5 Minutes With… Glenn Chew
Tell us a little bit about your role with Accela?
As a Communications Executive, I handle public relations for our clients, which mostly consist of bespoke cocktail bars, innovative restaurants and luxury hotels. It’s great fun due to the variety of accounts I’m on, from an upcoming tea-based cocktail bar to a restaurant owned by a Michelin-starred chef.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
It has to be watching a project you managed to fruition - from ideation to media events to earned coverage. It’s a cycle that manifests itself in a multitude of ways depending on the client and activation but is just as inspiring every time.
What would you say truly differentiates Accela from the many competitive choices that exist today?
PR-wise, Accela is a boutique agency, but as such, we specialise and put our hearts into our work. We’ve done great things for our clients and it shows; any list of top bars in Singapore will include multiple Accela Comms clients.
What do you think the future of Communications will look like?
Conversations about ‘the future’ today revolve around AI and machine learning as a central points. While it’s true that writing has been affected overall and would continue to be, I don’t see any automated process removing the human element of PR, as it’s simply impossible to replace the process of making genuine connections with the media.
Do you have any “hidden talents”?
Innate knack for making puns (my colleagues can begrudgingly attest to this)
Quiz night extraordinaire (an approximate knowledge of many things)
Custom keyboard builder (come by my desk!)
Biggest achievement at work so far?
Oversaw the launch of Anti:dote at Fairmont’s vegan afternoon tea, which got numerous media coverages in print. There was also an omakase menu launch for NOKA by Tippling Club, which also got printed in multiple luxury publications! Zooming out, I think my biggest achievement is the constant learning - PR is something that constantly evolves.
Best career advice you’ve ever received?
Try everything at least once. Even if it doesn’t turn out nicely, it’s a learning experience.
Imagine your perfect night - are you staying in or going out?
Staying at home with friends over. I’ll be cooking for them while the others bring drinks (and do the dishes), after which we play party games!
What’s something that’s always in your refrigerator?
Homemade tzatziki, which is basically a Greek yoghurt dip with shredded cucumbers with fresh herbs. It’s easy, healthy, delicious, cheap, and goes well with SO many things.
It’s movie night, which film do you suggest putting on?
I’m currently leaning towards films I want to watch but haven’t yet. Off the top of my head: Parasite, Oldboy, Spirited Away and Midsommar.
