marketing interactive

Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG) have brought back the Pokémon-themed cable car cabins in its latest “Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure” campaign. The campaign promises distinct day and night experiences for visitors travelling along the Mount Faber Line from Mount Faber Peak to Sentosa. By day, five Pokémon including Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander, Jigglypuff and Gengar appear on the cabin exteriors. Inside, each cabin is fully customised to its featured Pokémon, from themed seats to cabin floors, creating an immersive experience for fans and families alike. After dark, the cabins transform into interactive discovery pods. Guests boarding from 7.45pm onwards will receive a complimentary UV torch. The familiar Pokémon reappear as glowing silhouettes, joined by five hidden flying-type Pokémon such as Gyarados, Pidgeot, Charizard, Dragonite and Aerodactyl. The Pokémon are revealed only when illuminated by the torch. For the most determined, Mew makes a rare appearance in one of the cabins, reinforcing its mythical status and adding an element of surprise for fans. Don’t miss: Who’s that Pokémon? Singapore fans put to the test in OOH campaign  Meanwhile, at Mount Faber Peak, visitors can take photos with larger-than-life first-generation starter Pokémon at dedicated photo spots. The hilltop backdrop offers scenic views, providing shareable content for social media. The campaign also encourages participation through its “Snap, tag and win” contest on Instagram and TikTok. Visitors can post photos or videos taken during the experience for a chance to win prizes. “Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure” runs from 22 November to 30 April 2026.  “We are proud to offer a unique way of experiencing an iconic Singapore attraction through the ‘Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure’. With five colourful cabin designs and hidden UV-activated Pokémon themes, guests can enjoy a fresh, immersive experience each time,” said Buhdy Bok, managing director, Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG). “The Singapore Cable Car is more than just a daytime ride. After dark, guests can use a UV torch to uncover an entirely new layer of discovery, making the experience equally engaging and interactive at night,” added Bok.  “Pokémon Day-to-Night Adventure” follows MFLG’s year-long 50th anniversary campaign in 2023, when the cable car cabins were transformed into Poké Ball-themed pods. The exteriors featured the iconic Poké Ball design, while the interiors showcased first-generation Pokémon including Pikachu, Eevee, Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly. The Singapore Cable Car is no stranger to collaborating with popular IPs. It previously teamed up with Hello Kitty for its 50th anniversary celebrations back in 2024 where visitors could ride birthday-themed cabins featuring Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Mimmy and their parents along the Mount Faber Line. Similarly, Mount Faber Peak showcased a two-metre-tall Hello Kitty sculpture in a gold ensemble and vintage first- and third-generation cable cars dressed in Hello Kitty designs. The installations also offered exclusive photo opportunities and an immersive experience, marking the only Hello Kitty 50th anniversary celebration in Southeast Asia, the company said at the time.  Related articles:  Cable cars get a nyonya twist as Sentosa turns cultural for SG60  Mount Faber Leisure Group concludes hunt for PR agency  Have you checked out these Hello Kitty themed cable cars yet?  source

Singaporean bubble tea chain PlayMade has teamed up with homegrown Web3 IP platform Imaginary Ones and Hasbro’s preschool brand Peppa Pig to launch an exclusive blind box collection celebrating the arrival of the character baby Evie. The collaboration brings together two local success stories — Imaginary Ones, known for spreading positivity through digital art and creative collectibles, and PlayMade, a fan-favourite bubble tea brand — with the aim of delivering joy through every sip and surprise unboxing. The limited-edition series features the Peppa Pig family, including daddy, mummy, Peppa, George, and the newest addition, baby Evie. Each blind box symbolises new beginnings, family, and affection, reflecting the playful spirit of the Imaginary Ones universe. Don’t miss: Burger King SG revives MILO’s breakfast plushies with new limited-edition design  Customers can purchase the blind boxes as a purchase-with-purchase for SG$5 with any two PlayMade bubble teas (minimum spend of SG$12), or as a standalone item for SG$15 across all PlayMade outlets starting 19 November 2025. Two hundred boxes will include a special redemption card, granting winners an exclusive 20 cm huggable baby Evie plushie. The campaign is rolling out across social platforms, with Instagram teasers building anticipation. The first post, published on 13 November, shows Peppa and an Imaginary Ones character sliding down a giant slide