In a whirlwind first three weeks alone, the billion-dollar Barbie movie, took the global box office by storm. Crossing the remarkable $1 billion milestone it may just come out as the biggest film of the year. All because of its masterful marketing blitzkrieg.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, the billion-dollar Barbie movie made history as it shatters the glass ceiling for female directors in the male-dominated film industry.
Gerwig’s accomplishment is twofold, as she not only set a record for the most successful box office weekend for a female director but also became the first solo female filmmaker to cross the billion-dollar mark.
Dubbed the “Barbie Hype Machine,” the campaign was initiated over a year before the movie’s release, building excitement with every step.
From a Barbie Dreamhouse Airbnb in Malibu to collaborations with various brands, the marketing team left no stone unturned in creating a vibrant and immersive Barbie experience.
Graeme Hughes, director of Griffith’s Business Lab, praised the impact of the film’s marketing on the retail sector, stating that the scale of the campaign was innovative and far-reaching.
Brave billion-dollar Barbie pink
The use of pink, a signature colour associated with Barbie, played a central role in the marketing strategy. Dee Madigan, creative director of Campaign Edge, commended the marketing team for their bravery in fully embracing the iconic hue, as it added an extra layer of authenticity to the campaign.
The commitment to the colour pink was a bold choice, but it paid off, elevating the excitement surrounding the film and making it an unforgettable cinematic event.
While the massive investment in the marketing campaign may have been deemed risky by some, it ultimately proved to be a stroke of genius. The willingness to go all out, as Ms Madigan put it, captivated audiences and turned the promotion into a joyous celebration rather than a mere hype-building exercise.
As the movie continues its box office triumph, it has its sights set on dethroning The Super Mario Bros Movie as the most successful film of 2023.
With its remarkable journey to the billion-dollar milestone and its unforgettable marketing campaign, Barbie has undoubtedly become a defining moment in the world of cinema.
SINGAPORE: In the run-up to the Hungry Ghost Festival, familiar sights have been popping up around the city, including, rather unfortunately, litter from burnt joss papers.
Mr Harith Hadith posted a photo on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page on Aug 17 (Thursday) of a grassy area beside a road strewn about with many little pieces of paper that appear to have flown from the burner.
“Pity the cleaners this morning, even the plastic they didn’t throw,” wrote Mr Harith, adding a crying emoji.
The post evidently struck a nerve with many Singaporeans and has been commented on and shared widely.
“This morning my 6 years old son asked me how come so messy…” wrote one.
Another chimed in, “Singapore knows u burning for 7th ghost but pls don t behave like u re possesed by dirtiying the place.”
One pointed out the selfishness in the behaviour of the litterers.
“Should clear the remains after session,” a netizen said.
One tried to find some humour in the situation, writing, “Now supermarket charge for plastic bags. So now people leave the plastic bags as offerings.”
A woman wrote that in the area where she lives, cleaners start clearing up as early as 5 o’clock in the morning.
Another echoed the post author’s appeal to pity the cleaners, and added, “If you are doing the ghost month prayers just clean up the area. Be consider(ate) to others.”
One suggested that the National Environment Agency (NEA) place a trash bin beside the burners.
“It’s high time for the government to step in and address this issue. As times change and our understanding of environmental responsibility grows, we can no longer turn a blind eye to this nuisance and irresponsible behavior. We owe it to our environment, our society, and future generations to put an end to these practices that no longer align with our evolving values. It’s time for change,” a commenter wrote.
“We should also be considerate when observing religious practices as it’s our shared responsibility to keep public spaces and our waterways clean,” CNA quoted NEA as saying in 2021, after three people had thrown joss papers into a canal.
The Independent Singapore has reached out to Mr Harith for additional comment. /TISG
Decades ago, the quest for love was confined to handwritten letters, chance encounters, and serendipitous meetings. Fast forward to today’s fast-paced world, technology has interwoven itself into the fabric of modern romantic relationships.
From dating apps and virtual connections to long-distance communication and social media, the impact of technology on our love lives is undeniable.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways technology is shaping love in the 21st century.
The Technology of digital matchmaking
Technology has opened up an array of dating platforms and apps, promising to connect us with our perfect match with a few swipes. While it has widened the dating pool, it also poses questions about the authenticity of online profiles and the true nature of the connections we make.
From sharing relationship milestones to daily updates, technology allows us to stay constantly connected. However, this can also create feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and comparison, as we may find ourselves comparing our relationship to the curated lives of others on social media.
Long-Distance Love Relationships
Video calls, messaging apps, and online games have made it easier to bridge the physical gap between partners. Yet, people must acknowledge the potential pitfalls of relying solely on technology, as face-to-face intimacy and physical touch remain irreplaceable aspects of any relationship.
