Transport operator to review use of 'Z' for app logo
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Toh Ting Wei
Transport operator ComfortDelGro will review the use of the letter "Z" for its mobile app logo, after feedback that it is a symbol of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a Facebook post yesterday, it also apologised for any offence caused and stated its opposition to the war.
ComfortDelGro unveiled its new mobility and lifestyle app CDG Zig earlier this month.
The app, formed through the merger of its taxi booking app and the Zig app, had adopted a stylised "Z" as its logo, based on the Zig branding.
It acknowledged yesterday that the letter "Z" has unfortunately also been used by the Russian army on its tanks in the Ukrainian invasion.
"We would like to categorically state that we are not in favour of the use of force and acts of aggression against another sovereign state," it added. "The letter 'Z' has never ever been used as war propaganda before - certainly not when we launched Zig last year."
It said the timing of the app relaunch amid the ongoing war may have come across as insensitive. It said it was not its intent to offend anyone, and apologised for doing so.
Since the invasion in February, "Z" has been seen on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine. Experts have said it could be a practical way for Russian soldiers to identify Russian vehicles.
The letter has since come to symbolise support for the invasion. Last month, Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak was blasted for sporting the letter on his shirt at a medal presentation next to a Ukraine athlete. Billboards featuring the letter have reportedly popped up in Russian cities.
