The creator put a ton of effort into filming as much of his trip as possible, and included some highlights like the automatic beer machine at the Tokyo lounge (at 3 minutes 50 seconds).

Gadling has the video clip: Link [embedded Vimeo clip]

Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore has come up with a clever new marketing campaign in a search for new recruits for the Singapore Navy. They sent over 6,000 letters containing a fold out uniform to help the students better imagine themselves as Navy officers.

The mock uniforms are to help the students better imagine themselves dressed for success. 6,000 direct mailers were mailed to graduating ‘A’ level students in December 2008. 4.7% of them responded, considered a higher than average response rate compared to previous direct mailers sent out.

“We sent out direct mailer packs, which opened out to be the ultimate uniform – a crisp, white Naval Officer’s jacket, complete with medals and decorations. A business reply card was placed in the breast pocket.”

Link – via campaignbrief

From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by coconutnut.

[Creative Commons licensed picture courtesy of Flickr user ChanC]

It is a small island stuck in-between Malaysia and Indonesia. Within many of our lifetimes it was the location of some of the worst ethnic violence seen anywhere in the post-war era. Conversely, within ALL of our lifetimes it has been a shining example of strength through ethnic diversity and a model of progressiveness and modernism.

I’ve been to Singapore twice – both visits almost 20 years ago (am I really getting that old?!)

When I was there I saw the slow, relentless urban renewal effort in action. Old-fashioned Chinese “shop house” neighborhoods were being systematically torn down and replaced with more modern facilities for living and for commerce. There was some sadness around this march of progress – but perhaps more palpable, a sense of excitement for the future.

Fast-forwarding 20 years from my last extended stay in Singapore and the International Herald Tribune is reporting today that only one old-fashioned rural village remains in Singapore and it, too, is slated for “renewal” itself before long.

The IHT has a nice [short] video about Singapore’s last village and the relentless march of time. Are there any “old Asian hands” among our readers who can remember the old Singapore?

[International Herald Tribune]