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.

3 Ways Real-Time Data Changes How Brands Make Decisions

Real-time data isn’t just faster research - it’s a fundamental shift in how brands make decisions. In today’s hyper-accelerated markets, yesterday’s insight is already a liability, consumer preferences shift overnight and competitive landscapes transform in real-time. Yet too many brands still rely on quarterly research studies that take weeks to analyze and months to implement – by which time the market has completely moved on.

Discover how real-time intelligence transforms reactive organizations into predictive powerhouses – and why in today's Southeast Asia, clarity beats volume and decisiveness beats delay.

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The Quantum Fallacy: Why Nudges Fail to Solve Southeast Asia's Systemic Crises

In this Op-Ed, David Black critiques the "quantum fallacy"—the overreliance on behavioural nudges to solve systemic crises. While effective for micro-decisions, nudges cannot replace structural reform. This piece calls for a synthesis of behavioural science, AI, and systems thinking to address the underlying drivers of Southeast Asia’s complex economic and social challenges.

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Beyond Clicks: 3 Trends Driving Asia’s $2 Trillion E-Commerce Opportunity

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.

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Microsoft Doubles Down on AI in Southeast Asia: Upskilling Millions for the Future

Microsoft's ambitious plan is set to transform the workforce landscape in ASEAN by focusing on four key areas: creating an inclusive, AI-ready workforce, bridging the cybersecurity talent gap, enhancing AI skills among developers, and empowering non-profit organisations to leverage AI for social impact.

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Rebound of Chinese Tourism in SE Asia: The Impact of Visa-Free Travel Arrangements

Across SE Asia, Singapore is currently leading the race to attract Chinese tourists. And it’s not just the lure of visa free travel – its emphasis on safety and cultural offerings that are both contemporary and aim to hit the right sweet spot for tourists makes it well positioned to build on its success going forwards.

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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