Tag: Singapore

Singapore – Etiqa Insurance has officially unveiled its first 3D interactive installation as part of its latest ‘With You for the Ride’ campaign that encourages Singaporeans to explore life’s uncharted possibilities.

The out-of-home (OOH) installation is strategically positioned at the Dhoby Ghaut MRT B3 transit hall (near Exit D). The installation emphasises the goal of having Singaporeans embrace life’s unexpected journeys with Etiqa as their trusted companion.

Through the new 3D interactive installation, Etiqa underscores its dedication to being ‘With You for the Ride’, adding a human touch to the concept of insurance and aiming to ignite the spirit of adventure among Singaporeans.

The installation represents just one facet of the insurance provider’s comprehensive, multi-channel campaign. Etiqa has teased months prior, on the launch of their ‘With You for the Ride’ campaign in August, that they are planning to release a series of initiatives across a 360-degree campaign mix spanning both online and offline channels.

Etiqa is also spearheading a social media contest as part of the new campaign. The insurance provider is inviting the public to join by snapping a picture of themselves having fun with the installation and posting it on social media. Winners will get one of the 100 exclusive sets of Etiqa Insurance Singapore macarons.

Previously, Etiqa released a digital film that touches on the dreams and aspirations of Singaporeans, inspiring them to embrace the excitement of unexpected journeys.

Shirley Tan, chief marketing officer at Etiqa Insurance Singapore, said, “In a world full of uncertainties, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is more than just an insurance provider; we are ‘With Singaporeans for the Ride.’ Our new out-of-home installation at Dhoby Ghaut, the first of many exciting activities under our new brand campaign, serves as an invitation to all Singaporeans to embark on a journey of possibility with Etiqa Insurance Singapore as their trusted companion. We believe that together, we can transform life’s unexpected journey into one filled with excitement, further empowered by the security of knowing we have got you covered.”

Singapore – Stellar Ace, the advertising arm of Stellar Lifestyle, has announced the launch of ‘WINK Hunt,’ an islandwide phygital game in Singapore that transforms daily commutes into exciting adventures, and encouraging fun for locals, both online and offline.

Commuters can embark on this fun journey as they ride the MRT, scanning QR codes strategically placed within MRT stations across Singapore, along the North-South Line, East-West Line, and Circle Line. At its core, WINK Hunt is about bringing joy, interactivity, and a touch of fun and lifestyle to the daily commute, encouraging everyone to embark on an exciting journey as they ride the MRT. 

The comprehensive list of prizes made possible through support of DCS Card Centre, SMRT Trains, Holland & Barrett, CUCKOO, Japan Airlines, Marigold, Maxi-Cash, OSIM, Trafalgar, Difflam, Etiqa Insurance, amongst others.

To boost their chances of winning top prizes, players can invite friends to ‘Join My Team,’ forming a team of up to four members. Additionally, participants can earn more game cards by exploring the Brand Wall within the game, engaging with brands, and taking advantage of offers such as signing up for a DCS Card at MRT stations or making purchases at partner merchants.

Jeslyn Tan, managing director of Stellar Ace, said, “Stellar Ace is bringing fun to commuters with WINK Hunt, crystallising our idea of blending physical and digital experiences. As the inaugural edition of an annual adventure, we want to establish meaningful connections between people and places. People spend a lot of time online and offline, and this game will engage them both ways, among friends and fellow commuters.”

She added, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our sponsors, particularly DCS, who have placed their trust in us and collaborated seamlessly to bring this game to life. It’s a testament to our commitment to continually explore innovative avenues that empower advertisers to engage consumers effectively, with ‘phygital’ experiences leading the way. Stellar Ace also commemorates the golden jubilee of DCS Card Centre through WINK Hunt, marking our joint achievements in pioneering new and innovative milestones in Singapore.”

Meanwhile, Karen Low, CEO of DCS Card Centre, commented, “We are thrilled to be the Title Sponsor of the very first WINK Hunt as we celebrate DCS Card Centre’s 50th anniversary. In 1973, we pioneered cashless payments in Singapore by issuing its first credit and charge cards. Today, we celebrate the same legacy of pioneering the next payment frontiers with a renewed commitment towards delivering integrated payment experiences through innovation and digitalization.”

