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.

SensingSG Q1 2026 Briefing: Singaporeans Back National Direction even as Personal Finance Sentiment Diminishes

SensingSG’s Q1 2026 data shows that Singaporeans continue to back the country’s overall direction, with 89% saying it is on the right track. Yet beneath that headline resilience, household sentiment is weakening fast. Economic pessimism has doubled in a single quarter, personal finance confidence has slipped to a two-year low, and the impact of global price shocks is beginning to register more sharply in daily life.

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SensingSG: Why Singapore’s Hawker Culture is Facing an Existential Threat

Blackbox’s latest SensingSG data shows that hawker culture remains deeply embedded in everyday Singaporean life, with 95% saying it is important and 69% calling it “very important” or “essential”. Yet this cultural mainstay is entering a more fragile phase. Rising costs, an ageing hawker population and resistance to price increases are creating a structural squeeze, leaving many Singaporeans worried that one of the country’s most defining institutions may slowly fade without more decisive intervention.

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SensingSG: Sentiment on Trump Slumps in Singapore

The final SensingSG wave of 2025 reveals a significant "Trump Slump" in Singaporean sentiment, driven by economic friction and tariff concerns. Conversely, domestic stability remains high, with Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy of meritocracy and foresight continuing to anchor public confidence ten years after his passing.

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Community Sentiment, Technology, Finance, Banking Siddharth Tergaonkar Community Sentiment, Technology, Finance, Banking Siddharth Tergaonkar

Singapore’s Scam Paradox: Rising Losses and Rising Trust?

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.

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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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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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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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Blackbox Research Report - 'Healthy, Wealthy, Wise' Cracking the Code to a Good Life infographic
Keep your finger on the pulse of Asia - Blackbox Research