CNA938 Rewind - Cat got your tongue? Learning the art of talking
IT company CEO Andy Byron, captured in a widely circulated video showing him embracing an employee at a Coldplay concert, has resigned. The incident raises questions about public surveillance, workplace boundaries and how quickly private moments can become public in the digital age. Did he need to resign or could a solid crisis communication plan be enough? Hairianto Diman chatted with Hazel Westwood, Crisis and Reputation Management expert to find out.
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Business Times
25 minutes ago
- Business Times
When heritage meets global ambition
FROM Fraser and Neave, Limited's ('F&N') founding in 1883 to Frasers Property's evolution into a multinational real estate group, the journey of these two iconic homegrown companies reflects Singapore's own – defined by resilience, innovation and a commitment to excellence. Rooted in Singapore's heritage, both companies continue to evolve as part of the TCC Group helmed by Thailand's Sirivadhanabhakdi family. This has opened new chapters for growth and reinforced their shared ambition and regional leadership, with Singapore remaining at the heart of their story. F&N, renowned for its iconic soft drinks and dairy products, has grown into a diversified ASEAN consumer group, offering everything from beverages and packaged foods to educational publishing. Now a Thai Beverage subsidiary, Singapore-headquartered F&N draws on its heritage to offer a wide range of winning products and strengthen its leadership across the region. Frasers Property is today a multinational real estate investor, developer and manager in 20 countries. Its first hospitality property, Fraser Suites Singapore, sits on the site of F&N's former soft drink bottling plant – a meaningful connection to their shared legacy. From suburban malls serving as vibrant social hubs to award-winning residences, mixed-use, commercial and hospitality properties, its Purpose – Inspiring experiences, creating places for good. – guides its transformation of Singapore's skyline as it enhances the quality of life, connects businesses and strengthens communities. As Singapore celebrates its diamond jubilee, F&N and Frasers Property honour their shared heritage and look ahead – united in their commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth for generations. Milestones that mirror a nation's journey 1883: F&N's story starts in Singapore, where John Fraser and David Neave established The Singapore and Straits Aerated Water Company to produce carbonated soft drinks. Making a splash since 1883. 1898: F&N was publicly listed in Singapore. 1931: F&N co-founded Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd ('APB') with Heineken N.V. Holland ('Heineken'), introducing beer production to Singapore and the region. 1936: Secured Coca-Cola bottling rights for Singapore and Malaysia, cementing F&N's ASEAN beverage leadership for 75 years. 1959: F&N entered the dairy business in Singapore. F&N entered the dairy business 66 years ago. 1983: Launched 100PLUS, Singapore's first isotonic drink, to mark F&N's centenary. The Centrepoint property development was launched. The Centrepoint was the first property developed by Frasers Property in 1980. 1985: Relocated brewery and soft drinks plants to develop landmark residential and commercial properties, supporting Singapore's urban growth. 1988: Centrepoint Properties Limited ('CPL') listed and subsequently became a subsidiary of F&N in 1990. 1998: Expanded into hospitality with two openings in Singapore, Fraser Suites and Fraser Place. 2000: Acquired Times Publishing Group, one of Singapore's leading publishing and printing companies. International expansion into real estate in the UK. 2006: CPL was rebranded Frasers Centrepoint Limited ('FCL') and launched its first REIT, Frasers Centrepoint Trust. F&N acquired Nestle's liquid canned milk business in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. 2013: F&N and FCL became part of TCC Group, marking a new chapter of growth and investment. 2014: FCL relisted as Frasers Property Limited ('FPL'). 2019: FPL built key platforms – Frasers Property Industrial, scaled in Thailand and retail in Singapore. 2020: Completed merger to form Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust. Alexandra Point was Frasers Property's first commercial building and the present headquarters of both F&N and Frasers Property. 2021-2022: F&N entered the packaged food segments, acquiring Sri Nona Companies and Cocoaland Holdings. FPL introduces its Purpose, reflecting the company's focus on creating long-lasting value for its stakeholders. 2023: F&N and FPL jointly celebrated 140 years of heritage in Singapore, reaffirming their roots as homegrown, household names that are part of the nation's growth story. 