Gen Z perspectives: Wendy's beef with Katy Perry, the hottest news in MY

Happy Friday, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE readers - and yes, the Weekly Roundup just got a glow-up.

Welcome to Gen Z Perspectives, your new 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, it’s all eyes on Malaysia. A flag fumble sparked headlines, Malaysia Airlines announced a fresh brand collab, and the country’s agency industry body saw a shake-up at the top.

Don't miss: Weekly roundup: Tariffs, 'finfluencers' and Wingstop SG's unhinged marketing stunt

Curious? Hit play on the video or scroll on to read more.

1. SG brand under fire for Malaysian flag error, issues apology

Singapore brand Singapore Lactation Bakes has found itself in controversy after it showed the Malaysia national flag - the Jalur Gemilang - without the crescent moon at a baby products trade show at the Mid Valley exhibition centre in Kuala Lumpur. 

Singapore Lactation Bakes has since put out a statement addressed to Malaysian citizens apologising for the error in its launch video where the displayed flag is incomplete. 

Acknowledging how important Jalur Gemilang is as a symbol of Malaysian identity, heritage and unity, Singapore Lactation Bakes said it was not its intention to disrespect or degrade the national symbol. It expressed its deep regret for the unintentional mistake and said it takes full responsibility. 

Read more here.

2. Malaysia Airlines soars to new heights with Manchester United collab

Malaysia Airlines has unveiled a co-branded aircraft livery in partnership with football club Manchester United. The bespoke livery, now featured on the airline’s flagship A330-300, blends the national pride of Malaysia with Manchester United’s global sporting prestige.

With dynamic red lines flowing from the Malaysia flag into the club’s iconic red, the design symbolises harmony, strength, and unity between aviation and sports— two forces that inspire and connect people worldwide.

Read more here.

3. 4As Malaysia forms new council, 5 major agencies depart

The Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) recently held its 17th Biennial General Meeting, with an election to determine its council office bearers who will serve the not-for-profit industry body for two years. The council now includes council members from Dentsu Malaysia, Ellipsis Asia, Monster Interactive, Oxygen Advertising and Shinajii. These agencies were previously part of the council in the last two-year term, represented by Milan Agnihotri, Jasmin Omar Jayaseelan, Johnny Mun, and Adrian Loh respectively.

Meanwhile, according to a 4As press release sighted by A+M, the association announced that five major Malaysian agencies have resigned from its council. They are Grey Worldwide, Fishermen Integrated, M&C Saatchi Malaysia, Havas Malaysia, and TBWA Kuala Lumpur. Based on the body's website, these council members were Irene Wong from Grey, Joyce Gan from Fishermen Integrated, Nisha Devina Roy from M&C Saatchi Malaysia, Nizwani Shahar from Havas, and Yee Hui Tsin from TBWA\KL. 

Read more here. 

4. Wendy’s beef with Katy Perry: Can snark-driven brands still show up with heart?

Wendy’s found itself in hot oil last week after cracking a joke that didn’t land. In response to a post about Katy Perry’s historic all-female spaceflight with Blue Origin, the fast-food chain replied: “Can we send her back?” The tweet, meant to be cheeky, instead drew backlash for undercutting a moment of female achievement- and from a brand that fronts a redheaded girl as its mascot.

Despite the backlash, Wendy’s has not issued an apology. In a statement to People magazine, the brand said it “always brings a little spice to our socials,” but added that it has “a ton of respect for Katy Perry and her out-of-this-world-talent.”

The misfire raises a bigger question: when a brand’s voice is built on snark, spice and sarcasm, how does it avoid slipping into insensitivity?

Read more here.

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