She added, “The WINK Hunt is a fun and interactive campaign that engages a large population of commuters, providing an excellent platform for us to celebrate our ambitions and reward our customers for their ongoing support.”

Singapore –  Infosys, a global company in next-generation digital services and consulting, has announced a five-year extension of partnership collaboration with Temasek, a Singapore-based global investment firm.

Infosys Compaz, an Infosys-Temasek joint venture, has worked with large Southeast Asian corporations on their digital transformation journeys. The company’s technological expertise spans cloud, data and analytics, cybersecurity, digital, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation, among other areas.

This extension shows iCompaz’s commitment to growing its presence in Singapore and the Southeast Asian market. The region has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is an important growth market. iCompaz, founded in 2018, has collaborated with Temasek to drive its technology transformation initiatives, which include the implementation of new digital architecture, data applications, and security infrastructure.

This announcement reinforces Infosys’ 2018 commitment to invest in technologies and expand its capabilities. The goal is to provide beneficial professional services while also encouraging the growth and development of its workforce.

iCompaz from Infosys leverages the deep capabilities of Infosys Cobalt, an enterprise cloud acceleration suite, and Infosys Topaz, an AI-driven platform, to enable clients to achieve unprecedented innovations and efficiencies, fostering value creation in connected ecosystems. This collaboration demonstrates iCompaz’s dedication to providing solutions to its clients.

Speaking about the extension of partnership, Dennis Gada, EVP, head of financial services, Infosys, said, “We deeply value our collaboration with Temasek, and it has helped us scale both technology capabilities and talent base in the region. Our journey over the last 5 years has demonstrated shared aspirations of amplifying human potential.” 

He added, “We look forward to further building on the strong foundation we have laid together to provide differentiated value to all stakeholders across the region.”

Meanwhile, Rao Baskara, chief technology officer of Temasek, said, “We look forward to extending our collaboration and the next phase of growth of iCompaz as it continues to provide quality digital services to companies in Southeast Asia. This engagement also enhances Temasek’s capabilities, and enables us to harness the potential that digital transformation brings.”

Manohar Atreya, CEO of Infosys Compaz, remarked, “iCompaz has proven its expertise in the sphere of large-scale digital and IT transformation. We are delighted to extend this collaboration with Temasek, as we continue to leverage the global scale and depth of Infosys in intelligent AI platforms and data solutions, to help clients navigate their next journey in business transformation.”


Singapore – Independent creative agency GOVT Group has officially launched MINISTRY, a hybrid consulting and agency model, and has appointed Kelvin Koo as its new managing director and partner.

MINISTRY is a digital consultancy dedicated to driving digital growth and transformation tailored to the contemporary needs of business owners and marketing leaders.

The newly launched agency will focus its offerings on ensuring growth for its clients. It is committed to a holistic approach to digital growth and transformation, providing strategic consulting and execution across diverse domains, including social and content, UI/UX, tech, digital media, CRM, and data analytics.

And to lead the MINISTRY, GOVT has brought in Koo as its managing director and partner, who was back in the agency world after a brief hiatus.

Earlier this year, Koo joined GOVT as a consultant, contributing to the agency’s strategic efforts to bolster its digital capabilities. This collaboration has culminated in the assembly of a robust team of specialists adept at delivering comprehensive digital marketing solutions, including data analytics, digital product planning, and expert consultation for seamless digital ecosystem integration and implementation.

His decision to return was sparked by the compelling vision and ambition of the partners at GOVT Group and the unique opportunity to construct an agency model with a distinctive culture.

Koo’s wealth of experience comes from his previous roles, serving as CEO at FALCON Agency and managing director at ADK Connect.

MINISTRY will leverage Koo’s extensive expertise as it aims to integrate strategic advisory and data with creative storytelling, design, tech, and digital performance to deliver tangible, impactful results.

Together with Koo, GOVT also appointed Foong Min Mei as the new growth director and partner at MINISTRY. Prior to her appointment, she worked as a digital and social lead at GOVT Singapore.

