#Rewind2011: Our Most Inspiring Interviews of 2011

Part of our work as a PR agency involves arranging for interviews with members of the media in Malaysia on behalf of our clients. We sit in these press interviews many times and these are moments that we get to hear great clients tell their stories. These are some of the most inspiring tales from media interviews that we have arranged throughout 2011.

Dr. Markus Miele and Dr. Reinhard Zinkann for Miele (The Peak, December 2011)

In conjunction with the opening of the first Miele showroom gallery in Malaysia, interviews for the two Managing Directors for Miele Group, Dr. Markus Miele and Dr. Reinhard Zinkann. The two are heirs of the founding fathers of Miele – Reinhard Zinkann and Carl Miele, who got together in 1899. In the three-page spread interview with The Peak, Dr. Miele and Dr. Zinkann bantered on the shared timeline of Miele. Both families across four generations working at the same company for more than a century is an unmatched feat. In the interview, both of the managing directors spoke on the intricacies of decision-making with two heads and the importance of finding a joint solution.

Christopher Chong for Amouage (The Star2, September 2011)

The Creative Director of Oman-based luxury perfumer Amouage was in Kuala Lumpur in the middle of this year for the launch of its newest fragrance. Along with the Honour fragrance, Christopher Chong brought with him his sentiments on perfumes, its philosophy and its representation. The house of Amouage was an idea from the Sultanate of Oman, who wanted to create the world’s most previous scent inspired by Oman. The tall order was fulfilled by the late senior royal Sayyid Hamad Hamood Al-Busaidi. All Amouage fragrances are known to be extravagantly scented and even more extravagantly priced, rightly so considering its luxe ingredients.

In his PR interviews, Christopher touched on his eccentric career path and illustrated the inspiration behind Honour – an aria from Madame Butterfly, a world-famous opera.

Jeremy Lim for Cortina Watch (Prestige, December 2011)

The re-opening of luxury watch retailer Cortina Watch at its Fahrenheit 88 location was eagerly greeted by watch enthusiasts and socialites alike. BRANDTHINK arranged for media interviews with its COO, Jeremy Lim prior to the boutique’s grand re-opening ceremony. Prestige Magazine’s two-page spread for the interview, “Watch this Space” saw Jeremy speaking on what the Malaysian market look for in timepieces, watch trends and styles to look forward to in 2012, as well as the company’s continuous efforts to provide top-notch service to its clientele.

C.W. Goh for Dulux/AkzoNobel ICI Paints (StarBiz, November 2011)

Managing Director of AkzoNobel ICI Paints, C.W. Goh got up close and personal with StarBiz recently. The former shared his life journey that got him to where he is now – leading the Malaysian division of AkzoNobel, which happens to also carry the Dulux line of home and deco paints.

Goh associated parts of his life with certain colourss – grey for a sombre and self-reliant childhood, where he was a slow learner; orange for teenaged years representing the energy and risk-taking; and a calm blue for his university life, when he found a balance of sorts with studying and working. The year ahead is bound to bring new experiences and colours for him – as Dulux ColourFutures revealed the theme for 2012 to be Possibilities, accompanied by the color of the year, a blushing Tea Dance Red.

Theodore Diehl for Richard Mille (Icon Magazine)

The official spokesperson for Richard Mille Paris, Theodore Diehl, was in Malaysia in July 2011 for an intimate afternoon tea. Attended by select members of the media, the afternoon tea saw Theodore sharing his insight on the latest Richard Mille SIHH 2011 collection and aspects of watch-making. The attendees also had the opportunity to ask the horologist questions on watchmaking and timepieces in general.

Chinese monthly publication Icon interviewed Theodore while he was in Malaysia. The in-depth interview had him talking about the Richard Mille brand and the challenges in creating new timepieces, while not straying too far from its conservative roots. He also spoke on future plans for Richard Mille and the types of timepieces the brand will put forward in the years ahead.

Laurent Helbert for Kronenbourg 1664 (The Edge, January 2011)

Laurent Helbert is the international marketing director of Kronenbourg 1664, France’s best-selling premium beer. He was interviewed by The Edge under its Tastings segment, inviting the reporter to try out Kronenbourg 1664 with a selection of foods.

Laurent shared with the writer the intricacies of the beer and how it is best enjoyed. He also notes that the beer is widely received by both men and women, due to the delicate balance of bitterness and sweetness. Also mentioned in the epicurean’s delight of an article was how the Kronenbourg does not waste in the afternoon heat – on the contrary, its flavor is rendered and becomes more flavorful!

Goris Verburg for IWC & Roger Dubuis (Nanyang Siang Pao, December 2011)

Goris Verburg, the managing director for IWC South East Asia was in town recently for the launch of IWC’s Portofino collection and the reveal of Roger Dubuis’ La Monegasque collection. Both collections are momentous and significant ones for both brands – Portofino being the first collection to feature Friends of IWC along with legendary photographer Peter Lindbergh, and the La Monegasque being the first collection from Roger Dubuis after Richemont group bought a stake in the watch manufacturer.

In the press interview with Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pao, Goris spoke of the rebirth of the Roger Dubuis brand. Amidst the 2008 financial crisis, the watch manufacturer was bought over by the Richemont group and continues to maintain its prestige and exclusivity among the select few. He also touched on the foreseeable future of Roger Dubuis, noting that it is not a brand designed for mass consumption, but for the pleasure of a niche group of people.

As we close 2011 and look towards 2012, we are hopeful that we will continue to have more opportunities to sit in with our PR clients and be inspired by their stories. Perks of the job.