The devastating comms impact of a Trumpian social-media age
With uncertainly looming over social media, PR heads lament the rise of misinformation and emphasise the endurance of earned and owned media.
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‘Endless brand growth on a finite planet is a suicide pact’: Maren Costa
Marketers have the power and influence to tell consumers to consume less for the sake of the planet. Yet, the measures of present-day brand success don’t incentivise marketers to do so, argues climate activist Costa in a fiery opening keynote at Campaign 360.
Why Snap’s creative chief is doubling down on ephemeral content
EXCLUSIVE: Veteran creative and former W+K leader Colleen DeCourcy on Snapchat’s new brand positioning, why the company is ‘anti-social media’, the benefits of in-housing, and more.
Behind Marriott Bonvoy’s first APAC campaign
Marriott Bonvoy’s marketer Julie Purser on the brand’s new ‘Here’ campaign—conceptualised by TSLA— and why it’s a reminder of the unscripted moments travellers miss when on holiday.
Women to Watch 2022: Celebrating outstanding talent in marcomms
Presenting the 40 inspiring and innovative women representing a diverse range of markets and industries, who are the Women to Watch class of 2022.
Patagonia gives away company: Is this real brand purpose?
The apparel-maker made news this week for giving away its US$3 billion company towards climate-change efforts. We ask comms pros if this should set an example for other corporations.
Behind Semafor’s ‘radical’ digital news offering
Justin Smith, CEO of the soon-to-launch global news publisher, and executive editor Gina Chua on how the company is ‘reimagining’ publishing for global and regional audiences.
How design thinking can solve systemic business problems
SPIKES ASIA ACADEMY: Michael Tam, the global design director at IBM, shares the value of design thinking in large enterprises and how it could unlock solutions to issues such as inclusivity and sustainability.
How plant-based brands are localising in Asia
Amid the boom of plant-based meat substitutes and drinks in the region, local brands are finding distinctive ways to adapt to the diverse palates and needs of regional consumers.
Chinese beverage company under fire for implying its product can enlarge breasts
The brand has been fined twice before for ‘obstructing social public order or violating good social customs’.
AAMS announces new leadership and members
The association names a new president, and will debut a Pitch Best Practice guide to shift mindsets on pitching.
How should marketers approach the Qatar World Cup?
With rising global inflation and economic uncertainty, Campaign explores the opportunities and challenges facing brands as one of the busiest times of the year collides with a major sporting event.
Ogilvy Asia co-CEOs on the shift of ‘great’ creativity, tech layoffs, and more
EXCLUSIVE: Chris Reitermann and Kent Wertime sit down with Campaign Asia-Pacific to ponder the future of creativity in a sales-driven environment; the effects of tech layoffs for the agency world; and the unavoidable embrace of sustainability consulting.
How a pharma company created an in-house creative team from scratch
Unlike many brands that take a hybrid approach, this company is committed to a 100% in-housing model. The GM of marketing tells us how it’s done.
Why DBS wants to be seen as a tech startup rather than a bank
DBS marketer Karen Ngui on the brand’s new regional campaign, pushing ‘startup values’, and prioritising presence marketing.
Does adland overemphasise awards when hiring creatives?
Creative leaders in the region question whether the industry should prioritise awards tallies when looking for creative candidates.
Profit vs purpose: Advertising’s balancing act
In the first part of a three-part series, Campaign's editors from around the world come together to examine the biggest themes facing global advertising.
Mother launches internal initiative to limit ‘relentless’ pitching
Pitch It Forward will enforce the network to donate all of its profits from the first year of retained fees with a new client.
How Ogilvy Taiwan paired dementia and fashion
PR AWARDS ASIA: Who knew there could be a link between dementia and left-behind clothes at the dry cleaners? Read about how the agency team conceptualised this Grand Prix-winning campaign.
Campaign asks: How comfortable are you working on fossil-fuel accounts?
SPOT SURVEY: Agency talent are increasingly vocal about working on ‘problematic’ accounts. But do they feel safe speaking up? Do agencies give employees a choice? We’d like to hear from you.
Why do so many agencies continue to work with fossil-fuel companies?
The devastating impact of fossil fuels to our planet is undeniable—yet a majority of agencies continue to promote and sustain the ‘dirty energy’ sector with no immediate sign of backing away.
‘We can’t just copy-paste elements from the West’: Chair of PRCA’s DEI committee
Chair of the newly launched DEI committee Charu Srivastava discusses localising the DEI agenda, the importance of holistic change beyond policy, and why inclusive agencies can be a magnet for talent.
What will define corporate PR in 2022?
Experts in the region express what communicators and corporate leaders should prioritise this year amid an increasingly fractured business and social environment.
‘A complete mess’: Novak Djokovic saga causes reputational damage
PR pros weigh in on the poor communications practice that led to confusion and anger ahead of one of the sporting world’s most-watched tournaments.
6 PR agencies to watch out for in 2022
These agencies mirror the growing need for personalised and thoughtful communications that centre around purpose, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Former Visa marketer on skills to survive the talent crunch
Anita Kanal, former VP of customer marketing for Visa, on evergreen skills that survive the talent shortage; and whether talent should be encouraged to move horizontally.
Diversity is a priority in workplaces; but employees want pay parity
EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH: Based on Campaign Asia-Pacific’s annual study in collaboration with Kantar, policymaking and awareness are high on the agenda for the marcomms industry. Yet, inequitable salaries, workplace stress, and gender-related harassment remain largely unchanged.
Audi and M&C Saatchi accused of plagiarism in new ad
The Audi film—featuring HK star Andy Lau—is under fire for word-for-word similarities to a poem constructed by a Chinese influencer on Douyin.
Global forecast: Automobile marketing and the rise of electric vehicles
EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH: As more governments around the world set targets to phase out petrol and diesel cars, automotive manufacturers have been forced to accelerate the move towards electric vehicles. Campaign explores how the auto industry is retooling its marketing to keep pace.
Behind Sprite’s first-ever global rebrand
Following WPP’s ‘unprecedented’ US$4 billion deal with Coca-Cola, Sprite launches a monumental global campaign. Brand and agency teams discuss this tireless months-long process.
Why marketers are aggressively building in-house teams
CAMPAIGN360: Marketers at HP and FairPrice argue the pros of in-housing, particularly in digital capabilities such as performance and media-buying.
TSLA’s design practice launches creator index
The index spotlights multidisciplinary Asian creators across the region and is made publicly available and free-of-charge for all.
Is your company doing enough to be diverse and inclusive? Tell us
Campaign Asia-Pacific and Kantar invite you to take our anonymous survey to assess the industry’s pursuit of diversity, whether intersecting with gender, age, race, physical ability, or any other factor.
How the year’s best Raya ad was made
The founders of Layar Lucida on challenging Raya ad tropes, their favourite Raya campaigns of yesteryear, and what late legend Yasmin Ahmad means to them as young Malay women.
Kyoko Matsushita named CEO of WPP Japan
The global CEO of Essence will take on a new leadership position in her home base of Tokyo following the merger of Essence and MediaCom.
Are consumers tired of ‘awareness’ messaging on Earth Day?
Consumers are plenty aware of the severe repercussions of climate change; yet brands continue to go down the ‘awareness’ route to compensate for tangible action.
FCB Malaysia rebrands as owners create new holding company
Shaun Tay and Ong Shi-Ping have revamped the Malaysia network as a challenger agency to suit their “no plan B attitude and feisty personalities.”
TBWA HK calls agency leaders to step up for ethnic minorities
The agency launches a toolkit that can be scaled across any agency or industry and calls on leaders to do their part for minority youths in Hong Kong.
