BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR

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BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
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BACKSLASH
RAMADAN & EID
COVID-19
SPECIAL
EDITION

EDITION 5
WEEK OF MAY 15 - MAY 21
BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
KUALA LUMPUR X TCP-                 INDONESIA

WHAT’S
          Backslash is a proprietary TBWA discipline that highlights the latest shifts in culture (news, events,
          initiatives, trending hashtags, inventions, brands’ communications).

          We call them “Triggers”, because they trigger something in culture. They are often a pre-requisite
          for emerging cultural trends.

THIS?
          The emergence of a new trend is something we call “Edges” as they aren’t necessarily established
          yet, but are definitely emerging and growing.

          A Trigger; for example is: “A growing number of young Muslim female travellers from Malaysia
          and Indonesia have already travelled abroad with their girlfriends without male Mahram as part
          of sisters-on-tour.” In turn, this inform the rise of the Edge: “Fempowerment” in the region.

DOES IT
          In light of COVID-19, culture is shifting in every direction.
          This is being fed by consumers’ needs, governments’ reactions and brands’ initiatives.

          Triggers are everywhere, shaping Edges.

MATTER?
          This document brings you the latest COVID-19 Triggers in Indonesia and Malaysia, looked into
          from the lens of Ramadan, the Edges they shape and their implications for brands and industries.

          This document helps you to:
          •   Understand the culture that is surrounding us in COVID-19 era.
          •   Identify opportunities amongst the darkest news.

AND TO
          •   Jump into cultural conversations and be part of a global phenomenon.
          •   Capitalise on this unique opportunity. (If done right.)

          This document is for the curious.
          All marketers – from the anxious to the opportunist. Any advertiser looking for insights.

WHOM?
          Anyone who likes to read into what’s happening.
          If you’ve got it, it’s for you.

          From your friends at
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BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
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          1   CULTURAL TRIGGERS
              COVID-19 Ramadan triggers from Malaysia
              and Indonesia.

REPORT    2    SOUL SEARCHING

CONTENT
               What search trends from Google can tell us about
               the Malaysian and Indonesia states of mind.

          3   GLOSSARY
              Quick explanations to Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa
              Indonesia words used throughout the report.
BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
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COVID-19
CULTURAL
TRIGGERS

                                  Copyright 2020 TBWA\
BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
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EMERGING                                                                   SADAQAH, ALWAYS
                                                                                                                         SUSTAINABLE
                                                                                                                          RAMADAN
                                                                                                                                                                   RETHINK BAZAAR
                                                                                                                                                                      RAMADAN

RAMADAN
                                                                                Ramadan is incomplete                Time to cut down on our food
                                                                                                                                                                  Shopping during this period of
                                                                             without giving. In this times of          waste and consume only
                                                                                                                                                                  social distancing will no longer
                                                                            hardship, how do I continue to              what’s needed. Will this
                                                                                                                                                                    be the same. How do I still

& EID
                                                                            share what I have with those in              Ramadan give us the
                                                                                                                                                                    make most of my spending
                                                                                         needs?                      opportunity to observe a more
                                                                                                                                                                    without going overboard?
                                                                                                                        responsible Ramadan?

THEMES IN                                                    SIGNS OF
                                                            SOLIDARITY                           STRENGTHENING                                  HOME IS WHERE
                                                                                                                                                                                        COMMUNITY &
                                                                                                                                                                                         TRADITIONS

THE AGE OF
                                                                                                    MY FAITH                                       IT’S AT
                                                                                                                                                With no mosques to turn to,
                                                                                                                                                                                          REMIXED
                                                      COVID-19 continues to spread, but           At the heart of it, this is the                                                    With familiar elements gone, the
                                                      it’s bringing out the best in people       month where I strengthen my                    home will now become the
                                                                                                                                                                                     new normal can be unnerving for

COVID-19
                                                      around the globe. As Muslim, how           connection to Allah through                  epicentre of Ramadan. How do             Muslims observing Ramadan
                                                        do I advocate for humanity and                                                         I make my home a place for
                                                                                                  declaration of faith, fasting,                                                      What can be done to keep the
                                                       solidarity between people in this                                                           spiritual activities and
                                                                                                       prayers & more.                                                                   spirit alive and familiar?
                                                                  trying times?
                                                                                                                                                         celebration?

COVID-19 is changing the way Muslims observe the                                                                         CELEBRATE IN                                  MUDIK /
holy month of Ramadan and everything that we                                                                               MODESTY                                 BALIK KAMPUNG
                                                                                                                      The impacts of COVID-19 on livelihood,
know and are used to. Matter of fact, it is already                                                                     businesses & sources of income are
                                                                                                                                                                   With long-distance travelling
                                                                                                                     forcing Muslims to change the way they
giving way to a new normal. With drastic changes                                                                     celebrate Ramadan & Eid. What can be            not encouraged (or worst,
                                                                                                                     done to support citizens’ economic well-     banned), will I get to be with my
in behaviour and lifestyle, Ramadan and                                                                                being to be able to still celebrate this    family during a month when
celebration of Eid will be different too. The                                                                            period and make it through post-
                                                                                                                     Ramadan & Eid no matter how difficult?
                                                                                                                                                                   being around family is most
following are a number of emerging trends that are                                                                                                                          important?

slowly shaping the new Ramadan for Muslims in
Indonesia and Malaysia.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Copyright 2020 TBWA\
BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
RAYA MUST GO ON!
                                        No Eid prayer with the congregation. No balik kampung to celebrate with the family. No skills to cook
                                        traditional Raya food. No visits to the cemeteries to show respect and pray for our loved ones who have
                                        passed away… and the list goes on. COVID-19 might change everything that we know and used to about
                                        Hari Raya but to us Malaysians, we will make Raya happen, no matter what. Here are three ways to look
                                        at how Muslims in Malaysia make the most of their Hari Raya celebration despite the situation:

