Tag: Singapore

Singapore – International brewer Heineken has announced the setting up of its global innovation hub in Singapore today. Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the hub is part of the brewer’s global network of five innovation hubs and will enhance collaboration across global, regional and market levels to deliver global innovations that fulfil unmet and emerging consumer needs.

The hub will also contribute to Heineken’s plan to deliver disruptive and scalable product innovations and double Heineken’s innovation rate by 2025. Its goal is to shape the future of beer and beyond to win the hearts of consumers.

Tapping into breweries and pilot plants across operating companies in APAC and research partners in Singapore, the innovation hub team will drive Heineken’s APAC innovation strategy and lead product development projects. 

Collaborating with Singapore’s ecosystem of flavour houses, R&D labs, and institutes of higher learning will help generate IP, build capabilities, and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Jacco van der Linden, regional president for APAC at Heineken, said, “Our APAC innovation hub will allow us to aggregate clusters of consumer data across the region, distil key insights, and translate this into opportunities for innovation. This is a game-changer for us, and we will work with our partners to create new and exciting experiences for consumers like Heineken Silver and the recently launched Tiger Soju Infused Lager. We also thank EDB for their support and look forward to working with them as we accelerate our innovation efforts.”

Meanwhile, Fong Pin Fen, vice president and head of consumer at EDB, commented, “Singapore welcomes Heineken’s decision to tap on our food and beverage innovation capabilities with its APAC innovation hub setup here. Heineken’s new set-up is now part of a vibrant innovation ecosystem of globally leading brands engaging in new product development from Singapore.”

She added, “It will create exciting job opportunities for our talent and collaboration opportunities for our research institutes and startup community. We look forward to the new products being developed out of the APAC Innovation Hub to cater to global markets from Singapore.”

Singapore – To encourage Singpass users to protect their digital identity and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, GovTech has released a new campaign through a catchy song number alongside global content company distillery.

The song, titled ‘Be Sure, Be Secure’, combines rap vocals, soulful notes and a big K-pop inspired chorus dedicated to reach a broad audience across different demographics.

Moreover, the messages in the campaign include a series of security tips to protect one’s account – from always checking if text messages sent by Singpass are legitimate, to calling a 24-hour scam reporting hotline if they suspect that their Singpass has been compromised.

Said music video was delivered in partnership with production company Little Red Ants, and will run across various digital channels from late August 2023.

Simon Hearn, managing director at distillery, said, “Data security online is a very real global problem, and the news is flooded with stories on scams on an almost daily basis. For the ‘Be Sure. Be Secure.’ campaign, we knew we needed to find a balance between communicating a serious message and producing a standout creative that would entertain and resonate with viewers.”

He added, “It’s both an individual and collective responsibility to protect our personal data and digital identities, so we really hope this campaign will raise awareness for people to be vigilant when performing digital transactions.”

Meanwhile, Guilet Libby, creative director at distillery, commented, “Singapore is known for its music video campaigns, the challenge lies in setting yourself apart from the other chart-toppers. Our mission for this campaign was clear: to carve a distinctive look and feel that would set us apart from what people are normally used to. Our aim? To fuse a resonant message with a creative concept that seamlessly takes viewers on a musical journey. And the magic ingredient? Ensuring it strikes a chord with people of every generation.”

Singapore – Singapore’s Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has launched its ‘You Already Care’ campaign, which aims to revamp community care roles to meet demands of mature workers and ITE students who found renewed motivation in pursuing meaningful, impactful work.

Developed in partnership with The Secret Little Agency, AIC launched its campaign with the goal of shedding light on the one universal requirement which a career in community care needs.

You Already Care was created with the aim of demystifying misconceptions surrounding community care jobs, reiterating to Singaporeans the simple truth behind the qualifications necessary to work in community care – you simply just need to care.

Commenting on the campaign, Eva Lim Sng, director, integrated communications and marketing department at Singapore’s Agency for Integrated Care, said, “We understood that for many, a career in community care can appear daunting. We knew that it was necessary that we break down the barriers and preconceived notions people had about such careers. Care is already inside all of us; we hope through this campaign, more and more people heed the call and feel inspired to build fulfilling careers in community care together with us.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from The Secret Little Agency commented, “Our campaign was inspired by the everyday acts of care we observed in our daily lives – from giving up your seats in the MRT, to friendly chats with strangers – these very human habits and quirks were our proof of the skills that everyone had in them to join a career in care.”  

“We always joke that a campaign has truly made its mark when it starts circulating like wildfire in the WhatsApp groups of our older generation. The fact that in just a couple of weeks we’ve found it making the rounds, was enough validation that the campaign has captured the hearts and attention of future community care professionals,” he added.