2024: TCC Group and Thai Beverage Public Company Ltd (ThaiBev) completed a strategic share swap, making F&N a ThaiBev subsidiary while TCC Group increased its shareholding in FPL. Two CEOs on legacy, impact and the future Ms Soon Su Lin, CEO of Frasers Property Singapore, and Mr Hui Choon Kit, CEO of Fraser and Neave, Limited, reflect on 142 years of shared heritage, evolution, and their continued commitment to Singapore's future. How has Singapore's identity and heritage shaped the way you do business? Soon Su Lin: Singapore's diversity, far-sightedness and global outlook have shaped how we operate at Frasers Property. These qualities guide our approach to creating inclusive, future-ready spaces that reflect our city's dynamism and care for people. Our developments – both in Singapore and across 20 countries – are built with purpose, and a deep respect for diverse communities. We are proud of our heritage in Singapore and this is reflected in how we brand our suburban malls, which act as social hubs in the communities we serve. Hui Choon Kit: F&N's journey reflects Singapore's transformation into a vibrant, innovation-driven nation. Shaped by values of multiculturalism, resilience and excellence, we embrace innovation, build trusted brands that serve evolving community needs, and grow with purpose. This entrepreneurial mindset has guided our evolution – our beginnings in soft drinks to a diverse portfolio spanning non-alcoholic beverages, beer, publishing and printing. Staying true to our roots, we continue to enrich lives at home and across ASEAN and beyond. What role has your company played in shaping Singapore's urban transformation? Soon Su Lin: We're proud to play a key role in the Singapore story, building spaces where one can work, live and play, all within the vicinity. As the largest prime suburban mall operator, our malls serve over half of Singapore's population. They are vibrant social hubs, with communal facilities, placemaking initiatives and tenant offerings bringing people together. To date, we have delivered more than 23,000 quality homes. We continue to transform precincts, including redeveloping Robertson Walk into The Robertson Opus, which will redefine luxury riverside living. Contributing to Singapore's office sector, our commercial buildings provide quality flexible workspaces, community zones and digital solutions to tenants. How has your brand evolved alongside Singapore's growth? Hui Choon Kit: Our brands like F&N, 100PLUS, F&N MAGNOLIA, and F&N NUTRISOY have grown alongside Singapore, becoming household names woven into daily life, from school canteens to family meals and festive celebrations. As lifestyles evolve, we continue to innovate in support of healthier living. 100PLUS helps Singaporeans stay hydrated and active; F&N MAGNOLIA offers calcium-rich milk; and F&N NUTRISOY provides nutrient-rich soy-based beverages. They reflect our commitment to national health goals and nurturing healthier generations. Everyday hydration with 100PLUS. In addition to our non-alcoholic beverages, our heritage includes building some of Singapore's most iconic brands. In 1931, we co-founded APB with Heineken, playing a key role in building Tiger Beer into a globally recognised brand, rooted in Singapore's brewing heritage – a legacy we remain proud of today. Beyond beverages, we have contributed to Singapore's knowledge economy through Marshall Cavendish Education ('MCE'), now empowering educators in over 95 countries. Today, as part of the ThaiBev Group, we combine regional scale with strong local roots, aligned with Singapore's priorities of sustainability, food security and innovation. Our continued investments in regional dairy supply and sustainable packaging not only strengthen food resilience but also reflect our shared commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future. What achievements in Singapore have influenced your business capabilities overseas? Soon Su Lin: Our people-centric approach to real estate drives us to craft meaningful experiences for the community, earning us local and international accolades. Notably, our flagship mixed-use developments like Waterway Point and Watertown won FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards, while our efforts to conserve and restore century-old warehouses in the Rivière integrated precinct attained URA's recognition. The Group's latest development is One Bangkok, the largest mixed-use district in Bangkok and the first LEED and WELL Platinum Neighbourhood District in Southeast Asia. Across the Group, we value driving ESG impact, pioneering initiatives like Inclusion Champions locally to better support shoppers with special needs, and green solutions for food waste management in Singapore, Thailand and Australia. Frasers Property's Inclusion Champions programme was launched in Singapore to better support shoppers with different needs. Hui Choon Kit: Our greatest achievements in Singapore lie in building trusted, beloved brands – from pioneering 100PLUS, Singapore's first isotonic drink, to F&N MAGNOLIA and F&N NUTRISOY – that support active lifestyles and nourish generations. This strong foundation, rooted in Singapore's spirit of innovation and excellence, has sharpened our expertise and enabled us to grow confidently across ASEAN, where our brands are now widely recognised. Building on this, we have also championed Singapore's education excellence through MCE – starting in local classrooms and now empowering educators in over 95 countries, bringing innovative learning solutions and Singapore's hallmark of educational excellence worldwide. Above