Vivian Lai's no longer a Pokka ambassador after end of 3-year contract

You won't soon be seeing Vivian Lai's mug plastered on Pokka ads.

Her three-year endorsement deal with the Japanese beverage company has ended and the actress-host will not be renewing the contract, both Pokka and Mediacorp confirmed on Thursday (Oct 19).

In a statement, acting CEO of Pokka International Reiko Shofu said: "We thank Ms Lai for her contributions to our company," while Mediacorp said it will continue to offer marketing strategies to Pokka.

When asked about the end of her working relationship with the brand, Lai said she is honoured to have been Pokka's spokesperson over the years, and wished the company well.

The 42-year-old had been fronting Pokka ads for the past decade and was reportedly paid a $1 million endorsement fee in 2012 - a rumour that was recently dispelled.

Ever since her husband Alain Ong was suspended from his deputy group CEO duties at Pokka last month, members of the public speculated whether Lai would continue to be the brand's ambassador.

Following an internal audit, a major management reshuffle took place at the beverage company in September with Ms Shofu taking over the reins in the interim.

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When the news broke, Lai had just filmed a new TV commercial for Pokka's new range of green tea.

By October, some sharp-eyed netizens noticed that Lai hasn't been featured in Pokka's recent promotional material.

They guessed it right. She's the face of Pokka no more.

minlee@sph.com.sg