The campaign will run till September 2023, with placements all over the country; from out-of-home placements at bus stops, train stations, kopitiams, to digital and social, and even radio commercials.

Singapore – Popular fast-food chain KFC in Singapore has rolled a new local interactive campaign for its revamped KFC Zinger Double Down menu offering–by blending indulgence and fitness in a ‘whack-a-mole’ game, placed at a Serangoon MRT Station wallscape.

Conceptualised by Havas Media Singapore, this game encourages individuals with S$1 off to shed any guilt and relish the irresistible Cheesy Mushroom Zinger Double Down. Commuters may also upload a video of their gameplay to Instagram and tag @kfc_sg to redeem free fries.

Meanwhile, the execution features creatives by R/GA to entice commuters with the campaign tagline “Go On. Give In.” to drive them to the closest KFC outlet.

Juliana Lim, senior director for marketing and food innovation at KFC Singapore, said, “KFC’s Double Down is usually seen as a sinful treat. With this campaign, we hope to show fried chicken lovers how they can go ahead to indulge, and how KFC can be a part of their everyday lives – without the need to feel guilty for eating their favourite food.”

Meanwhile, Kelvin Goh, media director at Havas Media Group Singapore, commented, “The gamified wallscape speaks to the concept of guilt-free indulgence. Our collaboration with KFC to execute this innovative concept not only showcases the delectable appeal of their new launch but also offers fans an experiential incentive to treat themselves.”

Singapore – Enterprise automation company Workato has announced its digital automation and integration solution offering to come onboard the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS) scheme, under the ‘SMEs Go Digital’ programme.

Through the scheme, Workato aims to onboard over 1,500 SMEs and help them access funding, resources and opportunities to scale up their digitalisation efforts across human resources, marketing, sales, and finance.

The ADS is IMDA’s scheme aimed at supporting enterprises to pilot solutions such as advanced/integration, sustainability such as carbon management and resource optimisation and e-commerce. With Workato on ADS, they will provide SMEs with automation and integration solutions through its community of ecosystem partners.

Workato is also seeking to invite more technology partners to join its ecosystem to help SMEs derive value from their digital transformation efforts.

Allan Teng, founder and senior advisor for Workato APJ, said, “Workato’s goal has always been to empower businesses to harness the power of automation for transformative business growth. Using Workato’s low-code, no-code integration and automation platform, we look forward to collaborating with IMDA and innovative ecosystem partners in Singapore to create a vibrant ecosystem that will support SMEs in unlocking the full potential of digital.”

Singapore – Singaporean bank DBS has recently unveiled its metaverse concept for ‘DBS BetterWorld’, a gamified adventure that leverages the use of the metaverse as a force that promotes sustainability.

In line with the ‘Towards Zero Food Waste’ initiative of DBS in 2020, the virtual experience highlights the global food waste challenge and what Businesses for Impact supported by the DBS Foundation are doing to address the issue.

As part of the experience, players must complete a series of activities inspired by five Businesses for Impact supported by the DBS Foundation and their unique approach to mitigating food waste. 

The five businesses involved are upcycling craft beer makers Brewerkz and Breer, sustainable food retail store GreenPrice, and urban farming practitioners Edible Garden City and Rooftop Republic.  

Players based in Singapore will be treated to extra rewards which can be redeemed via special QR codes accessed using DBS PayLah!. DBS has also included easter eggs for players to discover, including cameo appearances by characters from the bank’s web series, ‘Sparks’. DBS BetterWorld will be accessible to the public once the sandbox’s alpha season 4 is launched.

Karen Ngui, head of group strategic marketing and communications at DBS, and board member of DBS Foundation, said, “DBS believes that it is possible to leverage the metaverse as a force for good. It can be harnessed as an interactive platform to increase awareness of important ESG issues and creatively spotlight those who are finding innovative ways to address them.”

“For starters, with DBS BetterWorld, we have chosen to delve into the challenges of food waste and food resilience, issues that DBS and the DBS Foundation have been championing, in a unique and engaging way. As metaverse technologies mature, we hope to create mechanisms for communities and businesses to translate the outcomes of their virtual initiatives to real world impact,” she added. 

Singapore – Etiqa Insurance Singapore, a life and general insurance provider, unveiled its latest brand campaign, ‘With You for the Ride’, which aims to ignite the spirit of adventure among Singaporeans and invites them to explore life’s diverse possibilities and excitement in unexpected journeys. 

