Gen Z perspectives: Agency exit, kind deeds and award season

Happy Friday, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE readers and welcome back to Gen Z Perspectives, your go-to feature where we unpack the week’s top stories and trending topics through the eyes of Gen Z. From the biggest industry moves to viral moments and marketing controversies worth dissecting, we’re bringing the heat with authenticity, awareness and probably a few unfiltered takes.

This week, UNCANNY's creative co-founder Qi Hao Shum announced his departure, the Singapore Kindness Movement challenged audiences to see kindness from a whole new perspective, and submissions for the Marketing Excellence Awards Singapore 2026 are officially open.

Let's dig in. 

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1. UNCANNY creative co-founder exits agency

Multi-disciplinary creative and production company UNCANNY's Qi Hao Shum (pictured) is leaving the agency after four years as creative co-founder.

Reflecting on his time at UNCANNY, Shum said he was most proud of the agency's journey rather than any single campaign. Among its milestones were securing Dyson's regional partnership and retaining the account for two consecutive years, winning the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) account, and delivering global campaigns for brands such as Evian.

Read more here. 

2. SKM traces six degrees of kindness in reversible campaign film

Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) has launched a new short film titled deed as part of its ongoing "Be greater" campaign, inviting Singaporeans to rethink kindness as something that moves beyond a single moment, person or direction.

The film has been released in two versions; one played forward and the other in reverse. Both are designed to stand alone as complete stories, while offering different perspectives on action, consequence and human connection.

Read more here.

3. Entries are now open for the Marketing Excellence Awards Singapore 2026

Celebrating 15 years of marketing excellence, the Marketing Excellence Awards recognise the boldest campaigns, smartest strategies and brightest talent shaping Singapore's industry. With 49 categories spanning every discipline, now's your chance to put your best work in the spotlight.

Submit your entries by 17 July 2026. 

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