Vital insights, signature perspectives.

We are passionate observers and analysts of the trends shaping Asia. We frequently engage communities across the region for real-time insights and publish our perspectives prolifically.

You can find out what matters to Southeast Asia with ASEANScan, explore contemporary community insights on SensingSG, and stay informed with our fresh perspectives via our blog below.

Scandals, Sports, and Speeches: The Generational Split in Singapore’s News Interests 

SensingSG's Q32024 Media Monitor delves into a revealing split in Singapore’s news consumption, with generational preferences shaping what stories capture attention. Our latest analysis shows that younger Singaporeans under 35 are selective in their engagement, focusing primarily on global or high-visibility events, while the older demographic maintains a strong interest in both local and international affairs. Despite a wave of recent scandals, including the Iswaran corruption trial, the generational gap is clear: younger audiences are less captivated by political drama, while those above 50 demonstrate a broader, more comprehensive view of current events, reflecting a focus on both national and regional stability.

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SensingSG Q32024: Riding a Wave of Optimism

SensingSG is back with its Q32024 data wave, having conducted fieldwork in the final week of September, and we find that the optimistic vibes we saw in Q2 have continued unabated, especially in relation to economic sentiment. Elsewhere, we see the Good Governance Meter stay steady overall, albeit with some shifts on individual issues, while our Media Monitor surprisingly finds that the trial and imprisonment of a former Cabinet Minister raised barely a shrug.

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The Changing Face of News Engagement: 3 Key Trends

To understand how Singaporeans are engaging with news today, our latest SensingSG study analyzed data from over 5,000 respondents across four quarters. This article explores the shifting landscape of news consumption, highlighting the growing preference for social media among younger generations, the decline of traditional news outlets, and the rise of platforms like Instagram and YouTube. We also examine the challenges this trend poses for journalism, particularly the risks associated with user-generated content and the importance of maintaining accuracy and trust in an evolving media ecosystem.

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Glenn Wray Glenn Wray

The Great Singapore Reset

Following Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's first National Day Rally Speech in August 2024, how well did his key messages land with the public and how are Singaporeans feeling ahead of a forthcoming General Election? We find out.

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5 Reasons Why Traditional Communications Testing is Broken (and How DiaMetrics Fixes It) 

Traditional communications testing methods often fall short due to slow feedback, biased data, and lack of real-world context. DiaMetrics by Blackbox revolutionizes the process with fast, data-driven insights that reflect how messages perform in competitive environments. With customizable testing and actionable intelligence, DiaMetrics empowers brands, policymakers, and crisis communicators to refine their messaging strategies and ensure they resonate with their target audiences.

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Climate Change in Southeast Asia: Rising Temperatures Reflect Rising Demands for Sustainable Action

To gauge the sentiments across ASEAN, our latest Blackbox-CINT ASEANScan study surveyed over 3,000 respondents from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This article delves into the relationship between the people and their governments, focusing on the environmental issues that ASEAN citizens believe should top their governments' priority lists and how well public policies align with these concerns. On the consumer side, we also explore whether citizens of the region align their spending with their sustainability beliefs, effectively voting with their dollars.

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HorizonASEAN, ASEANScan, Community Sentiment Hazeera Bi W. HorizonASEAN, ASEANScan, Community Sentiment Hazeera Bi W.

Why the Human Touch Still Matters When it Comes to CX

The article discusses the growing importance of Customer Experience (CX) as a key differentiator for businesses in the digital age, where numerous automated service channels exist. It highlights the value of human interaction in customer service, drawing insights from a study of over 3,000 respondents across six ASEAN countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Find out more on the future of customer experience.

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Love and Legislation: Is Southeast Asia Ready for Same-Sex Marriage?

Explore the evolving landscape of same-sex marriage support across Southeast Asia in our latest ASEANScan study. With Thailand leading the way, discover how cultural shifts and legislative changes are shaping public opinion in a region traditionally seen as conservative. From Vietnam's growing openness to Singapore's cautious progress, delve into the complexities and future prospects for LGBTQIA+ rights across ASEAN.

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Surveying Economic Sentiment and Strategies for Managing Rising Costs Across ASEAN

As Southeast Asia's economies evolve, understanding economic sentiment and cost-of-living adjustments is crucial. We surveyed over 3,000 people in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Our Blackbox-CINT ASEANScan reveals key patterns in economic outlook and consumer behavior. This article explores how perceptions of financial conditions and rising living costs are impacting the region.

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Employment, Career, Education Wayne Liu Employment, Career, Education Wayne Liu

The Great Internship Dilemma: Invaluable Experiences or Interminable Wastes of Time?

Internships are crucial in today’s competitive job market, but the trend of "internship stacking" raises questions about whether accumulating multiple internships truly benefits students or merely leads to burnout. At Blackbox Research, four interns shared their experiences and insights on balancing internships with academic responsibilities, the value of hands-on work, and the impact on career development.

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