Tag: Singapore

Singapore – Ogilvy Singapore has announced the promotion of Ishita Roy and Frederick Tong to joint heads of strategy. 

Roy and Tong have been members of Ogilvy Singapore for the last ten years, and they have both contributed to the agency’s expansion, improvement of its standing, and strengthening of client relationships. With a range of experiences and abilities, they are promoted to take the lead in their new positions as Ogilvy Singapore’s strategy leaders.

Since joining Ogilvy in 2017, Tong, who has over 18 years of experience in creative, digital, and PR agencies, has been helpful in the company’s new business successes. His skill has been shown by the campaigns he has created for the Early Childhood Development Agency, Decathlon, IHG, and AIA. Tong was named Campaign Asia’s SEA Strategic/Brand Planner of the Year in 2022. 

With her 17 years of expertise, Roy has worked as an agency brand strategist in addition to being a marketer. Roy was involved in leading strategy for clients like the Changi Airport Group, Pringles, NCPC, Swisse, and, most recently, Mondelez, since she joined Ogilvy in 2017. She was shortlisted as a finalist for Campaign Asia’s SEA Strategic/Brand Planner of the Year in 2023 as a result of her accomplishments.

Speaking about the appointment, Kunal Jeswani, group CEO at Ogilvy Singapore and Malaysia, said, “Both Ishita and Fred are fantastic Ogilvy ambassadors and I am so happy that we have been able to create the opportunity for them to take leadership roles in the company. Their promotions to Joint Head of Strategy are a testament to their strategic capability as much as their ability to lead people and build culture.”

Meanwhile, Arvind Srivastava, chief strategy officer for Asia at Ogilvy, commented, “Ishita and Fred embody the strategic excellence that defines Ogilvy. Their combined expertise and vision will undoubtedly elevate our strategic capabilities and drive innovation across all facets of our work.” 

Singapore – Mandai Wildlife Group has just recently announced its appointment of TBWA\Singapore as its new creative agency of record for their next phase of transformation, following the end of Mandai’s seven-year partnership with The Secret Little Agency. 

With TBWA\Singapore acquiring Mandai’s business portfolio, the agency’s responsibilities now extend across all facets of building a destination brand experience which will span the group’s multiple award-winning flagship zoological parks and other offerings in its pipeline.

Talking about this new partnership, Belina Lee, deputy CEO, transformation & growth, Mandai Wildlife Group, said, “TBWA\Singapore’s marketing expertise and passion are compelling and inspirational, and the team demonstrated strong strategic acumen.”

“Our ambition is to anchor our masterbrand, Mandai as a global biodiversity brand, and grow recognition and affinity for the Mandai Wildlife Reserve at home and around the world. We aim to be a meaningful and much desired destination for local residents and global travellers seeking diverse experiences ranging from unique wildlife encounters, immersive dining experiences to inspiring digital engagement and much more,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Mandy Wong, president of TBWA\Singapore, commented, “This is a significant win for the agency and one I’m incredibly proud of. Our ambition as The Disruption Company is to build the world’s strongest brands, and to be given this opportunity to take Mandai to the next level is truly an honour.” 

“With Mandai as a biodiversity brand, it is a treasure trove of endless wonder, and an inspiring canvas for meaningful creativity. I congratulate the entire team who were nothing short of impressive with their synergy and big platform thinking,” she ended.

Singapore – Retail and e-commerce network Hmall has recently unveiled a new branch in Singapore, marking a stride into the Southeast Asian market.

This action not only establishes a pivotal presence in Singapore but also sets the stage for Hmall’s plan to fully expand throughout the region using its powerful affiliate system.

The strategic move into Singapore underscores Hmall’s goal of reaching a broader audience and becoming a prominent player in the Southeast Asian market. The new branch will be serving as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and customer engagement.

Beyond being a retail space, Hmall recognizes the importance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape, and the Singapore branch is poised to become a centre for experimentation, adaptation, and the development of cutting-edge strategies.

