The man who can squeeze profits out of a RM1 investment can’t squeeze his way onto our judging roster

By The Malketeer

Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and return your tray tables to their upright positions, because we’re about to experience some turbulence in the world of marketing judging!

Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, the aviation maverick who turned a struggling airline into Asia’s largest low-cost carrier faster than you can say “Now Everyone Can Fly”, has been denied boarding for The APPIES Malaysia 2024 judging panel.

Fact is, The APPIES is the only place where the panel of over 20 leading marketers-only judges.

But imagine, if you will, a judging panel led by the irrepressible Tony.

Marketing presentations would be peppered with phrases like “Is this campaign first class or economy?” and “Does this strategy have enough legroom?”

We’d have to install seatbelts on all the judges’ chairs to keep Tony from jumping up to offer impromptu business advice.

With a resume that reads like a bestselling business thriller – from accountant to music industry exec to airline tycoon – Tony’s career has more twists and turns than an AirAsia flight path.

Respect. But our policy is clear: only seasoned marketing leaders are allowed to judge.

Don’t worry, Tony.

You are welcome to attend as our First-Class Guest of Honour.

Registrations now open for delegates to witness the Olympics of Marketing here.