consumer behavior Archives

Singapore – Consumers in Southeast Asia are avid consumers of ‘Korean-wave’ (K-wave) products but ultimately surf for localised K-products, according to data analytics firm Euromonitor International.

With growing consumer demand, brands are increasingly embracing K-wave in product development, promotion and local engagement. Consumer brands, particularly food, drinks and beauty, see K-wave as a tide driving key growth.

According to the report, Singaporeans saw a significant 52% growth in outbound travel to South Korea in 2024 compared to 2019. Visitors from Indonesia (10%) and Taiwan region (13%) also increasingly travel to the home of K-Wave, driven by strong outbound travel recovery.

For instance, Soju, South Korea’s popular alcoholic drink, has become an affordable drink for locals nowadays, thanks to it featuring in K-drama. Soju has seen impressive growth in major Southeast Asian countries with CAGR of 121% growth from 2019 to 2023 in total volume sales, particularly in Malaysia (241%), Indonesia (182%) and Thailand (100%).

However, consumers are now opting for locally produced Soju, rather than imported Soju. Indonesia and Malaysia have introduced Halal Soju, a non-alcoholic Soju but in Soju’s iconic green bottle. This caters to the Halal consumer’s demand, as well as a rapid growth for Soju in these markets.

Sunny Moon, research manager at Euromonitor International, said, “Beyond watching Korean content and travelling to Korea, consumers also incorporate K-products into their daily lives. However, they eventually prefer local products that align with local preference.”

She added, “Consumers’ Korean-craze consumption continues in their home countries. To meet growing consumer demand, brands are embracing the K-wave by appointing K-pop stars as brand ambassadors, even featuring Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, on product labels.”

Manila, Philippines – As generative AI quickly transforms industries and everyday life, Filipino prosumers — those at the forefront of technological adoption — are voicing a major sentiment: while embracing AI is essential, retaining a human touch is equally vital. This is according to the latest survey conducted by HAVAS Ortega.

In the survey, it noted that tech-savvy individuals, representing 15-20% of the population, prioritise a balance between innovation and human-centric practices. They acknowledge the revolutionary potential of AI while expressing deep concerns about its societal implications.

It is worth noting that rhe excitement surrounding AI is evident, with 94% of Filipino prosumers recognising its ability to transform things in multitude of ways. Around 86% believe it can enhance productivity at work and school. Yet, this enthusiasm is tempered by anxiety with nearly half (49%) foresee job losses due to AI advancements, and 52% worrying that AI may eventually surpass human intelligence.

The survey also highlights the need for brands to integrate AI in ways that prioritize human needs. Filipino prosumers envision a future that is inclusive, ethical, and respectful of individual rights. A significant 68% express concerns that AI could widen the digital divide, potentially leaving behind those without access to advanced technologies.

Furthermore, many prosumers (47%) worry about the ethical implications of AI, fearing it could restrict personal autonomy. A striking 43% are concerned about constant surveillance and the unauthorised collection of personal data.

With the world going more digital, Filipino prosumers are gravitating towards brands that maintain a sense of humanity. Despite the growing reliance on AI tools, 80% still prefer human interaction over AI for customer service. This preference highlights a fundamental truth that while technology can streamline processes, it cannot replicate the understanding and warmth of genuine human connection.

Jos Ortega, chairman and CEO of HAVAS Ortega, said, “AI is becoming an integral part of our lives, influencing everything from how we work to how we access information. However, as we embrace this technology, we must also confront the tough questions about its impact on our values and humanity.”

He added, “Brands must not merely adopt AI technologies; they should also champion equitable use that serves everyone, rather than exacerbating existing divides. In the face of rapid technological change, preserving our humanity isn’t just important, it’s a competitive advantage. Brands that prioritize human connection will foster trust and loyalty among their customers.”