Furthermore, Hmall’s affiliate system will play a central role in the expansion throughout Singapore, providing a unique opportunity for affiliates to not only benefit individually but also actively contribute to Hmall’s growth in the region.

For Hmall, this strategic move sets the stage for a comprehensive and influential global presence, marking the beginning of a year that promises numerous branch openings in key markets, including Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil, and more.

Singapore – The National Arts Council (NAC) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have announced a three-year collaboration to increase public engagement with the arts in land transport settings and during public transportation travels. This initiative will comprise commissioned works by Singaporean artists and arts groups.

They present a themed train and stations in honour of Singapore Art Week 2024, marking the beginning of their cooperation. Furthermore, both organisations actively participate in repurposing vacant areas beneath viaducts with locally created art. The ultimate purpose of these initiatives is to bring NAC, LTA, and other stakeholders closer together to collaborate on bringing more artistic elements to public transportation hubs and improving commuter experiences in general.

Low Yen Ling, Minister of State at the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth, was present for the introduction of the collaboration.

Until January 28, 2024, seven train stations and a themed train operating on the North East Line will be infused with chosen artworks from Singapore Art Week (SAW), the nation’s main visual arts season. Designed as an art trail, SAW will take place from January 19 to January 28, 2024, giving the public an early chance to view the artworks on display. In-carriage activations and vibrant murals adorning MRT station walls will help to encourage this.

Commuters travelling the North-East Line will soon come upon a piece of art, a train with a theme that features a tapestry of proverbs and inspirational sayings. This piece of art, “My Mother Says,” was created together by SAW and PAssionArts and features about 20 Tampines Changkat locals. Using the creative typographic approach, participants in a three-week program turned the knowledge found in the words of their elders into light installations. 

The public expects the exhibition of a piece of art supported by the Public Art Trust program under a designated overpass in late 2024. The selected artist for this project will work in conjunction with the locals to produce a large-scale piece of art that will capture the distinctive qualities of the surrounding district and revitalise train tunnels.

This partnership expands on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that SMRT and NAC signed in August 2023, with the shared goal of improving commuting spaces via busking, poetry, and music. As part of their continued collaboration, NAC and LTA are dedicated to looking into new projects that leverage artistic expression to bring life to public areas.

Speaking about the partnership, Low Yen Ling, minister of State at the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth, said, “This partnership forms a part of our broader vision to transform Singapore into a distinctive city with many accessible spaces for people to enjoy the arts wherever they are. Aligned with Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027), this initiative will bring the arts to commuters on their daily travel. Besides refreshing their journey, the artworks will create a greater appreciation for local talents as commuters enjoy art on the go. The public showcase will enable artists to reach and grow new audiences through a wider platform.” 

“By bringing the arts to commuter spaces, we enhance the vibrancy of these common areas and brighten the quality of travel and daily life for many Singaporeans,” Ling added. 

Meanwhile, Low Eng Teong, chief executive officer, NAC, stated, “Forging strong partnerships is one of the key strategies of Our SG Arts Plan (2023 – 2027). Our partnership with LTA unlocks greater opportunities for the public to encounter and appreciate the arts in familiar yet unconventional spaces. We hope to continue opening up more spaces as creative canvasses to integrate the arts into our everyday lives and surroundings, complementing efforts to create a distinctive city and endearing home for all.” 

Furthermore, Ng Lang, chief executive, LTA, commented, “LTA is pleased to partner NAC in this new initiative to enliven the spaces in our public transport nodes. This will enrich our existing Art in Transit (AIT) programme, bringing artworks closer to commuters and transforming our transport nodes into lively places. With millions of commuters taking public transport daily, our MRT stations and bus interchanges present an ideal canvas for artists to showcase their works, creating vibrant spaces that enhance the commute. We will collaborate with more partners through AIT to foster an even closer public connection with the arts.” 

