AI agents are becoming a new layer of physical availability, deciding which products are retrieved, compared and placed in consumers’ carts. Drawing on Blackbox research across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, this article explains why brand growth still depends on mental and physical availability, but increasingly requires accurate retailer data, credible reviews, platform presence and a clear understanding of the instructions consumers give their agents.

Consumers are not deciding whether to trust AI agents in absolute terms; they are setting conditions for delegation. Drawing on a survey of 1,050 consumers across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, this article examines how approval steps, spending limits, verified identity and human escalation shape trust, and why the winning agentic products will be those that make autonomy bounded, transparent and recoverable when mistakes happen.

AI agents are moving consumers beyond simple assistance towards delegated action, but adoption is not progressing at the same speed. Blackbox research across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan shows that consumers are increasingly comfortable using AI to inform decisions, while remaining more cautious about allowing it to act autonomously. The real adoption challenge lies in permission, control and 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.

SensingSG is a unique, innovative community insights platform that tracks the sentiments of Singaporeans through quarterly surveys. The insights described in this article relate to the most recent data wave of SensingSG, with the fieldwork carried out between 26 Jan and 7 Feb 2024

In this inaugural edition of SensingSG, we explored the issue of Digital Trust. Our findings reveal that cybersecurity and online safety is of acute concern to Singaporeans.