Singapore – A striking 87% of Generation Alpha and Generation Z in Asia-Pacific (APAC) actively shape family travel plans, now positioning them as key decision-makers in the travel process. Moreover, with 78% of these young travelers expecting to travel at least once a year, they view travel as both a reward and essential for their personal growth. These statistics are according to the latest data from Hilton.

In the Asia-Pacific region, family travel is increasingly shaped by the preferences of Gen Alpha and Gen Z, with 87% of young travelers actively participating in planning their family vacations. This trend is particularly prominent in China (98%) and India (93%), where over nine in ten young people are somewhat or very involved in organizing trips. Additionally, 69% of parents in the region choose vacation destinations based on their children’s interests.

While young travelers play a significant role in selecting activities and destinations, logistical decisions such as dining (39%), transportation (38%), accommodation (32%), budgeting (20%), and trip duration (18%) remain primarily under parental control. This growing involvement highlights a shift in family travel dynamics, with younger generations taking the lead in creating memorable experiences, while still relying on their parents for practical planning aspects.

For Gen Alpha and Gen Z in APAC, travel serves as a path to self-discovery and personal growth, with 75% of young travelers expressing pride in the region’s global cultural influence and 73% eager to explore their heritage through travel.

APAC families also use travel to reconnect with their cultural roots, with 61% of parents choosing destinations that reflect their traditions and values. Beyond cultural exploration, 68% of young travelers view travel as an opportunity to enhance their education and personal development, a sentiment shared by 60% of parents who prioritize culturally significant destinations for their children’s growth.

Entertainment, sports, adventure, and meaningful family connections are top priorities for young travelers in APAC. Major sporting events, such as the Women’s ODI World Cup, Table Tennis World Championships, and the FIFA Club World Cup, are among the most sought-after in 2025, with 35% of young travelers planning trips around these events.

Close behind are nature events and camps (34%) like cherry blossom festivals and ski trips, as well as music concerts and festivals (26%), with K-pop concerts being particularly popular.

Young travelers across Asia-Pacific are enthusiastic about travel, with 92% having taken at least one trip in the past year. In countries like China, India, and Singapore, this trend is especially pronounced, with young travelers averaging two to three trips in the same period.

“This passion for travel is reflected in their future plans, with 88% of Gen Alpha and Gen Z in APAC likely to travel in the next year. Additionally, 72% take pride in exploring new destinations. These findings underscore the growing demand for travel among younger generations,” Hilton said in a press release.

The report also emphasizes the importance of technology in enhancing the travel experience for Gen Alpha and Gen Z. In APAC, families remain connected during their trips, with both parents and children spending up to four hours daily on their devices. Gen Z tends to be more engaged, averaging three hours online per day, compared to two hours for Gen Alpha.

Smartphones (64%), digital tablets (38%), and smartwatches (33%) are essential travel companions for these young adventurers, who primarily use their devices for streaming videos (55%), gaming (45%), and staying connected with loved ones through messaging apps (44%). Additionally, 42% use their devices for listening to music, and 30% share their travel experiences on social media.

Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director for Asia-Pacific at Hilton, said, “The growing influence of Generation Alpha on family travel signals a transformative shift in the travel industry – one that Hilton is excited to embrace. As these trends accelerate, we recognize the importance of adapting to evolving preferences. Hilton is set to exceed 1,000 hotels in APAC by 2025, and we’re focused on creating new experiences to capture the imagination of this emerging generation and their families.”

Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president of brand management for Asia-Pacific at Hilton, commented, “As Generation Alpha and Z step into the role of key influencers in family travel decisions, they are redefining the landscape of travel. Their evolving preferences are driving the industry to innovate, creating opportunities for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences that align with their value.”

She added, “As Generation Alpha and Z step into the role of key influencers in family travel decisions, they are redefining the landscape of travel. Their evolving preferences are driving the industry to innovate, creating opportunities for more meaningful, immersive, and culturally enriching experiences that align with their value.”