all, Singapore's commitment to food safety, operational excellence, and sustainability has strengthened our global capabilities – enabling us to deliver high-quality products and solutions confidently to communities worldwide. What are your aspirations for the next 60 years? Soon Su Lin: Frasers Property's Purpose – Inspiring experiences, creating places for good. – will guide how we invest, develop and manage our multinational multi-asset class portfolio. We are committed to sustainable value creation that delivers financial performance and positive societal impact. ESG considerations are embedded throughout our value chain, from planning to operations and partnerships, ensuring our spaces are resilient and future-ready. Real estate must go beyond economic value to foster well-being, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, we aim to share Singapore-born solutions across our footprint, amplifying our impact. Ultimately, we aspire to deliver long-term value to stakeholders – investors, tenants and communities – while shaping a more sustainable, liveable future. Hui Choon Kit: We aspire to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future, where F&N continues to enrich lives across generations. Our goal is to lead in areas that matter most: delivering trusted, high-quality products, advancing education solutions, and pioneering sustainable packaging innovations. Anchored in Singapore's heritage and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, we are committed to expanding across ASEAN and beyond, empowering communities, championing healthier lifestyles, and reinforcing Singapore's global relevance. Ultimately, we remain focused on creating long-term value while staying true to our purpose of enriching lives for generations to come. Together, both companies share a common vision: to create long-term value through sustainability, innovation, and purpose-driven growth – shaping a future that honours our heritage while meeting the needs of tomorrow.
CNA
25 minutes ago
- CNA
Commentary: Have brands taken Coldplay kiss cam memes too far?
SINGAPORE: When a kiss cam clip at a Coldplay concert showed two tech executives in a seemingly compromising moment, it quickly amassed millions of views on TikTok and triggered a meme frenzy online. Brands and organisations were quick to jump in. IKEA Singapore posted cuddly toys with an 'HR approved' caption, while the Ministry of Defence referenced the incident in its National Day promotions. But what some might see as savvy and real-time marketing also had its detractors. Was this clever cultural commentary, or exploiting a personal crisis for clicks? View this post on Instagram A post shared by IKEA SG (@ikeasingapore) THE BUSINESS OF GOING VIRAL Memes have become a marketing tool for brands to tap into humour, relatability and shared cultural moments. It includes using established meme formats, jumping on online trends, or crafting shareable content that rides on viral moments. The appeal is undeniable. According to news reports, ads containing memes saw 30 per cent engagement rates on Facebook and Instagram, as opposed to the 1 to 15 per cent engagement rate of influencer posts or branded content. This trend reflects what media theorist Neil Postman warned about in his book, Amusing Ourselves To Death – where entertainment becomes the filter through which all events are processed. This is especially true in digital spaces where social media algorithms reward engagement above all else, turning serious or private moments into content fodder. The trend is especially pronounced among users aged 13 to 36, with 75 per cent actively sharing memes. WHEN MEME MARKETING WORKS Some brands have managed to strike the right tone. US fast food chain Wendy's 'roast' campaigns, where it playfully calls out competitors, earned strong brand recognition by staying bold yet non-exploitative. In Singapore, the 'We let our Gen Z intern write the marketing script' trend resonated widely. It charmed viewers with older executives awkwardly delivering Gen Z slang – a format that worked because it embraced self-deprecating humour, humanised institutions and playfully acknowledged generational gaps. Duolingo is another example of meme marketing done right. The language learning app has built a massive following on social media by employing self-deprecating humour, often leaning into memes about its 'threatening' owl mascot that guilt-trips users for skipping lessons. This playful and consistent persona has resonated with audiences, generating millions of interactions and growing its follower base to over 16 million users on TikTok. WHY SOME CAMPAIGNS BACKFIRE The success of meme marketing often hinges on brand alignment and the direction of humour. Campaigns that are congruous with a brand's voice and identity tend to resonate more naturally, while forced or opportunistic attempts often fall flat. For instance, Bumble's 2024 'celibacy is not the answer' ad campaign, which included messages like 'Thou shalt not give up on dating and become a nun,' was widely criticised for its judgemental tone when the dating app's mission is to empower women. Similarly, Pepsi's ad in 2017, which depicted Kendall Jenner handing a can of Pepsi to a police officer at a protest, was criticised for trivialising social justice movements. When brands force connections to trending topics that don't align with their identity, the results can be jarring. The direction of humour also plays a critical role. 