What would a Twitter edit button mean for brand safety?
SOUNDING BOARD: Agency folk spill on Twitter’s proposed edit button and how it could affect brand accountability.
Where are the women in creative PR roles?
A dearth of women in creative roles can greatly affect communications and narratives being pushed out, according to PR leaders.
Cringe-worthy or actually funny? April Fool’s gags from brands
A plastic Batmobile? A koala on duty? An alcohol-filled mattress? The gags are out in this year’s April Fool’s roundup.
Creative veteran at Dentsu Japan departs for school principal role
Takashi Fukuda says that leading a group of students in a public school requires similar creative heft to that of his role as creative director.
Ebiquity acquires competitors Media Path and Media Management
The consultancy aims to become a “fully integrated world leader” with this move.
KPIs for communications shift with the times
A new report shows that securing coverage is no longer the end-all for PR clients as the move towards activity-based KPIs and real-time social data becomes evident.
Is personal branding more important than qualifications?
A strong online presence is important to boost visibility and ‘sell’ your skills—but should it supersede meritocracy?
Everyday images of Ukraine turn into ‘indestructible’ NFTs
INSPIRATION STATION: Publicis-owned Performics Mercerbell launches a moving project to not just raise funds for Ukraine but to also preserve a slice of pre-war Ukraine.
Healthcare PR teams are facing a critical talent crunch
Can healthcare comms be sexy? To crack a serious talent shortage, agency leaders are finding creative ways to make the field more attractive for prospective talent—and looking beyond traditional PR to shop for talent.
Are social platforms complicit in climate-change misinformation?
Online platforms continue to rely on fossil-fuel companies for paid advertising, even as they roll out policies against climate-change misinformation. Where should the line be drawn?
Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak appoints PR firm
The politician, who has been convicted for the misappropriation of public funds, hires Karv Communications to repair his image in the US media.
How representation is commodified
The marketing industry is fond of representing marginalised communities in their purpose-driven campaigns—but where does 'diversity' end and 'tokenism' begin?
Running a charity is expensive. This winning Young Spikes team came up with a vivid reminder
Would you go halves on running a charity the way you would a restaurant bill? That simple, clever idea from a promising duo at BBDO Shanghai won gold at the Young Spikes PR competition.
PROI opens free 24/7 client crisis hotline
A free consultation service for those who are targeted in misinformation and fake news.
‘Too many meetings’ and ‘non-urgent work’ causes of overtime: PRHK
The PR industry in Hong Kong is clear about the causes and consequences of overtime, yet a majority of them are not communicating their frustrations to their managers, according to a survey.
Agency talent willing to leave agencies that work with fossil-fuel clients
If research shows that people are hesitant to work with clients that don’t align with their values, how are agencies managing differing moral choices among employees?
Broadcast AR a key element at Singapore’s NDP
The National Day Parade has historically depended on a traditional live format. But broadcast partner Mediacorp experimented with AR tech for this year’s show.
Apple holiday ad tugs on heartstrings—but not too tightly
A sweet girl-befriends-snowman tale directed by a famous father-son film director duo.
Best Places to Work Asia 2021: Shortlist revealed
See which agencies made the cut in APAC’s inaugural edition of this esteemed awards.
Scent marketing: The sweet smell of (brand) success
With more brands applying multi-sensory strategies, marketers are leveraging our sense of smell to tap into memories and aspirations. But there’s much more to scent branding than simply perfuming a physical space.
Tokyo Olympics inspires outstanding and outlandish art
INSPIRATION STATION: These art pieces and installations show that the world’s (second) biggest sporting event can inspire humans and robots alike.
Risk of talent bleed in APAC for lack of diversity: WFA census
The APAC results from WFA’s first-ever DEI census reveal worrying factors of discrimination and a higher-than-global average of willingness for people to leave their companies—or the industry—if things don't improve.
How brands are failing to connect with millennial mothers
Millennial mothers in Asia are voicing their needs, accomplishments and worries unlike any previous generation. Yet brands are not sensibly tapping into this group.
‘Australian agencies are reinforcing an Anglo-Celtic image’: Jen Sharpe
The founder of comms agency Think HQ speaks on the dangers of having one dominant group in agencies, and the importance of weighing socio-economic backgrounds and language in hiring practices.
Australian comms agencies perceive diversity as not urgent
TOP OF THE CHARTS: A study showed that agency makeup and ways of working have a long way to go to reflect Australia’s actual cultural diversity.
Why Tmall’s messaging around 11/11 became ‘less about the discounts’
The platform’s annual shopping festival is straying away from shouting about its seasonal prices from the rooftops and is instead centring a vision that upholds sustainability and long-term goals.
VMLY&R appoints chief experience officer in Asia
Experience design veteran Symon Hammacott discusses his new role, the way CX expectations have shifted, and the responsibility to incorporate ethical design into client work.
Why corporate affairs firms are hiring senior talent from outside the industry
Law, banking, policy, and journalism are just some areas that corporate affairs agencies are looking towards to poach senior advisors. Major firms in the region tell us why.
Mandy Galmes joins Sefiani as MD and partner
The former CEO of H+K Australia moves to the 22-year-old reputation agency.
Squid Game inspires fashion, art and culture to die for
INSPIRATION STATION: The Netflix megahit is not just a gruesome take on the horrors of capitalism; it’s also a piece of content by which artists and creators are heavily inspired.
Malaysia’s top local brands: Locals seek comfort in Ramly and Ayamas
Nostalgic food brands nestle themselves in the hearts of Malaysians as cravings for familiarity and simpler times take over.
Malaysia’s top 100: Millennial purchasing dominates as nation continues to reel
Strong performances from brands such as Telegram and Lazada point to a trend of self-starters who founded small enterprises during a year of hardship.
Why does workplace harassment often go unreported?
Reports show that a significant number of harassment victim-survivors hesitate to officially lodge reports against their perpetrators. Campaign Asia-Pacific explores the multiple systemic factors that contribute to the issue.
Eugene Lee promoted to Asia CMO at McDonald’s
The seasoned marketer goes from strength to strength at the fast-food company.
Libresse pulls campaign with vulva imagery following backlash
Users on social media rushed to defend the brand following an incriminating statement from a religious organisation.
The best purpose campaigns of 2021
YEAR IN REVIEW: PRWeek asked five APAC industry pros to pick the best purpose-driven work they saw during the year.
The biggest brand fails of 2021
YEAR IN REVIEW: Our annual look at the brand disasters and slip-ups that dominated headlines this year.
‘Meritocracy and equity are not interchangeable’: Mediabrands DEI head
Dharesheni Nedumaran on the lack of understanding around equity, creating actual safe spaces for employees, and why local historical context is extremely necessary.
Special Group and Optus are high-achieving partners in ANZ AOY awards
This year’s ANZ results credit the independents while larger networks DDB and Ogilvy also scoop wins along the way.
WE Red Bridge appoints China CEO
Nicky Wang gains the CEO title to succeed Penny Burgess who will transition into the role of executive chairman.
Best Places to Work Asia 2021: Winners revealed
See which agencies and teams made the cut in APAC’s inaugural edition of this esteemed awards.
Singapore’s top 100: Self-care movement converts to dollars for brands
The strong performance of homeware brands and healthful foods is indicating a move towards a more purposeful, Instagram-led lifestyle in Singapore.
Singapore’s strongest local brands: Flying colours for SIA despite travel bans
The airline proved that brand strength is not always directly to sales—relevance, community-building, empathy, and consistency are just as vital.
