Interview with Venom: winners of the Youth Advolution for Health Marketing Strategy Challenge
Here’s the email + phone interview we did with Geraldine and Co. from Venom. The ladies are business majors at Nanyang Poly, under the tutelage of Ms Billie Ooi.
Youth.SG: So does this mean all of you are really into marketing?
Geraldine: YES!!! When we first heard about this competition, all of us were really excited because we felt that most of the existing strategies were not impactful enough. Being classmates, it was very convenient for us to get together, and share our passion for this project. …
Youth.SG: How did you find out about the YAH Marketing Strategy Challenge?
Geraldine: We got to know about it through our marketing lecturer, Miss Billie Ooi.
Youth.SG: There were 5 trophies, but only 3 of you at the event. So who’s in team Venom exactly?
Geraldine: Initially, Venom consisted of 5 members.
• Katherine Goh
• Yan Kexin
• Wang Qianyi
• Oon Xiu Ru
• Geraldine Ho
From left: Katherine, Qianyi, Geraldine & Kexin
One of our other original members, Xiu Ru, opted out at the last minute. Our other member, Qianyi had personal matters to attend to on the day of competition. The trophies will be presented to all five original members of the team.
Youth.SG: What made all of you decide to take part?
Geraldine: The PRIZE MONEY!!!!!!!!! Haha… no, kidding… Basically we wanted to share our ideas and gain more experience in terms of marketing and presentation. We were really very surprised when we got into the top 6, and further improved on the project with the help of our lecturers. When we knew we made it to the top 3, we just gave it our best shot during the presentation.
Youth.SG: So how much was the prize money did you guys win?
Geraldine: We won $1,000!
Youth.SG: Compared to existing anti-smoking campaigns, what are some of the more innovative ideas your team came up with?
Geraldine: One of Venom’s strategies is that of inducing fear. For example, we came up with the concept for a “Day of Mourning”, where people will mourn for those who could have died as a direct result of smoking. So far, no anti-smoking campaigns in Singapore have done anything similar.
Youth.SG: What’s the next step for Venom? Will you be working with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to implement any of your ideas?
Geraldine: We’re not sure yet, but we’ll asking Ms Ooi, our lecturer for advice on this. We will also discuss with our lecturers the next step Venom can take to come up with more innovative ideas for future anti-smoking campaigns. (Youth.SG did a quick check with HPB, and they are looking at some of the ideas brought up during the competition, which may be implemented!)
Youth.SG: Have any of you ever smoked?
Geraldine: Nope.
Youth.SG: In that case, how did you get your “product research” done?
Geraldine: We asked smokers about their experiences.
Youth.SG: If someone were to ask you “What’s the best thing about not smoking?”, what would your answer be?
Geraldine: You’ll get to stay healthy!
Well done ladies! Enjoy the moolah…!
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