SHANGHAI, CHINA — “The One Show’s reputation is built on the integrity of its juries and judging process,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity. This is echoed in the One Asia Awards judging, happening on October 16 to 17 at the Intercontinental Shanghai Ruijin, where 30 creative leaders from the APAC region converged to join its jury. ONE Asia was due to launch in 2020, but was disrupted due to the pandemic, and in its first year was a showcase. This year, ONE Asia is happening “with a focus on the judging experience and having creative leaders from the region gather and spark conversation.”
With this diverse jury, with representation from the Asian region from countries like Thailand, Philippines, China, Singapore, India, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan, Kevin stressed that he aims for ONE Asia to be “the fairest awards show,” following the philosophy of The One Show and the ADC Awards. Discussion is encouraged, but lobbying is not. “Don’t use disparaging words to look for positive things,” jurors were briefed. “Talk up work and comment. Judge fairly and be respectful of the work as people spend time to craft and they want to get the recognition.”
The One Club has a long history in China, starting in 1999. Their first program for students was in 2000 with a focus on creative education.
“We have changed the face of advertising here dramatically.” Kevin mentioned that the idea of launching ONE Asia for the APAC region was initiated during The One Show Greater China Awards and Festival in 2018, when adobo Magazine’s EIC Angel Guerrero and CCO of Paulos, Seoul, Thomas Hong-tack Kim, cornered him and advised, “Make this available to the whole Asia Pacific region.”
“And now ONE Asia is a happening thing,” Kevin shared. Next year, he plans to add an extra day for a creative summit. ONE Asia’s goal is to have interaction on an annual basis. Season Zhou is the director of ONE Asia.
The two-day jury session is set on October 16 and 17 in Shanghai, and covers creative work entered across disciplines and categories such as Brand-Side/In-House; Branded Entertainment; Creative Effectiveness; Creative Use of Data; Cultural Driver; Design; Direct Marketing; Experiential & Immersive; Film & Video; Gaming; Green Award; Integrated; Interactive, Online & Mobile; Interactive & Mobile Craft; IP & Product Design; Moving Image, Craft & Production; Out of Home; Print & Promotional; Public Relations; Public Service/Non-Profit; Radio & Audio; Social Media; and Sustainable Development Goals.
“In a world as diverse and rich as the Asia Pacific, the cultures, stories, creativity, and perspectives here deserve a stage of their own,” Kevin said in a quote to adobo Magazine. “An Asia-centric creative awards show like the ONE Asia is not just about recognition; it’s about celebrating the unique tapestry of creativity that spans the continent. It’s a testament to the incredible talent, innovation, and cultural depth that thrive in our communities.”
“By showcasing and honoring the creative brilliance that emerges from APAC, ONE Asia not only empowers creative thinkers and doers but also invites the world to embrace the incredible creative excellence and voices.”
Revenue generated from ONE Asia entry fees goes back into the industry to fund programming under the nonprofit organization’s four pillars: Education, Inclusion and Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development.
The One Club for Creativity, home of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE), ONE Asia Awards, Type Directors Club and competition, TDC Ascenders, Young Guns, Young Ones Student Awards, Next Creative Leaders, ONE Screen Short Film Festival, and more, is the world’s foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community.
Adobo Magazine, the word on creativity, is a media partner of the One Asia Award 2023 and is the Manila City host for the One Show Portfolio Night.