'Upward' humour, aimed at competitors and 'inward' humour, which is often self-deprecating and reflective, are generally well-received. Wendy's, for instance, uses upward humour to take jabs at rivals like McDonald's, while budget airline Ryanair embraces inward humour by poking fun at its own service limitations. Duolingo's mascot-driven content also succeeds by tapping into shared language learning struggles, using relatable and self-aware humour that stays true to its brand ethos. In contrast, campaigns fail when they rely on 'downward' humour, which target vulnerable individuals. In 2014, DiGiorno's received backlash for using the hashtag #WhyIStayed to promote its frozen pizza, because the hashtag was for victims of domestic abuse to share their stories. THE HUMAN COST BEHIND THE HUMOUR Behind every meme are real people whose lives may be permanently altered. Those who experienced viral fame report lasting psychological trauma, including depression, social isolation, and loss of control over their personal narrative. When brands participate in online trends, they risk legitimising the exploitation of others' suffering. Over time, this contributes to desensitisation, where audiences become numb to the humans behind the jokes. The voyeuristic pleasure audiences derive from witnessing people's shame reflects a deeper societal dysfunction where dignity is sacrificed for entertainment. The Coldplay incident highlights the dilemma of meme marketing: immense engagement potential, weighed against ethical and reputational risks. As digital audiences become more discerning, the brands that endure may be those that choose empathy over expediency. Sometimes, the most powerful message a brand can send is silence – recognising that not every trend is worth joining, and not every moment is a marketing opportunity.
CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Celebrating SG60: Special-edition watches, jewellery and other accessories to mark Singapore's milestone
Singapore's SG60 birthday is just around the corner, and to mark this significant national milestone, several brands have released special-edition SG60 products. These range from watches and jewellery to fountain pens and other accessories. While some of these creations may not be for sale to the public, their rarity only enhances their collectability, especially as meaningful keepsakes created for a historical moment in time. Ahead of National Day on Aug 9, we round up some of the best SG60 creations that celebrate Singapore with flair. AUDEMARS PIGUET CODE 11.59 STARWHEEL SINGAPORE EDITION Singapore is home to a sophisticated watch collecting community and with the nation marking its 60th birthday, there's no better time to launch a commemorative timepiece. The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Starwheel Singapore Edition is a unique, one-of-a-kind timepiece created for a fundraising event happening on Aug 15 benefitting the National Museum of Singapore (NMS). Crafted in 18k white gold and white ceramic, the watch features a striking red aventurine dial. The finely decorated movement is visible through the sapphire caseback, along with a 22k pink gold oscillating weighted winding rotor cut out with a special 60th anniversary motif. The watch is presented with a black textured rubber-coated strap and comes with an additional denim effect strap with red stitching. The watch will be auctioned off at the fundraising event. BP DE SILVA HIGH JEWELLERY NECKLACE Also created specially for NMS's fundraising event is this exquisite high jewellery necklace by homegrown fifth-generation jeweller BP de Silva. The unique diamond and sapphire piece is inspired by the Art Deco era, anchored by the concept of Guardianship as a tribute to those who have safeguarded Singapore's cultural heritage. The deep hues of the main sapphire reflect the wisdom of generations past, while the diamonds shimmer like the embers of legacy. BVLGARI SG60 WORLD TIMER LIMITED EDITION Bvlgari pays tribute to Singapore's 60 years of independence with the Octo Roma Worldtimer SG60 Edition. Naturally, the watch draws inspiration from Singapore's national colours. Encased in sleek stainless steel, it features a matte black dial contrasted by a red lacquered central seconds hand. Encircling it is a matte 24-hour ring, half in black and half in red, indicating day and night hours. The 24 world cities ring includes Singapore in striking red, setting it apart from the rest and reflecting its unique position on the global stage. The watch is powered by the BVL 257 calibre, a mechanical automatic movement developed in-house by Bvlgari. It comes with two rubber straps in red and black, both fitted with a black DLC-treated steel pin buckle. CARRIE K SG60 CODE COLLECTION To celebrate Singapore's Diamond Jubilee, local jeweller Carrie K has unveiled the SG60 CODE Collection, which draws inspiration from the brand's 'Wearable Wishes' philosophy, where jewellery is designed with meaning and