Leon Lai, co-founder and CEO at GOVT Group, said, “Our vision has stayed the same since Day 1: create a company that has longevity, possesses ambition, and champions foolish bravery. It has been 11 years since we started this journey, but we’re still not done or content with what we have built. As a partner-led business, we’re excited to attract someone of Kelvin’s calibre onboard this journey as we take deliberate steps towards fulfilling our mission of being a leading Asian communications company.” 

Also commenting on the appointment, Alvina Seah, group managing director at GOVT Group, said, “Kelvin’s leadership and proven track record in building agencies and delivering results-driven digital solutions to clients make him the ideal figure to spearhead MINISTRY. His commitment to growth and culture aligns perfectly with our mission, making this collaboration strategic and synergistic.” 

Meanwhile, Koo commented, “Our game plan at MINISTRY is straightforward: marry sharp strategic advice with creativity, the latest tech, and strong digital know-how. This way, we can get into the nitty-gritty of what CMOs and business owners are up against and offer them insights and solutions that hit the mark.”

Singapore – Skincare brand Olay has partnered with Publicis Groupe One Singapore for the launch of its newest campaign that targets the gender disparity in India’s STEM field. 

The campaign is part of the latest instalment of its #STEMTheGap initiative and aims to shed light on the glaring absence of female mentors and role models in India’s STEM workforce.

As part of the campaign, Olay India collaborated with filmmaker Anand Gandhi to launch a digital film that delves into India’s rich history of remarkable women in STEM. The digital film will pay homage to and showcase the inspiring stories of luminaries like Dr. Anandibai Joshi, Kamala Sohonie, Dr. Janaki Ammal, and Kalpana Chawla, among others.

The film will highlight the urgent need for more female role models in STEM today and will also shed light on the societal biases deterring young girls from pursuing STEM careers by emphasising the crucial role of female mentors in the field.

Aside from the digital film, Olay also launched the beta version of a web-based virtual chat mentor that will offer guidance and information to aspiring young girls seeking to enter the world of STEM.

The virtual chat mentor, a supplement to Olay’s mentorship programme,will provide the user with knowledge, resources, and encouragement on their journeys. It was created with the help of successful women in different STEM fields in India, such as Shannon Olsson, founder and global director at Echo Network; Swarna Manjari, communication designer; Dr. Vandana Prasad, community paediatrician and public health professional; and Tarunima Prabhakar, tech and policy research at Tattle Civic Tech and Carnegie India, to name a few.

Olay’s campaign is crafted based on the results of their commissioned survey, which found a huge gap between female STEM graduates and those who actually made it into the workforce in India. A staggering number of its respondents also mentioned the need for female role models in STEM as a way to influence them to pursue their careers.

To encourage future women in STEM, Olay also continues to partner with LEAD, a school EdTech provider in India, to sponsor STEM scholarships for 250+ underprivileged girls. These scholarships aim to empower girls across India by providing them with financial support for STEM education and career development.

Priyali Kamath, senior vice president of skin and personal care at Procter & Gamble (P&G) Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, explained, “For decades, Procter & Gamble’s legacy skincare brand Olay has maintained a deep understanding of women’s changing needs through science. At Olay, we understand the critical importance of female role models in the STEM field, and our commitment to bridging the gender gap is unparalleled. This year’s theme, centred on the significance of role models and the introduction of mentorship initiatives, highlights our commitment to ensuring every young girl knows that she can be the next leader in her field.”

She added, “Through initiatives like #STEMTheGap and our commitment to gender equality, we are working hard to double the number of women in STEM by 2030 and create a more inclusive and equitable future. We’re proud to recognise and support the next generation of women in STEM who will one day be making history in their respective fields and become role models for young girls in the future.”

Ajay Vikram, chief creative officer for Southeast Asia at Publicis Groupe, also commented, “There are many accomplished women leaders in STEM in India today. Yet, a ‘lack of mentors’ is often cited as a big reason why so few women make a career in STEM. This got us thinking. How do we not just celebrate the achievements of women in STEM but actually be useful—to be there at the very moment when needed, a friend and guide to any girl or woman looking for answers as they stand at the crossroads of choosing their path forward. Technology came in handy as a way to help, but  we can’t wait to see how much more Ai-shu can do to help women find their way to a future of their choosing.”

