food delivery services to a broader range of delivery services.

Last year, Deliveroo launched Deliveroo Shopping, its online retail arm that offers non-food deliveries.

Lin Zikai, director of customer and operations at Sheng Siong said, “We are delighted to embark on this exclusive partnership with Deliveroo, one that marks a new chapter in bringing Sheng Siong’s trusted grocery offerings closer to our customers. This is our first time partnering with a delivery company, and thanks to Deliveroo’s seamless delivery platform, we are now able to deliver high-quality products at affordable prices straight to our customers’ doorsteps in as quickly as 30 minutes. This collaboration allows us to offer even greater convenience to busy families and individuals, ensuring they can access fresh produce and daily essentials with ease and efficiency.”

“This exclusive partnership with Sheng Siong marks a significant milestone in our mission to bring greater convenience to our customers along with a purpose-built app experience for grocery. While ready-to-eat meals remain at the core of what we do, this collaboration expands our offerings with a diverse range of groceries, competitive prices, and round-the-clock delivery. With a growing segment of consumers expressing interest in using delivery platforms for grocery and non-food items, we’re proud to continuously meet evolving demands and make everyday shopping simpler and more accessible,” Jason Parke, general manager of Deliveroo Singapore, said.

Singapore – Dating app Tinder has unveiled updates to its ‘Explore’ page to enhance how users find matches in time for Valentine’s Day.

As the use of the app peaks this February, Tinder has added new tiles reflecting shared interests to enhance the personalisation of the ‘Explore’ page. Through the update, Tinder aims to enhance user experience through personalisation.

The new tiles include categories like ‘Non-Monogamy’ and ‘Serious Dater,’ helping users find partners that align with their intention. Other new tiles include ‘Short-Term Fun,’ ‘Long-Term Partner,’ and ‘New Friends.’ 

‘Explore’ is a personalised space that organises profiles into categories through tiles that encapsulate common interests. This includes existing categories such as ‘Binge Watchers,’ ‘Coffee Date,’ and ‘Nature Lovers.’ 

Tinder plans to upgrade the ‘Explore’ page in the future, with the goal of catering better to LGBTQIA+ groups while further enhancing personalisation.

“The Swipe experience is just one part of dating, as singles are looking to connect with others who share their relationship goals. Explore tiles cut through the guesswork, creating dedicated spaces where singles can match with real intention—whether they’re after something serious, non-monogamy, or just new friends. The future of dating is clear, and Tinder is helping make it easier to navigate it with confidence,” Vivek Patel, senior vice president of product at Tinder, said.

Singapore – Singaporeans are among the heaviest users of social media, ranking fourth globally at 88.2%, according to a report from We Are Social and Meltwater.

The report shows Singaporeans as one of the most engaged in internet use, spending an average of 6 hours and 33 minutes online daily. 

Singaporeans aged 16 and above use approximately 7.24 different platforms each month. Specifically, Reddit sees the highest engagement in the country, with users opening the app an average of 116.9 times monthly. Telegram is also a popular app, with Singaporean users opening it 237 times per month.

Meanwhile, TikTok is also widely used in Singapore as users spend an average of 34 hours and 29 minutes in the app monthly. This number falls nearly 30 minutes less than the global average.

However, a significant 71.4% of Singaporean adults are concerned about discerning real from fake information online. 

Data privacy is also a concern, with 36% of internet users worried about how companies use their personal data. As a result, 39% of Singaporean internet users reject website cookies, more than the global average of 34.5%.

The global report sees an acceleration in the use of artificial intelligence, the importance of social media in brand discovery, and a surge in ad spend.

“With digital ad spend exceeding $790 billion in 2024 and social media ad spend growing more than 15% within that, it’s clear that businesses are investing more than ever in capturing consumer attention. Along with this growing investment comes the growing need to prove ROI and show results based on marketing campaigns. With user behavior on social platforms continuing to shift, teams need data to inform decisions about what platforms to prioritize and create strategies for,” Alexandra Bjertnæs, chief strategy officer at Meltwater, commented.

“Social is where brands can win or lose – it’s central to brand discovery, consumer engagement, and commerce. At the same time, AI is revolutionising how we search, create, and interact, while influencers continue to shape content trends and consumer behaviours. The opportunities for marketers to drive meaningful engagement have never been broader, but the complexity of digital and social media – evident in our 630+ page report – means there’s no single route to success. To create effective work, brands need to understand the cultural nuances of the online world, and create ideas worth talking about. Those who do will make an impact,” Toby Southgate, global group CEO at We Are Social, said.

Singapore – Boloni, a provider of interior furnishing solutions, has unveiled its first experience centre in Singapore. 

The inaugural experience centre, located at Delta House, reflects Boloni’s commitment to providing trendsetting and holistic home solutions while highlighting its contemporary carpentry.

Having been established in China, Boloni also has showrooms across Asia and Australia. Boloni’s entry into Singapore marks its new footprint in the region. 

Boloni is known for its one-stop approach to providing home customisation. Offering complete housing solutions, Boloni allows its customers to have a seamless experience.

The experience centre, combining technology and design, is equipped with various room settings. Its showrooms can also be used as an events space, with plans to be employed for lifestyle activities.

Staying committed to sustainability, Boloni enables recycling and upcycling in its modular carpentry system.

Besides the Singapore experience centre, Boloni is set to open a showroom in Bali and plans to expand further in Vietnam. 

“This marks an exciting milestone for Boloni as we partner The Modular Builder (TMB) to bring our expertise and innovative solutions to Singapore. Our Singapore Experience Centre reflects Boloni’s commitment to redefining modern living with a blend of design, functionality, and technology. We believe this centre will inspire homeowners and designers alike, showcasing the possibilities of a truly customised living experience,” Frank Cai, founder of Boloni, said.

“Our vision for Boloni Singapore Experience Center is to become the premier architectural design and build hub for landed homes in Singapore,” Benedict Choa, CEO of Boloni Singapore and The Modular Builder, commented.

“All our wood materials are cultivated for long-term sustainability, adhering to European standard E1 levels with formaldehyde emissions below 0.5 mg/L,” Choa added.

“The Experience Centre showcases how quality living can seamlessly integrate with sophisticated design aspirations. It offers a diverse range of styles and finishes that enables clients to realise their vision of their dream homes through a designer’s eye and high-quality furnishings,” Kee Jing Zhi, COO of Boloni Singapore, said.