intention. The highlight of the collection is a modular CODE Pearl necklace that spells out 'One' (meant to symbolise unity) in morse code, featuring diamond dots set in red enamel and diamond dashes set in white enamel. The collection also includes a limited edition of 60 customisable CODE Link bracelets in 14k gold with natural diamonds. Each bracelet features a unique dual-sided design: One side displays the wearer's customised initial in morse code diamond dots and dashes, while the reverse showcases the red dot and white dash in enamel. DELUGS X VACHERON CONSTANTIN SG60 STRAPS Homegrown strap specialist Delugs recently marked a significant milestone by collaborating with legendary Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin. The collaboration is a dual celebration – while Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, Vacheron Constantin is commemorating its 270th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Delugs created a pair of special-edition leather straps, available exclusively at Vacheron Constantin's boutiques in Singapore. The two variants come in Hunter Green Epsom Leather with Gold Baranil accents, or Gold Baranil with Hunter Green Epsom accents. The watch's buckle end features a red and white accent stitching as a quiet nod to Singapore's national colours. There are only 60 pieces per variant and each strap is individually numbered and stamped on the underside. LEE HWA PURPLEGOLD VANDA COLLECTION Lee Hwa's PurpleGold collection is dubbed a true Singapore innovation, available exclusively at the local jeweller. So it's only apt that the collection gets new SG60 additions as a patriotic update. The orchid motif of the pieces draw inspiration from the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Singapore's national flower. The petals of the pieces are rendered in PurpleGold, created from 19k solid gold. This is contrasted with white gold and accented with diamonds. There are two versions – a single motif pendant and a double motif necklace. MADLY GEMS SG60 BESPOKE GARDENS BY THE BAY RING Nothing showcases your love for your country quite like a ring inspired by one of its landmarks. This Gardens by the Bay ring by local jeweller Madly Gems is a bespoke creation for a private client. It features white and yellow gold, along with sunstone and citrine stones to capture Singapore's status as a tropical paradise. The twin golden citrines, totalling 4.7 carats, evoke the soaring Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, while a 2.6-carat orange sunstone captures the warmth of Singapore's perpetual sunshine. This statement ring is also a miniature tapestry of the nation's most iconic landmarks. One side of the band flows like the Singapore River, curling past other symbols of the city – an artistic rendering of the Flower Dome in rows of custom-cut blue topaz pave, the majestic Merlion, the futuristic ArtScience Museum, and a nostalgic junk boat drifting on the water. The other side rises into sculptural Supertrees. MONTBLANC MEISTERSTUCK DOUE GEOMETRY 60 YEARS SINGAPORE SPECIAL EDITION This commemorative Montblanc writing instrument is rich in symbolism and craftsmanship. The design features a platinum-coated cap with Montblanc's iconic white emblem. The cap top is embellished with an orchid pattern inspired by the Vanda Miss Joaquim. The inscribed date, 'August 9, 1965', marks Singapore's Independence Day. The forepart of the pen is inscribed with a finely detailed Singapore skyline, showcasing landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. Meanwhile, the rhodium-coated solid gold nib features an elegant orchid motif. Limited to just 500 pieces, the pen also features a barrel with an engraved three-dimensional hexagon pattern covered by translucent red lacquer. SHANGHAI TANG SG60 LIMITED COLLECTION 'DRIFT & REIGN' Timed for Singapore's 60th, Shanghai Tang has collaborated with Chinese Canadian-born artist Na Wei, who is currently based in Singapore, for a limited-edition capsule collection. Known for her emotionally raw, hybrid brushwork, Na Wei seamlessly blends traditional Chinese ink techniques with Western abstraction. At the heart of the collection is the motif of horsemanship, symbolising rhythm, strength, and grace. Other standout pieces feature reinterpretations of the classic Snakes & Ladders, where iconic Chinese philosophies, such as longevity, duality of power, and fluidity, are expressed through sweeping, gestural designs. The collection includes a selection of ready-to-wear pieces, including polos, T-shirts, and scarves. SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL MYRIAD MERLION To commemorate both the Austrian house's 130th anniversary and SG60, Swarovski has reintroduced the Crystal Myriad Merlion as a homage to the nation's mythical icon. The Merlion, born from the sea and roaring with the strength of a lion, symbolises Singapore's rise from its humble beginnings into a mighty city state. This sought-after collector's piece features over 15,884 Swarovski Crystals and took 96 hours of meticulous craftsmanship to set by hand. There are just 20 pieces and each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, with its limited-edition number engraved on a small metal plaque.