Head & Shoulders on subverting shampoo ad tropes with new anime campaign
EXCLUSIVE: The P&G brand and creative partner Forsman & Bodenfors talk to Campaign about why it borrowed elements from anime to destigmatise male dandruff in Japan.
Mid-level female creatives don't feel 'heard'
This International Women's Day, we ask mid-level female creatives in the region what their biggest pain points are working in a male-dominated field.
‘White supremacy is obvious in some client organisations’
Read anonymous quotes from Campaign’s diversity survey last year, and spare some time to take this year’s survey, which closes in two days.
How Giant gives the people what they want: $16 million in savings
Dairy Farm’s Southeast Asia marketing chief on the radical idea of permanently lowering prices and going against hype- and promotions-driven marketing.
Raya film festival: Watch ads from Julie’s, Petronas, McDonald’s and more
This year’s top prize goes to snack brand Julie’s, whose ad turned Raya stereotypes on its head and will be remembered for years to come.
PRWeek Asia launches Best Places to Work
ENTRIES OPEN: Celebrate your agency’s workplace initiatives and talent.
Twitter posts better-than-expected ad revenue
While January and February were slow months for the company, growth via mobile app promotion (MAP) campaigns continues to progress.
The Malaysian artist who ‘paints without a brush’
INSPIRATION STATION: Red Hong Yi has been making waves with stunning, thoughtful pieces using everyday objects.
Is your company doing enough to be inclusive? Tell us
Campaign Asia-Pacific and Kantar invite you to take our survey to assess adland’s pursuit of diversity, whether intersecting with gender, age, race, physical ability, or any other factor.
How can marketers make better Ramadan ads?
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr marketing in the region are often made up of damaging tropes and lazy narratives. Experts from Virtue and Vice offer suggestions on breaking clichés and evolving culture along the way.
Elevating purpose marketing while remaining true-to-brand
Covid and increased awareness on D&I issues have caused brands and organisations to recalibrate their purpose marketing plans. Leaders in the region discuss issues and solutions.
Joke’s on you: The best April Fool’s gags from brands
An app for pets to communicate their favourite foods and a chocolate-beef burger. What have we come to?
Cannes Lions outlines safety plans for in-person festival
The hybrid event will take place as a digital-first festival with live and on-demand content and experiences.
Nike, Adidas, Burberry, Uniqlo ensnared in Xinjiang cotton controversy
A great many brands find themselves facing consumer ire and losing their celebrity endorsers in China as a boycott that began with H&M continues to spiral.
SK-II’s marketing head on choosing purpose over short-term sales
The P&G skincare brand, known for making headway in purpose-driven campaigns, is steadfast about choosing long-term messaging over the quick route to direct sales.
How much damage has APAC creativity taken in the last year?
Large creative networks were forced to pivot towards performance-based solutions and commerce when the pandemic hit, but creativity has been compromised along the way.
Period leave: A privilege or a basic right?
Three marketing agencies in the region make the case for period leave as equitable staff policy. But the effects of period leave, we learn, play a bigger role in destigmatising conversations around menstruation and women’s health.
Disturbing campaign forces you to visualise child marriage
Harrowing and necessary work by M&C Saatchi Indonesia.
Singaporean brand releases offensive ad, berates users for complaining
A classic lesson in how not to manage a crisis.
How Twitter's content strategy serves brands and publishers
"Our narrative is to really show content publishers that we're their ally."
Beyond dance trends: TikTok on creating an environment of activism
TikTok's head of marketing dishes out on content trends and common mistakes brands make on the platform.
Asia is highly creative, so why is it behind on the global awards stage?
SPIKES ASIA X CAMPAIGN: Creative leaders talk about the implications of culture, language and the way creativity is perceived next to widely accepted Eurocentric ideals.
CNY film festival: Festive ads from Apple, Petronas, RHB, Singtel, Coke and more
As we head off to celebrate the new year (we'll resume publishing on Tuesday), we heartily wish you a happy new year, and we leave you with this collection of the year's CNY brand films.
Twitter bows to Indian govt pressure following threat of noncompliance
Following legal threats, the social media giant agrees to block a number of accounts that were critical of the government’s handling of the ongoing farmers’ protests.
The biggest brand fails of 2020
YEAR IN REVIEW: Our annual look at the brand disasters and slip-ups that dominated headlines this year.
Unilever to test four-day working week in NZ
Employees will slash their working hours by 20% on the same payroll.
Indian consumers think politics and marketing should mix, Chinese do not
EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH: Campaign teamed up with YouGov to find out if respondents in APAC think politics, social issues, sustainability and ethics should intersect with marketing.
Innovation and speed keep Shiseido afloat
The brand’s regional director of digital marketing speaks to us about the brand's dramatic digital adaptation during Covid, as well as its expanding use of retail tech.
Art merges with retail at Singapore’s first mall-wide activation
INSPIRATION STATION: Local artists get a leg up from retail brands to produce offbeat installations and merchandise.
Ogilvy veteran Eugene Cheong launches creative outfit
Frustrated by the ‘slow’, ‘costly’ and ‘ineffective’ processes at large networks, Cheong is setting out to break all the rules with his new startup.
Cats in battles and puppies in baskets: See which Twitter account inspires this BBH creative
INSPIRATION STATION: Zany historical facts and ancient animal snaps are some of the things that inspires BBH's Stephanie Gwee.
Pinduoduo faces scrutiny following death of staffer
The ecommerce platform has been known for its pressurising work practices, and is facing backlash after the death of an overworked staff member.
AKQA-Grey merger will not happen ‘overnight’ in APAC
It might take up to six months to name a leader in the region, says AKQA CEO Ajaz Ahmed.
Nissan’s marketing head on consumer targeting and revising the agency model
Asia VP of marketing Nirmal Nair weighs in on ‘collapsing’ agency silos and why the brand is spending 20% of its media budget on those not looking for cars.
Pie, purpose and pandemic: Pizza Hut's pan-Asia pan-pizza plan
Pizza Hut’s APAC chief brand officer Pankaj Batra discusses marketing spend, how the brand spices up its market-specific offerings, learnings from Covid, and his belief that pizza is the ultimate egalitarian food.
Twitter ad revenue bolstered by return of events
Advertisers return to Twitter as product launches and live events begin to resurface worldwide.
BCW merges with Ogilvy and H+K in Japan
The new entity will serve as a one-stop shop for WPP network clients in Japan.
Independents give major networks run for their money in ANZ
While major agencies had a good night, Versa and Special Group were among the independents punching well above their weight at this year's AOY awards for ANZ.
5 best PR campaigns of the decade: Allison+Partners MD
APAC MD Serina Tan on her favourite APAC campaigns of the last 10 years.
Rethinking public affairs amid a lack of trust in government: Edelman president
Edelman president Matthew Harrington on the depletion of public trust and the shifting power dynamic between organisations and stakeholders.
West still prejudiced against Asian work: Forsman & Bodenfors CEO
As the Swedish agency builds its brand in Asia, it calls out ‘Western-washing’ of international awards and creative standards.
How to successfully run a virtual event (and mistakes to avoid)
The analogue era of face-to-face events may be coming to an end, and this means that marketers need to ramp up the creativity and engagement virtually.
Employee mental health: Why the industry needs to act now
Organisational leaders in Asia are still doubtful about the tangible returns of investing in employee mental health. A psychologist weighs in.
MediaCom launches business acceleration programme
Industry-wide workshops and content will be curated with practical and actionable themes.
This Singapore Police Force campaign shows why language matters
Is language in campaigns more loaded than we think—or is it just a matter of differing styles?