emerging from a PlayMade bubble tea cup, before diving into the drink — accompanied by text revealing the 19 November launch. A subsequent post on 15 November unveiled the full design of the limited-edition baby Evie plushie. “At Imaginary Ones, everything we do is about spreading joy, and what better way to celebrate that than through bubble tea, blind boxes, and Baby Evie. This collaboration with PlayMade and Peppa Pig is a friendly reminder that happiness can come from the smallest surprises: a sip, a smile, or a blind box,” said Gregory Poon, founding partner and CMO of Imaginary Ones. Tan Guo Rong, co-founder of PlayMade, added: “There’s no better celebration of Baby Evie’s arrival than with a cup full of bubbles and a box full of joy. This collaboration with Peppa Pig and Imaginary Ones is PlayMade’s unique way of fulfilling our mission: to fill everyone’s cup with overflowing joy, one sip and one surprise at a time.” Playmade is not the only bubble tea brand to tap into the collectible craze. Across the border, GongCha Malaysia unveiled its own set of plushieswith four characters: Brownie Mars, Berry Eilish, Boba Marley and Taro Swift. Each character was crafted to reflect not only pop culture references but also popular Gong Cha drinks.  Each plushie name cleverly ties into a menu item. Brownie Mars represents the brown sugar milk tea. Berry Eilish is linked to the strawberry milk tea. Boba Marley plays on the classic milk tea with pearls, while Taro Swift references the widely loved taro milk drink. Related articles:   KitKat drops plushies to turn snack time into play time Gardenia toasts SG60 with new bakes and limited-edition plushies CHAGEE’s new Bes-tea plushies are here to spill the cute in MY, SG, TH  source

Singapore’s National Water Agency, PUB, has teamed up with Splash Productions for the second year running to urge Singaporeans to stay alert and prepared for flash floods, ahead of the year-end Northeast monsoon. The campaign, “Flood-Wise in a F.L.A.S.H.,” builds on last year’s initiative with a focus on driving urgency among the general public, particularly motorists, pedestrians, commuters, and home and business owners who are most at risk. PUB and Splash said the initiative aims to engage even those who might otherwise be indifferent to flood preparedness. To reach the public where they are most vulnerable, the campaign will include targeted media placements with partners such as GRAB and GoJek, alongside a broader rollout across free-to-air, out-of-home, transit, digital, and social channels from November 2025 to January 2026. Don’t miss: PUB revives iconic National Day ‘Home’ track as part of marketing splash The campaign film, “Nobody needs to be the wet one out”, follows a drenched motorist stuck in a lift, a homeowner watching her belongings ruined by rising water, and a businessman wading through flooded streets. Their fortunes change, however, once they access PUB Flood Alerts and make timely, informed decisions, showing how being flood-wise can turn a potentially miserable situation around. “It’s a simple human truth: Nobody wants to be the ‘wet one out’, especially when others seem to know better,” said Mark Lim, creative director at Splash. “We leveraged this insight to nudge our audience to take ownership of being flood-ready.” Splash managing director Jerome Lau added: “This is an important piece of work to ensure that as a nation, we can be resilient in the face of climate change. Splash is honoured to work with PUB to rally our community to be Flood-Wise together.” With climate change driving more frequent and intense rainfall, PUB said initiatives such as this are key to ensuring Singaporeans stay informed, alert, and ready for flash floods wherever they may occur. In 2024, PUB appointed Splash Productions to create the inaugural flood resilience campaign. This was where the campaign message of “Get flood-wise in a F.L.A.S.H.” was first introduced to the public, with targeted outreach across various channels for commuters, motorists, homeowners and business-owners. According to Splash, the campaign was a success, with a record 4.22 million in reach achieved during the campaign period and 100%++ spike in PUB Flood Alerts Telegram channel subscribers from 19,000 to 44,500. Related articles:  PUB’s latest campaign gets Singaporeans flood-ready in a flash  “Big ways, small ways. All OK,” says PUB in new water-saving campaign  PUB calls out Sterra for ‘misleading’ water purifier ad  source