Singapore – One in two businesses in Singapore have said that they need better fintech solutions to address their own business challenges, a new report from Rapyd has noted, centred around B2B cross-border payments.

Approximately 60% of respondents from Singapore expressed confidence in prevailing market conditions, indicating a measured level of trust in their business environment.

The data also highlighted that 43% of B2B companies in Singapore incur cross-border fees ranging from US$10 to US$25 per transaction. This rate is above the average observed across the surveyed markets, where approximately 36% of businesses face cross-border transaction fees within the same US$10 to US$25 range.

Conversely, local enterprises have identified increasing interest rates (53%) and a reduction in incoming work (43%) as their primary concerns. This indicates that Singapore businesses are closely tracking financial developments and their potential impact on the demand for their products and services.

Meanwhile, around 48% of respondents from Singapore identified ‘better fintech solutions’ as the paramount factor in addressing their most pressing business concerns. This percentage surpasses any other category in Singapore and demonstrates that B2B businesses in the country prioritise fintech as a way to solve business problems more than their counterparts in any other country surveyed.

Despite Singapore being one of the world’s most advanced payment markets, many B2B businesses have yet to adopt digital payments. This presents a valuable opportunity for these enterprises to collaborate with innovative fintech firms and embrace modern payment solutions to harness the full benefits of Real-Time Payment networks and streamline payment processes to enhance their operational efficiency.

Arik Shtilman, CEO, and co-founder of Rapyd, said, “Our latest B2B cross-border payment report highlights Singapore’s strong confidence in its business environment, while also showing a widespread desire for efficient and cost-effective fintech solutions. We understand how important it is to be efficient and adaptable in today’s ever-changing business world.”

He added, “With our recent addition of card acquiring services to our Fintech as a Service platform in Singapore, we’re doubling down on our promise to provide the innovative fintech solutions Singapore businesses are looking for that will empower them on their payment journey and help them handle payment complexities with confidence and ease.”

Singapore – Deliveroo Singapore has partnered with the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) to raise awareness about rider safety. On Children’s Day, they hosted an event called “Deliveroo Rides Smart with Heart.” Deliveroo’s program aims to educate both riders and their children about safe cycling practices on the road.  

The initiative is part of Deliveroo’s ongoing commitment to enhancing rider safety and aligns with their third annual Rider Safety Month.

More than 40 people, including Deliveroo riders and their children, gathered at the 100Plus track in the Singapore Sports Hub to participate in a hands-on, interactive workshop focused on safe riding. The Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) started the day as part of Deliveroo’s “Rides Smart with Heart” initiative, by providing Deliveroo riders and their children with practical, actionable guidance to ensure road safety through a hands-on session.

The tips and interactive activities cover practical, real-world scenarios as well as road etiquette advice for riders. This includes manoeuvring through crowded sidewalks and dealing with difficult traffic situations while carrying food deliveries. These insights are useful as they navigate their daily food delivery routes.

Speaking about the Deliveroo Rides Smart with Heart, Shahfudin Mohamed Sahim, Deliveroo rider said, “Even though I ride for work regularly, Deliveroo Rides Smart with Heart was a good refresher for me and the practical tips that were shared during the session further emphasised the importance of road safety. My sons also had an extremely fun and enriching time learning about safe cycling habits, and it was heartening to see him take an interest in understanding what I do at work while reminding me to stay safe.” 

He added, “We’ll definitely exercise these tips more as we cycle together as a family moving forward.” 

Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Hing Siong Chen, president of the Singapore Cycling Federation, said, “We are so excited to team up with Deliveroo again for this year’s Rider Safety Month initiative. Following last year’s campaign where we held safety programmes for riders, we are delighted to now extend our workshop to the young as well. It is indeed important to cultivate the importance of road safety among the younger generation as they are the road users of tomorrow, and we hope to instil such mindsets through Deliveroo Rides Smart with Heart – encouraging and reminding both riders and their children of safe riding habits.”

Meanwhile, Jason Parke, general manager of Deliveroo Singapore, said, “At Deliveroo, the safety of our riders is of our utmost priority, and we are continuously ensuring a safe working environment for them and the wider community. This inspired us to develop this initiative alongside Singapore Cycling Federation this Rider Safety Month and in conjunction with Children’s Day.” 

