"There is a lot of clutter, said Arriwong. "You go in a 7-Eleven and there are a million fruit juices. On TV, a lot of ads are fighting for the same category. Everywhere you see celebrity-based advertising."
Arriwong's plan of attack is to create advertising that stands out. "This is important in all markets, but maybe even more so in Taiwan."
For the moment, however, well-travelled Arriwong is settling in his new post.
"Worst case scenario, it takes six months, but I'm talking about finding the local grocery, the movie theatre, he said.
Comparatively, Arriwong's on-the-job adjustment is moving relatively faster. "I'm art-based and a good idea is a good idea in any market."
Born in Singapore, Arriwong attended the University of Texas. "I wanted to do something different, so I studied advertising, he said.
The coursework included art, conceptualisation and design. That got him interested in a career in creative work, and after graduation he attended Chicago's Art Institute.
Next, he landed a job in the city with Leo Burnett.
For Arriwong, the move into the real world from the academic was not too difficult to adjust to.
"There weren't any surprises, said Arriwong, "but it was helpful knowing what a media plan was."
Although he has worked on a range of clients, his first big success was a print campaign for Rockport.
By 29, he was a creative director in Vietnam, and later his career at Leo Burnett took him further afield to Warsaw and Madrid.
His decade at Burnett brought him recognition at Cannes, London International Festival, D&AD, Epica, Clio, New York Art Directors' Club, Shots and Archive.
Arriwong left Burnett late last year and set his sights on Asia.
In Thailand, he did a short stint at DYR Bangkok working on Samsung Electronics.
Then he met Craig Davis, regional creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi.
"A big part of (my switch of agencies) is Craig, said Arriwong. "He really believes in the power of ideas."
