[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="351327" pattern_background="pattern_background" use_as_box="use_row_as_box" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] #20 Design Predictions for 2017 [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_column_text] By  Quentin Berryman, Group Creative Director [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #1 / Design in politics [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351332" img_size="800x800"][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #2 /  Video becomes king #3 /  Bespoke illustration, tailored to the message #4 /  Virtual and augmented reality [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #5 / Bolder typography with richer more arresting colours [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351333" img_size="800x800"][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #6 /  Animation and motion graphics #7 /  Data and design #8 /  Hand drawn, crafted logos #9 /  War on anything plastic [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #10 /  Overlapping colours [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351324" img_size="600x400"][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #11 /  Candid, unfiltered photography #12 /  Mobile site first, website second #13 /  Longer scrolling websites that take the customer on a journey #14 /  Asymmetric and broken layouts [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #15  / The colour green [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351329" img_size="600x800"][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #16 /  Modernised 90s retro #17 /  Debranding #18 /  Google fonts #19 /  Function first #20 /  Rigged social media [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="351294" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="300" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Reaching for the best [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]There's a new challenger in the Indonesian beer market. Bali Hai has re-tooled its brewery with state of the art technology from Europe and re-launched Bali Hai Premium against Heineken, Carlsberg and Bintang at the top end of the market. Already capturing outlets such as Ritz Carlton, Bali Hai is set to disrupt the Indo beer market, not only at the top but also with a re-vamped Draft Beer aimed at session drinkers in the lower end, high volume clubs and Dangdut bars.   Bali Hai Brewing has worked with DIA Brands to develop a carefully crafted strategy and re-positioned brand portfolio. Indonesia is a fast growing market with a young and expanding middle class that has a taste for innovative brands. There's more to come from this progressive independent brewery, so watch this space.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="20px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] For more see: Bali Hai Case Study [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="351176" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="300" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Kayamila shortlisted for Marketing Excellence Awards Singapore 2016 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]SINGAPORE, 25 OCTOBER 2016 - DIA Brands’ entry – Kayamila, has been shortlisted as a Finalist in the Marketing Excellence Awards Singapore 2016 (MEA 2016) for ‘Excellence in Brand Strategy’ category.   In a category full of exciting western breakfast spread options, the traditional Kaya spread was facing irrelevance. DIA brands took on an unconventional stand of repositioning Kayamila such that the brand is not only re-inventing Kaya as a breakfast spread for all the family but also shifting its focus beyond the traditional breakfast consumption enhancing the taste of desserts, cakes and more with its innovative new flavours.   DIA Brands' entry for Kayamila stands alongside renowned national and global brands in the field of insurance, finance and telecom, all stalwarts in their respective sectors. MEA, one of Singapore’s largest award shows, is dedicated to honouring the top marketers and brand professionals who are setting the benchmark for the industry in Singapore. Kayamila stands in this list! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column width="1/6"][vc_empty_space height="20px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351180" img_size="120x117" alignment="center"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/6"][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] Final winners for MEA 2016 will be announced on 3 Nov 2016 - watch this space for updates! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="20px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] For more see: Kayamila Case Study [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="349778" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="300" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Progresif wins Asia Communications Awards 2016 following DIA re-brand [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351158" img_size="full"][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]A year after its re-launch, Progresif continues to flourish and make Brunei proud with its prestigious achievements at the Asia Communications Awards 2016, with wins in both the Best Brand Campaign and Engineering Project of The Year category. These awards are certainly reflective of the brand’s dedication towards excellence, a commitment that has been visible to us right from the get-go.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351159" img_size="full"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]When we first started with Progresif, it was a telecommunications company with low market share and diminishing relevance. By uncovering the crossroads faced by today’s Bruneians – which featured a desire to participate in an increasingly connected, progressive world without losing what it means to be Bruneian – we helped Progresif to embrace this spirit of possibility that Bruneians aspire to. This meant building the kind of brand-based culture and discipline that fosters business growth, bringing the brand to life through its people, systems and processes. Enhancing the brand’s role and influence so it has become embedded in the way the entire company does business.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="351157" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]“Made by Bruneians, for Bruneians”. With this in mind, Progresif successfully rewrote the rules and renewed its calling to unlock the possibilities of a connected, inspired and progressive life by giving and empowering its consumers with the “Freedom To Do More”. This is the Progresif tribe.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="20px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] For more see: Progresif Case Study [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="350786" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] #20 things we didn’t know last week [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_column_text] By  Quentin Berryman, Group Creative Director [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #1 British artists accounted for one in every six LPs sold worldwide last year. