Brands are speaking — but their customers are not always listening. In today’s attention economy, people are exposed to more messages across more channels than ever before, while at the same time filtering harder, trusting less, and gravitating toward interactions that feel authentic.

On 4 Sep 2025, Blackbox hosted the Brand Leaders Brunch: The Insight Disconnect, where 50 senior decision-makers came together to ask: In the attention economy, how do we keep research meaningful? Leading the discussion were Mansi Trivedi, who heads strategy and insights across APJ at Transmission; Jessalynn Chen, Managing Director of Labbrand Singapore with expertise in brand innovation and cultural fit; and David Black, founder and CEO of Blackbox Research. Together, they unpacked why attention isn’t really shrinking, why “trust” is too vague to act on, and why senior executives will never fill your survey — surfacing 7 key shifts every leader should know to turn feedback into genuine dialogue.

Singapore’s healthcare model has long been admired for its balance — but that balance is shifting. Rising costs, confusing policy terms, and recent controversies like Great Eastern’s hospital access pause have shaken public confidence in private health insurance.

This report unpacks the cracks in the current system — revealing how protected Singaporeans really feel, what they understand (or don’t), and where trust is faltering.

Gen Z Singaporeans are emerging as one of the most influential consumer groups today, but not in the ways you might expect. New insights from Blackbox’s latest SensingSG wave highlight surprising shifts in sentiment, trust, and engagement among under-30s. From their outlook on the future to how they interact with brands and technology, this generation is quietly but decisively reshaping the rules. Here are five key ways they could be rewriting the consumer playbook.

Singaporeans Steady at Home, Uneasy Abroad
SensingSG’s Q2 2025 data paints a picture of a confident Singapore — 90% say the country is on the right track, and personal financial sentiment continues to improve post-GE2025. Yet, this domestic optimism contrasts with growing unease abroad. Trump’s tariffs have soured sentiment toward the U.S., with 1 in 3 reducing spending on American goods. Meanwhile, Chinese brands are rising fast, beating out some American competitors, and reflecting a shifting trust landscape that’s beginning to shape everyday choices at home.

Surveys and interviews have long been staples of market research, but as audiences evolve, so must our methods. This article examines the strengths and limitations of both approaches and explores how emerging AI alternatives like Blackbox Dialogue enhance data quality, respondent experience, and research efficiency, by combining the best elements of surveys and interviews.

As scams surge, how is Singapore responding — and is it working?

Scams and cybercrime are rising worldwide, and Singapore has not been spared. In 2024, public satisfaction with the government’s handling of scams rose to 72% — a significant increase from just 54% the year before. Our latest article explores what’s driving this shift in public sentiment, from landmark legislation to stronger enforcement, and whether these efforts are enough to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated scams and uphold increased public trust.

Singapore is positioning itself as a major player in the crypto space, but beneath the surface, public sentiment is far from unanimous. While infrastructure and regulation are advancing, many Singaporeans remain wary of crypto’s risks. In our latest research, we uncover who's really investing — and why so many are still holding back. Read on to explore the interesting divides and what they reveal about the future of crypto in Singapore.

Singapore’s GE2025 may have handed the PAP a stronger mandate, but voter sentiment reveals a more complex story. Drawing on final-week polling from Blackbox Research, this analysis unpacks how ground strategy, issue salience, and digital engagement shaped the outcome — and why the Workers’ Party isn’t going away.

Tune into our Blackbox Unpacked podcast for a deep dive into the China Chic report.

We unpack how Chinese lifestyle brands are winning over young Singaporean consumers — and why quality, cultural relevance, and localisation are reshaping perceptions of “Made in China” across Southeast Asia. Listen now and download the full report.

Nomination Day 2025 has set the tone for a competitive and closely watched election. Drawing from Blackbox’s latest data, this analysis explores what the candidate line-ups reveal about voter sentiment, leadership favourability, and top concerns — from cost-of-living pressures to rising interest in opposition rallies and political engagement.

Discover how Chinese lifestyle brands are winning over young Singaporean women.

Based on in-depth interviews, this report reveals shifting perceptions of “Made in China” and what’s driving trust, relevance, and growth — from quality and culture to localisation. A must-read for anyone tracking consumer trends and brand strategy in Southeast Asia.