Assalamualaikum and good day MIA community! As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, a new dawn rises. But before we head there, I have a funny story to share – well, at first it was kinda depressing but as I think back, it was actually pretty hilarious. Our Editor for News & UGC, Anjalika, came to the group and I quote, “Did u guys see this?” If you guys are wondering what it was, it’s a post shared on LinkedIn by a passing stranger about the LinkedIn Icons and fake awards.
Normally, I would ignore this kind of post because it screams Facebook – I mean using the word “fake” is one thing but giving out negative clickbait and scream antipathetic all over is definitely Facebook – but it’s hard to ignore when I’m quite sure only MIA has this LinkedIn Icons recognition. Oh, well.
So, here I am with the whole team talking about it. Some of us, myself included was really really pissed. In fact, beyond pissed. Hey, you’re talking about our reputation here, but after talking with each other and brainstorming while keeping ourselves calm and collected, we have come to a conclusion that this means we’re doing something right for MIA. That being said, when I look back, it’s actually a good branding! Scratch that, great branding!
After this so-called “fake” award post, people actually came flocking into our website to check our legitimacy; readership is through the roof and this happened in just one night! Imagine that, huh? But it didn’t stop there; we received our very first press release from CNN International Press Office on that very same day! Yes, we may experience this hardship when our reputation is on the line but God is always great. He gave us something in return to motivate us and move forward; to continue to fight for what we believe in – building Asian community for people around to empower others by writing. I should really thank that stranger for giving us free branding. No, really. Thank you stranger, from the bottom of my heart, because what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.
Now, with the holy month of Ramadan ending and Eid is finally upon us, the past is the past. This is the time for us to get closer to God, not distancing ourselves from Him – yes, I know it’s the COVID-19 season but that doesn’t mean you can stray further from Him, you know, social distancing and all. Forget the grudge, ask for forgiveness and forgive the wrongdoings. It is not that hard, believe me. Just like the Malay saying, buang yang keruh, ambil yang jernih.
From the bottom of our hearts, we from Marketing In Asia, would like to wish everyone here a great and peaceful Eidul Fitr. Remember guys, stay home, stay safe and keep yourself away from fake news. It’s unhealthy. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
Tulus Ikhlas,
Azleen, Geogy, Anjalika, Jen, Tina, Asa
Marketing In Asia Editors and Team