Mass cancellation of events in Hong Kong amid protests
As clashes intensify, events including the popular Rise conference and Clockenflap music festival have been cancelled or postponed.
Southeast Asian artists pimp up sneakers for Asics
INSPIRATION STATION: 30 artists from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam brought their flair to the 30th anniversary of the GEL-LYTE III.
BTS faces backlash in China following Korean war tribute
Brands including Hyundai and Samsung have begun to remove mentions of the boyband on their Chinese websites.
Malaysia’s top 100 brands: Consumers drawn to electronics and fried chicken
ASIA'S TOP 1000 BRANDS: Cautious spending, heightened community spirit, and a nearly total digitisation of purchase behaviours dictate rankings this year.
Malaysia’s top local brands: Sentiment veers away from ‘international is better’
ASIA'S TOP 1000 BRANDS: The notion that local goods are of lower quality is slowly and surely diminishing.
Marketers use nostalgia to capture Malaysians’ hearts
ASIA'S TOP 1000 BRANDS: Reminiscing about ‘simpler times’ is a powerful theme used effectively by large local players like Petronas, Bernas, TNB and Adabi.
How should brands deal with employee activism outside the workplace?
At a time of polarising politics, we ask PR pros how organisations should balance employee behavior and brand values.
Microsoft pilots global retail solution in Singapore
We test out the service and report back with notes.
APAC media prices demonstrate highest inflation rates globally
TOP OF THE CHARTS: Despite the pandemic, media prices in the region demonstrate buoyancy particularly in digital display and video.
Brand screw-ups in China mostly a result of geographical 'inaccuracy': report
TOP OF THE CHARTS: A new report details why brand crises in China happen in the first place, and which industries are more prone to getting in trouble.
A history of brand experience through the decades
A visual and descriptive evolution of experiences in the last 80 years, as narrated by vice chairman and president international of Jack Morton Worldwide.
Campaign-Kantar D&I survey shows worsening levels of equality and support
EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH: Our annual report is a bleak insight into the frustrations many in the industry still face around gender, race and mental health.
FleishmanHillard makes senior appointments
The PR firm hires a series of industry heavyweights across its Asia offices.
Singaporeans, Indians watch the most online video content
TOP OF THE CHARTS: A look at online video and SVOD consumption habits from a recent report.
All of STB’s multi-faceted marketing initiatives so far
Perhaps no government department in the region has been as aggressive with its marketing than the Singapore Tourism Board, whose domestic tourism push has kicked into high gear in the last few weeks.
The great sacrifice: Why are women made to choose between family and career in ads?
Women can certainly have it all, but not without a hefty dose of guilt, fear and self-loathing.
Coming soon: Campaign-Kantar study reveals upsetting opinions around inclusivity, mental health
With the pandemic pushing D&I initiatives further down the corporate agenda, respondents across APAC express a dire need for support.
Chinese consumers want brand purpose, but expect it to be localised, says report
A WE Red Bridge report exclusively attained by PRWeek Asia highlights the unique needs and wants of Chinese consumers in the age of purpose.
Hits and misses: Malaysia Day campaigns from bad to better
Watsons Malaysia once again leads with poor judgement while one telco service shines with an ad that taps into Malaysians’ one greatest fear.
Singapore agency releases literal ChillPills to ease workplace frustration
The kits come complete with fake medical certificates and made-up diagnoses.
Sinclair announces Singapore opening
The agency's fourth office in the region will be run by Sai Roshini Daswani.
The high value of live sports data—when used in the right way
Brands that work with leagues and athletes would do well to collect data around live sports events, according to Sportradar.
B2B marketing shouldn’t be safe and predictable: Shutterstock CMO
Global CMO Lou Weiss on the why creativity shouldn’t be lost on B2B marketers.
Singapore's top 100: Locals embrace brands that innovate and adapt
ASIA'S TOP 1000 BRANDS: In a fast-paced and digital-savvy market like Singapore, targeted marketing and an understanding of local nuances are vital to brand health.
Singapore’s top local brands: NTUC FairPrice and DBS champion nationalistic spirit
ASIA’S TOP 1000 BRANDS: Hyperlocal marketing and a strong digital footprint have paid off for some of Singapore’s biggest household names.
Singaporeans value on-demand services in the convenience economy
ASIA’S TOP 1000 BRANDS: Netflix and Amazon soar in rankings as they strive to contest with local and regional providers.
A peek into the Spikes Asia brand experience and activation awards
A Spikes Asia jury member spills on the high-quality brand experience entries this year.
How to succeed as a woman in Asia
Campaign Asia-Pacific speaks to women about how they are working to break down cultural barriers that have perpetuated gender inequality in Asia's ad industry.
'I’ve moved money—a lot of it—from traditional advertising to experiences': Mastercard CMO
"Advertising is dead. Advertising is all about storytelling—so I say storytelling is dead. The future is storymaking," says Raja Rajamannar.
You gotta have purpose: WE Communications report
TOP OF THE CHARTS: Brands have never been more pressured to lead with purpose, according to WE Communications latest 'Brands in Motion' research.
The communication problem in the communications industry
In-house comms heads open up about how PR agencies should communicate more effectively with them.
Dishwashing brand transforms Sydney pool into giant kitchen sink
The activation for dishwashing brand Finish was part of an integrated campaign about water scarcity, involving DEC PR and Havas.
TBWA Singapore replaces BBH as Ikea SEA's creative agency
We take a look back at some of BBH's work for the brand.
Taiwan’s top 100 brands: Japanese brands still the most trusted
Japanese electronics giants Sony, Hitachi, and Panasonic dominate rankings as Samsung slowly inches up.
Local ride-hailing services in Taiwan blow Uber out of the water
Uber PR’s crisis in Taiwan has led to the swift rise of local taxi services.
Taiwan brands regain trust as food scandal paranoia wears off
Local food corporations are quickly and surely upping their marketing to regain consumer confidence after the 2011 food safety scandals.
Sir John Hegarty would like to see you. Yes, you
A new VR initiative by BBH gives creatives access to advice and general wisdom from the ad legend.
Sri Lanka: aspirational, creative — and entirely different from India
The island country is on the cusp of a digital revolution, which could finally allow it to emerge from the shadows of its giant neighbour.
Nano influencers overtake micro and macro in NZ
TOP OF THE CHARTS: A new report details influencer marketing trends in New Zealand.
When will we stop obsessing about cancelling ‘cancel culture’?
With cancel culture being a fiery topic at the moment, brands should understand the shortcomings of the discourse, as well as the potential for hypocrisy that goes along with it.
Brands must remain silent about Hong Kong: PR chief
The MD of Allison Advisory on how Western brands should navigate their comms amid rising nationalism in China.
How APAC netizens and media are reacting to the Hong Kong protests
An overview of reactions from Singapore, Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan on digital and social media.
Is your office serious about diversity? We want to hear from you
Campaign Asia-Pacific and Kantar invite you to take our survey assessing how much companies in Asia have achieved in their pursuit of diversity, whether intersecting with gender, age, race, physical ability, or any other factor.
Sri Lankan influencer claims Unilever bullied her over objections to whitening product
A Colombo-based editor has spoken up about how the brand ‘made her life miserable’ after she denounced a whitening product on Instagram.
Which F&B brands take the cake in Asia’s food fight?
ASIA’s TOP 1000 BRANDS: Nestle once again makes itself known as the cream of the crop while powerhouses Heinz and Nescafe continue to chomp their way to the top.
