NTUC Income has withdrawn and apologised for a controversial advertisement that portrayed property agents as unprofessional and dishonest, after it met with criticism online.
In the advertisement which STOMPer Aaron alerted STOMP to, a property agent is seen trying to sell a house, with the true meaning of her words highlighted on screen.
NTUC Income Buzz posted an apology on their facebook page this morning, and explained why they decided to withdraw the advertisement. In the facebook posting, they said:
"We took the decision to pull the advertisement portraying some sales people as unprofessional in the real estate industry. The advertisement was insensitive and unfair to many professional people in that industry. We apologize for this.
"In our enthusiasm to promote the message of honesty, we have not taken into account that professional and honest sales people exist in every industry including the real estate professionals."
Singaporeans have reacted negatively to the video, and felt that it lacked respect and sensitivity towards the real estate industry. Some also described the video as "unethical advertising".
One facebook user said, "I'm utterly shocked and disappointed after viewing this distasteful and misleading ad! It clearly reflects the lack of respect and sensitivity towards the real estate industry!
Another user also felt that the organisation was putting down other professions in order to promote their own. He said:
"Why does NTUC have to put down other professions in order to push up their own profession? Even if NTUC wants to promote being 'honest', 'simple', and 'different', there are other ways to advertise."
Others asked for a more sincere apology that went further than just a facebook post. One user wrote:
"So creative, NTUC! How about doing another commercial to bring out the good in the real estate industry to show your sincere apology. Run it for at least six months."
However, one netizen in particular disagreed with the criticism and felt that everyone needed to "chill". He commented:
"Everyone needs to lighten up. Sure... it might not have been the best move to make but if you actually watch the commercial, it's clearly meant to be comical."
In the advertisement which STOMPer Aaron alerted STOMP to, a property agent is seen trying to sell a house, with the true meaning of her words highlighted on screen.
NTUC Income Buzz posted an apology on their facebook page this morning, and explained why they decided to withdraw the advertisement. In the facebook posting, they said:
"We took the decision to pull the advertisement portraying some sales people as unprofessional in the real estate industry. The advertisement was insensitive and unfair to many professional people in that industry. We apologize for this.
"In our enthusiasm to promote the message of honesty, we have not taken into account that professional and honest sales people exist in every industry including the real estate professionals."
Singaporeans have reacted negatively to the video, and felt that it lacked respect and sensitivity towards the real estate industry. Some also described the video as "unethical advertising".
One facebook user said, "I'm utterly shocked and disappointed after viewing this distasteful and misleading ad! It clearly reflects the lack of respect and sensitivity towards the real estate industry!
Another user also felt that the organisation was putting down other professions in order to promote their own. He said:
"Why does NTUC have to put down other professions in order to push up their own profession? Even if NTUC wants to promote being 'honest', 'simple', and 'different', there are other ways to advertise."
Others asked for a more sincere apology that went further than just a facebook post. One user wrote:
"So creative, NTUC! How about doing another commercial to bring out the good in the real estate industry to show your sincere apology. Run it for at least six months."
However, one netizen in particular disagreed with the criticism and felt that everyone needed to "chill". He commented:
"Everyone needs to lighten up. Sure... it might not have been the best move to make but if you actually watch the commercial, it's clearly meant to be comical."
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