Singapore – New data from Visa has recently revealed that Asia-Pacific cardholders spent more in France than in the previous year following the Olympic Games Paris 2024, with Australia recording over 100% increase in their spending, followed by Mainland China (over 80%) and Hong Kong SAR (over 70%).

According to the data, within France, the biggest share of daily spend comes from Hong Kong SAR (over US$230) Singapore (over US$160), and Mainland China (over US$140). Moreover, Asia-Pacific cardholders made twice the number of contactless purchases compared to the previous year’s average.

The data also reports that over 80% of total visitors used contactless as the payment method, over 30% of cardholders conducted their first international purchase in the last 12 months during their trip.

There has been also a fivefold increase in spending on SMB merchants compared to the previous year’s average. Over 50% of spend in shopping, lodging and dining (apparel & accessories, retail goods, department stores and restaurants).

Lastly, increased spending beyond France in other parts of Europe, including Greece (over 250%), Italy (over 100%) and Spain (over 90%)

Prateek Sanghi, head of Visa Consulting and Analytics for Asia-Pacific, said, “The Olympic Games Paris 2024 has not only showcased athletic excellence but also demonstrated the power of global events to drive economic growth and digitalisation especially for small and medium businesses.”

He added, “What’s really exciting is how contactless payments have doubled during the Olympics — a sign that people are embracing new ways to pay with ease, speed and convenience. We’re seeing the future of payments unfold in real time, uplifting everyone from local businesses in Paris to tourists from across Asia Pacific.”

Singapore – Global insights and intelligence provider CARMA has released a new report analysing how ten airlines in Asia were represented in the news and on social media between the peak holiday period, October 2023 to March 2024.

The report aims to identify the key players in the airline industry, based on their share of voice and overall positioning according to media and customer perspectives.

Singapore Airlines was the most mentioned airline on social media and second most mentioned in mainstream media. The airline ranked first for coverage with positive sentiment. Singapore Airlines earned coverage for its financial performance, including record-breaking half-year profits. Additionally, customer reviews consistently highlighted positive experiences, praising the airline’s exceptional service and luxurious in-flight amenities.

Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific was the most mentioned airline in mainstream media. The airline amassed significant news coverage related to workforce shortages and flight disruptions. However, the airline earned positive mentions on social media, with customers expressing satisfaction with their flight experiences.

The report also noted that AirAsia was the second most mentioned airline on social media. The high volume of social media coverage was largely driven by criticism from netizens over the airline’s customer service.

Moreover, Malaysia Airlines was prominent on both social and mainstream media. Flight MH370 continued to spark discussions, marking the tenth year of its disappearance.

The report mentioned that financial news was consistently among the most discussed theme in mainstream news across all airlines, with Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines earning the most coverage. This was followed by safety, where safety rankings for airlines took up a large proportion of the media discourse. Workforce stories were also a driver of media coverage for the airlines, with Cathay Pacific frequently at the centre of such discussions.

An analysis of social discourse identified customer service and the flight experience as the leading conversation drivers, at 28% and 22% respectively.

Andrew Nicholls, managing director at CARMA Asia, commented on the findings, “It’s interesting to see the extent that customer praise drives social media mentions. We expected to see travellers voicing complaints over social media; but efforts to deliver exceptional customer experiences have clearly turned customers into vocal advocates. In traditional media, airline coverage is dominated by financial results and safety issues, which suggests there is an opportunity for airlines to take a more proactive and creative approach.”

Singapore – Nearly half of retailers in Singapore (43%) face challenges with brand awareness during the initial stages of the consumer journey, according to a survey conducted by Twilio.

The survey revealed that overcoming ad and email fatigue is the most significant challenge for 32% of retailers trying to build brand awareness. Other major obstacles include a limited understanding of consumer behaviour (29%), and difficulties in measuring the effectiveness of marketing efforts (28%).