Renovation platform SIXiDES has appointed former Home & Decor editor-in-chief Jamyang Tashi Lim (pictured) as its new editor-in-chief as the renovation platform begins an editorial and product overhaul aimed at addressing growing homeowner demand for clearer, more structured renovation guidance. In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Lim said he made the move after more than two decades in print and design media, citing a desire to work within a platform model where content, product and decision-making tools operate in tandem. He added that the shift allows him to rethink how homeowners consume renovation and design information in a “practical, behaviour-driven context”. Don’t miss: Singapore backs Mediacorp with SG$380m amid shifting media habits His immediate priority is to establish a stronger editorial identity for SIXiDES with clearer content pillars, higher standards of clarity and a more direct focus on homeowner concerns. Lim said the platform will pivot towards a homeowner-first approach that offers structured guidance, explanations, material literacy, budgeting and maintenance tips, alongside more lifestyle-driven content that extends beyond the renovation phase. The new role expands beyond editorial oversight. Lim now leads content architecture, platform communication and product experience, blending editorial judgment with UX and behavioural insights to shape what he described as a “full ecosystem rather than a magazine”. SIXiDES’ timing was driven by shifts in homeowner behaviour. According to Lim, users are now more research-driven yet overwhelmed by scattered information.  “They are not just looking for inspiration, they want structured, trustworthy information that reduces confusion. With more first-time homeowners entering the market and renovation costs rising, the timing was right for SIXiDES to tighten its editorial identity, strengthen its tools, and provide a more coherent, user-centred experience,” he added.  The refresh will integrate editorial directly with tools such as eQuote, checklists and guided services, creating a more coherent decision-making journey. Users can expect a cleaner interface, clearer categories, stronger navigation and new long-form guides built around intent. New formats, topic clusters and expert-led series will also roll out as part of the platform revamp. Lim said SIXiDES aims to differentiate itself by focusing on guidance over inspiration and remaining a long-term companion for homeowners even after renovation ends, covering styling, maintenance and practical living. He added:  While others focus on inspiration or lead generation, we’re focused on guidance, clarity and education. As the industry continues to rethink the role of editorial across platforms, other publishers have also begun expanding into new content models. In June, Vogue Singapore’s publisher Media Publishares partnered with luxury communications and experiential agency RSVP to launch Beyond the Boardroom, a content and events platform focused on modern leadership through the lens of culture and commerce. Related articles:    KC Global Media Asia names new director and head of digital marketing  BurdaLuxury picks new editor-in-chief of Lifestyle Asia KL and SGThe Peak tweaks logo in subtle aesthetic refresh  source

As PR teams gear up for 2026, the Asia Pacific region is emerging not just as a hotbed of creative storytelling, but as the fastest‑growing frontier for strategic communications. That growth is underpinned by a clear shift in client priorities: according to the ICCO World PR Report 2024–2025, 40% of PR professionals in Asia Pacific expect to increase investment in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) communications, while 31% are prioritising strategic consulting, and 29% are focused on influencer communication. Talent remains a challenge, senior skills scored around 60%, signaling room for investment, yet ethics shine, with practitioners rating industry integrity at 69%. Looking ahead to 2026, the game is no longer just about campaigns or coverage. It’s about blending human insight with AI, navigating geopolitics and culture, and building trust that lasts. Below, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE spoke with PR professionals across the region to hear how they plan to tackle these shifts and what they see as the industry’s top priorities next year. Don’t miss: Next in digital: How agencies in SG are staying ahead in 2026 Delicia Tan, CEO for Edelman Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan The next chapter in integrated communications isn’t about chasing every new technology development, it’s about making innovation serve authenticity. As AI becomes a daily partner in how people search, consume, and engage, our task as communicators is to make sure it strengthens trust, not replaces it. At Edelman, we see this future as a blend of intelligence, integrity, and experience. AI gives us new ways to predict sentiment, personalise stories, and measure impact in real time. But tools alone don’t build connection. It’s the human judgment, that turns data into meaning. That’s why we will continue investing in our people. We’re developing advisors who can connect culture, technology, and creativity; who can use AI to move faster without losing empathy. At the end of the day, progress isn’t about automation, it’s about amplification: using technology to scale human insight and action. Our focus is on authenticity at scale. We’re helping brands prove who they are through consistent, transparent communication—aligning what they say, what they do, and