Indonesians lead Southeast Asia in beauty talk
TOP OF THE CHARTS: Meltwater report highlights market trends and predictions in Southeast Asia’s beauty industry.
Singapore’s top influencer investigated for racist tweets, use of N-word
Wendy Cheng, aka Xiaxue, stands by her stance in a defensive blogpost, and one brand has already pulled a partnership with her.
Game on: Local v. international sports leagues in Asia
Homegrown sporting leagues in countries like Thailand and the Philippines have the advantage of hyperlocal audiences — but how do they fare in sponsorship value against big names such as the NBA and EPL?
Mediacorp, Havas apologise for 'brownface' ad in Singapore
An ad for E-Pay featured a Singaporean-Chinese man portraying a Singaporean-Indian character.
Why brands should pay attention to non-traditional sports
From drone racing to the mass participation sports that are on the rise in Asia, sporting rulebooks are being thrown out across the board. Here's why brands should follow suit.
How Chinese O2O is changing retail experiences
Imagination China's group creative director explains how new experience centres are changing how consumers engage with physical spaces.
Manchester United scores in China with experience centre and app
The club continues to flex its muscles in China where its fanbase tips over 100 million.
Eventbrite integrates with Facebook in Singapore
The new end-to-end checkout process built into Facebook will mean more buy or sell value for event creators and users.
What are travel marketers in Asia spending on right now?
SOUNDING BOARD: Four brand marketers tell us what their marketing plans look like as they brace the impact of the pandemic.
Three Malaysian PR directors detained over US$21 million corruption allegations
The agency directors are being investigated for allegedly bribing their way into a RM90 million advertising contract with Tourism Malaysia.
Kobe Bryant is still the MVP in China, and other learnings from Sport Focus
Attendees at yesterday's event in Shanghai heard advice from the NFL, La Liga, PepsiCo, Mailman Group, and the Drone Racing League, among others.
Chinese brands waking up to the power of sports marketing
To leverage sports properties, it’s important for Chinese brands to think beyond the stoppage time of a match by considering the entire ecosystem of the sport they’re investing in.
Changing consumption themes in Southeast Asia during COVID-19
TOP OF THE CHARTS: A vital need for contactless payments, an increase in app downloads, and a more prominent position for health and safety are among trends revealed in new research from Facebook and Bain & Company.
'If I have to force your hand through mandatory quotas, maybe that’s a good thing'
PCMA president Sherrif Karamat unpacks issues surrounding inclusivity and diversity, and the power of meetings to bridge differences.
Brands in Asia, this is not the time to stay silent
The Black Lives Matter movement in the US has roused many people in Asia to look at patterns of systemic racism in their own backyards. It’s time brands do the same.
Are the Hong Kong protests affecting business?
While the protests in Hong Kong have been largely peaceful, international perceptions are mixed.
How Zalora, AXA and Carousell maneuvered COVID-19 with grace
CAMPAIGN CONNECT: Three brand marketers demonstrate how agility, tapping clearly into brand purpose, and clear messaging can go a long way in a crisis.
This spy tour gets groups to track North Korean infiltration routes
Manoeuvre through the footsteps of North Korean commanders during the Korean War.
What does COVID-19 mean for healthcare comms?
The pandemic could signal dramatic changes for the industry, including a depletion of physical congresses and the rise of telehealth.
Twitter Next announces new APAC heads
Newly created leadership roles for Twitter’s brand strategy team.
How AirAsia manages brand partnerships through events
We sit down with Rudy Khaw, the young maverick who's shaping the AirAsia brand.
Where do Chinese brands go from here?
SOUNDING BOARD: COVID-19 has affected global trust in China, so we asked experts whether this might affect the fate of international Chinese brands, such as Huawei and TikTok.
Will Japan's numbers dip after 2020 Olympics?
Latest ICCA rankings were dominated by Japan, but is it just a temporary high?
Twitter shifts APAC PR duties from Golin to The Hoffman Agency
The brief includes capitalising on conversations around #Kpop in South Korea.
“Our job is to stay out of the way as much as possible”: Eventbrite
The global ticketing company on its rapid expansion in APAC, upgrading its distribution processes, and new ways consumers are purchasing tickets.
PR union slams Hong Kong govt decision to call for agency pitch
The Hong Kong government had previously struggled to find a PR agency partner to represent its ‘battered’ image, forcing it to relaunch the hunt via an open tender.
What happens when a major media empire shuts overnight?
In the middle of a pandemic, Philippines’ major broadcast network ABS-CBN was ordered to stop free-to-air operations, leaving thousands of staff in limbo.
Is China losing the global PR war?
As Beijing invests billions of dollars to rebuild its post-outbreak image, we ask one PR chief if the world will be persuaded by its campaign.
Sink or swim: Can heritage print publishers keep afloat?
SOUNDING BOARD: We ask experts whether the era of the glossy mag is over, and what this means for marketing, media and the fate of luxury brands.
How to use immersive displays in event marketing
Step one: Think beyond your phone, computer, and TV screens.
Major Malaysian publishing house Blu Inc shuts, 200 staff laid off
Blu Inc was responsible for titles such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Cleo.
How to succeed in ecommerce during a pandemic: Reprise
Handy tips for brands from the agency’s global ecommerce heads.
The tricky feat of managing meal spend
As travellers seek more personalised meal options on business trips and meetings, companies should play catch up.
Indian agency wants to hire those laid off during COVID-19
And in the few days since its announcement, the agency has been inundated with applications.
World’s biggest gaming festival coming to Singapore
The inaugural edition of Gamescom will land in Singapore in 2020.
How brands are prioritising tact and conscious comms
A Red Havas report details the ways brands are pivoting toward more human and accessible messaging amid the crisis.
Hotels shouldn’t be how we define them today: Sonia Cheng
A shift in travel trends is indicated by the rise of social clubs and co-working spaces.
Sustainable events: Let's talk about food waste
Event venues are responsible for churning out thousands of meal covers in a short span of time - it's time we think about all that wastage.
Students and artists to learn from Vivid Sydney team
Students will get a chance to learn about the creative processes involved in imagining, designing and delivering light-based artworks.
Melbourne launches VR ‘journeys’ to upgrade site visits
International associations and PCOs can plan their upcoming conferences using 360 videos.
BMW banks on esports to be relevant among younger demographic
New global partnerships signal an aggressive push for the brand to appear ‘younger’.
Why you should keep up with the festivalisation trend
“[Audiences] don’t want be on the sidelines anymore, they want to be a part of something bigger.”
‘No shareholders to answer makes decision-making faster’
Speed, agility and low overheads are aiding independent PR agencies through the crisis.
Gold Coast attracts nearly half of Queensland’s events market
Sun-kissed beaches really do help, we suppose.
Gap in knowledge about inclusivity at events: MPI
Some still believe that inclusion initiatives are “just about being politically correct”.
COVID-19: Why South Korea's graceful crisis comms should be a lesson for all
Agency leaders in Korea on factors that led South Korea’s government comms strategy to be revered around the world.
Half of attendees not booking through room block: report
Why are conference attendees shying away from booking through conference organisers?
How is COVID-19 affecting sporting content and ad spend?
In the world of sports content and marketing, it's clear who the winners and losers are.
Lessons for brands adjusting to new retail realities in China
A Reuter Communications report details four Chinese consumer themes that brands should take note of.
Association meetings can greatly benefit local communities: GainingEdge
All it takes is a sense of goodwill and a bit of pre-planning.
H+K Strategies launches Indonesia office
The new operation will be helmed by Wunderman Thompson’s former Indonesia CEO.