He added, “We hope this workshop was not only helpful for the children in navigating roads safely, but also served as a refresher for our riders to continue practising safe riding habits.” 

“Since Deliveroo’s marking of October as Rider Safety Month in 2021, our initiatives have seen increased participation year-on-year from our riders and like-minded partners. We will continuously play our part in further educating our riders to practice good road safety habits – so we can together achieve safer roads,” Parke said. 

Singapore – Indonesian coffee startup Kopi Kenangan has finally made its debut into the Singaporean market on September 26. The debut branch, located at Raffles City, marks the coffee brand’s foray into the diverse Singaporean market, amidst a growing coffee market in the tiny nation. Since its inception in 2017, Kopi Kenangan has a total of 900 stores in 3 countries, including 67 cities across Indonesia, and more than 20 stores in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In an exclusive interview with MARKETECH APAC, Kopi Kenangan stated that its Singaporean debut not only marks their continued foray into the the Southeast Asian market but also in response to a thriving local coffee scene in Singapore. 

“It has always been our vision to transcend the conventional perception of Indonesia’s exceptional coffee beans and introduce them to the world as a brand and not just a commodity. Our aspiration is to introduce the world to the unparalleled richness and flavor of Indonesian coffee, and our store opening in Singapore marks another milestone in achieving that vision,” they said.

For the company, the expansion matches well with their vision of of combining local tastes with a global palate, as well as setting it as a vital steppingstone for their expansion in the region and globally.

“In terms of Kenangan Coffee’s SEA expansion, Singapore has always been on our radar due to its unique position as an F&B hub. From a multicultural society to being an international hub, Singapore is an ideal gateway to the global arena and introducing our brand to this market would allow us to reach a wider audience,” they also told MARKETECH APAC.

It is also worth mentioning that prior to Kopi Kenangan’s Singapore expansion, the company first noted local consumer trends in order to tailor their local coffee offerings better for customers, as well as establishing its ‘Kenangan Coffee Training Academy’ in Singapore, offering comprehensive training to their baristas ahead of their inaugural store opening.

Moreover, they have also found that Singaporean consumers are increasingly looking out for more accessible options for coffee, especially given that more international brands are entering the market with a premium price range. 

“The profound love that Singaporeans have for coffee, from kopitiams to contemporary cafés, was also what inspired Kenangan Coffee’s leap into this vibrant market. The city’s robust local coffee scene and its global F&B prominence make our expansion here a pivotal milestone, and we are thrilled to introduce our authentic Indonesian coffee flavors to Singapore,” the company explained.

While Kopi Kenangan firmly believes that there are abundant opportunities in Indonesia, their international expansion has become a necessity as they are confident that their products and business model will be warmly embraced in key markets across the ASEAN region.

“Our brand started in our belief to create accessible and affordable high-quality coffee, and that has been at the heart of all our stores, even as we expand into international markets. We differentiate ourselves from other competitors in this increasingly saturated coffee scene by adhering to strict raw material processing standards, and by deploying the highest-grade, best-in-class coffee equipment such as the Black Eagle Maverick Machine,” they said.

When asked what’s next for the coffee brand, they stated that their marketing strategy across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, would focus on highlighting their unique selling points and value propositions, to allow them to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

“A solid marketing strategy also involves market research and analysis, which helps in understanding customer needs, preferences, and behavior. We believe that this knowledge is crucial for us to meet evolving customer demands – besides conducting the consumer research prior to our entry into Singapore, we also have a propriety mobile application that offers a streamlined, omnichannel customer experience,” they concluded.

Singapore – YouTube has announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Singapore and local YouTube creator, Naomi Neo, to create a video to raise awareness around scams. 

This was revealed at the second edition of the YouTube Creators for Impact programme with the MHA, showcasing a series of anti-scam videos developed by local YouTube creators to raise consumer awareness around scam prevention.

Launched in July 2023 in partnership with MHA, this year’s Creators for Impact is dedicated to tackling the pertinent topic of scams in Singapore, working with 12 local creator channels over two months to develop videos to help people enhance their awareness and vigilance around scams. 