what others say about them. In a fragmented world, that alignment builds the trust every organisation needs to grow. The future of integrated communications belongs to teams that bring strategy, storytelling, and systems together. People who can bridge human and machine intelligence to create connection that lasts. Because even in an AI-driven world, authenticity is still the most advanced form of intelligence we have. Mei Lee, managing director, FleishmanHillard Singapore A major transformation in PR is the integration of advanced AI and data-driven insights, which evolves our role from just reputation management to delivering intelligence-led counsel that can help organisations anticipate risks, foster innovation, and validate real business impact. Led by global CEO JJ Carter, FleishmanHillard has been accelerating this shift by building consulting-led teams, advancing AI adoption and evolving capabilities to become trusted advisors to clients at the highest levels. In 2026, we will continue to leverage OmniAI, Omnicom’s in-house AI platform to boost efficiency and effectiveness, while delivering innovative client solutions – such as FH Fusion, a first-of-its-kind communications that combines a full range of AI models, institutional knowledge and a proprietary data toolset. Already in use by over 1,500 strategists globally – it directly enhances client deliveries such as crisis response, stakeholder messaging and media intelligence. TRUE Global Intelligence, our data and insights team, is leading strong growth through these tech-enabled offerings. For FleishmanHillard in Singapore, our 2026 focus is to continuously support our global transformation into a strategic business and communications consultancy, linking communications directly to shareholder value creation, and embedding innovation and measurable impact into every client engagement. Joseph Barratt, CEO, Mutant In 2026, I think the next major shift won’t be AI itself, but the way brands approach regional work. We are seeing growing frustration with managing multiple agencies across different markets or paying global-network prices for work that doesn’t translate. More clients want Southeast Asia to operate as one region – a single strategic direction supported by strong local execution. Agencies that can deliver shared insight, integrated planning, and coordinated delivery across borders will have a real advantage. AI will support this, but it won’t replace what we do. It’s a tool that raises the bar by improving audience insight, performance measurement, and collaboration across markets. Its value is in helping us work smarter and deepen regional understanding, not in acting as a substitute for strategic thinking. We’re budgeting cautiously but deliberately for 2026, channelling spend into people, training, and regional structures rather than experiments that don’t tie back to client outcomes. We’re still forecasting growth, but modest and realistic given longer decision cycles. My priority for 2026 is to keep moving Mutant up the value chain by owning more regional mandates and tying our work clearly to business outcomes. If we get that right, the technology will simply help us move faster. Jacob Puthenparambil, founder and CEO, Redhill 2026 will be the year PR evolves from managing perception to decoding reality. The next wave is strategic intelligence — where communications merges with data, behaviour, and foresight. At Redhill, we’re moving beyond content creation to reputation prediction: using AI, sentiment analytics, and behavioural mapping to see around corners and prepare leaders before issues surface. Our focus is on building an integrated Reputation OS — a system that fuses human judgment with machine insight to guide decisions in real time. Budgets are shifting toward technology, security, and leadership capability, not media spend. The single priority for us is resilience — helping organisations earn, protect, and sustain trust in an age of volatility and misinformation. The PR firm of the future won’t just tell stories; it will provide clarity, direction, and courage in a world of noise. Carolyn Devanayagam, EVP, head of corporate, APAC, Weber Shandwick The PR industry’s next major shift will be driven by the collision of geopolitics and culture, a reality already affecting organisations with a regional presence in APAC. Nearly half