                                                                   KEEP IT CLOSE KNIT AND                                  KEEP IT FESTIVE WITH RAYA
                                                         1                                                         2
                                                                   MODEST AT HOME                                          DECOR AND FLAVOURS

OUR                                                   With no interstate travel allowed and strict
                                                      ziarah (home visits) rules, many Muslims all
                                                                                                                 To keep the spirit up even when celebrating
                                                                                                                 Hari Raya away from their hometown and

BIGGEST
                                                      over the country are set to experience a Hari              away from the guidance of elders, Muslims
                                                      Raya celebration at home and not at their                  now have access to DIY Raya food kit to help
                                                      kampung (hometown) like they commonly                      with preparing traditional Raya dishes. Couple
                                                      would.                                                     that with Google and mother’s step-by-step

LEARNING
                                                                                                                 kitchen guide, even the non-skilled can now
                                                      Barriers aside, their minds and hearts are set             feel empowered to make traditional delicacies
                                                      to celebrate this significant event modestly at            on their own.

THIS WEEK
                                                      home by keeping it close knit to a select few
                                                      and encouraging friends and family to stay at              And just because you’re away from your
                                                      home instead. This is reflected in the                     hometown, it doesn’t mean that you can’t
                                                      government’s recent public survey which                    keep key Raya elements like decorative Raya
                                                      indicates that an overwhelming majority of                 lamps up. Perhaps a competition to find the
                                                      Malaysians (74%) celebrating Raya would                    best oil lamp home Raya decoration is good
Unpacking the impact of culture as we                 prefer to stay home and doing their part in                enough a motivation to get every Muslim
begin observing Ramadan during this                   curbing the spread of the coronavirus.                     household to brighten up their Raya homes.
time of crisis.                                       For more info on Malaysians staying home this Hari Raya,   For more info on how Malaysian Muslims keep their Raya
                                                      refer to slide 15.                                         spirit up in story triggers on slide 13 and 14.
BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
INDONESIA?                   WHATEVER!
                                        From previous week’s issue, we learned that people in Indonesia started to become more
                                        accepting of global pandemic situation and adapting with the ‘new normal’. Unfortunately, the
                                        idea of ‘accepting the new normal’ is perceived differently by different people in the
                                        community including those who are ignorant enough to violate government’s policies, just to
                                        name a few. As a result, the hashtag #IndonesiaTerserah (Indonesia, Whatever) became a
                                        trending topic this week as Indonesians expresses their anxiety and frustrations towards this
                                        challenging situation. Here’s three ways to look at how opposite ends of the Indonesian society
                                        are at odds with each other.
                                                                                                                     CITIZEN VS. DISOBEDIENT CITIZEN
                                                   CITIZEN VS. INCONSISTENT

OUR
                                              1                                                                 2
                                                   GOVERNMENT                                                        Indonesians are known to be a communal
                                                                                                                     society. We love to do everything together and
                                                   Behind the #IndonesiaTerserah trending hashtag,                   be a part of the community. During this never-

BIGGEST
                                                   government’s poor handling of the pandemic was under              ending quarantine period, people are longing
                                                   scrutiny. Indonesia started to complaint on government’s          for a physical connection, especially during the
                                                   inconsistency in enforcing the Movement Control Order             holy month where we normally rekindle ties with

LEARNING
                                                   (MCO/PSBB) policies which they believe didn’t help with           loved ones. Thus, we saw people taking
                                                   the effort in flattening the curve.                               advantage of the inconsistent government
                                                                                                                     policies just to get physically connected with
                                                   Nevertheless, when we look into the other side of the

THIS WEEK
                                                                                                                     their family and friends (e.g. crowded airport,
                                                   coin, government is also not in an easy situation as they         McD Sarinah closure, etc.)
                                                   have to simultaneously manage the economic impact of
                                                   COVID-19, how to best deal with the upcoming recession,           This #IndonesiaTerserah hashtag is also used to
                                                   and how to best accommodate the citizens needs’ across            express people’s anger towards the disobedient
                                                   social economic classes in facing this difficult time.            citizens who violate the government rules.
Unpacking the impact of culture as we
begin observing Ramadan during this
time of crisis.                                             3      MEDICAL FRONTLINERS VS. GOVERNMENT & CITIZEN

                                                                   There are staggering number of medical frontliners joining #IndonesiaTerserah trend to
                                                                   express their frustration and disappointment over inconsistent government action and people
                                                                   who were violating rules. Some of them seem to have reached their limit, begging for their
                                                                   effort and sleepless nights to be appreciated and not seen as a waste.
                                                                                                                                                    Copyright 2020 TBWA\
BACKSLASH RAMADAN & EID COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION - KUALA LUMPUR
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SERUMPUN
CULTURAL
TRIGGERS

                                  Copyright 2020 TBWA\
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               SERUMPUN
INTRODUCING…              In true “serumpun” spirit… that’s “of the same root”
                          in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia, we

SERUMPUN                  bring together triggers that are unique to each
                          market as well as those rooted in similar essences.