Through the use of compelling narratives and dynamic visuals that appeal to the target audiences, Etiqa Insurance Singapore seeks to transform the way insurance is portrayed. The ‘With You for the Ride’ campaign showcases  the company’s dedication to humanising insurance, making it relatable to the aspirations and dreams of Singaporeans. 

By fostering a sense of partnership, trust, and confidence, Etiqa Insurance Singapore aims to build meaningful connections with customers and help them navigate life’s journey with ease.

The company will also spearhead a holistic array of initiatives across a comprehensive 360 campaign mix across online and offline channels. Etiqa Insurance Singapore aims to establish itself as a trusted companion through these initiatives, providing financial protection and support while empowering individuals to pursue their passions and dreams.

The ‘With You for the Ride’ campaign will be widely featured across digital, social media, and out-of-home channels, including bus shelters, MRT stations, and movie theatres in Singapore. 

Shirley Tan, chief marketing officer at Etiqa Insurance Singapore, said, “We believe that life is meant to be lived with enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure. We take immense pride in being the steadfast partner our customers can count on, no matter where their journey leads. Our fresh ‘With You for the Ride’ campaign encapsulates this very essence, illustrating that we stand by individuals through every twist and turn, defying the constraints of age.”

She further adds, “In a world where uncertainties abound, Etiqa aspires to redefine the insurance journey by underscoring the significance of a robust and unwavering alliance between insurers and their esteemed customers. We fully comprehend the value of trust in cultivating enduring relationships, and our fresh campaign embodies Etiqa’s dedication to protection and transparency, pledging to be the unwavering partner that our customers can depend on.”

Singapore – Global media and entertainment company Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to launch ‘Celebrating Every Story’, an island-wide campaign for the company’s 100th year anniversary in Singapore.  

With Singapore being chosen as the key destination for Warner Bros. Studio’s global centennial campaign, the partnership will bring in new initiatives to spotlight the country’s destinations and the global media entertainment company’s beloved characters and stories. 

One of the highlighted activities is ‘WB100 Celebrating Every Story’, a large-scale event in Southeast Asia and in partnership with Sentosa that will feature 100 years of Warner Bros. franchises. The event will feature a host of free and interactive experiences catering to fans of all ages.

Warner Bros. Studios promises a fun and exciting experience as visitors can look forward to entertaining experiences that celebrate beloved franchises from DC’s Batman and Aquaman to Wizarding World and Looney Tunes.

Other characters included in the event are the Singapore-inspired Tom and Jerry, who will star in a brand new series launching later this year on Cartoon Network. The seven-part production represents the franchise’s first ever localised series, with each episode inspired by unique sights, places of interest, and destination highlights of Singapore. Merli, a character inspired by Singapore’s iconic Merlion, will also make a special appearance.

A sneak-peek episode called “What’s that Smell” featuring the iconic durian already aired on August 7 on Cartoon Network in Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the rest of the series will premiere on Cartoon Network in Asia Pacific and regional streaming service HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, before being rolled out globally. 

The global launch of the series will also be complemented by a dedicated line of Tom and Jerry-branded consumer products.

The Singapore-inspired Tom & Jerry series is part of a multi-year partnership that WBD and STB inked in 2022 to collaborate on entertainment and lifestyle content, as well as marketing activities, to spotlight and inspire travel to destination Singapore.

Clement Schwebig, WBD’s president and MD for India, Southeast Asia, and Korea, said,  “We’re building on our partnership with STB with two fantastic new projects which truly demonstrate how we are ‘Celebrating Every Story’ and Warner Bros.’ historic 100-year legacy. Tom and Jerry have been delighting audiences of all ages around the world for generations, and we’re very proud that its first ever localised adaptation will come with a Singapore twist. The WB100 celebration at Sentosa will showcase some of the highlights from a century of Warner Bros. content – and we look forward to welcoming both families from Singapore and those visiting.”

Speaking on the partnership, Melissa Ow, chief executive at Singapore Tourism Board, said, “We are delighted to partner Warner Bros. Discovery on this milestone celebration. The all-new Tom and Jerry series and the WB100 family festival will showcase Singapore in a fun and creative way, setting Singapore apart as a vibrant and exciting city for both visitors and locals. We invite families to spend some quality time together at the festival while enjoying the antics of Tom and Jerry.”

Singapore – Asian smart living management system Habitap announced a strategic partnership with real estate company JLL to curate a super-app that provides a smart building experience with a range of smart functionalities for JLL’s clients. 

Powered by Habitap, the super app called ‘COMPASS SG’ allows JLL clients access to a wide range of control and management over their smart households, as well as avail other features such as security and building services. 

