One too many 1 boring logo

ARCHIVES 2009

By admin-s On Sep 27, 2009

By Why LIE-dis n Lie-dat?

The power of a brand can be portrayed in many forms, sometimes a catch tagline that can be made into a catchy jingle will etch a niche of familiar recall in ones memory, while a logo is perhaps the most powerful representation of what the brand stands for and is.

A brand's image seldom deviate from its original design though its form, colour and font may differ with times.

Rarely will an ori logo change unless there is an M&A or a total transformation to a new identity.

Tourism Malaysia has a logo and one that is simple yet uses an iconic symbol that represents the nation. The stylised national flower, bunga raya belongs to all and easily recognisable. Simple, powerful, neutral and even enchanting too!

Since the installation of the new No1 CEO of BolehLand, a supposedly new concept of No1, specifically the 1Malaysia concept now turned into a 'new' policy of sorts, is the new rebranding for the nation, at least according to the No1 version of things. And the mission to ensure that this 1Malaysia policy is enshrined into the very landscape including the psyche of the nation and its people is to pepper and plaster the visual symbol, simply it's 1Malaysia logo into all things asunder.

Besides on printed and broadcasting media, billboards, official communique and official and non offical function, the iconic symbol is now being instituted into all the Ministries of No1 CEO.

Remember a world No 1 brand which once had a sort of 'Eat, drink, sleep' tagline while another had a 'eat, drink, play'? Well, BolehLand now has a sort of 'Eat. drink and sleep over' this 1Malaysia thingy as many think it is more a ' Shove it Up U & Play Around' with concept than actually all of us actually feeling one at all!

While the GLCs have already incorporated this 1 into their advertisement as well as its close proximity with their brand logo, the Ministries have taken even a bolder step! Changing their logo to incorporate the ONE 1!

The Tourism Ministry has a new logo. It reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia spirit.
The logo features photos of the Petronas Twin Towers, a group of Malaysians from different ethnic groups and beaches.
“These are things related to Malaysia,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen after the launch of the ministry’s 1Malaysia logo here yesterday.
Each ministry is supposed to design a 1Malaysia logo that represents the ministry.
Dr Ng said the Twin Towers was a world icon and the multiracial group represented the country’s rakyat.
“Malaysia also has the oldest rainforest and 1,700 islands with attractive beaches,” she said.
“And, not forgetting we have 500 types of food in Malaysia and satay is among them.
“Satay is actually derived from the Hokkien dialect – sa tae means three pieces.”…Star, Sep 26, 2009

One too many 1

After all the sermonising of what is uniquely BolehLand, food and the rest, the Ministry decided that iron and steel, human and the sea truly reflects this one Malaysia that 1Malaysia says it represents!

Admitedly BolehLand has an impressive tallest twin towers in the world, a multi racial population that holds true in this part of the world and a long stretch of coastlines. But is this what reflects the Tourism Ministry? What's beaches to a tourist if they can't find respectable public amentities, like working and clean shower rooms and toilets! or even reasonably priced water activities! or clean beaches! And we thought we have the world's most ancient virgins!….the forest I mean!

Eco tourism is one of the top reason tourists flock to Malaysia even if it's terribly expensive to be close to mother nature or to experience it in Sabah and Sarawak. Sadly this aspect of BolehLand is neglected.

And cuisines being left out Dr Ng? Hmmm? wonder why eh? The gearbox sup will invite more controversial from neighbours?