TRIGGERS
HOME IS WHERE IT’S AT             CELEBRATE IN MODESTY                SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY

THE TRIGGER                                                                                                     EDGES
What about Eid prayer                                                                                                   iGod
With Eid around the corner, Muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia started to wonder on status of Eid                        Religion is getting a facelift. With the help of VR, apps,
prayer that’s usually being held in the morning of Eid at the mosque together with the                                  and pop culture at large, institutions around the globe
congregation.                                                                                                           are injecting modern sensibility into ancient tradition.
                                                                                                                        From the Hajj to the rosary, religion unites with
                                                                                                                        technology in order to modernize and bring in younger
                                                                                                                        worshippers. Instead of people finding their faith, it’s
                                                                                                                        finding them.
Despite restrictions on mass gatherings as a result   Malaysia finally saw Friday prayers being held for the
of the COVID-19 pandemic, most Muslims                first time in Kuala Lumpur as well as several other
still continue to attend prayers at mosques. It is
reported that mass prayers are still taking place
                                                      states with strict conditions. Kuala Lumpur will allow
                                                      'selected people' and limited to 30 people or fewer at
                                                                                                                                Guide Us
across Indonesia and said that forcing mosques to     a time while several states like Selangor, Perak and                      Young people are searching for guidance in
close remained a challenge as issues related to       Johor will only allow the number of congregation to                       uncertain times and there’s a growing industry to
religion are “very sensitive.” Welcoming Eid, some    not exceed 12 people. States mosques and suraus (or                       help them do it. Millennials are hiring life coaches
mosques in few province will also open to             musolla) will still remains shut to public, and for Eid                   their own age who they feel can better relate to
commence Eid prayers with some prevention             prayers, people are encouraged to do it at home.                          their issues. Astrology and personality tests are
measures like using masker and keeping distance                                                                                 now modern markers of belonging and identity.
between the ma’mums (persons being led by an                                                                                    And the self-help industry is getting younger and
Iman in prayer).                                                                                                                predicted to hit $13bn by 2022. This generation is
                                                                                                                                in a hurry to get their lives “right.” Brands can

WHAT IF                                                                                                                         provide direction, reflection, or the space to be
                                                                                                                                young and carefree

        There's a platforms that allow for slot booking for people who want to joins
        congregation prayer at the mosque, so everybody got a chance to perform
        prayers without being overcrowded.

                             Mosque creates Virtual Online Events to still keep the spirit alive without
                             having people coming in.

  Useful links: Arab News, Okezone, Malay Mail, FMT                                                                                                                Copyright 2020 TBWA\
COMMUNITY & TRADITIONS REMIXED SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY

THE TRIGGER                                                                                                        EDGES
Raya ads in the age of COVID-19
Ramadan and Raya present a great marketing opportunity for brands in both countries to
                                                                                                                       Empathy Age
                                                                                                                       Welcome to the Interpersonal Economy. In a more
demonstrate its relevance to the majority Muslim population observing and celebrating this festivity.
Catching up on Raya ads (often in video format) have become so prominent a tradition that this                         interconnected world where one country’s crisis
period is often considered the Super Bowl period of advertising for brands. With COVID-19 situation,                   impacts us all, and where many human skills can be
brands are forced to change plans and align with the sentiment of the season but their goal remains                    automated, empathy is the new currency. Kindness
the same: win hearts no matter what.                                                                                   now beats honesty and vulnerability is the new
                                                                                                                       relatability.
        Empathy-focused Ramadan narrative                           A different Ramadan and Raya

        This year, the long-awaited creative took a                 In Malaysia, the common focus of the
        slow ride as we face the strangest Ramadan                  country’s festive ads are often a build up                    Die-versification
        where people gets very sensitive. Unlike                    towards the Hari Raya celebration itself.                     “Pivot or die” is less of a strategy and
        previously common Ramadan narratives,                       This year, despite having to adapt to new
                                                                                                                                  more of an ultimatum. Brands are eking
        some brands encapsulated empathy and                        ways of doing a commercial shooting from
                                                                                                                                  out a new lease on life by diversifying
        different perspectives in its ads. Like Teh                 home, brands still deliver on their thematic
        Botol Sosro (Ice tea brand) aims to rally                   Raya ads. The most common theme
                                                                                                                                  their offerings into entirely new industry
        Indonesians to support frontliners during this              captured how different the festivity is for                   sectors. We coin it “Commercial
        period, whom it considers as heroes. Indosat                Malaysians this year, showcasing the                          Darwinism.”
        (telco brand) promotes virtual Raya gathering               different ways the brands help enable the
        in its campaign.                                            celebration together even when people are
                                                                    apart.

WHAT IF

        Brands allow consumers to take control of their Raya ad narrative?

     Useful links: Marketing Interactive, First Classe                                                                                                                Copyright 2020 TBWA\
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MALAYSIAN
CULTURAL
TRIGGERS

                                  Copyright 2020 TBWA\
HOME IS WHERE IT’S AT      COMMUNITY & TRADITIONS REMIXED

THE TRIGGER                                                                      EDGES
Cook it yourself with Raya food kit
YouMasak (You Cook): a local food delivery service in Kuala Lumpur is all set            Tradition Hacking
to bring Raya to the comfort of your home. They deliver fresh ingredients with           If there’s one thing COVID-19 has taught us about how
recipes from local instagram chefs, so you can cook a delicious Raya meal at             much we value and take pride in our culture and
home such as Rendang Daging, Ayam Masak Bali and other favourites.                       tradition, is that no matter what happens, keeping
                                                                                         them alive and intact will remain a priority. People
This Raya will not be the same - people will not get a chance to go home                 tweaking tradition to fit their lifestyle are becoming a
                                                                                         norm. Instead of cooking complex and delicate
(balik kampung), be with their families, eat Raya-specific food and celebrate
                                                                                         traditional dishes for hours, we hack them using readily
in ways that they are used to. Instead, a lot of us will be isolated from our            available or DIY appliances to ease the process. It’s
families and would miss out on traditional Raya food cooked typically at                 easier but it doesn’t mean any less. Tradition still lives
home. This DIY kit simplifies that problem by letting you make your favourite            on to be handed down to the younger generation, in a
Raya dishes by yourself.                                                                 modern, innovative way.

