Culture

I spend most of my time thinking, exploring, and landing on culture, brands, and what's next.

I have over 16 years of experience driving social-first strategy across APAC, and I'm a specialist in connecting brands with culture through social platforms, cultural partnerships, and emerging trends. I've worked with global brands across the region, and was shortlisted as Campaign Asia's Channel Engagement Planner of the Year. Today, I'm a recognised voice in culture and social innovation.

culture * brands * marketing * culture * brands * marketing * culture * brands * marketing * culture * brands * marketing *
McDonald's FIFA World Cup campaign photo featuring Ronald McDonald, football stars, and Grimace
Thought

Missing the Final Wasn't a Scheduling Problem

McDonald's just confirmed, on its own earnings call, what I called out about their FIFA final no-show. It was never a scheduling problem.

Aug 28, 2026 · 2 min read
The Relentlessly Shareable Framework diagram, by Xinyi Zheng
Essay

Brands Don't Need More Influencers: They Need to Be Relentlessly Shareable

Brands need to focus on creating relentlessly shareable content rather than relying solely on influencer marketing to drive engagement and organic distribution.

Aug 6, 2026 · 8 min read
A human hand and a robotic hand reaching toward each other
Thought

Are We Using AI Right?

Every company's strategy today is "use more AI," yet most brands are still building content strategy for humans. AI doesn't discover brands the same way we do.

Aug 5, 2026 · 2 min read
World Cup 2026 Final graphic with gold trophy ball
Thought

FIFA Finale, which brands are celebrating with us?

By the final, the most-watched match of the whole tournament, brand conversations went quiet. Brands don't just need a launch. They need an ending.

Jul 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Studio set with monitors showing 2025 sequel and reboot announcements
Essay

Are We More Risk-Averse Today?

There are about 34 sequels and prequels happening in 2025. Are we shying away from bold ideas in favor of safer, proven formulas like sequels, reboots, and nostalgia-driven stories?

Dec 31, 2024 · 3 min read
Xinyi's Pop Culture Wrapped 2025 mood board
Year in Review

Xinyi's Pop Culture Wrapped 2025

The pop culture moments that shaped the year and are already influencing what comes next.

Dec 31, 2025 · 3 min read

New posts land irregularly, based on trends and insights.

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About

Reading the room before it knows what it wants.

Xinyi Zheng

Hi, I'm Xinyi, if you know me well, you'll know my initials is XYZ! I'm a culture expert who lives for exploring what's next and building things around it. This space holds my honest takes: the thoughts, the point of view, and the occasional word vomit. Consider it a safe space for anyone who cares about culture as much as I do.

16Years in the field
20Brands advised
500Content Created
Recognition

Awards & shortlists

Point of view
"I don't chase trends. I read the room before it knows what it wants."

Have a brand or a moment that needs reading?

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