Froot Loops is bringing its cereal to the world of hip-hop in a colourful new way. The brand has teamed up with Chicago-based jeweler Kristopher Kites to create limited-edition, one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by the more than 1,000 times Froot Loops has been mentioned in hip-hop tracks. The campaign invites fans to “follow their ears” as much as their noses, turning iconic lyric shoutouts into wearable art. Pieces include a pendant and necklace or a watch, featuring Toucan Sam-inspired gemstones and playful, bold designs that blend craftsmanship with hip-hop’s creative edge. Fans can enter via Froot Loops’ Instagram and TikTok for a chance to win, with 100 additional accessories designed by Kites also up for grabs. Don’t miss: PropertyGuru Malaysia and iamNEETA turn neighbourhood memories into music Froot Loops is also celebrating local hip-hop culture with poster drops in five US cities, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta, commissioned from local artists. Each poster hides a clue connected to a classic Froot Loops name-drop, turning the campaign into an interactive hunt that bridges music, art, and collectibles. “We’ve been proud to watch Froot Loops grow from breakfast table to cultural staple. With our ‘Follow your ears’ campaign we’re spotlighting the brand’s connection to music and community while giving fans a chance to win one-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by Froot Loops’ part in hip-hop history,” said Ryan Versfeld, brand marketing director at WK Kellogg Co.  In tandem, Kites said, “Designing for this campaign, I was inspired by Froot Loops’ playful world, my own childhood nostalgia and the rich legacy of hip-hop. For me it was important to pull them all together to create colorful, cultural, bold moments.” Brittney Price, the artist commissioned for Los Angeles, added, “The brush and pen are my mic. Hip-Hop raised me, and Froot Loops fed me. Life doesn’t move in a straight line. It moves in loops that circle back and push me forward. I’m grateful to share this art journey with Froot Loops and celebrate the loops that shaped me.” The campaign follows a growing trend of brands tapping music-led activations to drive cultural relevance. In May, McDonald’s Singapore dropped a rap to celebrate the launch of its Mac’ n Cheesy breakfast wrap. Created with Leo Singapore, the track highlights ingredients such as hash browns, eggs, ham and cheese, with a cheeky video showing the wrap being made alongside on-screen lyrics. Digital creator Scott Van Der Ven also starred in a comedic skit tied to the rap. Related articles: Heineken creates immersive pop-up music series at unconventional venues   AirAsia banks on local DJs to connect music with travel in new campaign   Amazon Music harnesses the power of music in bold fight against cancer source

Singapore’s acting minister for culture, community and youth David Neo has apologised after calling Hong Kong football players and fans “idiots”.  This follows the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held in Hong Kong on Tuesday (18 November), where the Hong Kong team lost 1-2 to Singapore at home, missing their opportunity to advance to the final round. In a livestream video, Neo praised Singapore’s winning football players following the match, saying that “all the [Hong Kong] fans were bloody idiots, and the players – they also played like idiots. But you all played like lions.” Don’t miss: Record attendance at Kai Tak as HK loses to SG in Asian Cup qualifier  The clip has drawn mixed reactions from netizens on Instagram, with some criticising him for his remarks, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE confirmed. In response to a comment under the livestream video reposted by @tmsgoal, Neo said: “Indeed I probably should have been more respectful. I take back what I said. The Hong Kong team were really tough and their fans were fully behind them. That’s something we should respect, and let’s also get behind our Lions.” Comments seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE are divided, with some congratulating the Singapore team on their victory, while others argue that he showed a lack of respect for the opponent and their fans, demonstrating poor sportsmanship. Some also questioned whether he, as a government official, was speaking on behalf of the entire Singapore government. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth for a statement. Spontaneity versus responsibility Lars Voedisch, group CEO of PRecious Communications, said Neo’s apology felt “half-baked” and more corporate than personal. “He didn’t go back and own it personally. It would have been much easier to say something like, ‘Hey, I’m sorry. It was the heat of the moment. That’s what passion for football sometimes does. Take it with a pinch of salt. I know I overstepped somewhere around there.’ Fans would then likely respond, ‘Yeah, okay, we get it. Sorry accepted.’ After all, we’ve all called referees or other teams names at some point.” Voedisch added that context matters and standards vary by market. “In Singapore, we take a more measured approach and expect different behaviour from our representatives. Being spontaneous is fine, but you have to be smart about it. If you’re in the public eye, or politics. you’re always in the limelight and must manage your reactions.” Jose Raymond, managing director of SW Strategies and founder of TMSGoal, echoed that perspective. He described the remarks as a “Freudian slip, a momentary lapse of judgment in the heat of football pleasure, given the gravity of the result in Singapore footballing terms.” Raymond noted that such off-the-cuff comments from a political officeholder can sometimes