In a fragmenting world, Lee Kuan Yew’s principles have evolved from lived memory into Singapore’s "active DNA". While most citizens now view his legacy as more significant than a decade ago, this is not a slide into nostalgia or personality cults. Instead, Singaporeans are using LKY’s core virtues — foresight, meritocracy, and discipline — as a moral yardstick to scrutinize the performance of current leadership.

Drawing on original data from Blackbox’s SensingSG, this essay by David Black explores how LKY's "operating philosophy" serves as a global benchmark for governance.

Asia’s e-commerce market is racing toward US$2 trillion, but the old playbook is dead. Is your brand ready for the revolution? Drawing on exclusive insights from 46 regional leaders, our latest report, “The Next Leap for E-Commerce in Southeast Asia,” uncovers the three tectonic shifts defining the future: the explosion of video commerce, AI-driven personalisation, and the borderless shelf. Discover the strategies you need to thrive in the experience economy.

Algorithms and Ambitions
This unique study examines how young Singapore investors (aged 25–39) are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their financial lives. It confirms that this digitally-native cohort has already executed a universal shift in behaviour, with 100% adoption of AI for investment decisions. This rapid, total integration of the 'AI co-pilot' presents an existential challenge to traditional financial advice models, demanding a new strategic response from financial institutions and technology providers.

The Next Leap for E-Commerce in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia’s e-commerce sector is primed for a quality-of-growth leap. From 25+ hours with 46 experts, this report pinpoints five levers and market deep dives (Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam) to help platforms, policymakers, and MSMEs unlock scalable, cross-border momentum.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With GE2025 on the horizon, Budget 2025 lands at a critical moment. Our latest Blackbox Intelligence Report unpacks what undecided voters and experts really think—from cost-of-living anxieties to election-year strategy.

Discover the dynamic e-commerce landscape of Southeast Asia, with a deep dive into Malaysia's potential as a regional hub. This white paper provides unparalleled insights into the region's strengths, challenges, and future opportunities, drawn from over 30 hours of interviews with industry experts and thought leaders. It explores key issues like logistics competitiveness, cross-border trade, and the role of third-party logistics in shaping the e-commerce ecosystem.