Pineapple Pinnacles

So I skipped school and went to M Hotel Singapore to be one of 6 speakers, in which my job was to represent today’s youth – essentially the world as viewed and used by us.

The classification of the digital generation is not limited to demographics but rather a lifestyle, a digital one at that, where this group embraces technology for information, communication, interaction and everything else.

And reaching them with their vast choice of media can prove to be a challenge for many.

You’ve heard all the hype about what social networking and Web 2.0 is, but how do you really implement it successfully?

DigiGen 2009 will be an important event that will feature case studies, expert knowledge sessions, and panel discussions from leading product brands and marketing experts.

The focus of the event will be on digital technology, digital communication, and digital media etc.

DigiGen 2009 is a must attend event for the people associated with the digital technology and the manufacturers who want a platform to grasp new technologies in digital products and services.

M Hotel Singapore, by the way looked neat & pretty – not overly grand.

Staff working there were polite. Fantastic to start the day with.

Refreshments were crappy though. Anyhoo…

This event was organised by AvaiL Corporation Singapore. Yeah with that Capital L – made me remember it so easily! Fantastic work.

“To teach the old – those behind the marketing/advertising engines how to think again”, words that did not come from my mouth. But I agree.

At least to those working in Singapore.

They should take a look at adverts in the North America and Canada which I feel are really innovative and hilarious, and which I forgot to add it in.

I would always remember this ad which I saw when I was in Canada.

When companies poke fun at themselves and their viewers know it – there you have it, the Impact.

And it should come with no surprise that Apple did come up quite a number of times in our discussions.

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Key speakers for the event included:

Aaron Barnes , Vice President of Global Sales & Business Development for FRIENDSTER

Ken Lim , Country Manager for HABBO

Jasmine Lee Sze Inn , CEO for MNC WIRELESS BERHAD

Raymond Teoh , Assistant Vice President for NEW MEDIA – INTERNET BUSINESS UNIT – SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDING

Ian McKee , CEO for VOCANIC

Senior Representative for YAHOO SOUTH EAST ASIA,

along with many other companies present.

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The 6 of us were with Ian! Very interesting guy there.

It was good exposure, and strangely I felt at ease fielding questions from some 30 plus representatives.

It was like doing a press conference. Extremely exciting and fun.

It was definitely better than doing small talk with salmon bits left all over my mouth after downing the horrid Salmon Quiche.

I just answered with nods and smiles hahaha.

I felt that it was not a long enough session though! I think I could go on but oh wells…

I enjoyed myself, so be happy for me! =)

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*****Update*****

I also forgot to add ‘Value‘ is very important from the start – not just ‘Resale Value’ which I touched on – as the products I buy have to last long.

To Companies:

1. Companies HAVE TO ensure they portray the look that customers are getting their bang for their dollar.

‘Bangs’ can come in all types of form: Design, Function, Brand Name, Ergonomics, Herd-Instincts, Construction, Materials, etc.

2. I hardly buy anything at retail price. Actually I go all out to avoid buying stuff at retail!

And frankly not ashamed to say that. This is how a savvy buyer works.

I price in my mind the cost that should be allocated to a consumer product, taking into consideration the above ‘Bangs’.

3. I want my dollar to go the extra 2 miles for me.

4. By the way, advertising in the recession is the best time to do so.

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To Consumers:

1. Being a member of Gilt Groupe, Editors’ Closet, amongst others, ensures I get luxury brands at half price.

2. Having relatives and friends in both the fashion and electronics industry helps alot too.

So go out and network! People will help you if you are nice.

(This reminds me of a incident on eBay – I got so chummy [thru purely email] with this couple – they sold me goods at the price they purchased it – no profits at all – they were just sugary sweet and kind – package came with stickers and everything. Haha. And it was for a leather good.)

Be nice to people. Expect the unexpected!

My computers and printers can be had at more than 50% off.

Any luxury brand at DFS can be got with at least 25% off on top of any ongoing sales.

3. Blah blah blah…but I only get them when I need to. I do not abide by this 100%, I admit.

That’s really how I live my life. And hell, I’m darn proud I save. Haha. The irony.

4. Not buying electronics during its first wave ensures consumers that any kinks would be more ironed out in the next waves.

And of course, you pay less too for a more functional gadget – less prone to defects down the road.

JUST WAIT. It’s really a waiting game – and the wait times have came down considerably in recent, and will continue to do so in the future.

5. This PSA does not target those who are not filthy-rich, or spend their money like water flowing out of the tap.

Splurging a couple of times is fine, but all the time?

To ensure you get the latest of everything? The me-first attitude toward being a prey of consumerism is uncalled for.

Get a life and smell the earth. It’s either hate or envy or pity, but I cannot spend money that way.

6. Those who are overly stingy, I’m surprised you still have friends.

If those in 3rd world countries can afford to share,

Those in 1st world countries should be able to share too.

Lead a balanced and inevitably happy lifestyle.

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I guess I should have given ‘how to be savvy in buying’ talk instead – for buyers. Lol.