Local businesses such as YouMasak are stepping up to ensure certain
traditions are kept alive even during a crisis like COVID-19                                         Die-Versification
                                                                                                     “Pivot or die” is less of a strategy and more
WHAT IF                                                                                              of an ultimatum. Brands are eking out a
                                                                                                     new lease on life by diversifying their
                                                                                                     offerings into entirely new industry sectors.
                                                                                                     We coin it “Commercial Darwinism.”
     The new normal makes way for new traditions?

         Local businesses have a higher purpose of preserving tradition
         and not just selling food?

         Useful links: Instagram
                                                                                                                                   Copyright 2020 TBWA\
HOME IS WHERE IT’S AT        COMMUNITY & TRADITIONS REMIXED SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY

THE TRIGGER                                                                                  EDGES
Oil lamp contest to spread some festive cheer
                                                                                                     Mood Geisting
With Malaysians being banned from interstate travel or attending mass-gatherings                     Brand, optimize my vibe. In the Age of Anxiety,
of more than 20 people for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri due to the nationwide                   mood prediction and modulation is a new human
Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), things have been a bit gloomy.                            behavior and innovation space. From hotels with
                                                                                                     responsive ambient rooms, to LSD microdosing to
In an effort of brighten things up and inspire people to let their Aidilfitri spirit shine           make us smarter and happier at work, we’re getting
bright, the Tourism, Culture and Information Technology board of Terengganu,                         psyched.
Malaysia will be hosting an online decorative oil lamp competition for this upcoming
Hari Raya celebration.
                                                                                                             Tradition Hacking
It's customary for people to light oil lamps around their house and alongside the                            If there’s one thing COVID-19 has taught us about
roads to brighten up the last nights of Ramadan and to welcome the coming of                                 how much we value and take pride in our culture
Syawal. Needless to say, its noticeably missing this year.                                                   and tradition, is that no matter what happens,
                                                                                                             keeping them alive and intact will remain a
The competition would take place entirely online where contestants would simply                              priority. People tweaking tradition to fit their
need to decorate their homes to their best abilities and post either a photo or a                            lifestyle are becoming a norm. Instead of cooking
video of their flashed up houses on Facebook.                                                                complex and delicate traditional dishes for hours,
                                                                                                             we hack them using readily available or DIY

WHAT IF                                                                                                      appliances to ease the process. It’s easier but it
                                                                                                             doesn’t mean any less. Tradition still lives on to be
                                                                                                             handed down to the younger generation, in a
                                                                                                             modern, innovative way.

      In this gloomy times, brands take up the role of lifting people's
      spirits up during celebratory moments.

          Brands can help facilitate and encourage traditional or customary
          practices, especially when it comes to religious celebrations.

         Useful links: Astro Awani                                                                                                               Copyright 2020 TBWA\
HOME IS WHERE IT’S AT        CELEBRATE IN MODESTY           SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY

THE TRIGGER                                                                                 EDGES
Muslim families deciding to stay put for Hari Raya
                                                                                                    Empathy Age
As the time of pandemic changed how Ramadan is practiced, so does Hari Raya                         Welcome to the Interpersonal Economy. In a more
celebration. Muslims in Malaysia are taking their turns to still have a meaningful                  interconnected world where one country’s crisis
Raya celebration due the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) that                             impacts us all, and where many human skills can be
Malaysians need to obey with. Balik kampung is impossible, visitors are limited to a                automated, empathy is the new currency. Kindness
                                                                                                    now beats honesty and vulnerability is the new
number of people, and as a result, 74% of Malaysians prefer to celebrate Raya in
                                                                                                    relatability.
modesty behind closed-doors to curb spreading of the coronavirus.

From ‘only-invited-guests are allowed to visit’ to no more physical contact during
'bersalaman dan bermaafan' (hand shakes & apologies) are the approach Malaysian
                                                                                                             Anxiety Index
                                                                                                             It’s the era of shared despair. Modern activism
Muslims are going for.
                                                                                                             birthed infinite issues for us to care about, now we
Traditions, practices and traveling may have become restricted and shifted in a way                          have anxiety about all of them. From Eco-Anxiety to
                                                                                                             Gentrification Anxiety to FOBO, there’s a new
to create a safer yet modest celebration environment but it is possible to keep the
                                                                                                             rolodex of maladies, each getting a classification of
spirit of Syawal alive.                                                                                      their own. Millennials are the most anxious
                                                                                                             generation — but we’re all on the spectrum. Anxiety
                                                                                                             is both burden and badge of honor. Culture will shift
                                                                                                             and businesses will be born to manage and
WHAT IF                                                                                                      champion the anxious state.

                                                                                                                        Travel Right
     Brand can help to provide packages/ready-to-serve raya pack so that it is                                          Destinations have decided they’ve had
                                                                                                                        enough. From flight-shaming and
     easier and hygienic to serve for different 'set' of visitors.
                                                                                                                        overtourism laws, to taxes on international
                                                                                                                        air travel, we’re taking action to deal with
                                                                                                                        the damage of thoughtless travel. With new
          Brand can help people to manage their visitor, to keep track of those who visit                               ecotourism and micro-travel movements,
                                                                                                                        consumers and businesses are working
          them.                                                                                                         together to establish a new moral compass.
                                                                                                                        Don’t just travel light; travel right.

