Oops! Singapore’s Cashless Push Goes Wrong – Nets Offers a Sincere Apology
On August 1, Nets, the e‑payment firm behind Singapore’s cash‑free rollout, publicly apologized for an ad that fell flat on its face, using a Chinese actor in a Google‑inserted “brown‑face” joke. The ad, featuring Mediacorp’s own Dennis Chew as a woman in a tudung and a dark‑skinned male, landed in hawker centres and online, sparking a firestorm of backlash.
Why the Frown?
- Politicians nicknamed it “insensitive” and “offensive”.
- Users complained the ad turned a celebration of unity into a racial mishap.
- Police filed a complaint, demanding an official response.
Nets’ statement boils down to a heartfelt, “We’re sorry for any hurt. We only meant to say e‑payment is for everyone.”
Spicy Ripples: The Response Video
In a twist, YouTube star Preeti Nair and her brother, rapper Subhas Nair, released an online rap mocking the ad. The video got a quick takedown, but it re‑surfaced across social platforms.
- Law Minister K. Shanmugam called the rap “crossing the line” and warned it could inflame groups.
- Media giant Mediacorp pulled its own ad and issued a heartfelt apology.
- CNA dropped Preeti Nair from a slated music documentary, citing a firm stance against content that threatens racial harmony.
Hawker-Launch Push – What’s the Deal?
The campaign, spearheaded in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore, aims to integrate e‑payment across hawker centres, canteens, and coffee shops. Nets was chosen as the “master acquirer,” handling‑transactions and driving small‑food‑biz adoption. Other partners: the National Environment Agency, Housing Board, and JTC Corporation.
Hot‑touch Checks: Ensuring Harmony
IMDA, Police, and Enterprise Singapore are all on board to chill the surge of the rap video, urging people to drop it from sharing. The narrative? “Don’t spread the negative vibes—let’s keep Singapore’s unity intact.”
For now, the media has quietly pulled the controversial ad, and the shared rap clips are down. The next chapter? A cautious rollout and a lesson in keeping the messages as inclusive as the cashless ambition.