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="350747" img_size="800x400"][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] Photo: PhotoBlog [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #2  Green light can help migraines. #3  The Chinese government fabricates nearly 490 million social media posts every year. #4  Google is patenting a “sticky” technology so that pedestrians who get hit by self-driving cars will stick to them rather than bounce off. #5  Everyone has a distorted view of their body (but not other people’s). [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #6 Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="350748" img_size="800x400"][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] Photo: Edward Burtynsky [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #7  Only seven women are allowed to wear white when meeting the Pope. #8  You veer to the left when you're anxious. #9  Google paid Apple $1bn in 2014 to keep its search bar on iPhones. #10  People living in penthouses are more likely to die of a heart attack. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #11 Fish stop swimming in space. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="350749" img_size="800x400"][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] Photo: WallDevil [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #12  Under Armour’s first patent was for a sports bra. #13  The average iPhone user unlocks their mobile 80 times a day #14  The ad executive behind the Nike slogan "Just do it" got the idea from the final words of condemned murderer Gary Gilmore. #15  Singapore has the fastest walkers on the planet. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] #16 Wales has 8%...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="350784" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Why are all brands social? [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_column_text] By Nigel Smith, Group CEO [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] There’s a lot of talk recently about social media and brands. Martin Sorrel says that 33% of WPP’s total revenues of US$16.5 billion are from digital and has set a target of 35-40% of revenue to be derived from digital by 2018. As a leader in the communications industry this is a significant shift, so what’s all the fuss? [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]According to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends 2015, Culture and Engagement is the most important issue companies face around the world. 87 percent of organizations cite culture and engagement as one of their top challenges, and 50 percent call the problem “very important.”   Shockingly, despite this challenge, a substantial proportion of the respondents (22 percent) report that their organizations have either a poor program to measure and improve engagement, or no program at all. Only 7 percent rate themselves excellent at measuring, driving, and improving engagement and retention.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]There’s a growing realisation that this is not just a fad but a seismic shift in the global communications industry. This falls into two parts; firstly the power that big data has unleashed and the resulting ability to profile and target consumers in previously unimagined detail; secondly the social media phenomenon that has so far opened the door to instant multi-user dialogue between over a billion users worldwide and that’s Facebook alone, add another 500 million for Weibo, plus 500 million for Twitter, Pinterest 200 million, Instagram 100 million and you begin to get the picture.   However amongst all these burgeoning numbers it has...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="350785" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Kayamila excites the breakfast aisle with innovative new flavours [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="350738" img_size="full"][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]Fong Yit Kaya, a popular kaya spread specialist partnered with DIA Brands to define a new brand for its kaya products. The rebrand aims to inject appeal and relevance at every level – be it in terms of positioning, packaging, flavours and messaging in response to an evolving market where younger consumers have very different needs and expectations.   We delved deep into the psyche and habits of today’s consumers and drew learning from other western spreads and overall breakfast category to uncover opportunities. The outcomes and key insights informed the overall strategy to present kaya as the much-loved choice of modern families by expanding its role beyond breakfast and tea-time occasions. With a proposition centered around "Open Up", the brand was able to leverage on a compelling platform to introduce product innovations through contemporary and unexpected flavours that injected life and enhanced kaya’s relevance and appeal to new market segments.   To supplement the revitalised proposition, a new name was introduced. "Kayamila" represents Fong Yit's ambitious goal to elevate the kaya category. The new name injects vibrancy into the product portfolio, and enabled the brand to stretch its influence, start anew with dynamism and energy, and raise the brand’s potential for innovation and appeal to a wider audience including the international market.   Kayamila has been very well received in overseas markets and has already been launched in Singapore all dressed in new, refreshed packaging, supported with a PR and social media strategy that is continuously engaging consumers not just on what breakfast and tea times can be, but...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="349275" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] What goes down must come up (sic) [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_column_text] By Nigel Smith, Group CEO [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] Why staying true to your brand is the key to unlocking the recession. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]It’s a simple fact that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so states the law of physics. Similarly, for those who remember the mid 70’s, the early 90’s, the Asian economic crisis in ’98, the ‘dot com’ crash, the downturn of 2001 and now the Global Financial Crisis, closely followed by Brexit the economic cycle of boom and bust is an all too familiar story.   What we know is that for every downturn there’s an upturn and the bad news won’t last forever. It’s also a simple truth that, for those who are prepared to see the downturn as an opportunity not a threat there’s a chance to emerge stronger when the markets pick up, if they get their strategy right and spot the gaps that are sure to appear.   