SINGAPORE: A Reddit user u/alexand3rl, having recently watched the Brad Pitt movie World War Z and the Korean TV series Kingdom, asked on r/askSingapore what people think would happen “in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse” in the country.
He went on to say that based on the Covid-19 pandemic, “we would have instantly had numerous people getting infected from the very first day.” He also wondered if the Government would “even have a plan for a Zombie outbreak scenario…considering we have so many black swan events happening around us recently (Russia/Ukraine, China/Taiwan, COVID, etc.).”
u/alexand3rl pointed out four things that are likely to influence the outcome:
1. We’re a pretty densely populated country 2. Numerous inbound/outbound flights 3. Shipping hub 4. Military is spread across the island rather than being concentrated (first people to activate are the regulars and NSFs)
Commenters had a lot of fun with answers that touched on their bosses still requiring them to work, how they imagined the government would respond, and how the weather would affect zombies.
However, “I would still continue to work because my boss expects me to,” was far and away the most popular comment.
The post author agreed to this, writing, “Ah yes, the ‘WFH’ because you’re still alive. I think my boss would want me to continue with my work too.”
“Manager: You’re still coming to work right?” chimed in a commenter.
Another imagined their parents’ response would be: “He became a zombie, you are also a zombie. Why is he stronger than you?”
One said that a “Multi Ministry Zombie Task Force,” while a Reddit user referenced the last GE, writing, “HSK will announce a ‘Zombie Coastal Plan’.”
“Maybe the zombies can be deployed to build HDBs. Free labour,” a commenter suggested.
A netizen wrote, “Everyone will just lock themselves into their flat. With how hot and humid the weather is, zombies aren’t going to last long enough to infect many people before they rot too much to move.”
Photo for illustrative purposes only (SNEC website)
SINGAPORE: The substantial disparity in waiting times for subsidised patients versus non-subsidised patients at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) has sparked concerns after a Singaporean revealed that he had to opt for non-subsidised treatment for his parents who qualify for government subsidies in order to get them a quicker appointment.
In a forum letter published by the national broadsheet on Saturday (12 Aug), Edwin Goh expressed dismay over the extended waiting period that subsidised patients are experiencing compared to their non-subsidised counterparts as he recounted the challenges he faced when attempting to secure appointments for his elderly parents at the SNEC.
Mr Goh said both his parents were referred to the SNEC for specialist treatment by the polyclinic. His mother suffered from cataracts and blurred vision while his father was grappling with a persistent swollen lower eyelid. Mr Goh called SNEC to make the appointments.
The shock came when Mr Goh was informed that the next available appointment for subsidised patients would not be until September 2024, more than a year away. The SNEC allegedly attributed this lengthy waiting period to a shortage of doctors.
In contrast, the centre indicated that the waiting time for non-subsidised patients was notably shorter, with the earliest available appointment in October 2023 – just three months away. Mr Goh wrote:
“But if I opted for no subsidy, it would have to be “non-subsidised all the way” and my parents would not be able to switch back to being subsidised patients.
“As the waiting time for appointments for subsidised patients is way too long, I had no choice but to go for the non-subsidised route for my parents to get them an appointment as soon as possible.”
Highlighting that the disparity in waiting times may lead to financial implications due to the higher cost of cataract surgery without the appropriate subsidies, Mr Goh called on the Government to “relook the healthcare scheme and subsidies, especially for the elderly, who may not be able to wait long to seek appropriate medical care.”
Mr Goh’s concerns found swift traction online, with a number of Singaporeans decrying the lengthy waiting times for subsidised patients. Some also asked for the rationale behind the policy in which patients cannot switch to the subsidised route after the initial consultation.
Singaporeans online have argued that timely access to medical care should not be contingent upon one’s ability to afford non-subsidised rates and that the elderly population, in particular, might not be able to tolerate prolonged waiting times.
Facebook user Mohd Fahmi said, “This is government hospital. Just because you have money doesn’t mean you should get better treatment.”
Another netizen, Joanne Sim, said starkly: “In Singapore, It’s better for the poor to die than to fall sick.”
SINGAPORE: A Reddit user recently said that he’s observed that there are more inconsiderate food delivery riders, those who have “little regard for road and pedestrian safety.”
u/Familiar-Mouse4490 wrote on r/askSingapore on Thursday (Aug 17) that it seems that these riders “care more about their delivery than the safety of themselves and others. Constantly zooming past pedestrians, crossing from pedestrian to road traffic instantly, cutting across cars.”
He acknowledged that they have a job to do, but added that
“it shouldn’t come at the expense of themselves and others around them.”
“What use is there if they themselves are dead from a traffic accident, or hit someone, they go flying, a pedestrian gets injured, and their food are spilled anyways?” he wrote, adding that he hopes their companies will do more to ensure their safety.
