Product Placement: Taking Advantage of Consumer's Subliminal Perception

More brands are taking advantage of movies or TV series to advertise their products. They are taking advantage of consumer's subliminal perception to recognise their existence. With their brands and products being exposed in a movie or a show that you like, we will not reject it. The consumer perceptual process will automatically capture the entire image or the scene in the movie as the figure and background. This will then be interpret into meanings, consciously or subconsciously.

In a recent movie, Transformers, Age of Extinction, the integration of brands and products as figure and background were significant, ranging from Yili Milk to Nutrilife . Did you spotted any of the below examples of product/brands placement  (there are many more but I just couldn't share all of it...):

Is this the best way to promote your brands and products? Nothing is without limitations. There are perils of backfire on the brands too if the companies are not careful in the selection of product placement. You don't want your products to be seen inferior or carries some negative attitudes identify while associating with the bad guys!

What say you?




Note: Photos were taken using a smartphone while watching the Original DVD of the movie.

Qualification and Certificates

Recently I had a very interesting conversation with a group of my students about the quality of their qualification when searching for jobs. I think it is word sharing to all.

Student: Is there any differences if I graduated in a local college that is not popular compare to another institution that is more famous.

Me: How much you have to pay for your studies compare to the one that you claim is more famous?

Student: Hmmm... about 3 times more expensive in the famous institution.

Me: Now, if you and your family can afford it, then I would say you can choose any institution that you like the most; in terms of the environment, the location, the people, the facilities, the courses, overseas collaborations and others you may think it is important to you.

Student: But how about to find a job when we graduate?

Me: Personally, I think it is the same as long as the institution is a recognised institution by the Ministry of Education. The chances of you in getting a job would be the same, doesn't matter from which institution that you graduated from. This is because there are many factors that a good employer will take into consideration when hiring a new staff. It is not where you graduated from or how much you have spent in your studies.

Qualification is a minimum requirement, just like a key to open a door so that you can get in. After you got in, what would you do with the key? Do you admire it or merely left it on the desk? We need a certificate to proof that we are qualified to apply for a position. Employer will sort the application according to the requirements for the job and qualification is often the common criteria for the screening process in recruitment and selection.

As long as you meet the criteria, you may have the chance to attend for an interview. Meaning, you have the key to open the door and get in to meet the interviewer. After that, it is you who will have to impress the interviewer, convince them with your competencies and attitude towards work.

Student: But why others pay more and study in more famous institution?

Me: Well, there are many reasons for this. For example, what is the meaning of famous? It is mainly from marketing efforts. Actually, some larger institution that charged more compare to the others provides better environment to study with state of the art classroom, full recreation facilities for extra curriculum activities, collaboration with other overseas institutions for the recognition, more qualified teaching (for some institution only), and others that you may find it unique.

All these may have some relationship to your learning experience that will make you to learn more and be more better in your studies. However, if you are not committed, involved and engaged in your studies, it will not benefit you.

Comparing to other institutions without these, does that mean a student cannot gain good learning experience, poor attitude, lack of knowledge, and cannot develop good skills in the field of studies? Again, it is how committed you are and engaging in your studies.

There are always alternatives when you want to solve a problem which each alternatives has its pros and cons. Ultimately, an education is still a key to open the door of employment. Doesn't make if you have a wooden key, golden key, or key with diamonds...it is only used to just unlock the door.

Student: .........

What say you?

Spell Check is Important

I always tell others to check the spelling when writing in exam or for the assignment; and this is why spell check is important:

Breaking News: Another Aircraft Missing - AH5017

What?! Another aircraft gone missing - according to BBC News website, Air Algerie flight AH5017 - Algeria National airlines aircraft disappeared from radar 50 minutes after take off from Ouagadougou at 0155 GMT with 110 passengers.

I really hope that this news is not real but it is on BBC now...I just hope the aircraft will emerged soon safely. Too many shocking news recently...

Source: BBC News
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-28460625

MH17 Malaysia Airline Crash in Ukraine

Totally unacceptable. This is a civilian aircraft, MH17 was carrying passengers who has nothing to do with any political matters. All they wanted was to reach their destination, meeting their families, holidays, and even for work purposes. Why can't they reach Kuala Lumpur safely?

A shocking incident for everyone in the world, since yesterday night. If whoever who shot down the Malaysian Airline aircraft, yes, you got the attention now!!! So what? Innocent people sacrifices for your purpose??? Totally unacceptable, insane and the world will never forgive you!

My condolences to MH17 passengers' families and friends; and to all the victims...Rest in Peace. I will never know how sad and heart pain the family members are feeling now, but I personally feel very sad too. Yet, at the same time, I am very angry for those who are responsible for this disaster.

From MH370 incident in March 2014 and now MH17...I still cannot believe that this is real...and I hope it is not!

Fine Dining, Anyone?

Do you like fine dining? 

Before you answer this question, let's have a better understanding of what is fine dining.

Fine dining restaurants offers full service restaurant with very specific meal courses. The restaurants normally feature high quality materials, well-trained wait staffs and even a complete cutlery for dedicated food. The physical evidence of a fine dining restaurants are much more eye-catching with unique interior design, specifically crafted by the restaurateur.

Sounds good? 

To enjoy fine dining, you will need to follow certain rules of dining which guests are generally expected to comply with, including a dress code and dining etiquette. I think all these are the unique proposition of fine dining and the worthiness of it as being served exclusively in a distinctive restaurant.

How about the food?

This is the most subjective question to answer in fine dining. The food served in fine dining are normally categorised as culinary art. Yes, it is an 'art' where the food portions are usually 'visually' appealing.

Risotto with Lamb

Actual portion.

What say you about Fine Dining - the culinary art?