Singapore – The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has launched its latest campaign in collaboration with The Secret Little Agency. This campaign, dubbed “Break the Silver Ceiling,” aims to fight ageism, modify contemporary perceptions of ageing, and stimulate a positive transformation in society’s attitudes toward seniors. 

The campaign will be featured on digital and social media platforms. It is set to run from January 9, 2024, until February 5, 2024. To support the project, people can take part in a public walk on January 28, 2024, to show their support, or they can join the existing TikTok challenge, which starts on January 15.

In Southeast Asia, discrimination based on age affects 86.4% of the population, a substantial majority. Particularly in Singapore, 47% of adults over 55 say they have encountered discrimination because of their age. This impedes the pursuit of a satisfying and active lifestyle for this generation by exacerbating negative self-perceptions.

Devoted to establishing a lively senior living community, AIC partners with The Secret Little Agency on “Break the Silver Ceiling.” With a distinctive logo made of shards, the campaign encourages Singaporeans to rethink their views on life and ageing and confront ageing stereotypes.

Speaking about the campaign, Eva Lim, director of the integrated communications and marketing division at AIC, said, “Break the Silver Ceiling campaign calls for a new, positive narrative on ageing by tackling ageist stereotypes. It is a call to action, encouraging Singaporeans to redefine what it means to grow older. Through online and localised on-ground activations, we hope to increase mindshare on the topic of senior empowerment.” 

Meanwhile, Mavis Neo and Nicholas Ye, co- chief creative officers at The Secret Little Agency, said, “This campaign is a celebration of resilience, strength, and the limitless potential that comes with age. Our seniors aren’t just challenging prejudices; they are redefining the narrative around ageing in Singapore. ‘Break the Silver Ceiling’ is a call to action, urging everyone to embrace a new mindset and recognize the extraordinary capabilities of older adults.” 

Singapore – The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has recently launched the first of a three-part series of films with The Secret Little Agency to demonstrate electric vehicles as a reality of Singapore’s mobility. 

While awareness of electric vehicles is high amongst Singaporeans, the campaign seeks to educate Singaporeans about the ready infrastructure supporting the adoption of electric vehicles that exist today and into the near future.

The campaign aims to ensure that electric vehicle readiness is hyper-visible to the public by making it part of everyday culture through the language of cinema. Titled ‘Now Showing on Roads Near You’, the campaign puts the power of cinema storytelling to surprising use to show how electric vehicles and its supporting infrastructure aren’t just a thing of the future but are highly present in the here and now.

https://youtu.be/ahjgNlW8SFI?si=p8NASF78QoVLM650

The first of the series touches on the EV’s longevity and range, in the style of an action thriller. Created in collaboration with Abundant Films and director Jesse James Mcelroy, the film follows a protagonist on a thrilling mission to save his family on one single electric vehicle charge. It brings the viewer through an epic journey with entertaining plot twists and turns while demonstrating just how much mileage can be achieved with a single electric vehicle charge.

Each film within the three-part series will touch on three aspects of electric vehicle readiness. With longevity being released first, the following films will tackle the ease and convenience of switching to an electric vehicle through a comprehensive charging infrastructure network, and how the electrification of public transportation drives environmental benefits – each taking on a different genre of cinema.

Talking about the campaign, Nicholas Ye & Mavis Neo, co-chief creative officers at The Secret Little Agency, said, “A cleaner future powered by electric vehicles is inevitable and something all Singaporeans can look forward to, just like an upcoming blockbuster at the cinema. And so ‘Now Showing On Roads Near You’ was born as we create the kind of sizzle that movie trailers do starting with this trailer about the amazing things you can do in just one charge.”

The upcoming two films in this three-part series are slated to be released between mid-January to early February. They will see the campaign culminating towards the Chinese New Year period.

Singapore – Telecommunications company Ericsson has announced the appointment of Daniel Ode as head of Ericsson for Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines and head of global customer unit for Singtel Group in Southeast Asia, Oceania & India.