This hotel in Bangkok reduced their F&B costs by going organic
A lesson that making sustainable choices could help your bottom line.
"We are lucky in Brisbane – tropical, beautiful blue skies"
Brisbane is gaining clout over the years with a string of regional and global events – not least because of its rapid infrastructure developments.
Yes, VR can be used in pre-production too
VR in the consumer space is not a new thing – but planners too are jumping on the bandwagon.
‘I started an agency in the middle of a pandemic’
How an Australian PR professional made the bold move of starting her own practice after being let go.
'In a crisis, PR is the most critical need'
As ad and media spend plunge, PR agencies remain on the frontline of marcomm efforts as they manage issues such as organisational change, business continuity, and WFH disruption.
How it really works... visual recognition technology
AIQ CEO: "We feel that vision tech is going to come to a point that it will replace our day-to-day behaviours."
How brands are positioning their messages during COVID-19
Pushing out PR and marketing efforts during the time of a crisis isn't always bad. Here are some examples of brands that are nailing it, and others that should have held back.
Bali welcomes Kempinski property
For meetings facing the beach, the pillar-less grand ballroom can host up to 900 delegates.
Allison+Partners names Jeremy Seow as APAC MD
Seow was most recently Singapore CEO at WE Communications.
Sharia law controversy: “Tourism boycott in Brunei will not help anyone”
"The solution that celebrities and the international community are proposing will more than likely be ineffective."
What marketers need to know about turning crisis into opportunity
An Ogilvy report takes learnings from past crises to advise brands through the current pandemic.
Brisbane debuts new flagship event
Curiocity—a new major event in Brisbane—saw city-wide science and tech activities across 20 days.
Tourism NZ’s new campaign highlights ‘hidden gems’
It’s time for events to move outside of Auckland.
Penang wins ICCA’s first-ever APAC summit
The state beat out the likes of Bangkok and Singapore in the bidding process.
Karen Bolinger departs Melbourne Convention Bureau
The bureau delivered its most successful years on record under Bolinger’s leadership.
Business as usual for Grand Hyatt Singapore after fire
Meeting clients were given the option to postpone or cancel appointments at Mezza9, but other schedules weren’t heavily affected.
“Too early to tell”: Tourism NZ on the impact of Christchurch terror attack on events
"Overseas clients can support New Zealand by continuing to share their kind words of support and thoughts with those affected."
FIRST announces new regional director for APAC
The new hire was previously serving as executive creative director for Freeman where she launched FreemanXP.
PCMA highlights key trends for the year
“What is scary – and maybe fun at the same time – is by 2022, our smart devices will know more about our emotional state than your actual family.”
3 out-of-the-box brand activations at SXSW
From an immersive Game of Thrones world to a 'tree' that serves beer from its branches.
Why vanity metrics are dead
The global CEO of Red Havas talks about why brands should change the ways they measure content.
Raise your hand if you're sick of brands missing the point of IWD
Do brands know what women really want? Most don't, based on what we're seeing.
Melbourne looks to Chinese incentive groups for growth
On the heels of successful visits by Chinese incentive groups, Melbourne prepares itself for more inbound business.
Where are the women CEOs in PR?
While PR may be a female-dominated industry, the number of women often taper off higher up the ranks. We ask agency leaders about this phenomenon.
Case study: Audi Brand Experience Singapore 2018
Audi Singapore curates a week of choreographed car shows, virtual driving experiences, and immersive LED visuals.
New study shows Tokyo as Asia’s top ‘bleisure’ destination
One of the reasons cited is the city’s culinary portfolio of 230 Michelin-starred restaurants.
What does China’s luxury market look like in 2020?
TOP OF THE CHARTS: Economic and political instability in Hong Kong and mainland China are likely to put a dent on luxury spend.
Why brands should look at influencers as collaborators, not spokespeople
Brands that do well have recognised that influencers are not merely a commodity, argues Michael Patent from Culture Group.
Australia has largest trust inequality in the world
“Australians feel a lack of confidence in the system. They feel that as it's currently constructed, it is broken": Edelman Australia
Melbourne wins biggest ever conference
20,000 delegates will land in the city in 2023, the most ever for an event in the state of Victoria.
Bezos’ US$10b climate-change gift: Sincere move or empty gesture?
SOUNDING BOARD: We asked industry pros about the reputational impact of the Amazon founder's environmental pledge, and whether it's likely to generate goodwill—or the ill kind.
GO Communications implements 4.5-day workweek
The Malaysian agency becomes a rarity in the region for introducing a shorter working week.
Jameson appoints Jack Morton as global experiential AOR
The Irish brand has not previously had a dedicated shop for experience.
Events in Melbourne on an upward trajectory
The International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses will bring in 50,000 delegates to Melbourne in November this year.
Corporate reputation no longer just about financial performance
A new report by Weber Shandwick reveals the changing facets of reputation that lead to increased scrutiny for companies.
Events boost destination awareness for Singapore: STB
The effect of the Trump-Kim summit is palpable.
Ticketmaster expands into Asia with presence in Singapore and Taiwan
‘Immense growth’ in live entertainment prompts the ticketing giant to enter the region.
How it really works... drone light shows
"I think there’s more opportunity than just replacing fireworks."
All the swanky hotel openings in Bangkok
The fun never ends in Bangkok.
Aloysius Arlando takes presidency at SACEOS
He succeeds industry veteran Janet Tan-Collis.
Mandate for Change: How are media agencies taking on diversity and inclusivity?
Top APAC media agencies detail their recent efforts for a more inclusive workplace.
Pass the gluten-free bread: Wellness trends planners should look out for
Spiritual cuisine and customised fragrances, anyone?
Ho Yoke Ping is new executive director of MACEOS
The former general manager of MyCEB leads the Malaysian association.
How Microsoft goes about providing authentic incentive experiences
The software giant's senior manager of rewards and recognition programmes talks about how to curate truly authentic events while accounting for delegates' cultural and even emotional makeup.
How should brands handle comms during the coronavirus crisis?
SOUNDING BOARD: Amid region-wide panic and business shutdowns, PR heads weigh in on how brands should communicate their messages effectively.
Meetings in the face of adversity
Aung Lin Htin, country director for Pacific World Myanmar, on positioning Myanmar as a meetings-friendly destination.
The new frontiers of luxury
The long-held desire for high-end material things has effectively been replaced by the past year’s biggest event trend—personalisation.
SITE announces ‘Bangkok Manifesto’ at global conference
The statements in the manifesto acknowledge the changes and significance of incentive travel.
Are pre-scheduled appointments passé?
The CEO of business matching platform Jublia on how to improve the business matching process.
Bloomberg forum in Singapore was turned around in 10 weeks
Given that the forum brought in many high-profile business professionals and politicians, security and logistics were a major part of the scramble.
Douyin scores for football leagues
Find out which clubs, leagues and players win the hearts of Chinese fans, and via what media channels, according to Mailman Group's annual Red Card report.
News Corp faces pressure from within to cease 'ongoing denial' of bushfire causes
James Murdoch is among many who have called out his family's media outlets for their biased reporting on the bushfire crisis.
"It's like being sold to at a funeral": Australian PM's video slammed by critics
A social-media video from Scott Morrison was criticised for trying to gain political points during a national tragedy.
Best ads of all time: Forsman & Bodenfors creatives
We put the agency's senior team on the spot about their picks for best (and most overrated) work.
More marketers see value in brand experience centres
Brand experience centres are tapping into consumers' basic need for physical, and oftentimes visceral, retail experiences.