One commenter replied by saying this is not a new problem, and it actually used to be worse when PMDs (personal mobility devices) had no regulation.
“Any food delivery rider caught violating traffic rules should be suspended in all food delivery app. They have become nuisance both to the pavement and road users,” another opined.
“What annoys me is that they don’t seem to use the rings/alarms to alert pedestrians of their presence ahead and it doesn’t help they aren’t going slow,” wrote one.
Another added, “It’s sickening to encounter them every morning on pavements travelling at speed in excess of 25kmph and behaving like they have the right of way transporting their kids/wards to school – What impression and habits are they imparting to the kids who’ll grow up taking for granted it’s ‘NORMAL’”?
Others shared their own experiences with unsafe food delivery riders.
SINGAPORE: A recent survey conducted by Access Singapore, a non-profit organization focused on social mobility, has revealed stark concerns about increasing inequality within Singapore society, with one in two Singaporeans feeling that social inequality in Singapore has risen over the last decade.
This represents 51 per cent of the 1,000 respondents who were polled by Access Singapore in partnership with market research and data analytics firm Milieu Insight. The survey aimed to gauge public perceptions of social mobility in the country and assess the impact of the local education system on workforce preparation.
Those who said that Singapore had witnessed an escalation in social inequality over the last decade identified themes such as income disparity, social class, and living standards as potential catalysts for this growing divide, with many saying that the quality of education, social networks, and housing are pivotal factors for success.
An overwhelming majority of respondents (90 per cent) said they believe that robust social connections are essential to secure desirable jobs in Singapore, underscoring the significant role of networking and relationships in career advancement.
Another notable revelation was the respondents’ conviction that attending a prestigious secondary school enhances life prospects. A striking 82 per cent of respondents indicated that attending a brand-name secondary school impacts opportunities, possibly contrasting the Government’s claim that every school is good.
The survey also found that 74 per cent of respondents believe a university degree is a prerequisite for a successful career in Singapore. Interestingly, this belief was less prevalent among those aged 55 and above, suggesting a subtle generational shift in perspective.
About 70 per cent of respondents believed that different neighbourhoods offer varying levels of upward mobility. Those supporting this sentiment pointed out that certain areas provide better access to social networks and facilities, contributing to their chances of success.
Founder and Executive Director of Access Singapore, Clarence Ching, highlighted the urgency of addressing these disparities. He said:
“The disadvantaged need to get ahead, and not just get by. We must never allow postal codes to determine outcomes in life. We must continue to narrow the opportunity gap, help the next generation open doors to new possibilities, and guide them towards their aspirations for a better future beyond what they once thought possible.”
Despite concerns about inequality, the survey revealed an encouraging trend: 85 per cent of respondents still believe in the potential to improve their socioeconomic status through hard work. The same proportion of Singaporeans said social mobility is important to their lives.
Education can be the great equalizer for these Singaporeans, but more needs to be done to better equip citizens for jobs.
43 per cent of respondents identified a lack of required skills as the top obstacle to achieving career goals. 70 per cent, meanwhile, believed that the education system sufficiently equips students with the workforce.
While this seems promising, it also means that three out of ten Singaporeans do not believe that the education system sufficiently equips students with the workforce.
Access Singapore said this highlights the need for continual improvement in the education system to make it more effective in preparing students for their careers. It added that a greater emphasis on skills-building can help plug employment gaps and unlock more career opportunities.
70 per cent of Singaporeans said they would prefer the education system to encourage success beyond academic performance, while 67 per cent sought more effective resources for career guidance.
63 per cent extolled the value of promoting social and emotional development opportunities, while half of the respondents said that secondary school is the best stage for career opportunities and related information on employability to be introduced to individuals.
Calling for fast and decisive action to uplift the disadvantaged, Mr Clarence said: “The findings show that greater support and resources must be provided to help the disadvantaged expand their social and cultural capital in Singapore’s fight to tackle social mobility.
“A refreshed meritocracy runs a real risk of being an overused political mantra if we do not take fast and decisive action. If we want to push for greater social mobility and equity in Singapore, our ultimate aim must be to uplift the bottom as well as diversify the top.”
Milieu Insight CEO Gerald Ang added, “While Singapore has done a lot to preserve social mobility, the quest for meritocracy remains an important aspiration. As we dive deeper into the specifics, this study sheds light into the intricate landscape of social mobility in Singapore.
Factors such as access to strong networks/ connections, the ability to work hard and positive mental attitude are some of the top noted factors towards improving one’s socio-economic status.
The study also yielded encouraging results when it comes to the increasing significance of well-being and a balanced lifestyle in achieving success as the majority of respondents have prioritised health (74%), happiness (64%), and balance (61%) over wealth and career pursuits.”