In his new role, Ode will be responsible for driving Ericsson’s business and overseeing the company’s operations in these markets, and will be a member of the regional executive leadership team of Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania and India.

Prior to this appointment, Ode has been with Ericsson for more than 17 years and was serving as the acting head of customer unit for Northern and Central Europe, and head of GCU Telia Company. 

In these roles, Ode was leading Ericsson’s business with Telia Company in the Nordics and Baltics. He was driving the company’s business and operations towards Telia Company while managing this strategic partnership for the company.

With a wealth of experience in the telecommunications industry, Ode brings his knowledge and expertise to the new role with a diverse background that includes both international experience and a history of entrepreneurship, as he had once run his own entrepreneurial venture prior to his career in Ericsson. 

Commenting on his appointment, Ode said, “I am delighted to take on the role of leading our talented teams in Singapore, Brunei and Philippines and working with our customers in these markets to ensure that they stay at the forefront of 5G developments. We will leverage Ericsson’s technology leadership to contribute to the technological advancement and economic growth of these markets.”

Meanwhile, Nunzio Mirtillo, head of Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, commented, “With his extensive experience of working in the telecom industry with Ericsson, I am confident that Daniel, together with his team, will continue to deliver on our commitment to support the Singtel Group and partner with service providers in Singapore, Brunei and Philippines towards delivering the full benefits of connectivity to customers and enterprises.”

Singapore – Around 51% of Singaporean respondents said they would consider grocery delivery via food delivery apps over going to the supermarket to save time shopping, a survey commissioned by Deliveroo revealed.

The survey by Deliveroo showed that food delivery platforms are becoming an integral part of life for many Singaporeans, with 68% of respondents stating that they consider food delivery now a part of their daily lives. Furthermore, data showed an uptrend of 80% expected to use food delivery services in the next 12 months.

With the projected surge in the use of food delivery platforms in the coming months, 62% of consumers now also expect to spend more on food delivery in the next 12 months compared to the last 12. The average spending on these delivery services has also increased to $118 per month, with those aged between 46 and 55 seen to be spending the most at an average of $169 per month.

Among the main reasons respondents cited for using food delivery services are lack of time for preparing meals (58%), and not wanting to cook (58%). In fact, 87%, or nearly 9 in 10 respondents, agree with the statement, ‘I make more of my spare time thanks to delivery platforms’.

The survey further revealed that some customers would willingly spend more for certain types of dishes, with 38% stating they’d pay more for healthier food and 35% opting to spend more on customised food orders.

These data show Singaporean customers’ need for personalisation and healthy ingredients as part of their diet, which food delivery platforms can take into consideration more.

Aside from food delivery services, the option of self-pickups has also grown in popularity. Over half of the respondents, or 55%, have stated they plan to increase their use of self-pick-up services on food delivery apps in the next 12 months.

Additionally, 54% said they consider using the same service when they’re going out anyway and they will be passing the area they’re planning to order from. Almost half (49%) also use self-pickup when they want to skip the long lines or waiting time at restaurants.

However, aside from food delivery orders for ready-to-eat meals, the platforms are also now facing growing demands for their services that go beyond the plate.

In fact, over half of respondents (53%) agree that they prefer getting non-food supplies via food delivery platforms and are planning to order these supplies in the next 12 months.

Around 49% of Singaporeans prefer getting their groceries delivered over having to go to the supermarket personally. This preference can be attributed to the need for convenience, with almost half, or 47%, of respondents saying they would consider the delivery service to save time from grocery shopping.

Deliveroo’s commissioned survey showed that Singaporean consumers are turning to food delivery platforms for services involving non-food items, with more than half, or 51%, of consumers stating they would consider using grocery delivery via food delivery apps in the event of buying large amounts of groceries.

With the growing use of food delivery platforms as a means for grocery delivery, the average monthly spending for consumers on groceries via food delivery services now totals $111. Half of the respondents further stated they intend to spend more in the next 12 months.