The COMPASS SG app is fully customisable based on each clients’ individual needs, allowing for a fully integrated, connected tenant experience programme that combines technology, tenant experience and community features. In addition, this app includes a real-time access control management portal that allows tenants to track important building information.

Various visitor access options are also available to allow tenants to manage their visitors more efficiently. For example, they can register through facial recognition, HID Mobile Access or a QR code sent to them before their visit and or via a kiosk powered by Habitap. Other features include wayfinding, electronic lockers, and car park management tools. 

The app further provides access to real-time data, giving greater security and control over their facilities. Tenants can also apply for building and maintenance services as well as send circulars, push notifications, and emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, the smart concierge feature, facility booking, and Building Management System integration feature automates administrative tasks for the clients so that they can focus on running their businesses.

Additionally, the community functions of the app enable tenants to easily offer promotions and news to their customers, as well as a more efficient way for users to sign up for upcoming events and redemption of vouchers, allowing for better capability to drive promotions and to engage the community.

Commenting on the partnership, Franklin Tang, founder and CEO of Habitap, said, “We are thrilled to partner with JLL – a trusted global name in the commercial real estate industry. Habitap’s goal has always been focused on helping organizations transform through vision and technology to ultimately enable people to experience a Smart Living lifestyle.”

Meanwhile, Derek Soh, executive director of JLL, said, “We are excited to be working with Habitap, whose commitment to delivering experiential real estate solutions mirrors our own. Our partnership with Habitap is a testament to our dedication to providing the best-in-class, innovative solutions that drive our clients’ experiences to the next level.”

As part of the partnership, JLL has already rolled out the app in one commercial building in Singapore and will progressively implement it in more buildings by the fourth quarter of 2023.

Singapore – GoTo’s on-demand multiservice tech platform Gojek entered into a partnership with yuu Rewards Club and DBS Bank to bring exclusive loyalty rewards and benefits to its users in Singapore. 

This collaboration will allow Gojek users across all service types, including discounted voucher trips, to be rewarded with yuu points when paying for their rides using a DBS yuu card or PAssion POSB debit card. 

DBS yuu card members can now earn up to 37 points or 18.5% cash rebates for every $1 spent on Gojek rides. Meanwhile, PAssion POSB Debit Card members can get as much as 15 yuu points or 7.5% cash rebates for every $1 spent on the same service. On top of this, users of both cards are also eligible for an additional limited-time bonus reward when they complete their first transaction on Gojek. 

Launching exclusively in partnership with DBS Bank, the collaboration will also see Gojek formally enter the loyalty space, providing rewards for users and paving the way for deeper long-term integration with yuu. 

Lien Choong Luen, general manager at Gojek Singapore, said, “Gojek was built with powerful partnerships at its core, and the belief that together we will go far remains fundamental across GoTo. I’m delighted to be collaborating with industry leading partners yuu and DBS to go the extra mile for our customers and passengers – helping them to earn on their everyday spend by turning rides into rewards and rebates.” 

“In 2019, we launched in the Singapore market with DBS as our preferred payments partner and we’re delighted to be further strengthening our partnership to launch loyalty rewards exclusively, initially for DBS yuu Card and PAssion POSB Debit Card holders,” he added. 

Further commenting on the partnership, Sng Ren Yeong, CEO of minden.ai, said, “At yuu, we’re always seeking new ways to help consumers unlock greater value on their everyday spend. With Gojek onboard, yuu members will be able to stretch their dollars, not only across retail, food, and attractions, but also their daily commute. By partnering with a diverse ecosystem of like-minded brands, yuu is able to offer more options for consumers to earn while they spend and accumulate points at a faster pace.” 

“As a leading on-demand ride-hailing service in Singapore, Gojek has always been progressive and highly-attuned, sharing the same customer-first philosophy as yuu, making this partnership a natural fit. We look forward to delivering more value to consumers alongside Gojek and DBS,” he continued. 

Meanwhile, Anthony Seow, head of payments and platforms at DBS Bank Consumer Banking Group, said, “We are happy to deepen our longstanding partnership with Gojek, which has provided our customers more convenience when booking and paying for their Gojek rides via our PayLah! app.” 

He further added, “with Gojek joining the yuu rewards ecosystem, DBS/POSB customers can now use their DBS yuu Card or PAssion POSB Debit Card, two of our most popular cards for everyday spending, to rack up more yuu points which can then be used to offset their Gojek rides, on top of their expenditure on groceries, F&B. Together with our partners, we will continue to explore new avenues to provide our customers with more rewards and privileges and help them to save more.”