       Useful links: NST , Soya Cincau                                                                                                           Copyright 2020 TBWA\
RETHINK BAZAAR RAMADAN SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY

THE TRIGGER                                                                             EDGES
Online bazaar most likely to stay
                                                                                                Die-versification
Since Ramadan bazaars nationwide have been called off, Malaysians have been                     ““Pivot or die” is less of a strategy and more of an
adapting to e-bazaar platforms to buy and sell Ramadan delicacies. Almost one                   ultimatum. Brands are eking out a new lease on life
month in to this new ecosystem, many traders have come forward to share their                   by diversifying their offerings into entirely new
success stories with e-bazaar business as they leverage on diverse platforms created            industry sectors. Traditions can be the same too. For
by brands, local councils and private citizens.                                                 a tradition to stand the test of time, the experience
                                                                                                has got to be diversified too.
Going from traditional bazaar pop-ups to e-bazaar have helped shaped otherwise
traditional traders into a more digital savvy small business. They’re beginning to
discover the possibility of online business in terms of reaching new audience and
achieving much higher sales compared to what they’re used to.
                                                                                                          Convenience Economy
                                                                                                          We want it now. As people seek to fulfill their
With both traders and consumers becoming fonder of this new way of the bazaar                             behavioral addictions, they increasingly rely on
                                                                                                          algorithms and smarter tech to not only deliver
experience, expect to see this to become a part of the new normal.
                                                                                                          goods, services and entertainment in an instant, but
                                                                                                          to predict and send what we want before we even
                                                                                                          know what that is.

WHAT IF

     Physical bazaars make a comeback.
     How would the online and offline experience of these traders collide?

          There is a one stop app for home-based traders that activates local traders
          and customers and function by location in the country similar Grab app.

       Useful links: Malay Mail,The Star                                                                                                       Copyright 2020 TBWA\
HOME IS WHERE IT’S AT        COMMUNITY & TRADITIONS REMIXED SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY

THE TRIGGER                                                                                 EDGES
Cemetery Visits Ban
Selangor state government through its Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS)
                                                                                                    Guide Us
                                                                                                    Young people are searching for guidance in
announced cemetery visits to be prohibited during Hari Raya celebration. This is yet
                                                                                                    uncertain times and there’s a growing industry to
another ban on a Raya tradition of visiting cemeteries of loved ones in the morning of
                                                                                                    help them do it. Millennials are hiring life coaches
Eid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.                                                          their own age who they feel can better relate to
                                                                                                    their issues. Astrology and personality tests are
Visiting cemeteries on the first day of Syawal before or after Eid Prayers is a way for             now modern markers of belonging and identity.
Muslim to remember their loved ones who have passed away and pray for grace and                     And the self-help industry is getting younger and
blessing upon the dead. Understanding the importance of this tradition to Muslims, JAIS             predicted to hit $13bn by 2022. This generation is
suggested Muslims to pray for loved ones at home through in a majlis tahlil whereby zikir           in a hurry to get their lives “right.” Brands can
(uttering Allah’s name repeatedly) and doa (entreaties) are performed at home to be                 provide direction, reflection, or the space to be
rewarded to their late family members and relatives.                                                young and carefree

                                                                                                              Tradition Hacking
WHAT IF                                                                                                       If there’s one thing COVID-19 has taught us about
                                                                                                              how much we value and take pride in our culture
                                                                                                              and tradition, is that no matter what happens,
                                                                                                              keeping them alive and intact will remain a
      There is a guide book to summarise Islamic authority religious activities                               priority. People tweaking tradition to fit their
      recommendation in the time of pandemic.                                                                 lifestyle are becoming a norm. Instead of cooking
                                                                                                              complex and delicate traditional dishes for hours,
                                                                                                              we hack them using readily available or DIY
                                                                                                              appliances to ease the process. It’s easier but it
                                                                                                              doesn’t mean any less. Tradition still lives on to be
                                                                                                              handed down to the younger generation, in a
                                                                                                              modern, innovative way.

        Useful links: Malay Mail                                                                                                                  Copyright 2020 TBWA\
KUALA LUMPUR X TCP-   INDONESIA

INDONESIAN
CULTURAL
TRIGGERS

                                   Copyright 2020 TBWA\
SIGNS OF SOLIDARITY

THE TRIGGER                                                                                            EDGES
Indonesians vent online over virus response.
                                                                                                               Modern Strike
The hashtag #IndonesiaTerserah (Whatever, Indonesia) has been trending in                                      Company activism has rapidly flipped from
                                                                                                               external marketing to internal justice. Traditional
social media as people express their disappointment towards the government's
                                                                                                               labor unions are growing globally among
indecisive actions when it comes to curbing the spread of COVID-19, and the                                    millennials. New, subtler forms of employee
general public's disregard of social distancing measures which has led to                                      activism are emerging too, such as private Slack
incidents such the McDonald's Sarinah's farewell gathering and crowded airport                                 channels. Don’t wait to be called out. Regular,
as people attempt to mudik (go back hometown) for Lebaran.                                                     proactive staff feedback is businesses’ best defense.
                                                                                                               Partner with your people to identify and implement
The hashtag was created by rapper, The Rap Up, who shed light on this alarming                                 positive change. Activism can then become
                                                                                                               engagement.
situation. Surprisingly, this hashtag is largely used by front-liners such as doctors
and nurses who are expressing their disappointment and worries that all their
hard work in the past months would be in vain due to people's indifference
towards this pandemic and the government's ineffective policies.
                                                                                                                      Cancel Culture
WHAT IF                                                                                                               The mob-mentality meets social media-brands,
                                                                                                                      public figures, and governments bow down to the
                                                                                                                      Twitter masses or risk invoking their ire. Any person
                                                                                                                      or brand can be “canceled” in a moment.
      The front-liners have reached their limit and become completely demotivated?

