Dr. Leong Hoe Nam - Infectious Diseases Physician, Rophi Clinic

The Media Savvy Awards recognise local business leaders who are good orators and have excellent traditional- and new media skills. Convened since 2018 by Hong Bao Media, the Media Savvy Awards recognise local business leaders who are good orators and have excellent traditional- and new media skills, and encourage business leaders, entrepreneurs and founders to step up in front of the camera and on stage.

As businesses move forward in a digital world with new media platforms, having a strong media presence and the ability to getting your message across to your key stakeholders is crucial for business leaders and entrepreneurs alike. We have added a new category this year, Best Sustainability Communications, in addition to the existing criteria Best Broadcast Interview, Best Online Interview and Best Hybrid Presentation.

This year’s Hong Bao Media Savvy Awards are again supported by the Asia-Pacific Association of Communications Directors (APACD) and Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA). Nominate yourself or another senior business leader before Friday, September 15, 2023 at www.mediasavvyawards.com

Media release: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/sg/hong-bao-media/blog_posts/six-key-learnings-from-apacd-event-how-to-avoid-embarrassing-allegations-of-greenwashing-113971

Barbados is a tiny country half the size of Singapore and with one-twentieth its population - yet Prime Minister Mia Mottley is punching well above the Carribean island's weight on the world stage.

Mottley has taken a leading role in challenging the global order to ensure low-lying countries survive climate change.

A large part of her success may well be the fact that she is such a great speaker.

In this episode of the Media Savvy Podcast, Mark Laudi reviews her recent appearance at the Paris Summit on a New Global Financing Pact to discover why her speeches leave audiences with goosebumps.

The fallout from SPH Media’s disclosure that circulation numbers of Singapore’s major daily newspapers have been artificially inflated by between 10% and 12% continues, with netizens calling on the identities of staff reprimanded over the matter to be disclosed.

But a 40-year veteran of Singapore’s print, broadcast and digital media, PN Balji, says circulation and readership numbers have always been under a question mark.

In this podcast with Media Savvy’s Mark Laudi, he explains how the numbers have been scientifically calculated in the past, and questions whether advertisers will withdraw their funding.

He also does not foresee major changes to Singapore’s media landscape, including government financing for SPH Media.

Liz Truss has been widely panned for her press conference last Friday confirming Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor.

Clearly, reversing policies announced just weeks earlier is not a good look in any situation. 

But what specifically can spokespeople learn from her example?

Mark Laudi takes a granular look in this edition of the Media Savvy podcast.

A local busker, Jeff Ng, has been pulling in crowds performing outside The Cathay building. His rise to fame has been sensational.

But his reputation recently suffered a bit of a dent as he is accused by his ex-girlfriend, fellow musicians and disgruntled audience members as being abusive and unprofessional.

Listen to this episode of The Media Savvy Podcast as Mark Laudi breaks down the three things communications directors should do if their leaders find themselves in Jeff Ng’s position.

You are in an interview, and the journalist asks you a question you do not want to answer.

This puts you in a tight spot. Do you brush aside the journalist’s question and stick to your talking points?

This is exactly what UK Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi did when he was asked an uncomfortable question by Sophy Ridge on Sky News.

But Zahawi has come off as untrustworthy by repeatedly dodging Ridge’s question.

Listen to this episode of The Media Savvy Podcast to find out what Mark Laudi recommends you do if you find yourself in a similar situation during a live interview.

On this episode of the Media Savvy Podcast, we are going to be looking at when it's okay to push back on the journalist.

Sometimes your spokespeople are going to get a number of questions which are not healthily critical, but downright aggressive.

Like Australian opposition leader Anthony Albanese during a press conference in Perth last Tuesday.

Listen to for our take on his response to aggressive questions, and to find out who are the real winners in this situation.

Do publicists play a role in interviews, or should interviewees be expected to handle the entire interview by themselves? 

Mark Laudi weighs in on the recent interview of Mel Gibson by Fox News' Jesse Waters, which was abruptly ended by the publicist when Waters asked Gibson about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.

What should interviewees do when they get a question they do not want to answer? Do they get their publicist to step in, answer it the best they can, or just walk out, like some notable interviewees have done in the past?

Listen to find out what media and communications mentor Mark Laudi thinks is the best way for you and your publicist to handle difficult interviews.