Lee Chee Koon lands messages authentically in walking interview

Walking interviews might look authentic, but require a lot more choreography than a sit-down Q&A to get them right - which makes it even more difficult to look authentic!

CapitaLand CEO Lee Chee Koon manages it well in his online interview with Mothership, authentically sticking to his message, which is why we have nominated him for the Hong Bao Media Savvy Awards 2021.

Most Singaporeans know CapitaLand, a local property developer and owner. But do they know who runs the company?

Lee's authenticity and informality resulted from a performance that was not flawless.

He gives eloquent answers and even manages to come across as sincere, which is why we have nominated him for the Hong Bao Media Savvy Awards 2021.

Watch and read below for my assessment.

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We launched the Hong Bao Media Savvy Awards in 2018 to recognise local business leaders for their communications skills, and to showcase authentic and credible home-grown communicators.

Supported by the Asia Pacific Association of Communications Directors and joining us this year – the Investor Relations Professionals Association Singapore and the Public Relations and Communications Association - we highlight shining examples for other local business leaders to follow, and to build a culture of excellence in communication, to maximise the potential of Asian companies in the Asian Century.

Nominations close October 31, 2021 at www.mediasavvy.asia.

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Messaging

Lee answered some questions with the official line, probably provided by his communications director, but he did not appear to parrot a canned message throughout.

The reporter not only asked her own questions, but levelled written questions at him from a variety of other reporters. He came across as safe, but interesting.

In a subtle move, the interview featured Lee walking around different areas of Funan, a mixed development in CapitaLand's portfolio. This injects action and movement to the video, while showcasing the mall.

Authentic

Lee's answers are stilted at times, but in answering a question about sustainability, Lee poignantly remarks: "We feel that sustainability has a profound and long-standing impact in the world that we live in and we need to do the right thing. So that when we look into the eyes of our children we can safely and confidently tell them that we have left behind a safe and secure environment for them."

The message would come off as disingenuous if delivered wrongly, but Lee says it with such conviction that it becomes the high point of the interview.

If you know Lee Chee Koon, share this article with him and congratulate him on being nominated for the Hong Bao Media Savvy Awards 2021.