lead to diplomatic tensions. He added that the incident raised questions about whether Neo had prepared his talking points for the livestream or spoke spontaneously. “If the latter, then the causation is explained. The practical advice is that he should never attempt such dressing-room pep talks without preparation, especially if it is not something he does often.” Raymond also noted that Neo’s swift apology, posted in response to a comment on TMSGoal, was likely coordinated with his communications team to ensure the media were aware and the message was widely communicated. Ashvin Anamalai, CEO of DNA Creative Communications, said the apology was timely but reactionary. He noted, “As a minister, especially one overseeing culture and community, he should not have made such comments in the first place. Calling another territory’s players and fans “idiots” is not just a slip of the tongue. It reflects poor judgment in a public setting where he knows he represents his country.” He added that the casual delivery of the apology under a reposted video did not match the gravity of the misstep, particularly given cross-border sensitivities, and stressed that: Public figures need to train their instinct to stay respectful, especially in high-emotion situations. This is where leadership is tested, and unfortunately, he fell short. Edwin Yeo, general manager of SPRG, added perspective from someone familiar with the dressing room environment. He said, “To be honest, from the perspective of someone who has been in the dressing room with the team several times, I can understand the emotions that pour out during the occasion, and you often get caught up in the heat of the moment.” He emphasised that ministers are not ordinary participants and that communications teams should have prepared him for the livestream. Yeo also highlighted a broader lesson: We live in an era where private places aren’t private anymore and public figures should be well prepared when appearing on any public platforms, which is no longer restricted to press conferences, tv interviews or even recorded social media content which gives them the cooling down period to relook at what they said. David Ko, CEO of Humantyze and former MD of RFI Asia, focused on the PR implications. He described the apology as reactive and minimal rather than proactive or constructive. He said, “The minister’s wording — ‘I take back what I said’ — does not fully acknowledge the gravity or implications of his comments, nor does it address the hurt caused to Hong Kong players and supporters.” Ko added that immediately pivoting back to supporting Singapore’s team, rather than addressing reconciliation, reflected a lack of humility. Ko advised that public figures must recognize they represent more than themselves and that there is “never an off-the-record moment.” He recommended regular crisis communication and media training, developing speaking principles or guardrails for spontaneous moments, structured messaging even in informal settings, and rehearsing emotional live scenarios to anticipate stress points. Ko also stressed that cross-border sensitivities must be carefully managed, with all communications emphasising mutual respect, sportsmanship, and recognition of participants’ dedication. In the event of mistakes, apologies must be clear, swift, and explicitly reference the broader bilateral context. Comments such as “idiots,” he said, reflect poor sportsmanship and can damage both personal reputations and diplomatic relations. Together, the

Rana Barua, group CEO of Havas overseeing India, Southeast Asia, and North Asia (Japan and South Korea), told Marketing Connected’s Agency Agenda that he is steering the network with a clear focus on regional expansion and operational agility. Since taking on the role, he has embarked on a tour of the Havas offices, deep-diving into local markets to understand cultural nuances, client expectations, and operational dynamics, a step he sees as crucial before implementing broader strategic initiatives. Barua credits a combination of research, hands-on experience, and an advanced management program at Wharton for shaping his approach to leading a diverse, multi-country operation. “For leaders taking on roles across nationalities, it’s critical to slow down and understand each market before stepping in,” he said. Don’t miss: Agency agenda: Sir Martin Sorrell says ‘Data is not the enemy of creativity’ One of Havas’ key moves under his leadership has been the strategic alliance with Indonesia’s Moonfolks, a partnership aimed at creating a “village model” that integrates creative and media capabilities. Indonesia, a high-priority market for the group, benefits from this model by offering clients comprehensive solutions while strengthening Havas’ local presence. Barua noted that the alliance is part of a broader philosophy of growth, where the network remains open to partnerships, acquisitions, or collaborations that bring in new expertise or unlock regional opportunities. Differentiation, according to Barua, comes