                    This ignorance causes further socio-economic damages?
                    How will Indonesians cope with a longer period recession that is sure to follow?

Useful links: Coconuts, Youtube, Kompas
                                                                                                                                                        Copyright 2020 TBWA\
COMMUNITY AND TRADITION REMIXED

THE TRIGGER                                                                         EDGES
Pride of Indonesian heritage showcased via TikTok.
                                                                                            Indopride
The latest viral TikTok challenge in Indonesia is the #LathiChallenge. This                 Globalization is all nice and dandy, but people are
challenge uses the Lathi song, which is an EDM song that features a unique                  also remembering the great heritage of our own
blend of both modern and traditional Indonesian music elements.                             country. From music, fashion, rituals, dancing, to
                                                                                            coffee - more young Indonesians are rediscovering
Inspired by the fusion of modern and traditional, several graphic designers are             their root identity, and either preserving it or giving
flexing their skills by reimagining Disney princesses dressed in traditional                it fresh breath.
Indonesian attire. Some have also re-designed the infamous Disney castle into an
Indonesian castle.

This quarantine has brought upon many creative expressions from Indonesians,
but never one that helps showcase the deep pride Indonesians have towards
their heritage, well, until now that is!

WHAT IF
          Pride of heritage and tradition becomes the "new modern" in Indonesia?
          How will this affect the way Indonesians lead their daily lives?

            How can brands leverage on Indonesian heritage? What can brands do to
            further encourage people to embrace their heritage?

Useful links: Youtube, Twitter                                                                                                           Copyright 2020 TBWA\
THE TRIGGER                                                                       EDGES
"Driving" from the comfort of your home                                                   IRL
Being stuck at home 24/7 sure is making us miss some of the more mundane                  It’s time to get real. In a lonelier, more automated
                                                                                          world, we seek real-life, human experiences. The rise
moments from our pre-COVID-19 lives.                                                      of local community meetups, DTC pop-ups, and
                                                                                          renta- person services are reviving opportunities for
A website called "Nyetir and Radio" (Driving and Radio) is a brilliant new                physical connection. Experts say we’re starting to
platform that allows you to listen to your favourite radio station while the              build deeper relationships with a smaller number of
website shows you imageries of major roads in Jakarta made to feel like                   people we can actually stay in touch with IRL.
you're actually driving a car.                                                            Brands can respond to our need for deeper, real-life,
                                                                                          person-to-person connection.
Even though it's a temporary fix, it helps people "escape" while being stuck at
home to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
                                                                                                   Mood Geisting
WHAT IF                                                                                            Brand, optimize my vibe. In the Age of
                                                                                                   Anxiety, mood prediction and modulation
                                                                                                   is a new human behavior and innovation
                                                                                                   space. From hotels with responsive
                                                                                                   ambient rooms, to LSD microdosing to
     Brands can provide more of these sorts of "escapes" as people continue on
                                                                                                   make us smarter and happier at work,
     with quarantine and social distancing?                                                        we’re getting psyched.

         Brands utilise VR and AR technology to bring these pre-COVID
         experiences to live now?

    Useful links: Nyetir dan Radio

                                                                                                                                  Copyright 2020 TBWA\
THE TRIGGER                                                                                EDGES
The End is Still Nowhere in Sight
Ramadan and Lebaran season is the time of the year where Indonesians                               Reverse-Empathy Age
spend their Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR) (bonuses) to buy new clothes and                             In a crisis where one’s deed can impact us all,
                                                                                                   empathy are sometimes overlooked for the sake of
other symbolic Lebaran items for their family. And this alarming global
                                                                                                   self interest. Is nihilism the new approach to this?
pandemic situation does not stop them doing their usual Lebaran shopping
even if it means they possess a higher risk of getting infected.

People were queueing up at the mall to buy Raya clothes without minding
physical distancing rule; they were forcing to go back to their hometown with
fake medical letter; mosques were opening up to commence congregated
prayers.

All of those resulting to the still-unflattening curve of coronavirus spread in
Indonesia. The light at the end of the tunnel is still nowhere to be seen.

WHAT IF
      There are stronger forces than government policy to make people chose to
      stay inside? Is there any way for brands to help and show more support so
      people would still be able to feel the Lebaran spirit without violating the rules?

     Useful links: BBC

                                                                                                                                             Copyright 2020 TBWA\
Die -
                                    Versification                 Guide Us
                       Anxiety
                        Index                                                       IndoPride

             Cancel                                 Tradition
                                 iGOD                                        IRL            Modern
             Culture
                                                    Hacking                                  Strike

SUMMARY:
CULTURAL
EDGES THAT
                        Travel          Empathy                    Mood            Convenience
                        Right             Age                     Geisting          Economy

SIGNALS
COVID-                                              Survivalism

RAMADAN
                                                                                           Copyright 2020 TBWA\
KUALA LUMPUR X TCP-     INDONESIA

COVID-19
SOUL
SEARCHING
What search trends from Google can tell us about the
Malaysian and Indonesia states of mind.

