26 local brands honoured with Singapore Prestige Brand Award
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Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo presenting the Promising Brands award to Kskin co-founder Samuel Pei. With them are Lianhe Zaobao editor Goh Sin Teck (left) and Association of Small and Medium Enterprises president Ang Yuit.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
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SINGAPORE – Local firm Kskin was established only in 2020 but it has already clinched one of Singapore’s most coveted brand awards.
The skincare chain, which opened its first store at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, prides itself on being the pioneer for express, 15-minute facial treatments.
Kskin’s efforts paid off when it was named the overall winner in the Promising Brands category at the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA) presentation ceremony on Jan 3.
Kskin co-founder Samuel Pei told The Straits Times: “This recognition is not just a milestone for our brand but also a testament to the hard work, vision and passion that have driven us from the very beginning. Our main focuses for future development revolve around expanding Kskin into new markets while continually enhancing the customer experience and improving operational excellence.”
The SPBA, jointly organised by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and Chinese newspaper Lianhe Zaobao, has honoured over 450 unique brands over the past 22 years.
The event on Jan 3 conferred a range of awards on 26 brands across four categories.
Peranakan food caterer Chilli Manis received the most popular brand title in the Promising Brands segment – for those established between three and eight years – while Chinese restaurant Dian Xiao Er was named overall winner in the Established Brands category, reserved for firms that have been around for more than five years.
Brands established for five to eight years can choose to be considered under the Promising Brands or Established Brands categories.
Fellow Chinese restaurant Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine was the most popular in the Established Brands category.
The Heritage Brands award – for brands more than 25 years old – went to bedding retailer Epitex, which clinched the overall prize, while local kueh manufacturer Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh scooped the most popular brand title within the category.
SPBA introduced three new sub-categories in 2024 to honour brands excelling in other key areas.
Catering company How’s Catering, co-living operator Coliwoo and Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh clinched the Transformation Efforts award for their efforts to adapt to market changes. Horse-riding centre Gallop Stable won the Social Contribution award for its community initiatives, and Epitex received the Sustainability award for its efforts to promote environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, HCA Hospice won the Special Merit award, which is for public agencies and not-for-profit organisations that have made and shown significant efforts in branding.
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo told the award ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel that consumer preferences can change very quickly, and companies must remain nimble and sensitive to consumer needs.
She noted that technology has made it easier for companies to do so, adding that brands can now tailor their offerings and marketing messages to individual customer preferences and use technology to create more meaningful engagement with their customers.
“I would like to commend the organisers as well as the companies that are making use of technology and learning from one another, to grow and thrive together. This will help to ensure that the Singapore Brand continues to shine brightly on the world’s stage,” Mrs Teo added.
Timothy Goh is a business journalist at The Straits Times. He covers private equity, with a focus on start-ups and venture capital.