SINGAPORE: Presidential hopeful Tan Kin Lian has promised to be a faithful steward of Singapore’s reserves while championing the concerns of the people if he is elected head of state, pointing to his incredible performance at NTUC Income when he was at the helm of the cooperative.
NTUC Income’s assets grew from S$28 million to a whopping S$17 billion during his 30-year tenure as CEO. Asserting that this careful stewardship is a testament to how qualified he is for the presidential office, Mr. Tan told the media this week:
“Over 30 years managing the assets has been very important, and I have certain principles about investing for the long term, investing in the secure Investments to give a good long-term return.”
Mr Tan, who contested the last open presidential election in 2011, is widely seen as the “true independent” of the four contenders who have thrown their hats into the race.
All three of the other hopefuls, ex-Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, ex-GIC chief economist Ng Kok Song, and ex-diplomat and entrepreneur George Goh Ching Wah, have all made promises of independence but Mr Tan is the only prospective candidate who has been openly critical of Government policies, championing the common man, over the years.
Mr. Tan, a regular figure at the Speakers’ Corner, has previously criticized the Government’s changes to the CPF withdrawal rule, the MediShield scheme, and the issues at SMRT. He has also spoken up for Singaporeans who lost their savings in the Lehman Brothers collapse in 2008 and, more recently, the Hyflux collapse.
While Mr. Tan has said that he is contesting this year’s election to “continue to be the voice of the people” and that he wants to be “independent of the government”, he has promised to take a collaborative approach with the Government if elected.
He said, “To make a change, you cannot be in confrontation. It doesn’t produce a result. Even the government side must also recognize that you need to hear the voices of other sides.”
Asserting that he wants to be a president who amplifies the people’s concerns to the Government but does not want to descend into political power plays, he added, “I don’t intend to be involved in politics because politics does not solve problems. Even the government must also not play politics. We just want to see what is the best solution to the problems that people face. ”
SINGAPORE: In the third part of The Workers’ Party’s explainer mini-series on public housing issues in Singapore, a child is seen building a city with mini-figs who then goes on to ask Sengkang GRC MP Jamus Lim why housing has gotten so expensive and why wait times are so long.
Assoc Prof Lim explained the situation against the background of Rivervale Shores in Sengkang, one of the newest BTO projects. He said that part of the lag in housing has been due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “But part of the reason has been due to a supply shortfall that has blighted the entire island,” he added. And many families have had to wait for as long as six years.
The video is a look at how HDB builds, prices, and sells housing units, as well as asks if there is an alternative way.
The model of building only when there is a demand for flats may not be the most appropriate one, he said, citing the example of what occurred during the pandemic.
While no one anticipated what the pandemic would bring, however, it meant an additional waiting time of three, four, or even five years for some would-be homeowners.
“We think that the government can do more in terms of building in advance,” with household formation, population growth rate, and immigration all being predictable.
He also tackled the issue of land being so expensive in Singapore.
“Land has many uses, just like how the government already prices land for commercial as well as non-commercial uses differently.”
Pricing housing land at a discount relative to the price of commercial land can bring many advantages, he added, including helping keep HDB flats affordable.
As to selling public housing units, the Sengkang MP noted that times have changed since the policy was set for selling flats with 99-year leases.
At this point, more alternative lease durations, especially shorter ones, can be offered, such as the existing flexi plan for older people.
Another possibility would be rentals, which many younger Singaporeans are open to.
However, rentals have been expensive, leading Assoc Prof Lim to ask if a public rental scheme would be possible for even larger format homes rather than the smaller ones now available.
He added that for the final instalment, his fellow Sengkang MP Louis Chua will discuss alternative models of the 21st century.
SINGAPORE: A photograph of a man pushing a shopping cart from Mustafa Centre on board an MRT train has sparked outrage online and concerns over how the man managed to bring the trolley on board the train without being stopped by station staff.
The picture was posted on the “Complaint Singapore” Facebook page by a netizen named Mohd Dean on Friday (18 Aug). The netizen alleged that the man pushing the cart was a foreigner as he said that the man should have been more considerate of shoppers who need the cart instead of using it to ferry his purchases home.
There are strict rules in most malls, including Mustafa Centre, that shopping carts should not be removed from the premises. The unidentified shopper’s act has sparked questions as to whether taking the shopping cart home could be categorized as stealing.
The incident also raised questions about the oversight of MRT station staff. Several netizens questioned how the man managed to bring the large shopping cart onto the MRT train being stopped by station staff.
Facebook user Willy Tan said, “MRT guard should not allow it if not others will follow it,” while Harry Tan said that the man should not have been able to get through the gantry.
Netizen Loh Wai Poon asserted that SMRT should have restricted the man from entering the platform as the trolley is not private property. Another Facebook user asked, “How come they managed to get through the gate without being stopped? What if a terrorist just pushes through an explosive. MRT must wake up!”