As part of Creators for Impact, YouTube and MHA also launched an open call to the wider local YouTube creator community to invite more video ideas that further educate and engage Singaporeans on online scam awareness.

The total submissions showcased the creativity of our local creators in using their voices to tackle the issue of scams – such as a role play that displays different scam scenarios, an anti-scam jingle, debunking scam myths, and interviews with everyday Singaporeans on their thoughts around the issue.

Regarding the video to be produced, creator Naomi Neo’s idea of using comedy to highlight every individual’s vulnerability to scams was selected for its ability to convey educational messages in an entertaining way. Production will begin immediately and viewers can look forward to the video release by the end of the year on her channel.

Ajay Vidyasagar, managing director for YouTube Southeast Asia and Emerging Markets said, “Our creators know best that knowledge is key to combating online scams, and through their strong responses to the program, we continue to be inspired by their creativity and commitment to impart important know-hows in engaging ways.” 

“This is testament to the resolve of our local creator community to use their voice for good through storytelling, and we hope more will join this effort to build a more secure digital world for all Singaporeans,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Sun Xueling, minister of state, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, said, “I am heartened to see our content creators stepping up to this important task of engaging different segments of the population to amplify anti-scam messages within their communities. This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to combat scams, through cultivating a vigilant and discerning public capable of ACT-ing against it.”

Singapore – Hyatt’s hotel concept chain Andaz in Singapore has launched a digital treasure hunt map called ‘The Authentically Local Story Hunt’ which invites guests to embrace the role of story hunters and gain fresh perspectives while exploring the vibrant neighbourhoods in and around the hotel.

Conceptualised alongside local creative and production studio UNCANNY, the campaign motivates participants to transition from being mere tourists to embracing the identity of a local, inviting them to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Singapore.

Participants in this captivating adventure can engage in the hunt by accessing the story hunt digital map on their mobile devices and venturing to curated venues scattered across the city. These venues are marked by distinctive red dots featuring QR codes. 

By scanning these codes, they unlock captivating tales revealing the hidden gems of the locale, intricately woven into Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry. Additionally, they have the opportunity to indulge in exclusive offers provided by the venues through the digital map

To kick off this exciting campaign, the hotel has extended invitations to three pairs of Story Hunters hailing from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. They will embark on their adventure across five carefully chosen local neighbourhoods: Joo Chiat, Kampong Glam, Marina Bay, Chinatown, and Little India. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnE3P4yd560

Moreover, the adventure will be chronicled in a five-part video series, featuring the Story Hunters along with the commentary of host and local personality, Rosalyn Lee. The video series will be shared on the Story Hunt website and YouTube channel throughout the campaign period, inspiring interested viewers to follow their escapades and witness the charm of the local cultures through their eyes.

Federica Brugnara, executive assistant manager for sales and marketing at Andaz Singapore, said, “Launching the campaign has been a meaningful endeavor for the hotel associates as it represents our commitment to shaping a transformative guest experience and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s tourism.”

She added, “By inviting both locals and global visitors to participate on the story hunt, we encourage deeper connection with the city’s rich cultural heritage and neighborhoods. The campaign extends beyond hotel marketing. It also celebrates the authentic stories that make the city unique. It’s an invitation to explore beyond the familiar, to challenge preconceptions, and to embrace the soul of the little red dot.”

Meanwhile, Qi Hao Shum, co-founder and creative Lead of UNCANNY said, “Together with the wonderful team at Andaz Singapore we conceptualised and produced the #AuthenticallyLocal Story Hunt, an integrated campaign that highlights Andaz Singapore’s position as the perfect place to base yourself to explore the hidden stories that make Singapore an amazing tourist destination. 

He added, “The campaign culminates in a digital experience that invites tourists and the public to participate in the Story Hunt themselves and explore the nooks and crannies of Singapore that make the island a one-of-a-kind destination.”

Lastly, Yu Chin Han, co-founder of UNCANNY, added, “This work has been a labour of love for our entire team, creating it has been a wonderful reminder of all the unique & diverse experiences that has made me proud to call Singapore home.”