from Havas’ size and entrepreneurial culture. “We are smaller than many networks, which allows us to stay focused on clients and execute ideas faster,” he said. “Being entrepreneur-led enables us to take calculated risks and move quickly on alliances and partnerships.” The agency is also investing in converged AI as an operational tool to enhance capabilities across creative, media, and CX solutions, marking another step toward innovation-led growth. In Malaysia, Havas is seeing the results of leadership stability and diversified offerings. The local office is now engaging more clients, experimenting with new solutions, and strengthening its pitch conversion, particularly in sectors like banking, petroleum, and other large local brands. Looking ahead, Barua emphasises regional integration as a growth lever. Havas is implementing a “one Asia” model, enabling teams across countries to collaborate seamlessly on regional pitches. This approach, combined with flexible talent deployment and investment in next-generation agency professionals, positions Havas to win larger, more complex mandates across Southeast and North Asia. For Barua, the guiding principles remain simple: be flexible, open to change, and innovate. “If you can think out of the box and challenge the status quo, you can move faster and create more value for clients,” he said. A philosophy that underpins Havas’ regional ambitions for the year ahead.  Also tune in to the full conversation on Spotify: Tune into the rest of this conversation on your favourite podcast platforms, by searching up Marketing Connected. For all the visual people out there, we’ve got your back as well, with our vodcasts on YouTube. Just this week, media reports emerged about deal talks between Havas and WPP over a potential strategic arrangement. However, Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré has dismissed speculation that the French holding group is in talks with WPP, telling staff that the company is “not in discussions” with its British rival. His comments, first reported by Bloomberg, were made in an internal note addressing mounting questions from employees and clients. That shake-up has been led by Omnicom’s US$13.5 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group, which is expected to close this month and will mark the largest holding-company merger in history. In recent years, Havas has continued to expand through selective acquisitions, including Australian media agency and creative production company Hotglue, as well as Singapore’s Klareco Communication, a corporate, financial and strategic communications consultancy. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Havas for more information.  Related articles: Havas Media names Pankaj Nayak president of SEA HAVAS goes public, lists on Euronext AmsterdamHavas, Moonfolks join forces to drive integrated marketing in Indonesia source

UNIQLO Singapore has rolled out its first UTme! collaboration with a global brand, tapping Nissin and local artist JONTBOY for a playful series of T-shirts inspired by cup noodles. The collaboration marks a shift from recent UTme! partnerships with local names such as Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Old Chang Kee. In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Paulene Ong, marketing director at UNIQLO Singapore, the team wanted to “do things differently” by bringing in a globally recognised brand while continuing to spotlight local talent through JONTBOY. Ong pointed to Nissin’s dedication to research and development as a strong fit with UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy. She said both brands share a focus on evolving with the needs of their communities, making the partnership a natural extension of UTme!’s ethos of creativity and self-expression. Don’t miss: UNIQLO Malaysia responds to claims that Oriental Kopi collab artwork was AI-generated  “From pioneering the world’s first cup noodles, to continuous innovation of new flavours, this also mirrors our LifeWear philosophy – how our clothing is always evolving to suit the needs of our community,” she added.  The UNIQLO x Nissin UTme! collection features eight T-shirts and six embroidery designs inspired by the brand’s bold packaging and popular flavours, including chilli crab, tom yam seafood, chicken and seafood. Each design includes easter eggs for local fans, such as a Merlion that sprays noodles in the seafood motif. The range also features a guide to making the “perfect” cup noodles in three minutes, after the team learned that many Singaporeans “don’t know how to make it properly”. Two UTme! store exclusives are available at Orchard Central, Jewel Changi Airport and VivoCity. The designs spotlight Demae Iccho Boy and his family dressed in Japanese samue featuring a kebaya print, alongside local cultural elements such as the tingkat. To build momentum around the launch, UNIQLO is running a series of teasers on Instagram featuring employees enjoying cup noodles in winter settings. Ong said the brand continues to highlight