There are many issues confronting companies in the current situation. From cross border trade to gearing, liquidity, cash flow, inventories, staff and many other factors that have a pressing urgency for most managers, mean a daily battle to sustain short-term performance and to balance the business. Unfortunately for a lot of companies the first port of call in cutting costs to achieve short-term savings is the marketing budget and this could be a mistake that will damage the long-term viability of the business.   Attack is the best form of defense Effective branding is one of the most powerful weapons a company has to ensure survival and ultimately...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="350788" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Brand culture is good business [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_column_text] By Nigel Smith, Group CEO [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] These days many successful global companies consider their corporate culture as a source of sustainable competitive advantage. They make deliberate efforts to integrate their core values and business principles into management processes such as hiring methods, leadership development activities, performance management systems, compensation and benefits programs. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]Yet according to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends 2015, culture and engagement is the most important issue companies face around the world. 87 percent of organizations cite culture and engagement as one of their top challenges, and 50 percent call the problem “very important.”   Shockingly, despite this challenge, a substantial proportion of the respondents (22 percent) report that their organizations have either a poor program to measure and improve engagement, or no program at all. Only 7 percent rate themselves excellent at measuring, driving, and improving engagement and retention.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="350693" img_size="full"][vc_empty_space height="18px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] Source: http://dupress.com/articles/employee-engagement-culture-human-capital-trends-2015/ [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="9px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] The disconnect between companies and their people Clearly there’s a disconnect between the imperative demonstrated by the success of companies like Apple and IKEA, with the prevailing attitudes in many C-suites around the world. Most enlightened companies have already expanded their recruitment selection criteria to include cultural fit above qualifications and recognise that skills are easier to develop than personality traits, attitudes and values.   For example IKEA selects applicants using tools that focus on values and cultural fit. Its standard questionnaire downplays skills, experience or academic credentials and instead explores the job applicants’ values and beliefs, which become the basis for screening, interviewing, training and...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="349275" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] DIA wins GOLD at the Singapore Design Awards 2016 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_single_image image="350672" img_size="full"][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]SINGAPORE, 17 MARCH 2016 – DIA Brands, one of Asia’s leading strategic and creative brand consultancies, was awarded Gold at the 2016 Singapore Design Awards (SDA). As the leading design award in Southeast Asia, the SDA honours outstanding designers, design students and design practices from across the world, and counts luminaries across different disciplines in the design field on its judging panel.   The work that DIA submitted this year include an innovative design for the launch of JustCo, Asia's newest co-working brand; Progresif, a bright new telecom in Brunei; Museum Label, a new product and retail brand experience for our National Museums; Winston, a powerful new take on engineering; and Samsui, a delightful range of sauces that taps into our Asian heritage. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" color="#00a2c5" thickness="1" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_empty_space height="20px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] “There's no better deal than to be able to live our passion and breathe such artistry and creativity into our clients' world and experiences every single day.”   Nigel Smith, Group CEO, DIA Brands [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]To learn more about each of DIA’s award-winning projects, or to see more of our work, please visit www.diabrands.com/work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" background_image="350789" box_shadow_on_row="no" el_class="y3insidebanner"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_empty_space height="100" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="150" image_repeat="no-repeat"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text][sb-view-breadcrumb][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1463731956110{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text] Finding (workplace) happiness within [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="20px" image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][vc_column_text] By Pooja Dixit, Strategy Director, SG [/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="normal" up_style="px" down_style="px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="grid" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text] The world’s greatest philosophers have talked about how happiness lies within each one of us and that we are all on an endless journey to find it. Well, this seems quite like the situation at the workplace. Employers today are increasingly concerned about how to best engage their employees, some are trying really hard, especially when it comes to retaining the ever-elusive Millenials. While many are still struggling to find the secret to happiness within their organisation, others are realising the secret could well be within its people. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space image_repeat="no-repeat"][vc_column_text]Aon Hewitt’s 2015 Report on Trends in Global Employee Engagement provides the good news that employee engagement is on the rise globally, with Asia in a favourable position. The report states “Business and talent strategies are intimately connected; leadership and employee engagement are essential for success. The best companies build and sustain a culture of engagement, led by CEOs who understand that employee engagement is not just a “nice to have” but critical to achieving business results. Leaders in these elite organizations also understand that employee engagement is primarily their responsibility.” The studies indicate statistically significant relationships between higher levels of employee engagement and financial performance. It states “In previous studies, we found that a 5% increase in employee engagement is linked to a 3% increase in revenue growth in the subsequent year.” This should assure many employers who are not completely convinced about a clear and measurable relationship that probably hinders their investment in the “happiness within” factor, their...