Global Spotlight: SUSS Students Bag Gold and Best Report at Global Brand Planning Competiton (GBPC) 2025

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) proudly celebrates the exceptional achievements of its marketing students at the Global Brand Planning Competition (GBPC) 2025. Organised by the Global Chinese Marketing Federation and the Marketing Institute of Singapore, this prestigious international competition featured over 20 university teams from China, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore.  

SUSS brought home two Gold Awards, with Little Red Squad and Fishboat Time both clinching top honours for their outstanding branding strategies. In addition, Fishboat Time also won the coveted Best Report Team, solidifying SUSS's reputation on the global stage.  

Despite juggling full-time internships, academic commitments, and the intensive demands of the competition, both teams demonstrated creativity, professionalism, and unwavering teamwork under pressure.  

Little Red Squad presenting their winning proposal to the judges (from left to right: Gui Ging Yi, Jasmine Ng, Carl Song Jye Le, Lim Zhi Yu, Joie, and Lee Yu Han). 

Little Red Squad – comprising Carl Song, Ging Yi Gui, Joie Lim, Lee Yu Han, and Jasmine Ng – impressed judges with their sharp and thoughtful campaign for heritage snack brand Munchi Pancakes. The team conducted in-depth analysis of past winning entries to set a clear benchmark for quality and innovation.  

Together with SUSS faculty members, Little Red Squad proudly celebrated their achievement at the GBPC 2025 Award Ceremony (from left to right: Dr. Zhou Xuan, Carl Song Jye Le, Lee Yu Han, Lim Zhi Yu, Joie, Jasmine Ng, Gui Ging Yi, and Associate Professor Jimmy Wong). The team received a Gold Award in the competition.

“The tight timeline forced us to trust and rely on each other’s strengths. We learned the true meaning of teamwork – supporting one another and moving forward together,” shared Carl Song, team leader.  

The team’s strong sense of purpose and ability to focus on key deliverables led them to a compelling final pitch that stood out among global contenders.  

Fishboat Time presenting their winning proposal to the judges (from left to right: Shawn Lai Guang Shen, Sita Hamilton, Gallardo Roginelle Amaro, and Amanda Koh Zixuan). 

Fishboat Time, a group made by Amanda Koh, Sita Hamilton, Shawn Lai, and Gallardo Roginelle Amaro, also won Gold for their impactful brand strategy for Mr Popiah, a local F&B business. Their team further distinguished itself by earning the Best Report Team award, recognised by the judging panel for its clarity, insight, and strategic depth.  

Fishboat Time celebrated their success with SUSS faculty members (from left to right: Dr. Zhou Xuan, Amanda Koh Zixuan, Sita Hamilton, Gallardo Roginelle Amaro, Shawn Lai Guang Shen, Associate Professor Jimmy Wong). The team clinched the Gold Award and Best Report Team in the competition. 

“Having the opportunity to participate in GBPC 2025 alongside participants from other countries was an incredible experience. I had lots of fun presenting our ideas and hearing other teams’ presentations,” said Amanda Koh.  

“Participating in GBPC 2025 was an invaluable experience. Being able to learn from students from other countries and to hear from the judges is an extremely precious learning opportunity that I cherish deeply,” reflected Shawn Lai.  

Fishboat Time was mentored by Associate Professor Hung Yu-Chen, while Little Red Squad was mentored by Dr. Vicky Kuo and Associate Professor Ada Wong, with additional support from the SUSS Marketing Interest Group including Faith Chua and Gerald Chia. Their guidance helped students refine their strategies and deliver confident, well-researched presentations.  

The achievements at GBPC 2025 reflect SUSS’s commitment to experiential learning, global exposure, and developing future-ready marketers equipped with strong communication, critical thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.  

Congratulations to all the students and mentors for their exemplary performance and for bringing pride to the SUSS community! 

Explore more about SUSS’ Marketing programme here:  https://www.suss.edu.sg/programmes/detail/ft-bachelor-of-science-in-marketing