Tag: Singapore

Singapore – Singaporean bank POSB is promoting better financial habits in its latest campaign in collaboration with creative agency The Secret Little Agency.

The campaign builds on the bank’s efforts to advance financial wellness amongst Singaporean consumers.

At the heart of the campaign is a film exploring the theme of life, shown through the lens of death. Directed by Thanonchai Sornsriwichai, it follows the relationship of a mother and her son, their story reminding viewers to honour life with good financial habits.

The film also intends to break the concept of financial planning as intimidating as it focuses on relatable characters.

POSB’s campaign follows the release of the Ministry of Finance’s Singapore Budget 2025 in February, which aims to strengthen Singapore’s economic resilience while investing in its future growth. The statement, delivered by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, invited Singaporeans to reevaluate their money habits to manage their expenses well. 

A DBS study also prompted the campaign, which found that Gen Zs and millennials are falling behind in investing for their future.

“Through this film, we aim to broaden the concept of self-care to include prioritising our financial well-being. We have a responsibility not just to ourselves, but also to our loved ones, to plan our finances effectively and ensure a comfortable retirement. This is not a burden we want to place on those we care about. Neglecting our own financial wellness, even with the intention of caring for others, should not be seen as a selfless sacrifice. It is an important reminder that small, thoughtful steps can make a powerful impact, especially when it comes to managing money,” Lim Bee Bee, head of marketing at DBS Consumer Banking Group, said.

“The unavoidable truth is that financial planning is the most powerful act of care that impacts not only ourselves but our loved ones too. We were often told this as kids, yet in the hustle and bustle of life, we’ve forgotten that the simple act of building good money habits goes a long way for our future,” Nicholas Ye and Mavis Neo, co-chief creative officers at The Secret Little Agency, commented.

“We saw a need to shift our focus back to create a nationwide movement centred around good financial habits that will serve us not only today but for the rest of our lives,” they added.

Singapore – Salesforce, a customer relationship management company, has pledged a five-year US$1b investment in Singapore, solidifying its commitment to the innovation of a significant growth market for the company. It is investing in the digital labour platform Agentforce for workforce development and customer success.

As Salesforce boosts Agentforce’s adoption, the company has collaborated with Singapore Airlines (SIA) to incorporate the platform into its customer case management system. The partnership allows the airline to deliver personalised services to its customers.

Additionally, SIA and Salesforce are planning to develop AI-powered solutions for airlines to benefit the entire industry. 

Supporting Singapore’s ‘National AI Strategy 2.0,’ the investment aims to address the challenges to Singapore’s labour force stemming from an ageing population and declining birth rates. Through the investment, Singapore enterprises can leverage Agentforce to build digital workforces and increase productivity.

Jermaine Loy, managing director of the Singapore Economic Development Board, said, “Singapore welcomes Salesforce’s investment, which will boost our ongoing efforts to build a vibrant hub for AI innovation and adoption across our economy. Salesforce’s initiatives in AI research and workforce development will strengthen our ecosystem by catalysing innovation for key industries and corporates based in Singapore.”

“We are in an incredible new era of digital labour where every business will be transformed by autonomous agents that augment the work of humans, revolutionizing productivity and enabling every company to scale without limits,” Marc Benioff, chair and CEO of Salesforce, said.

“Singapore is at the forefront of this shift, and as the world’s largest provider of digital labour through our Agentforce platform, Salesforce is thrilled to expand our work with the business community and our longtime partners in the region to drive innovation, productivity and growth,” Benioff added.

Agentforce, a Salesforce platform released in 2024, is designed to create autonomous artificial intelligence agents to boost companies’ efficiency.

Using Agentforce, SIA will streamline customer service operations, leveraging Salesforce’s ‘Data Cloud’ and generative AI within ‘Einstein’ for personalised interactions and faster response times.

Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, said, “As the world’s leading digital airline, Singapore Airlines is committed to investing in and leveraging the relevant technologies to enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiencies, drive revenue generation, and boost employee productivity. The SIA Group has been an early adopter of Generative AI solutions, developing over 250 use cases over the last 18 months and implementing around 50 initiatives across our end-to-end operations.”

“Salesforce is a pioneer in agentic AI. Integrating Agentforce, Einstein in Service Cloud, and Data Cloud into SIA’s customer case management system enhances our ability to efficiently assist our customers, and marks the first step in our collaboration. Together, we will co-create AI solutions that drive meaningful and impactful change and set new standards for service excellence in the airline industry,” Phong added.