Additionally, a significant number of Singapore retailers also face challenges in brand conversion (24%) and retention (22%). To address these issues, 45% of retailers leverage customer data to personalise experiences, 22% expand the number of channels used to connect with customers, and 18% increase the frequency of communications.

Fortunately, the survey found that many Singaporean businesses are on the right track, with 45% of retailers recognising the power of leveraging customer data to understand their customers’ needs.

The survey also highlighted Singapore consumers’ preferences for brand engagement. Notably, over 6 in 10 or 63% of consumers prefer interacting with brands through digital channels, including websites, mobile apps, email marketing, and e-commerce or social commerce sites. However, a quarter of consumers remain most responsive to brand interactions at brick-and-mortar shops.

Aligned with Singapore consumers’ preference for digital channels, Twilio’s survey found that local retailers are prioritising engagement strategies to strengthen their connections on these platforms. Over the next 12 months, Singaporean retailers plan to explore new customer engagement methods, including influencer marketing (29%), gamification (22%), and live streaming (18%).

Nicholas Kontopoulos, vice president of marketing for Asia Pacific & Japan at Twilio, said, “In an increasingly noisy and competitive landscape, retail businesses are challenged to retain their customers’ attention and ensure that they are considered at all stages of the consumer journey. Retailers must look beyond run-of-the-mill methods and consider how they can elevate their marketing efforts to create a more engaging brand experience and reach customers on their preferred channels. This can go hand-in-hand with using AI and zero- and first-party data to create more precise and personalised communications.”

“In order to increase top-of-mind awareness and enhance brand visibility at various stages of the customer journey, retailers are looking into ways to increase touchpoints with their customers. However, the brands that will truly stand out and cut through the noise will be those that understand the value of creating hyper-personalised customer interactions, especially as individualisation becomes more important to today’s customers,” Kontopoulos added.

Singapore – With the hype for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship–which will happen in a month away–continues across Asia-Pacific, new data from YouGov has revealed that football followers in Australia are most likely to have noticed event sponsors (57%), while half of football followers in Hong Kong (51%) and Indonesia (50%) say the same. In contrast, under two-fifths in Singapore and Thailand (38%) say the same.

In terms of recognising TV programme sponsors–meaning those shown during broadcast of football matches–about half of football followers in Thailand (51%) and Hong Kong (49%) have noticed such sponsorships, ahead of more than two-fifths in Australia (45%) and Indonesia (44%). However, only a quarter in Singapore (26%) say the same.

Meanwhile, in terms of recognising sponsors at the venue, about a third of football followers in Australia (35%) have noticed such sponsorships, ahead of a quarter in Hong Kong and Indonesia (both 24%), and closer to a fifth in Thailand (22%) and Singapore (18%).

Moreover, about a third of football followers in Australia (36%), Thailand (34%) and Indonesia (32%) have noticed sponsorships related to the team’s season sponsor, compared to around a quarter in Singapore (27%) and Hong Kong (25%).

Lastly, the data also shows that most football followers in Indonesia (57%) and Thailand (52%) would support their teams by buying products from their sponsors, with about an eighth (12-13%) expressing strong agreement.

Singapore – Southeast Asia has once again emerged as the world’s leading Muslim tourist destination, with Indonesia and Malaysia tied for the top spot among 145 global destinations. This is according to the latest edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI).

The report noted that Indonesia and Malaysia both ranked in the list of leading destinations by the Non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as scoring favourably on ease of entry and quality of tourism infrastructure for both Muslim and non-Muslim travellers.

It is also worth noting that Singapore has consistently led among OIC destinations for the ninth consecutive year, underscoring its unwavering dedication to cater to Muslim travelers by widespread availability of Halal food, prayer facilities, suitable airport amenities, and Muslim-friendly accommodation.

Moreover, Thailand maintained its position in the top five non-OIC destinations, owing to efforts towards promoting Halal tourism like increasing Halal food availability, integration of Muslim-friendly amenities at tourist spots, and enhanced accommodation and dining options for Muslim travelers.