its staff across roles and nationalities as they “represent the true heart of our brand”. The drop anchors the retailer’s bi-annual “Thank You Festival”, which runs from 21 to 27 November. According to Ong, the festival remains one of the brand’s key moments to express appreciation to customers. This year’s edition includes expanded LifeWear offerings, limited deals on seasonal essentials and an exclusive UTme! line created to delight UNIQLO Singapore’s customers and community. Throughout the duration of the festival, customers who purchase one UNIQLO x Nissin UTme! T-shirt will receive a complimentary Nissin cup noodles in one of four local favourite flavours, while stocks last. A life-sized cup noodles installation will also be available for photo opportunities at the Orchard Central global flagship store. Ong added that the collaboration stands out in UNIQLO’s creative calendar as it blends Japanese and local culture during the winter season, supported by visuals that lean into a playful mix of warmth, travel and cup noodles nostalgia. The partnership follows a series of hyperlocal food-centric drops. In July, UNIQLO unveiled a collaboration with heritage breakfast brand Ya Kun Kaya Toast to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday. Launched on 1 August, the collection featured six designs paying tribute to the brand’s 80-year legacy, from scenes inspired by its original Far East Square outlet to playful riffs on kopitiam drink lingo. In October, the retailer teamed up with Old Chang Kee for a collection celebrating Singapore’s culinary icons. Running from 17 October, the collaboration introduced seven UTme! designs and six embroideries featuring familiar visuals such as the Curry’O and the brand’s REX outlet, created with local studio Wheniwasfour. The launch was supported by store activations, including snack redemptions and collectible stickers, with select designs exclusive to UTme! stores. Related articles: UNIQLO names contemporary designer KAWS as first artist in residence   Uniqlo MY taps into Pokémon fandom with latest UT tie-up   UNIQLO ‘Cai fan’ keychain kerfuffle: Where does inspiration end and imitation begin? source

Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG), the outreach arm of the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises (SCORE), is on the lookout for a public relations agency to manage its communications over the next two years, with an option to extend for an additional two years. The contract is set to commence in April 2026. According to tender documents on GeBiz seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, YRSG is inviting tenders to boost public awareness of the Yellow Ribbon cause and highlight the reintegration journey of ex-offenders. The scope of work covers strategic media engagement, issue management, crisis simulations, and spokesperson training. The agency will be expected to provide a team of at least four consultants to deliver comprehensive PR services, including media monitoring, event support, proactive story pitching, and the development of key messages for Yellow Ribbon Singapore and its associated projects. Don’t miss: Singapore Tourism Board on the search for PR agency The contract will also involve integrated communications planning, liaison with social media agencies, and post-event reporting with media coverage analysis. Beyond media relations, the tender specifies that the agency must support YRSG in public engagement efforts, fostering social acceptance of ex-offenders, and encouraging community action to aid reintegration. The PR partner will also develop and run crisis communications simulations and tailor spokesperson training programmes for staff, covering communication scenarios with media, ex-offenders, partners, and the public. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for more information.  The tender comes amid ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for ex-offenders. The move comes as Yellow Ribbon continues to build public awareness and support for ex-offenders through community initiatives. Earlier this month, Yellow Ribbon Project partnered with Geneco for its festive campaign, “Star light, star bright”, alongside The Salvation Army’s Children & Youth Group – Kids In Play, Science Centre Singapore, and Families for Life. The initiative showcased artworks co-created by incarcerated mothers and their children during a rare open visit in September, highlighting stories of love, resilience, and second chances. The pieces will be displayed in Geneco’s first-ever roving art gallery across Singapore from 1 to 21 December, with public votes contributing to a SG$10,000 donation to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. The campaign also includes limited-edition festive cookies from the Yellow Ribbon Bakery, with proceeds supporting rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. Related articles:    Pinterest picks new PR agency for Asia      Audi Singapore names new PR agency of record  Sport Singapore picks new PR agency source