In a heartwarming initiative that resonates with Singapore’s commitment to inclusivity, OPPO Singapore has unveiled the “Friends of Singapore” campaign in celebration of National Day 2024. This campaign not only highlights the rich diversity within the Lion City but also extends this celebration to our furry companions, particularly as the regulatory landscape shifts to allow HDB residents to own up to two cats from September.
Teaming up with a vibrant collective of local photographers, students from the prestigious LASALLE College of the Arts, and esteemed animal welfare organizations such as PurelyAdoptions and the Cat Welfare Society (CWS), OPPO Singapore is dedicated to fostering an animal-friendly society. This campaign is a testament to OPPO’s philosophy of “Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World,” demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to cultivate goodwill towards stray animals and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners.
Celebrating National Day with Heartwarming Stories
For many in Singapore, pets are cherished members of the family, true “Friends of Singapore.” OPPO’s campaign spotlighted 12 families, including founders of PurelyAdoptions, the President of Cat Welfare Society, volunteers, caregivers, and adopters. These individuals shared poignant stories that underline the importance of forming deep emotional connections with pets, moving beyond just fulfilling their physical needs. By fostering such bonds, the campaign aims to tackle the root causes of animal abandonment and address the unique challenges faced by community cats and Singapore Specials.
At the launch, Thenuga, President of CWS, remarked, “At CWS, we advocate for policies and programmes that benefit caregivers, pet owners, and cats. With the lifting of the ban on raising cats in HDB flats, it is a step forward in legitimising responsible cat ownership, finally setting minimum standards for cat care. Technology gives us an opportunity to better connect people with resources and support within the cat welfare community, raising awareness not just for adoptions, but for caring for cats overall as well.”
Estella, founder of PurelyAdoptions, added, “This all started when my husband, Patrick, and I crossed paths with a puppy who needed rehoming. As we began helping more and more animals, we found more meaning in finding animals their forever homes. Through my work with PurelyAdoptions, I want to encourage pet owners and adopters to truly connect with their pets. To humans, a pet might just be another animal, but to them, their owners are their whole world.”
AI Technology: A Game Changer in Pet Adoption
The “Friends of Singapore” campaign also highlights the pivotal role of AI technology in increasing the adoption rates of stray animals. Shelby, a Cat Behaviour Consultant, emphasized, “I am also deeply involved in raising awareness for our cats up for adoption on social media. We have noticed an increase in people coming for adoption drives and becoming interested in adopting, often because of the way our cats look in the posters. I am glad that we have the technology available to us to make this possible.”
OPPO’s cutting-edge AI photo editing features, including the AI Eraser, can effortlessly remove cluttered backgrounds from stray animal portraits, presenting them in the most appealing manner. This not only boosts their chances of finding a forever home but also helps in creating a lasting emotional connection with potential adopters.
Additionally, OPPO Singapore has introduced the AI Smart Image Matting feature, which allows users to create stickers from pet portraits with a simple tap. These stickers are being distributed with online purchases, further promoting the campaign’s message of compassion and care for Singapore’s stray animals.
The “Friends of Singapore” campaign is more than just a National Day celebration; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion towards all living beings. Through the thoughtful integration of technology and community engagement, OPPO Singapore is committed to driving positive societal change, ensuring that every stray animal in Singapore receives the love and care they deserve.