“The rise of digital labour, powered by autonomous AI agents, is not just reimagining the customer experience ‌ — ‌ it’s transforming business. We’re thrilled to partner with Singapore Airlines, a trailblazer in this AI revolution, to elevate their already outstanding customer service to unprecedented heights, augment their employees and collaborate on groundbreaking AI solutions for the airline industry. With our deeply unified digital labour platform, we’re bringing humans together with trusted, autonomous AI agents, unlocking new levels of productivity, innovation and growth,” Benioff commented.

Singapore – HSBC Singapore has unveiled an exclusive international lifestyle and entertainment platform designed to elevate the experiences of its Premier Mastercard cardholders. 

The platform offers entertainment experiences in Southeast Asia (SEA) and the United Kingdom (UK), catering to the lifestyle needs of Premier customers.

The launch enhances HSBC’s Premier offering for its affluent customers, providing tailored experiences that meet their health and wealth needs. 

Leveraging Mastercard’s partnership with entertainment company Live Nation, HSBC Premier Mastercard holders can enjoy various benefits, including priority access to concerts and shows in SEA and the UK. They can also enter select shows in the UK and meet international artists with a VIP experience.

The platform’s debut will feature comedian Russell Peters as its first exclusive offering. Peters is bringing his ‘Relax World Tour’ to The Star Theatre on April 11, 2025. 

Additionally, HSBC Premier Mastercard cardholders will gain access to presales for highly anticipated events, such as Lady Gaga and BABYMONSTER’s Singapore shows.

“We are committed to delivering delightful experiences for our customers that go beyond traditional banking services, opening up a world of opportunities for them. The growing appetite for premium entertainment experiences is clear, with our Premier Mastercard customers showing increased interest and spend in international entertainment,” Ashmita Acharya, head of international wealth and premier banking in Singapore, said.

“Tapping our strong international connectivity, we are excited to build up our suite of international lifestyle privileges and curated experiences for our customers, from dining to travel and entertainment, to complement their globetrotting lifestyles as they seek out unique experiences,” Acharya added.

Julie Nestor, executive vice president of marketing and communications in Asia Pacific at Mastercard, commented, “People today are focusing their attention and precious resources on what makes them feel good — their passions. In Singapore, music ranks among consumers’ top five passions, with most (69%) music lovers wishing that brands did more to acknowledge and incentivise them for indulging in their passion with perks like credit card rewards, immersive live music experiences, and access to pre-sale tickets.”

“To give the people what they want, Mastercard is delighted to partner with HSBC Singapore to offer cardholders exclusive access to incredible entertainment, music experiences and benefits, all in one place, through priceless.com/HSBCSG,” Nestor added.

Singapore – Zachary Lim has been appointed as head of IPG Mediabrands Singapore, the media holding company under Interpublic Group. His appointment is effective immediately.

Joining IPG Mediabrands from Wavemaker Singapore, where he served as managing director, Lim is taking on a network role as he leads agencies UM and Initiative.

Lim has over two decades of experience in marketing, media strategy, business development, and agency leadership. Prior to his tenure at Wavemaker, where he spent seven years, he also worked with Maxus Global and Havas Media.

Leigh Terry, chief executive officer of IPG Mediabrands APAC, said, “We are incredibly pleased to welcome Zachary to the IPG Mediabrands family. His proven track record in driving client success and fostering a culture of excellence aligns perfectly with our ambitions for the network. We are confident that Zachary’s energy and leadership of our standout teams here in Singapore will help elevate the operations to new heights.”

Lim commented, “I am honoured to take on a leadership role at IPG Mediabrands Singapore. The network’s commitment to innovation and client-centric approach resonates with my own professional values, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented agency teams here to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Singapore – YouBiz, YouTrip’s financial platform, is teaming up with TikTok for Business to boost its financial and advertising solutions for businesses in Singapore.

The strategic partnership aims to offer solutions tailored for local businesses, driving their e-commerce growth. YouBiz and TikTok for Business intend to help them maximise their marketing and advertising ROI while optimising their operations.

Joining forces, the companies are introducing a cashback scheme to provide more resources to e-commerce businesses. Through the partnership, TikTok advertisers can receive up to US$100 in ad credits, which can be used for campaigns. Businesses can also receive more cashback on TikTok through YouBiz.

The partnership reflects the companies’ commitment to empowering e-commerce businesses in the market. It was announced during a joint event where speakers shared insights on creating effective marketing campaigns while using digital and financial platforms.

YouBiz offers an expense management platform where businesses can streamline their financial processes, making payment processing, tracking, and reporting efficient.

TikTok for Business is a platform that enables businesses to manage solutions for short-form videos, allowing them to market products and services on TikTok.