                                                       Copyright 2020 TBWA\
Soul searching - Malaysia Trending Searches on Google

                                      11th May - 17th May ( 18th Ramadan- 24th Ramadan ): Even more time for fun
                                       50K+ Searches on                                                                                                                        500K+ Searches on
                                       Nurses Day wishes,                  2K Searches on                                                                                        Teacher's day
                                        quotes and gif.                  Sunny Leone on the                                     50K+ Searches on                               wishes, quotes and
                                                                         day of her birthday                                      Teacher's day                                        gif
                                                                                                                                wishes, quotes and
                                        1. Happy
                                                              1. Sunny Leone                          1. Epic Game                      gif
                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Teacher's      1. Menteri
 1. Redmi Note                         Nurses Day
      9 Pro                                2020                                                                                                                                      Day 2020        Besar Kedah
                                                                                                                                              2. Teacher's
                                                                                                            2. Epic                            Day 2020                             2. Dortmund
  2. iPhone SE                         2. Kedah                                                                                                                                      vs Schakle

                  Sometomes by
               Rizalman, had a sale                                                                                                          3. Bundesliga
               and released a new
                                      3. Oppo Reno                                                                                                             IU's Birthday           3. IU
               collection with most      3 Series
               of the bags are sold
                        out.

4. Sometimes                          4. TOP GLOVE                                                                                            4. Rockstar
                                        Share Price
                  Many are still                                                                                      It was our PM
                appealing for the                                                                                                            5. Muhyiddin                       5. Bundesliga
                                                                                                                         birthday!
                  government's                                                                                                                   Yassin                             fixture
                financial support      6. Poco F2

   6. LHDN                                                                              2K Searches on
                                                                                                                                                                 Dr Luqman
                                                                                      Sunny Leone on the
 Rayuan BPN                            8. Menteri                                     day of her birthday
                                                                                                                                              6. Dr. Luqman   Abdullah, has been
                                                                                                                                                              appointed the new
                                      besar kedah                                                                                                Abdullah
                                                                                                                                                              Federal Territories
                                                                                                        8. Muallim                                                  Mufti

                                       10. Huawei
                                           Y6p

        11                                  12                      13                                        14                                     15                                 16                  17
Source: Google Trends                                                                                                                                                                               Copyright 2020 TBWA\
Soul searching - Google trends of Malaysia

 How COVID-Ramadan is shaping culture in a gist…                                                                                              (Aggregating the colour coded topics)

                         Raya Phone                                                    Kedah Political Turmoil                                                       Gloves Mania
    Even with growing financial uncertainty in the time of                            All eyes were on the state of Kedah when state                     The pandemic has affected multiple business sectors
       COVID-19, Malaysians stays interested in new                                opposition claimed that 23 of 36 state assemblymen                      across the world but not Malaysia’s medical glove
   smartphone releases as many are still looking for a new                        have lost confidence in Chief Minister, Mukhriz Mahathir.            industry with some of the world’s top gloves makers like
     “Raya phone” (a term to describe the behaviour of                            Despite COVID-19 situation, this political drama brought               Top Gloves, Supermax and Rubberex already seen as
     buying big purchase item in time for the Hari Raya                               the entire country to a standstill especially after a                some of the largest beneficiaries of the COVID-19
                        celebration).                                               backdoor government move caused major political                     pandemic. This drives a buying frenzy among investors
   From the new iPhone SE to Oppo Reno 3 Series, these                             changed in federal government few months prior. This                        looking to profit from soaring stock prices
    releases ranging from lower to mid-tier smartphones                           story reached its climax when Mukhriz resigned from his
   aimed at belt-tightening consumers looking to up their                          position as CM after losing the majority support in the
                     smartphone game.                                                             state legislative assembly.

                   Football is Back                                                Make time for Mini Celebrations                                           More Time for Gaming
   Searches on live streaming football matches increased                               Another week of mini celebrations with keyword                     Searches on Epic Games peaked when the gaming
     over the weekend as Malaysian football fans were                                 searches on wishes and quotes for Nurses Day and                   digital store enabled users to download Grand Theft
  thrilled when Bundesliga and Revierderby resumed their                             Teacher's Day demonstrate Malaysians appreciation                   Auto V (GTA) for free, driving Malaysian gamers more
          match after postponing it for two months.                                       towards people in these noble professions.                         reason to indulge in gaming during this time.
  Watching live football matches in the pandemic would                                The week also shows Malaysians discovering the                     Couple that with a viral video of a traditional Malay-
  be different for Malaysians used to collective viewing at                          birthday of their newest Prime Minister, Muhyiddin                 themed wedding ceremony re-created on GTA V by a
  a ‘mamak’ stall or watching live on television with their                          Yassin. They later went on social media to wish him                Malaysian creative gamer helped boost the search for
     football buddies. As live sports slowly making its                            happy birthday and thanked him for his handling of the              the platform, showing interest not only on game playing
  comeback, live streaming at home will becoming more                                          pandemic since he took office.                                  but customising their game experiences.
                          common.

