Ogilvy's Eugene Cheong on Idols, Mentors, His Favorite Work and the Creativity Crisis in Asia

It was fitting that Eugene Cheong was judging print and out-of-home advertising for the Clio Awards this year. After all, it was a series of long-copy print ads—written by Neil French some 35 years ago in Singapore—that inspired Cheong to pursue advertising at the highest level. 

Ogilvy’s Asia-Pacific chief creative officer told us that story, and many others, during a break from judging earlier this month. 

In our latest episode of “Creative Portraits,” Eugene tells us about the people, places and ads that have resonated most deeply with him. And he offers his thoughts on how business success in Asia in recent years has paradoxically crippled creativity—and what might salvage it in the years to come. 

To see all of our Creative Portraits videos, click here.