If you’re a resident of Singapore, or have ever visited the country, you’ve probably heard of Axe Brand Universal Oil. This medicated oil has been a household name for over 80 years and is widely used to relieve headaches, muscle aches, and other minor ailments. But did you know that Axe Brand has also been in the news recently for an unfortunate incident involving a front-page advertisement in The Straits Times?
The Straits Times is Singapore’s largest newspaper and has been in circulation since 1845. In recent years, the newspaper has faced criticism for its advertising practices, particularly with regards to brand safety. In September 2018, Axe Brand found itself at the centre of this controversy when its front-page advertisement appeared alongside the headline news of a student being killed in a car accident. The incident sparked public outrage and calls for The Straits Times to review its advertising policies.
Key Takeaways:
- Axe Brand Universal Oil is a popular medicated oil in Singapore used to relieve minor ailments.
- The Straits Times is Singapore’s largest newspaper and has faced criticism for its advertising practices.
- Axe Brand was involved in an unfortunate incident in 2018 when its front-page advertisement appeared alongside news of a student’s death, sparking public outrage and calls for The Straits Times to review its advertising policies.
The Origin of Axe Brand
If you’re a fan of medicated oil, you’ve probably heard of Axe Brand. This Singaporean brand has been around for almost a century, and it has become a household name in many Asian countries. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Axe Brand and how it became one of the most successful medicated oil brands in the world.
Leung Yun Chee and Medicated Oil
The story of Axe Brand begins with a man named Leung Yun Chee. Leung was a Chinese immigrant who came to Singapore in the early 20th century. He was a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and he saw an opportunity to create a new type of medicated oil that would be more effective than the ones that were already on the market.
Leung spent years experimenting with different formulas, and he eventually came up with a blend of eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor oils that was highly effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation. He began selling his new medicated oil under the name Axe Oil, and it quickly became popular among Singaporeans.
Axe Brand Universal Oil Legacy
Leung’s son, Leong Hin, took over the family business in the 1950s, and he began to expand the brand’s reach. He renamed the company Axe Brand Universal Oil, and he began exporting the product to other countries in Asia.
Over the years, Axe Brand Universal Oil became a household name in many Asian countries, and it was used by millions of people for a wide range of ailments. Today, Axe Brand Universal Oil is still one of the most popular medicated oils in the world, and it continues to be manufactured in Singapore using the same formula that Leung Yun Chee created almost a century ago.
If you’re looking for a natural way to relieve pain and inflammation, Axe Brand Universal Oil is definitely worth trying. With its long history of effectiveness, it’s no wonder that this Singaporean brand has become such a beloved product in many Asian households. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why so many people swear by Axe Brand Universal Oil?
Axe Brand in Advertising
If you’re familiar with the Straits Times, you’ve probably seen Axe Brand advertisements. The medicated oil brand has been a staple in the newspaper’s advertising space for years. In this section, we’ll explore Axe Brand’s advertising strategies and campaigns, both digital and print.
Ad Placement Strategies
Axe Brand has been known to use front page placements in the Straits Times to grab readers’ attention. However, this strategy can sometimes backfire, as was the case in 2024 when an Axe Brand ad was placed next to a headline about a murder involving an axe. The ad placement received backlash on social media, with many people calling it insensitive and inappropriate. Axe Brand quickly issued an apology, stating that the placement was a “very unfortunate coincidence” and not intentional.
Aside from front page placements, Axe Brand has also used full-page ads and smaller ads in various sections of the Straits Times. They have also advertised in other publications, such as magazines and online news sites.
Digital and Print Campaigns
Axe Brand has also launched various digital and print campaigns over the years. In 2021, they launched a campaign called “The Power of Axe Brand” to showcase the different ways their medicated oil can be used. The campaign included print ads, social media posts, and a microsite with informational videos.
In terms of digital advertising, Axe Brand has used Facebook ads to target specific audiences. They have also partnered with influencers to promote their products on social media.
Overall, Axe Brand has a strong presence in the Straits Times and has used various advertising strategies to promote their products both in print and online. However, as seen in 2024, ad placement can sometimes be a double-edged sword, and brands need to be mindful of where their ads are placed.
The Unfortunate Incident
The Straits Times (ST) recently found itself in the midst of a controversy after an unfortunate incident involving an advertisement and a tragic news story. Here’s what happened.
December 2020 Tragedy
In December 2020, a tragic incident occurred at River Valley High School that left the entire nation in shock. A student was found dead on campus, and it was later revealed that he had been murdered by another student.
The police launched an investigation into the incident, and the case became a topic of national conversation. Many people expressed their grief and sympathy for the victim and his family, and the entire country was united in mourning.
Public Reaction and Sympathy
The Straits Times covered the incident extensively, as it was one of the biggest news stories of the year. However, the newspaper came under fire when it placed an advertisement for Axe Brand Universal Oil next to a story about the tragedy.