“Singapore’s e-commerce landscape presents immense growth potential, yet businesses need more than just access to the market—they need the right strategic tools and comprehensive support to truly unlock their success,” said Benedict Khong, general manager of YouBiz, said.

“This partnership with TikTok for Business is designed to bridge that gap. By seamlessly integrating YouBiz’s innovative financial solutions—such as multi-currency accounts, unlimited 1% cashback on all expenditures, and cost-effective remittance services—with TikTok’s dynamic advertising platform, we are empowering businesses to not only survive but thrive in the fast-evolving digital economy, providing them with a distinct competitive advantage,” Khong added.

Singapore – Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has partnered with Dentsu Creative Singapore to launch a campaign urging Singaporeans aged 40 and above to enrol in ‘Healthier SG’ and take charge of their health through preventive care.

Titled “Live for Tomorrow, Today,” the campaign is part of MOH’s broader efforts to promote preventive health. It highlights the importance of early health management, emphasising that neglecting one’s well-being today could lead to missed opportunities in the future.

The campaign includes a series of key visuals and a film directed by Nicky Loh in collaboration with Abundant Productions. It underscores the benefits of early health management in preventing or delaying chronic conditions, reinforcing the idea that good health is not a matter of luck but the result of proactive, informed decisions supported by available healthcare resources.

Through storytelling and a multi-channel rollout, “Live for Tomorrow, Today” supports MOH’s efforts to encourage Singaporeans to adopt preventive health measures, promoting long-term well-being and healthier lifestyles.

Stan Lim, chief creative and experience officer at Dentsu Creative Singapore, commented, “Our creative approach was built around the idea that every neglected moment of preventive care represents an opportunity lost. With ‘Live for Tomorrow, Today,’ we invite individuals to view their health as an investment in a future where every moment truly matters.”

The campaign will be launched across multiple platforms, including train station visuals, digital screens, print, TV broadcasts, and targeted messaging on digital and social media. This broad rollout aims to increase awareness of preventive care and inform the public about steps they can take to maintain their health.

Singapore – ING, a strategic communications consultancy specialising in the built environment, has announced its global expansion with the launch of its first international office in Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients in key global markets.

ING offers a range of services, including corporate communications, strategic consultancy, research and policy development, marketing and brand consultancy, media training, and digital and social media strategy.

With its new office in Singapore, ING establishes a presence in a key global hub for business, finance, architecture, and design. The firm will provide communications support to clients in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as assist UK and other international businesses looking to expand their reach in the region.

The Singapore office will be led by Haziq Ariffin, recently promoted to senior strategist for APAC. With over seven years of experience in the built environment across Asia and the UK, he has managed strategic communications campaigns for clients in architecture, placemaking, real estate, and property investment.

In addition to its Singapore expansion, ING has grown its Manchester presence, adding two new clients: Civic, a consultancy focused on systems thinking for the built environment, and Habiko, a joint venture dedicated to affordable, sustainable housing.

Led by account director Lauren Teague, ING will develop communications programs to support client growth and brand visibility. The firm is also working with Regeneration Brainery to advance its mission of encouraging young people from under-represented backgrounds to pursue careers in property and regeneration.

Damian Wild, managing director of ING, said, “Manchester and Singapore are both key markets with immense potential. While Singapore strengthens our global presence, our Manchester office continues to lead regional efforts in driving growth across the North of England.” 

“Our expansion into these regions reflects our commitment to being where our clients need us most. We look forward to building strong relationships and delivering impactful communications strategies that drive success for our clients,” he added. 

Founded in London, ING marks 25 years in 2025 and became fully employee-owned in 2021. With 50 staff across three offices, the consultancy has worked with developers, investors, and industry events like MIPIM, representing delegations from Oman and Egypt. Its architecture and design clients include Büro Ole Scheeren, White Arkitekter, and Flokk.

Singapore – McCann Singapore is excited to announce expansion of its creative team in response to several recent business wins and portfolio growth. The bolstering of the creative department includes the hiring of five talented creatives, each bringing unique skills and experiences to enrich the team’s offerings.

The new hires include Martin Coppola as creative director, Wynn Gray as art director, Seth Low as junior art director, Luna Teo as copywriter, and Jodi Ong as junior copywriter.

A multi award-winning creative originally from Uruguay, Martin joins McCann after an illustrious career at global agencies such as VML, Ogilvy, and Mullen Lowe, and most recently, the LEGO Group in Denmark. Martin’s visionary leadership will be focused on the agency’s regional DHL and Ferrero accounts. 

Meanwhile, Wynn is a multifaceted art director and tattoo artist with a passion for transforming concepts into impactful visuals. With experience working on high-profile brands such as SK-II, The Faceshop, Samsung, and Fairprice, Wynn will be working on Singapore Government business, Ferrero and DHL.

Though McCann is Seth’s first full-time position, he has already made his mark in the creative landscape through internships at Dentsu and Publicis. His early accolades, including recognition in the AKQA Future Lions and the Crowbar Awards while still in school, reflect his potential and creativity. Seth was the creative behind the agency’s recent festive campaigns – “Yapping Paper” for SOSD and “Phone Shui”. 

On the other hand, Luna joins McCann from Goodstuph, where she created compelling copy for clients such as MCCY and UOB. Having previously collaborated with agencies like Havas and Ogilvy, Luna brings a wealth of experience in crafting social-led campaigns and will be working under the agency’s McCann Content Studio offering. 

Lastly, Jodi began her career at Goodstuph, gaining valuable exposure to both art and copy. Her talent was recognised when she won the One Club 2023 All-Star Competition. She will be working with the McCann Content Studios team across both Singapore Government and MNC clients. 

These new hires join Dan Parmenter, who joined the agency back in October as a creative director leading the McCann Content Studio offering, as well as the agency’s ECD, Alfred Wee. 

Additionally, given the importance of Singapore to the region, Valerie Madon, chief creative officer at McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific now adds the title of chief creative officer at McCann Worldgroup Singapore to her remit.  

Speaking about the new appointees, Madon said, “We believe that these significant new hires, will not only enhance our creative offering but also position us for future growth. These colourful talents inject new energy to our team, and their diverse experiences will shape our agency’s future.”

Meanwhile, Nick Handel, President, McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia commented: “This year marks the 50th anniversary of McCann in Singapore. We’re investing in this strategic growth to enhance our ability to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients, allowing us to further strengthen our position in the industry.”

Singapore – foodpanda in Singapore has recently announced the appointment of Bhavani Shankar Mishra as its new managing director. Formerly the senior director of operations at foodpanda, Bhavani will oversee all aspects of foodpanda Singapore’s operations in his new capacity. 

Moreover, he will lead the company’s commitment to innovation and service excellence, ensuring customers continue to have access to diverse choices and services at competitive prices.

Bhavani holds eight years of regional leadership experience at foodpanda, driving large-scale business transformation across APAC. Since joining in 2018 as part of the logistics team in Thailand, he has played a key role in optimising operations, enhancing customer experience and implementing solutions to improve efficiency. In addition to his tenure at foodpanda, he held prior roles at multinational corporations in tech.

He also held logistics and operations roles in foodpanda since 2018 where he took care of fleet management, warehouse operations, and customer satisfaction in Thailand and various APAC markets. He also has over a decade of experience working in multinational corporations like Amazon and ABB.

With extensive experience leading team teams across all 11 markets, Bhavani is well-positioned to guide foodpanda Singapore’s efforts to enhance customer experience, strengthen support for merchants and delivery partners, and boost industry competitiveness.

Speaking on his new role, Bhavani said, “foodpanda is more than just a delivery platform, it’s a service that is part of everyday life in Singapore. As we navigate changing consumer behaviors, a dynamic market, and evolving technologies, my focus is on enhancing the consumer experience on the platform through greater convenience, accessibility and reliability. I look forward to steering foodpanda’s continued growth and driving exceptional experience for all in our delivery ecosystem.”

Singapore – Financial services company Manulife Singapore is encouraging Singaporeans to share their recovery stories in its latest social media campaign. The initiative aims to nurture a supportive community, helping others persevere amidst recovery from serious illnesses.

The ‘Journey to Better SG’ campaign invites survivors, caregivers, family members or friends of a patient to share stories of healing. 

These stories can be posted on their Facebook or Instagram accounts including the hashtag ‘#JourneyToBetterSG’ to join the contest. Participants can also post on Manulife Singapore’s social contest post to join until March 16, 2025.

Manulife Singapore is awarding shopping vouchers to selected participants who shared the most inspiring stories.

“Manulife Singapore wants to use ‘Journey To Better’ to start a conversation on health and longevity in Singapore. As a leading global insurer, Manulife wants to support our customers not just in financial health but also physical and mental wellbeing. ‘Journey To Better’ is a celebration of resilience and the remarkable strength found in community support. By sharing these journeys of recovery, we aim to inspire hope and remind everyone that they are not alone in their battles,” Mark Czajkowski, chief marketing officer of Manulife Singapore, said.