As ceremonies go, the grand prize winner announcement for Standard Chartered Bank’s ‘Million Reasons to be Happier’ campaign was an intimate, private affair. Held at aviation services provider WingsOverAsia on 24 March, the setting offered a refined, closed-door experience with a select group of representatives from Standard Chartered and Vogue Singapore in attendance. The best things in life, however, are often highlighted by contrast.
Previous iterations of the bank’s campaign were stunning, no doubt (an all-electric Porsche Taycan is hardly anything to sneeze at). However, this year, the bank has leveled up their grand prize with what could only be dubbed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The winner this time around was Zheng Wenjie, who received the keys to the figurative kingdom for his efforts in banking, spending and engaging with Standard Chartered.
The stakes at play? Only the experience of a lifetime—white sand beaches, clear blue skies and a glamorous makeover and photoshoot. More accurately, this vision of tropical happiness entails an all-expenses-paid, three day, two night trip via private jet to the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, accompanied by a head-to-toe fashion workover, the latter courtesy of Vogue Singapore.
Winning the giveaway was no small matter. After all, there was no shortage of interested individuals hailing from every corner of the country with a Standard Chartered account, looking to deepen their relationship with the bank. Indeed, they don’t call it a grand prize for nothing.
Out of a veritable sea of participants, Zheng came out on top, and was gifted a suitably sized ‘ticket’ for his win. Thankfully, if there was anyone who would not waste this opportunity to travel in intimate, luxurious style, it’s Zheng—both affable, a lover of travel and a family man, the win fits him like a glove.
Speaking of family: he won’t be going alone. Zheng plans on bringing his wife and daughter with him to the Maldives, making his upcoming trip to paradise a decidedly personal affair. We reached out to him to pick his brain on what this win means to him—and what he believes the shape of happiness looks like.
Congratulations on winning Standard Chartered Bank’s ‘Million Reasons to be Happier’ campaign! What’s going through your mind now?
When I first got the call, I honestly thought it was too good to be true and might be a scam! Eventually, I was able to verify that the call was from Standard Chartered, and it started to feel real. After that, I was incredibly happy and very thankful. I immediately told my family and they were just as surprised and could not believe it was real.
I just feel deeply honoured to have been selected as the Standard Chartered grand prize winner. My sincere thanks to the team for this incredible opportunity!
What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming trip?
It has to be the luxurious private jet experience. My wife, daughter and I are all really excited about it, as it will be the very first time we’ve been in one.
How are you all feeling about the Vogue Singapore fashion makeover and photoshoot?
We’re excited. It’s a rare chance for us to experience professional styling and step into a glamorous, high-fashion moment.
What does this win mean to you?
I would consider myself an aviation enthusiast. I travel quite frequently and enjoy experiencing different airlines and their premium cabins to compare the plane models, service, food and even lounges. Last year alone, I took around 60 flights. However, taking a private jet is an experience that is hard to come by. So winning this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my family—to experience ultimate luxury and create unforgettable moments—feels like ticking off a bucket list item.
What does happiness look like to you?
For me, happiness is about my family. As long as we are together and healthy, and I’m able to take care of them and give them the best, that is what matters most. It doesn’t matter where we are—if the three of us are together, we can enjoy anything. That’s why I’m really excited to bring them along for this trip.