80% of all spirits and alcohol consumed in China is with a meal: MHD China
The VP of marketing at Moët Hennessy Diageo on using experiential marketing to build brand advocacy in a market where Chinese spirits still dominate.
BMW flaunts tailored menswear and live body art at launch party
An exclusive event (and curious live performance) in Hong Kong resulted in over 70 pre-orders for the brand’s Luxury Class models.
Photos: Lynk & Co creates ‘immersive’ race experience in Japan
A fleet of cars were tested on the speedway, with media members following close on a safari-style bus so that they could feel the driving force of the new car.
Photos: Vintage cars get royal treatment at Cartier auto show
The biennial event in India was held in Jaipur this time.
Photos: Formula 1 launch event in Melbourne
Questions for the teams were crowd-sourced via fan channels, and the event culminated in an ‘ultimate selfie’.
How an agency pulled off a 100% plastic-free run
The client was Adidas and the brief was to bring the sustainability conversation “home” to India.
Hotel openings we're most excited about in 2019
Big brands continue to make their way across the region.
The power of 'storyteching' and how to apply it
Ravid Kuperberg from Mindscapes on the power of 'storyteching' and how brands can jump on the trend without additional resources.
Malaysian radio station releases street food video in response to Netflix snub
Netflix failed to include Malaysia in its street food series, so Malaysians decided to take matters into their own hands.
Alila gets serious about sustainability
The hotel group is aiming to achieve zero waste across its Bali properties.
Wellington gets green light for new conference centre
The new centre is predicted to host 111 new events annually, equivalent to 16% growth for the city.
Data-driving event design is huge in China this year: Freeman
China ECD Kestrel Lee on how data collection is a driving force for the physical elements of event design.
It's the agency's job to understand brand vision: Mattel Brands
The VP of creative for Mattel Brands on client-agency relationships and what they look for during pitches.
Live-streams becoming more interactive: Auditoire
The new GM for Auditoire Hong Kong on the evolving importance of live-streaming.
Are event budgets taking a hit in China's economic climate?
Freeman's Kestrel Lee talks about the sectors in which event budgets are falling—and rising.
Jumping on the esports bandwagon
A lesson from AirAsia in engaging with the gaming community.
CEI's top stories of 2018
From an eventful BMW pop-up show to Marriott's data breach, here are the most-read stories of the year.
Making your events digitally accessible
Corporates and agencies are falling short when it comes to making their content accessible for all – and here's why.
Watch: Andaz Singapore puts a spin on luxury
Venues are done playing conventional roles like they used to.
Reactions to Marriott’s data breach
Hundreds of millions of guests have been affected by Marriott's data breach, said to be one of the biggest in corporate history.
ICC Sydney formalises support for creative talent
The centre has launched a new creative stream to bolster its legacy program.
IBTM World Trends Watch Report: Outlook for 2019
On why the industry is more confident than ever and the unstoppable rise of Shanghai.
Why Singapore is the most 'competitive' events city in Asia
A key explanation for Singapore’s success is that its government really does “get it”.
All the swanky hotel openings in Kuala Lumpur
The city has seen a slew of big-ticket openings this year. Buyers, take note.
New partnership for BCD Meetings & Events in Thailand
The events agency joins forces with a Bangkok-based entertainment and media group.
Melbourne hailed ‘most sustainable’ meetings city in Asia Pacific
The city ranked highest in the region on the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
SO Sofitel opens doors in Auckland
The property is touted as 'the' place to be seen among city slickers.
Creating meaningful content is hard work, but it's the 'secret'
Event360 recap: Making sure your content resonates with delegates is so much more than the actual content – it's everything in the room that can help your content shine.
Lazada Singapore CMO on merging live experiences with online events
Jason Huan, chief marketing officer for Lazada Singapore, opens up about the aggressive online events space and effectively engaging with consumers and brands.
Penang steps up its game in business events
The combination of a hybrid solar-powered convention centre, heritage shophouses, and a vast array of street food is positioning the popular northern Malaysian city as a unique destination.
Defining 'internationalisation' through events
Pico+ and George P. Johnson are among the agencies responsible for overseas brand activation activities and business forums for Chinese brands.
Do associations need PCOs?
A debate about what advantages professional conference organisers can provide, versus what companies may lose when they outsource conference planning.
MPI, IAEE, and SITE band together
Three industry associations join forces to form something of a supergroup.
The genius in indigenous
More markets are integrating local indigenous culture into meetings and events beyond incentives and CSR programs.
Bali rolls out red carpet for IMF-World Bank meeting
A cool 34,000 delegates have streamed into the island for the annual IMF meeting.
BI Worldwide ANZ appoints new GM
The new hire has a background in design thinking and will leverage the agency's knowledge in human behaviour.
AsiaWorld-Expo acquired by Airport Authority Hong Kong
“This is an interesting and positive development for Hong Kong’s exhibition market".
Key takeaways from BCD Meetings & Events' 2019 forecast report
The report highlights the short hotel supply in key Asian cities, the emergence of Shenzhen, and more.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge to bring in more events
The historic bridge will pave the way for increased commerce between the cities.
Case study: World Urban Forum
The highly secured event saw Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre gazetted as a ‘sovereign’ space.
Hallyu-inspired events are all the rage in South Korea
Korea Tourism Organization uses its cultural influence to draw in events.
Thirst for personal content drives second wave of STB’s 'passion' campaign
This Phase two of 'Passion Made Possible’ includes more ‘tribes’ that visitors can identify with.
Wellness and meetings merge
Small introductions like an eye mask or a neck massage between meetings can make a difference.
Kuala Lumpur to welcome CitizenM hotel
In November, Kuala Lumpur will be only the second city in Asia—after Taipei—to welcome a citizenM property.
Malaysia sets sights on legacy and impact
“When we talk about legacy and impact, it’s beyond CSR."
Kaohsiung gears up for business event visitors
Nature trails, fishing expeditions and waterfront cafés await in this charming port city.
Malaysia Business Events Week to tackle "change" in industry
The theme “Our Future by Design: Embracing Change” will be carried throughout the event.
Lego Technic creates live brand experience in China
The activation showcased the brand’s functional systems with a variety of interactive challenges inspired by mechanical engineering.
Exhibitions industry a strong force in Bangkok
"To capitalise on the international market, TCEB is working to train and upgrade industry staff as well as get them certified or accredited."
SACEOS elects new president after 39 years
A new president-elect was chosen to replace industry veteran Janet Tan-Collis.
Indonesia looks ahead to major events
The country is trying to look beyond Bali to position itself as a valuable player.
Great Barrier Reef opens first-ever events venue
The venue will allow guests to rent a high-speed catamaran and customise experiences on an outer Reef pontoon.
“Why” more important than “what” for event planners: AMEX
“The ‘why’ of the brand should encapsulate not what it does, but how it will make its consumers feel"
Singapore Tourism Board and Alipay join forces
Marketing initiatives include “activities” to incentivise Alipay users in Singapore through rewards and discounts.
How brands are cashing in on the World Cup
The biggest sporting event in the world is upon us and that means one thing – brands are scoring deals from all corners of the pitch.
SMS Group introduces creative residency
The programme will work much like an artist residency programme with benefits for both the agency and creative sides.
Business events more than just tourism: JMIC
The council says that the industry is about transformation and elevating trade.
"You really need to involve the five senses": Huone Singapore
CEO of Singapore's most creative meeting space on the changing face of small events.
New Zealand pushes to abolish GST on events
The plan aims to position New Zealand as a more competitive business events destination.
How it really works… 3D holograms
"We find that there’s a real moment of surprise and delight when [attendees] are looking at a hologram".
