Posts

Is Covid Changing Employability? Perspectives From APAC

Image
Join Farrell for SEA:change | 19 April 2022  Is Covid Changing Employability? Perspectives From APAC   Which trends accelerated and sparked by COVID-19 will change the future of work in Asia? How are businesses, especially in marketing communications, responding?  The future of work is constantly evolving, and COVID-19 has accelerated this phenomenon. The pandemic has not only led to the rise of remote work and growth in the e-commerce market but also facilitated the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. How do these trends affect occupational transitions?  In this episode of SEA:change, join Farrell and Jacqui Barratt, Founder of Salt as they discuss what all this means for Asia’s workforce and what companies, especially in marketing communications, are looking for  -- in terms of talent  -- whilst navigating through these seismic changes.  To join the discussion, register here:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/seachange-forum-4...

BFTP | Garmin Introduces Cutting Edge Wearables with a Purpose

Image
Fresh off the buzz of the fenix 5 launch, Garmin wasn’t about to take a breather. Instead, they cranked things up with not one, not two, but three shiny new wearables: the vivosmart 3 , the vivofit jr. , and the Forerunner 935 . Each watch came with its own personality: vivosmart 3  - sleek, subtle, and smarter than it looks. Perfect for those who want a fitness buddy that blends seamlessly into daily life. vivofit jr.  - because why should the kids miss out? A playful tracker that gets both parents and children moving (and maybe competing, too). Forerunner 935  - the heavyweight champ. GPS-rich, data-driven, and unapologetically built for athletes who don’t just run the extra mile – they live there. The vivofit jr., vivosmart 3 and Forerunner 935 Bringing the Buzz to Mid Valley The launch event at Mid Valley was nothing short of a mini fitness fest. Garmin’s crew was on hand, walking guests through the tech, letting them try the wearabl...

Commentary | Peer Pressure Breaks Uniqlo's Stamce

Image
Peer Pressure Breaks Uniqlo’s Stance in Russia Commentary by Darius Khaw   Uniqlo had recently announced the closing of its stores in Russia after crumbling to peer pressure from customers and other businesses. As of March 10, Uniqlo took a U-turn on staying open in Russia after claiming it faced too many “operational challenges and the worsening of the conflict situation.”           Originally Uniqlo was adamant on keeping stores opening in Russia as the CEO of Uniqlo stated that "Clothing is a necessity of life. The people of Russia have the same right to live as we do." Despite the backlash from this statement, Uniqlo’s stance can actually be seen as ethically and morally correct. As shown by them giving Russian civilians at least one choice of a decent brand to buy from and not leave the civilians suffering as many international stores such as H&M had closed its doors.   Uniqlo’s decision can be seen as based on a ...

QOTD | The Fundamentals of Survival

Image
 The Fundamentals of Survival! Betty Greene was a pioneer in her field in her time. A female pilot in a male-dominated industry. Against immense pressure, she consciously chose to embrace the mindset of flexibility to ensure personal survival. That same approach resonates for so many today. To survive, one needs to "go with the flow", pivot, adjust, realign, and accept that new paths will lead to opportunity. The last two years have taught us that! This works for communications initiatives, too. Old approaches may not work as effectively; so bite that bullet, realign or adjust your message, and keep going. As Betty says, its better to bend than to break. Bending facilitates possibilities. Breaking, does not!

Holy Smokes Batman! Sometimes It's Best to Stay Silent!

Image
Holy Smokes Batman! Sometimes It’s Best to Stay Silent!   I don’t know the actual truth of what went on here, but I do know one thing; it’s always best to know when to shut up, especially when protecting your brand reputation.   So over the weekend a cinema screened a movie. Three quarters of an hour into the movie, it was stopped, reset, and the movie started again. In an open hall of customers.   A rather surprised customer went on to social media to highlight what had happened. Not the fact that the movie was disrupted; rather that it was restarted due to some ‘VIP’ customers. Ignoring my personal disdain for those who think in terms of us and them (plebs v’s VIPs) – the show must go on.   The post started receiving interest, and of course it spiralled from there.   First the cinema (or the chain, it’s still unclear) offered refunds plus free tickets, and apologised for the inconvenience.   That was an excellent first move. Before...