Many people were outraged by the juxtaposition of the ad and the news story, and accused the newspaper of being insensitive and disrespectful. The Straits Times apologized for the incident, and Axe Brand also issued a statement expressing regret.
Despite the controversy, the incident brought to light the deep sense of grief and sympathy that the nation felt for the victim and his family. It also highlighted the need for sensitivity and compassion in the media, especially when covering tragic incidents like this one.
Overall, the incident was a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in times of crisis, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
Controversy and Coincidence
If you were a reader of The Straits Times on 21 July 2021, you would have seen a front-page report on the murder of a student at River Valley High School, accompanied by an advertisement for Axe Brand Universal Oil. The juxtaposition of the two items was not intentional, but a very unfortunate coincidence, according to Axe Brand.
Ad Juxtaposition Fallout
The controversy over the ad placement soon erupted, with many people expressing their outrage and disappointment on social media. Axe Brand was quick to clarify that they had arranged and paid for the ad placement in December 2020, long before the tragic incident occurred.
However, this did not stop the criticism from pouring in, with some calling for a boycott of Axe Brand products. The company responded by issuing an apology on their Facebook page, expressing their deep sympathy and grief for the victim and their family.
Editorial Decisions and Apology
Meanwhile, The Straits Times also issued an apology for the “inadvertent and unfortunate” juxtaposition of the ad and the report. The newspaper explained that the ad had been placed by a third-party advertising agency and that it had not been aware of the content of the front-page report.
The incident highlighted the challenges faced by publishers and advertisers in ensuring brand safety and avoiding controversial ad placements. It also underscored the importance of editorial decisions and the need for transparency and accountability in the media industry.
In conclusion, while the ad placement was a coincidence, it caused a significant controversy and fallout for both Axe Brand and The Straits Times. The incident served as a reminder of the need for caution and responsibility in advertising and journalism.
Public Engagement and Response
If you have been following the recent news about Axe Brand’s unfortunate ad placement on The Straits Times, you might be interested in knowing how the public has responded to the incident and what official statements and updates have been released. Here’s what we’ve found:
Netizens’ Comments
As expected, the incident has sparked a lot of comments from netizens on various social media platforms such as Facebook and Telegram channels. Some have expressed their disappointment and anger towards Axe Brand, while others have criticised The Straits Times for their oversight. Mothership, a Singaporean news and lifestyle website, has compiled some of the most notable comments in a screenshot format, which you can check out on their website.
Official Statements and Updates
Axe Brand has released an official statement on their Facebook page, apologising for the incident and acknowledging their responsibility in ensuring brand safety. They have also stated that they will be reviewing their advertising policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
On the other hand, The Straits Times has also issued an apology for their oversight and has assured the public that they will be taking steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. They have also published an article about the incident on the front page of their print edition, alongside the headline.
Singapore Press Holdings, the parent company of The Straits Times, has also released a statement, acknowledging the incident and stating that they will be conducting a thorough review of their advertising policies and procedures.
Overall, it seems that both Axe Brand and The Straits Times have taken responsibility for the incident and are taking steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The incident has also sparked a lot of discussion among the public about brand safety and the importance of responsible advertising policies and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What remarkable milestones mark Axe Brand’s history?
Axe Brand Universal Oil has been around for nearly a century, and it has seen its fair share of ups and downs. One of the most significant milestones in the company’s history was when it was acquired by LKF Medical in 2003. This acquisition allowed Axe Brand to expand its reach into new markets and introduce new products.
How do consumers rate the effectiveness of Axe Brand products?
Axe Brand has a loyal following of consumers who swear by the effectiveness of their products. Many customers report that Axe Brand products provide quick relief from a range of ailments, including headaches, muscle pain, and insect bites.
Who established the iconic Axe Brand, and what’s their story?
Axe Brand was established by Leung Yun Chee, a Chinese immigrant who arrived in Singapore in the 1920s. Leung Yun Chee initially started selling his medicated oil on the streets of Singapore, but he soon gained a reputation for the effectiveness of his product. Today, Axe Brand is a household name in Singapore and is recognised around the world.
Can you reveal the origins of Axe Brand’s manufacturing process?
Axe Brand’s manufacturing process is a closely guarded secret, but we do know that the company uses a blend of natural oils and herbs to create its medicated oil. The exact recipe is known only to a select few people within the company.
What do the discussions on Reddit suggest about Axe Brand’s popularity?
Discussions on Reddit suggest that Axe Brand is a popular brand among users who are looking for natural remedies for common ailments. Many users report that Axe Brand products provide quick relief and are an effective alternative to over-the-counter medications.
How has Axe Brand evolved over the years to maintain its market presence?
Axe Brand has evolved over the years by introducing new products and expanding its reach into new markets. The company has also embraced digital marketing to reach a wider audience and maintain its market presence. Despite its long history, Axe Brand continues to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions.