NEWS
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Colloquial marketing The J. Walter Thompson Company (JWT) and Group SJR, a unit of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, have launched a content marketing unit called Colloquial. Through this joint venture, Colloquial will build publishing environments for brands, specialising in content that builds loyalty and audiences over time. It will publish short articles, infographics and visual stories for brands. Colloquial will share locations and draw on JWT’s presence in key global markets.
On the move? HSBC bank is rumoured to be mulling over plans to relocate its HQ to Asia, with Hong Kong in its sights. HSBC will cut its global workforce by up to 50,000 in a US$5 billion cost-cutting initiative, said an AFP article. The bank will use a set of 11 criteria in deciding whether it will move its headquarters out of London. The bank will also rebrand its UK retail banking unit.
In pursuit of luxury Bloomberg Media has introduced a redesigned Bloomberg Pursuits magazine, a quarterly guide to intelligent luxury. Bloomberg Pursuits, which is closely aligned with its digital home on Bloomberg Business, is a key pillar of the company’s consumer media strategy. Editorial content will go live across the web, mobile, television, digital video, print, radio and live events. The magazine’s design was conceived by creative director Robert Vargas.
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Journalism rejoices Audi’s communications team launched a central research platform for journalists and bloggers. Media representatives will be able to use press releases, photos, videos and other content related to Audi for their editorial work without registration. The online portal at www.audi-mediacenter.com can be easily used on all modern end devices. Toni Melfi, head of Audi communications, said it was a “modern research platform for journalists, bloggers and online multipliers”.
Lenovo renews its vision Lenovo unveiled its new logo as a response to the company’s renewed vision for its brand. To express the brand’s diversity, multiple colours and visuals are interchangeable behind the logo, which according to Lenovo, was intended to connect its company with key social trends and local preferences. The new logo will be rolled out in phases throughout the year.
Parting ways Heineken ended its global ad contract with Wieden+Kennedy, its creative agency of five years. Heineken announced both it and the agency had reached an agreement to terminate its global ad contract for the Heineken and Desperados brands. Both have worked together since 2010, and last year saw Heineken push to the top as Cannes’ Marketer of the Year with the partnership.
Zespri’s golden mornings Fruit brand Zespri branded itself with a series of early morning activities, including a pre-work party in the CBD. The idea was to create seven days of positivity and experiences, culminating in Asia’s first-ever pre-work party with Morning Gloryville from the UK. The Zespri Golden Mornings kick-started on 8 June with a SunGold kiwi-themed “ride with the pack” spinning class by CruCycle.
Finding the right Formul8 Tertiary arts education institution Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) appointed independent agency Formul8 as its creative agency of record for a period of two years. The agency is tasked to provide creative, advertising and marketing services for NAFA. The agency will also help out in media planning and buying to achieve NAFA’s marketing campaign objectives. It will also manage digital marketing and social media community management.
New news portal Independent news portal six-six. com went live in June delivering talking points on news ranging from business to politics to lifestyle trends. The site aims to “challenge readers to think beyond what they glean from mainstream media to reach a balanced considered opinion.” The site will bring together various views by offering a different and balanced analysis. The site was founded by Kannan Chandran, a former journalist at Singapore daily, The Straits Times.
Hello Kitty rides EVA Air launched an SBS Transit Hello Kitty concept double deck bus as part of its Hello Kitty Jet Launch advertising campaign with Moove Media. While the fully wrapped double deck bus is all white on the outside featuring Sanrio’s characters – Hello Kitty, My Melody as well as Kiki and Lala – the inside of the concept bus is decked in pink, blue and yellow from the interior walls, the seats to the stairs as well as the upper deck of the bus.
Closing down Singapore-based independent agency The Local ceased operations in June. Co-founder Shaun Quek confirmed the closure to Marketing. “We have aided our clients with the transition process to alternative options.” The agency was established in July 2011. Its short description read: “No one understands Singapore better than The Local.” The agency was founded by Quek, Ho Peck Kheng and Kirsten Ackland.
Centre of attention Starcom MediaVest Group set up a social command centre at the SEA Games. The command centre was made up of members from the SEA Games’ organising committee, a creative director, content designers and producers, and a team of community managers from Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. In addition, SMG reported and provided communication strategy recommendations based on its monitoring.
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