Branding

THE BOTTOM LINE

Why firms are pivoting from ‘China-shedding’ to ‘China-maxxing’

The approach of hiding one’s ties to Beijing has run its course for the bigger players

Sri Lanka Navy personnel assist sailors during a rescue operation involving the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena. The US stepped on India’s toes by sinking the frigate in international waters close to the Indian coast.
THE BROAD VIEW

Brand Quad needs a marketing makeover

Amid geopolitical fragmentation, the ongoing Gulf war adds urgency for the quartet to define itself

Brooklyn Beckham (left) and Nicola Peltz attending the premiere of Lola in this 2024 file photo. He has already signalled a shift by adding Peltz to his surname after his marriage.

Beckham family tensions put spotlight on celebrity trademark disputes

Legal expert says solution could involve limits on use of name

At its core, SEO has always been about driving traffic. With GEO, success is measured by a hybrid of placement and authority.

Why SEO isn’t enough: GEO is how brands get seen today

While we used to focus on writing for humans, we must now package content for AI too

Several companies, including Nike, have adopted a strategy of returning to the values and strategy that had made them successful.
PERSPECTIVE

When companies lose their way

‘Refounding’ is the process of rediscovering a firm’s essential character

Judging by current trends, the vast majority of matcha in the future is going to end up in soft-serve ice-cream, chiffon cakes, mochi and macarons. It would be a waste if Japan tried to chase that low-end business, when the opportunities at the top of the market are so much more alluring.

The matcha craze needs more champagne

Why Japan should up its game to protect its cultural capital. Its tea certainly counts as such

From personalised pre-event communications to interactive onsite experiences, each touchpoint is a chance to create meaningful, data-driven interactions that build a lasting impact well beyond the event.

Engaging fans beyond the finish line: Lessons from F1

When fans no longer just watch but actively shape conversations and engagements, brands can learn much from the F1 Singapore Grand Prix

Even though Labubu’s Google search and social media trends seem to have peaked in July, its manufacturer Pop Mart International’s shares continue to test record highs.

You should ask your teens for shopping and investing tips

Millennials say their children are great at spotting trends, leading to a host of new billion-dollar brands

US singer-songwriter, music producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams at the Louis Vuitton women's Cruise 2026 show in France. Music is a useful complement to more traditional measures of brand buzz.

From Gucci to Rolex: The rise and fall of luxury in music

Mentions of expensive brands in songs have sunk, underlining the sector’s bust. Can it reassert itself in popular culture once more?