Food delivery services have also extended their on-demand delivery options to gift shopping. Costumes can now order gift items such as flowers, hampers, and balloons even on a tight timeline.

Over half, or 55%, of respondents said they prefer the convenience of having their gifts delivered via on-demand delivery services over purchasing them in-store. The main reasons for this are that many lack time to buy the gift items (47%), while others need them urgently (43%).

Half of the Singaporean respondents (50%) also agreed that they plan to order gifts via food delivery services in the next 12 months.

Another interesting piece of data is that 88%, or 9 out of 10 respondents, revealed they are supportive of food delivery platforms’ in-app features that allow customers to make contributions to charity. Furthermore, 89% showed their support for the platforms’ in-app features that allow customers to tip riders.

Jason Parke, general manager at Deliveroo Singapore, said, “The latest survey results reinforce how the role of food delivery services in Singaporeans’ day-to-day lives has further evolved in today’s landscape. Going beyond ready-to-eat meals, we see how customers are increasingly turning to food delivery platforms for other goods and services that add value to various aspects of their lives. As such, Deliveroo stays committed to bringing the neighbourhood to the doorsteps of consumers, transforming the way they shop and eat.”

Singapore – In a developing story, some Lazada top executives are reportedly among those affected by the company’s retrenchment exercises as the layoffs expand to its other markets in Southeast Asia, The Edge Singapore reported.

According to people familiar with the matter, Lazada has let go of its chief marketing officers across the various countries it serves. Among the C-suite executives affected by the retrenchment was Brigitte Daubry, its chief customer care officer at Lazada Singapore. 

The e-commerce company has also allegedly laid off a fifth of its employees in its Malaysia branch, including its chief executive officer and its chief logistics officer. Currently, there are no updates on the positions of the following top executives in their LinkedIn profiles.

Additionally, reports also said that Lazada had shut down the operations of its LazMall in Vietnam.

These fresh rounds of reported layoffs join the undisclosed number of employees that were included in Lazada Singapore’s retrenchment exercises on January 3.

Lazada Singapore, the first branch to suffer from the sudden mass layoff, is unionised under the Food, Drinks, and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), which is an affiliated union of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

In a statement issued by NTUC to Singaporean press and news sites, it expressed its disappointment in the matter and said that it had escalated the matter to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

“NTUC would like to reiterate that it is critical for companies to work with their union to ensure that a fair and equitable process is carried out to safeguard the interests of all workers, especially our Singaporean core,” NTUC said in a statement.

Furthermore, NTUC stated that “companies must exhaust all other options before making the call to retrench employees. (NTUC) also appeals to companies to be considerate about the timing of such exercises and to avoid doing such exercises during festive periods, as far as possible.”

Singapore – Taiwanese bubble tea chain Milksha has recently announced that it would be ceasing all operations in Singapore, effectively closing all its local outlets and exiting the Singaporean market. 

Milksha took to Facebook and Instagram with a sudden announcement, bidding farewell on New Year’s Eve with the post saying that it was Milksha’s last operating day in Singapore.

Notably, Milksha cited no reasons for their departure in the posts, and Milksha’s Singapore website was also immediately taken down. 

In their last post, Milksha Singapore mentioned, “Brewing our final cups of joy! Today marks our last operating day at our last outlet in Singapore. As we bid farewell, we invite you to join us for one last cup of memories or simply drop by to reminisce with us. Happy New Year!” 

Looking back, Milksha’s entry in the Singaporean market kicked off in 2019 as it joined Singapore’s growing bubble tea scene with various tea and coffee brands, where it expanded with 10 outlets across the city-state. 

This being said, Milksha’s exit from Singapore also follows several coffee brands, coming less than three months after tech-focused coffee chain Flash Coffee closed its remaining stores in the country to cut costs and follows Spinelli Coffee’s exit from the market in December 2023.