7-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) The inclusion of an image of Singapore’s founding prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, on a beverage packet has ignited a storm of criticism online, with sceptics questioning whether this move received the necessary approvals from the authorities.
Yeo’s, a local food and beverage brand responsible for the creation of these limited-edition chrysanthemum tea packets, has officially confirmed that they sought the authorities’ input when designing the drink’s packaging.
The controversy began when, on August 25, an observant Reddit user shared a photograph of the drink packet on the social media platform, likening the use of Lee’s image on the packaging to what they deemed a “cheap endorsement.”
Further fanning the flames, a concerned reader of The Straits Times also raised doubts about whether Yeo’s had appropriately obtained approval from the relevant authorities to feature Lee’s image on their product.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) confirmed on Thursday that Yeo’s had indeed consulted with them regarding their commemorative initiative. The aim was to ensure that it conformed to established guidelines concerning the use of Lee’s name and image.
An MCCY spokesperson pointed out the guidelines readily available on the ministry’s website. They further emphasized that it was the responsibility of users to ensure that their use of Lee’s image adhered to intellectual property laws.
Responding to The Straits Times, Yeo’s Chief Executive, Ong Yuh Hwang, revealed that the company had consulted with MCCY to guarantee that their “latest initiative to commemorate the centenary year of Lee Kuan Yew’s birth” adhered to the published guidelines governing the use of his name and image.
Ong clarified, “None of the 500,000 limited-edition packets of our popular chrysanthemum tea are available for sale, but are given away free.”
“When designing the packet, we deliberately abandoned the usual brand identity of the product, including the bright yellow and red colours and the prominent position of the logo.”
“In the commemorative packaging, the green colour was used to convey Lee’s visionary role in transforming Singapore into a green city. The Yeo’s logo was also reduced in size and moved from the centre to the bottom of the packaging.”
“We hope that Singaporeans will see this as a gesture on Yeo’s part to unify the community around the important value of balancing economic growth with environment protection that the late Lee had imparted.”
Ong further disclosed that Yeo’s had partnered with various organizations to distribute these commemorative packs “in an educational setting.” These organizations include Gardens by the Bay, the National Museum of Singapore, Children’s Museum Singapore, National Parks Board, army camps, Safra clubs, and schools.
Notably, in 2016, MCCY issued comprehensive guidelines pertaining to the use of Mr Lee’s name and image, allowing them to be utilized “for purposes of identifying with the nation,” but strictly not for “commercial exploitation or (to) be assumed or taken to indicate any kind of official endorsement of products or services.”