Senior hires at George P. Johnson Singapore
The agency expands its senior leadership and client servicing team.
Case study: Singapore Cocktail Festival
How the events team dealt with sensitivities among competing brands and ensuring equal publicity.
Amway China trip a "phenomenal" success for Queenstown
Delegates on the incentive trip waxed lyrical about the resort town’s beautiful landscapes and unique experiences.
Uniplan Beijing’s new GM to drive automotive brands
Gordon Wang will work on a number of high-profile auto shows in China.
Auckland’s new convention centre set to be a game changer
The international centre will become the biggest event space in New Zealand once it starts operating in 2020.
CINZ MEETINGS kicks off in Auckland
190 exhibitors, 500 buyers, and 6,000 meetings will feature at this year's event.
Case study: IDEM Singapore
The established dental conference proves why event formats matter.
Singapore to debut Kempinski property
The new hotel will form an all-encompassing "heritage lifestyle" centre within Capitol Building.
Asia’s first in-flight conference takes off
The High Altitude Conference saw speakers take over the in-flight PA for engaging sessions with delegates.
Malaysia market remains stable despite surprise election win
Despite unfamiliarity, Malaysia's new administration signals better days for the business events industry.
Business event providers celebrated at Singapore Tourism Awards
The awards acknowledged big players across the business events and tourism industry.
Uniplan launches global rebrand, focuses on brand experience
The rebrand will mean more creative strategies, O2O experiences, and digital engagements.
Agency accreditation an important step towards trust: ICESAP
ICESAP’s agency accreditation scheme aims to strengthen the position of agencies in the business events world.
Prince Hotels to expand MICE market to Southeast Asia
The hotel chain has plans to bring its MICE clout to Singaporean shores.
Global brand agency INVNT expands in Asia Pacific
“Using multi-media and social platforms for amplification offers more potential in Asia Pacific than perhaps anywhere else on the planet."
Airbnb for Events launches with little fanfare
Despite the quick growth of the sharing economy model, home- and meeting-sharing options are undergoing a slow uptake in the events world.
Event spotlight: Food & Hotel Asia 2018
The food and hospitality trade show will receive over 60,000 delegates in Singapore this week.
Freeman acquires event tech company Info Salons
The acquisition will help to simplify the event- and show-planning processes for clients.
cievents unveils live booking platform for meeting planners
Streamlining the booking process can help procurement managers consolidate their clients' meetings spend.
Everyone should have an events strategy: STB
Events provide indispensable value to Singapore's high visitor numbers.
Tipping points that changed meetings industry: IMEX CEO
Carina Bauer reflects on how the industry has taken great strides in the last decade.
Global Meetings Industry Day: A round-up of events and comments
Business event professionals around the world took a moment to showcase the value of the industry for people and communities.
Why business event centres must adapt in the digital economy
AIPC president Aloysius Arlando on the need for centres to be digitally enabled.
Adelaide Fringe: The magic of spontaneity at events
The world’s second largest annual arts festival thrives on the enchanting atmosphere it manages to create – even when not everything goes to plan.
CWT Meetings & Events hires new senior director
The meetings management division will focus on optimising client spend and using intelligent data to measure the success rate of events.
Malaysia Airlines introduces bookings via FB Messenger
The airline is rolling out digital initiatives to keep up with passenger habits.
Will the Marriott meetings commission cut affect Asia?
The cost of customer acquisition in the meetings ecosystem has risen dramatically over the last five years—but how will Asia properties react?
'Thailand 4.0' a boon for MICE tourism
With infrastructure investments including rail and airport improvements, Thailand's development strategy is good news for business event planners.
Asia’s first hotel to eliminate single-use plastic will launch in Bangkok
Guests will receive stainless steel water bottles that can be refilled anytime during their stay.
Tapendium and Samsung launch digital concierge
Tapendium could improve communication between delegates and planners booked into hotels.
South Korea strikes gold with post-Olympic wins
Amicable efforts to reconcile shown by South Korea and North Korea have worked in the favour of the former.
Sarawak Convention Bureau kicks off global campaign tour
The East Malaysian state is making waves in Europe.
Online bookings popular with small meetings: Meetingsbooker.com
More venues and hotels are aiming to implement automated booking processes.
Everything we know about Australia’s new Business Events Bid Fund Program
Tourism Australia will allocate A$12 million to bring in more business event wins.
Pacific World serves up local food experiences with new partnership
The events company's partnership with NoshTrekker caters to demand for hyper-localised food experiences.
Watch: Hotel sourcing in the era of personalisation
The president of RoomIt by CWT on managing bookings for business travellers and groups.
Are event budgets shrinking?
What goes up but never comes down? Venue costs and overheads that are eating into event budgets, apparently.
Case study: i Light Marina Bay festival
A sustainable light festival in Singapore dazzled visitors with impressive installations and curated, brand-centred hubs.
Suntec Singapore opens 24/7
The meetings and conference centre makes the bold move of permanently unlocking its front doors.
What it's like to work on... Singapore Grand Prix
What revs the operational engines for the team behind the annual Formula 1 race.
In pictures: Singapore Cocktail Festival
The three-day event at Empress Lawn pulled in 8,000 visitors and a mix of brands, bars, and food partners.
Case study: How Infiniti built a smart retail showroom in Shenzhen
Big data, facial recognition, mixed reality—the makings of a car showroom from the future.
Luxury brands shine in spite of economic turmoil
ASIA's TOP 1000 BRANDS: Consumers—particularly in China—are turning to luxury brands as a respite during this crisis and aligning lavish goods more closely with wellbeing and self-care.
BBH interns produce purpose-driven campaign on imposter syndrome
The LinkedIn campaign has seen politicians and high-profile individuals pitch in personal tales of self-doubt in the workplace.
Aussie govt defends ‘terrifying’ and ‘graphic’ Covid ad
Social-media users have said the ad is being used as a ‘scare tactic’ and complained it is inappropriate, especially because vaccines are not available for people in the age group depicted.
Vitasoy faces boycott in mainland China following stabbing in HK
The Hong Kong beverage company is under intense scrutiny among Chinese consumers amid an incident that questioned mainland China-Hong Kong diplomacy.
'It was the best jury for me, ever': Merlee Jayme on Lions judging
The Cannes Lions Radio & Audio jury president dishes on content themes and production trends that made their way into the audio shortlist this year. Plus, how she gave her jury members an 'eargasm'.
Foodpanda's marketing VP on the many rewards of in-housing
Idan Haim, APAC VP of growth and marketing, talks to us about the content, cost, and talent efficiencies of in-housing and how it’s led to resounding success for the brand.
Campaign-Kantar DEI survey: Policies in place, but genuine change yet to be seen
EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH: Our annual report, now in its fifth year, is yet another sombre snapshot of gender and racial equity in the marcomms industry amid an ongoing mental-health crisis. But some small improvements occur.
The growing community of queer Muslim creators
INSPIRATION STATION: In light of Instagram’s upcoming Digital Pride Festival, we shine a spotlight on The Queer Muslim Project, a collective of artists and creators.
Sneak peek: Campaign’s 2021 diversity survey results
Ahead of the full unveiling of results next week at Campaign Leading Change, here’s a teaser of three key findings from our annual survey.
BTS campaign in Asia has been ‘phenomenal’: McDonald’s Asia marketer
Regional marketing director Eugene Lee on the challenges of scaling and localising a mammoth global campaign.
What does a ‘diverse’ typeface look like?
Content agency Distillery has developed a new typeface in collaboration with hundreds of creatives around the world.