Source: Google Trends                                                                                                                                                              DATE RANGE: 4th May - 10th May
*Refer to Backslash Ramadan Issue 2 for more information on Moratorium U-turn                                                                                                                   Copyright 2020 TBWA\
Soul searching - Google trends of Indonesia

                               11th May - 17th May                          ( 18th Ramadan- 24th Ramadan ) : Have we already given up?
       50K+ searches                 50K+ searches      100K+ searches                                                  200K+ searches
                                                                                     200K+ searches                                                          100K+ searches                              100K+ searches

                                             1. Oreo
    1. Taufik                                                                                                                                                                                                   1. The World of
                                            Supreme                       1. BPJS                     1. Epic Games                      1. Hengky                        1. Bundesliga
    Hidayat                                                                                                                                                                                                       the Married
                                                                                                                                         Sulaiman
                        Badminton athlete                                                                                                                                                                          episode 16
                        commented about
    2. Suara                                                         3. Kapan                                           Controversial                                     3. Habib Bahar
                           corruption                                                                    4. Indira
   Dentuman                                                           malam                                              influencers
                                                                                                         Kalistha                                                                                                   2. Indira
                                       2. Han Soo Hee              Laylatul Qadr                                                         3. The World
                                                                                                                                                          Controversial
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Khalista
 3. Soal TVRI                                                                                                                           of the Married     preachers
                                                                                                       5. Hari raya                       episode 16
   kelas 4-6                            5. Miracle in              4. Touch your
                                                                                                         Idul Fitri
tanggal 11 Mei                           Cell no. 7                    heart
                                                                                                                                                                          5. Union Berlin
                                                                                     Find greetings                                      4. Hal yang                                                             4. Jalangkote
                                                                                                                                                                            VS. Bayern
                                                                                                                                        membatalkan
                                                                                                                                                                                          Bullying act
 5. Vera Wang                                                                                                                               puasa
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     5. Herd
                                                                                                      7. The Bounty
                                             8. Herd                                                                                                                      6. Indonesia                              Immunity
                                                                                                          Hunter
                                            Immunity                                                                                      6. Verdi                          Terserah
6. McD Sarinah                               adalah
                                                                     8. PSBB                                                             Sulaiman                                                                    6.
                                                                                                        8. Bandara
                                                                    Palembang                                                                                                                                    Goosebumps
                                                                                                        Soekarno-
8. Meteor Jauh                        9. Hari Perawat
                                                                                                           Hatta                                                          7. No Escape
                                       Internasional                                                                                    7. Titiek Puspa
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 10. Hari Buku
                                                                         9. Perang                                                                                                                                 Nasional
  10. Surat Al                               10. Doa                       Badar                      10. Niat sholat
     Qadr                                   sebelum                                                       idul fitri
                                             belajar

        11                                    12                            13                              14                                15                                   16                                     17
Source: Google Trends
Soul searching - Google trends of Indonesia

      How the pandemic is shaping culture in a gist…                                                    (Aggregating the colour coded topics)

                                                                                                                    Where are we heading with
            Maximum Devotion                                    Nation of Learning
                                                                                                                            Corona?
     Ramadan has nearly come to its end.                  Even during the pandemic, we continue to
                                                           make education our priority by making                Searches related to Coronavirus are on the top
    Through the week, we see searches that
                                                       learning materials more accessible online than             10 most search keywords this week. People
       indicate religious activities during
                                                            before. As a result, we saw searches on               were trying to keep updated with the latest
      Ramadan, reflecting how people still
                                                         elementary school exams peaked this week                 situation and dealing with the new normal,
   want to earn more ‘pahala’ (blessings) this
                                                         and people celebrating National Books Day.                 even though the end is nowhere in sight.
     year even though they have to do it by
                                                                                                                   Indonesians are wondering where will this
   themselves at home due to the isolation.
                                                                                                                            situation take them into?

                                   Escape from Corona                                    Whatever, Indonesia!
                           With this uncertain situation due to the global           Indonesia has come to a point where we
                             pandemic , Indonesians are getting more                 couldn’t care less about the pandemic as
                            engaged with entertainment as their short             frustration increases with constantly changing
                               getaway from this challenging time.                 government’s policy and people violating the
                           Throughout the week, the searches related to           social distancing rules more than ever. Here we
                           movies to watch and actors/actresses became             see numerous searches about the frustration
                             the people’s way to escape from thinking              and disappointment we have to face due to
                                        about Coronavirus.                                    this challenging situation.

Source: Google Trends                                                                                                                 DATE RANGE: 16TH MARCH- 7TH APRIL
KUALA LUMPUR X TCP-          INDONESIA

           • Hari Raya is a Malaysian term for the celebration of Eid-al-Fitr, also known as Aidilfitri. In Indonesia,
             Eid is also known as Lebaran or Idul Fitri.
           • Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
           • Pahala are reward from god can as well seems like points. The more good deeds you do the more
               “pahala” you will get.
           •   Mudik (Bahasa Indonesia) / Balik kampung (Bahasa Malaysia) refers to the pilgrimage of going
               back to one’s hometown during festive season especially Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr).
           • Sunnah    is an Arabic word meaning "tradition" or "way." For Muslims, Sunnah means "the way of the

GLOSSARY       prophet". Sunnites try to follow his words, actions and teachings. Pahala will be granted by doing so.
           • Tunjangan Hari Raya refers to bonuses given by employers to employees in Indonesia before the a
               religious celebration.
           • Ma’mum refers to persons who are led by the Imam during a prayer congregation.

           • Tahlil is a form of zikir or the uttering Allah’s name repeatedly and the making of doa or entreaties.
               In some communities, majlis tahlil on the other hard refers to the combined ritual of reciting the
               phrases of Quran, zikir and doa on behalf of loved ones who have passed away.
           • Ziarah refers to the act of visiting others. During Hari Raya, Muslims in Malaysia visits friends and
               family near and far as a way to strengthen their bonds.
STAY HOME
STAY SAFE
& RAMADAN
KAREEM
STAY CONNECTED
To find out more about this report please e-mail
Nazirah Ashari, strategic planning director, TBWA\Malaysia
nazirah.ashari@tbwa.com
Henry Manampiring; chief strategy officer TCP-TBWA\ Indonesia
henry.manampiring@tcptbwa.com
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