The year's most-read stories

In the last couple weeks before the holidays, we've been taking a look back at 2017—listicle style. Today, we conclude this year's festivities with 2017's most-read content.

Next week, our offices are closed and we won't be publishing. We wish everyone peace and love (and Merry Christmas to those who celebrate that holiday). Thanks for following and reading in 2017. We'll be back at it on January 2.

1. Why I left advertising
—Erik Ingvoldstad, February 21
I used to feel that we could “invent” anything, and it would create real change in the world. I don’t believe that anymore.

2. Women to Watch 2017: Meet the future champions of change
—Olivia Parker, August 15
The Herculean, nay, Nüwaen efforts of these pioneers are steadily turning our industry into a more prosperous, open-minded and generally desirable place to work—and not only for women.

3. Here's why Amazon is worrying the Google/Facebook duopoly
—Babar Khan Javed, July 28
NEWS ANALYSIS: An analyst, a strategist, and an affiliate marketer comfortably walk into a bar. Then they notice Amazon in the corner. All your base are belong to us.

4. This lingerie brand replaced its agency with AI and will never go back
—Emily Tan, March 15
Cosabella grew its customer base and tripled its ROI after it 'hired' an AI platform named 'Albert'.

5. Thanks, Gwyneth Paltrow, for yet another reminder of how not to handle a PR crisis 
—Babar Khan Javed, July 3
Step 1: Don't dig in and deny, especially when you're up against a NASA scientist.

6. Foreign brands' bid to support Pink Dot festival denied
—Faaez Samadi, June 15
Google, Apple, Facebook and other big hitters signed a joint letter asking to support the annual LGBT event, offering compromises to the government.

7. Ogilvy Philippines confirms employee death
—Matthew Miller, February 24
Passing of Mark Dehesa reignites debate about industry work pressures.

8. 40 under 40: Meet 2017's class of APAC marketing-communications achievers
—Olivia Parker, October 23
These young professionals stand out as drivers of growth and progress.

9. Orientm McCann president arrested on corruption charges in Pakistan
—Babar Khan Javed, October 24
Following a four-year corruption investigation, the head of Orientm McCann has been arrested along with seven other agency owners and four political figures.

10. Watsons Malaysia apologises for ‘blackface’ ad
—Faaez Samadi, June 8
The pharmacy says the video is based on an old legend and celebrates inner beauty.

Note: We've omitted perennial favourites including Asia's Top 1000 Brands, the 2016 Agency Report Cards, Cannes coverage, and the 2017 Agency of the Year Awards from the above list.