Heads of juries named for the “Fairy Tales Do Come True” themed Crowbar Awards 2017

A happily ever after in the career world doesn’t just happen to anyone. Most of us pine for our dream jobs, but often have to settle for a less than charming 9-5 profession. However, winning something as prestigious as the Crowbar Awards might just be the magic beanstalk to golden opportunities for students.

This year, “Fairy Tales Do Come True” has been chosen as the theme for the Crowbar Awards.

In fact, James Keng Lim, Hakuhodo Creative Director and Crowbar Chairman and Head of Jury for Advertising (pictured left), has quite a tale of his own.

Once upon a time Lim was touted as one of Singapore’s budding young talent in Calligraphy and Still Art. He even had a shot at stardom as a singer-songwriter-keyboard player for an electro-synth-pop garage band that captured the attention of producers from as far as Los Angeles. Despite his multiple talents, he finally found his true calling when he joined the industry after returning from Australia. His formative years weren’t always smooth sailing though. But after a few start-stops, his career finally took flight.

Today, equipped with network and independent advertising, digital, and PR agency experience under his belt, his career has taken him from Singapore to Malaysia, Shanghai, Dubai and Amsterdam. With a bounty of international and regional advertising, marketing effectiveness and digital accolades, James Keng Lim has certainly come a long way since.

Joining Lim on the judging panel to help students realise their dreams are Co-Chairman, Alfred Wee, Creative Director, McCann, as well as fellow Head of Juries – Primus Nair, Executive Creative Director, BBDO, Bruce Watt, Regional Creative Director, Y&R, Nick Handel, Chief Executive Officer, MRM//McCann and Gary Tranter, Founder & Group Executive Creative Director, Arcade.

On his choice for co-judges, Lim adds, “I have known each one of them for years. Not only are they highly successful, but each have taken a path less travelled to where they are today. Entrepreneurial, multi-talented, and most important of all, humble. These fine gentlemen are the beacons for future generations. I am truly honoured they share my vision for Crowbar and it will be a real privilege to have them share their own inspiring fairy tale stories with the students.”

Recounting his own fairy tale story, Bernard Chan, CEO of 4As, adds, “I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs while chasing my dreams as a young lad, but I’m glad to say that I’m doing what I love today. I think we all have to start somewhere and work our way up, that’s how life is. So actually, the age-old teachings of “fairy tales” are not that far removed from present-day life. When we have a dream, we chase it. And those who work hard and want it bad enough get their happily-ever-afters.”

Alfred Wee, Creative Director of McCann Worldgroup and Crowbar Co-Chairman says, “I like to think we are all living in a fairy tale. We tell stories all the time; we share our daily adventures, we celebrate someone’s special moment and even sympathise with other’s misadventure.” Alfred adds, “So really, there are truths in fairy tales especially in our business, an idea unfolds and reveals a meaningful story for our clients’ brand. And now, more than ever, we can tell them beyond books. Our digital narratives are boundless and limitless.”

From its commencement in 2001, the Crowbar Awards has since become a leading award show for budding creatives to showcase their best ideas. The show now attracts over 1000 entries from local, regional and international tertiary institutions. This includes entries from the US, UK, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. The entries, which span the disciplines of Advertising, Branding, Design, Digital, Film, Innovation and Technology, are judged by leading industry creatives, clients, and specialists.

The Crowbar Awards is organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Singapore (4As).

The Winner’s Workshop will be held on 31st May at Nanyang Polytechnic and tickets are complimentary. Crowbar call-for-entry starts 19th June 2017 and is open to students in local and overseas institutions. Details for The 24-Hour Challenge will be announced in August.