In addition, the Philippines recorded an increase in its score on communications compared to 2023. Among non-OIC destinations, the Philippines has steadily increased its appeal to Muslim tourists by strategically developing their Halal Tourism portfolio, enhancing halal accreditation of hotels and restaurants, and conducting Halal awareness orientations.

According to the report, the Muslim travel market is set for a significant uptick this year, with global international arrivals potentially reaching up to 168 million, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by as much as 5%.

This growth in volume highlights the rising prominence of the segment, driven by demographic and economic expansion, cultural and Halal tourism development, and technological advancements that enable more personalized travel experiences for Muslim travelers, such as apps that locate Halal food outlets, Qibla directions, and prayer timings. The impact of artificial intelligence is also helping further customize travel experiences to simplify travel logistics while adhering to faith traditions.

Safdar Khan, division president of Southeast Asia at Mastercard, said, “According to the latest report from the Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI), travellers from and to Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly focused on getting the best value from their trips to ensure the most unforgettable experiences, a shift echoed in the rapidly growing global Halal tourism industry. At the same time, technology is helping this demographic to travel in ways that meet their unique needs, from AI-powered hyper-personalized experiences to Mastercard’s own enablement of easy and secure cross-border payments.”

He added, “Together this heralds a new level of convenience for Muslim travellers and unlocks a new era of growth and profitability for travel operators. Mastercard’s long-running collaboration with CrescentRating is both a testament to the strength of the partnership and the ongoing importance of understanding and serving Muslim travellers.”

Meanwhile, Fazal Bahardeen, founder and CEO at CrescentRating, commented, “It is encouraging to see that the travel sectors in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore not only maintained their rankings in this year’s GMTI, but also improved their individual scores. This reflects a broader trend of increased consideration for Muslim travellers, with average scores across the Index rising by 10%.”

He added, “It is also positive to see the Philippines continue to improve its score, which demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Department of Tourism to bolstering Muslim-friendly tourism and advancing the destination’s appeal. As Muslim travel continues to gain momentum, the GMTI 2024 report provides invaluable insights for stakeholders across the travel and tourism sector to leverage the growing Muslim travel market.”

Manila, Philippines – Over 17 million internet-connected Filipinos, or 19.8% of the internet-connected population aged 16 to 64, listen to podcasts weekly, marking an increase of 2.6% from 2023, according to the latest data from socio-cultural research firm The Fourth Wall, in collaboration with The Pod Network, Anima Podcast, and PumaPodcast.

According to the survey, the popularity of podcasts has been rising since 2020. While the Internet (81.9%) and social media (80.8%) remained the most preferred information platforms, in 2023, podcasts (50.5%) have surpassed other media platforms such as online video streaming sites (40.4%), online news portals (22.1%), and television (19.9%) as the most preferred information source.

It also revealed the most listened-to podcast genres in the Philippines. About 74% of those surveyed revealed they listen to comedy podcasts led by podcasts like The KoolPals, followed by personal development (64%), culture (55%), and politics (49%). The survey suggests that podcast consumers gravitate towards topics that are both entertaining and informative, underscoring their preference for engaging yet substantial content.

John Brylle Bae, director at The Fourth Wall, said, “Our research has found that the majority of podcast audiences tend to listen to podcasts after work or school hours, when commuting, or while doing household chores. This pattern is in line with global trends where podcasts serve as a preferred source of both entertainment and information. Audiences choose podcasts for their ability to seamlessly integrate into daily routines, offering a unique mix of engaging and informative content.”

Meanwhile, Alan Fontanilla, CEO of The Pod Network, said the growing popularity of podcasts in the Philippines, cited in the report, provides advertisers and marketers with another avenue to reach their audiences.

“We are at an intersection in the evolution of media consumption in the Philippines. As more Filipinos tune into podcasts for their unique blend of entertainment and information, we see an invaluable opportunity for creators and advertisers alike to engage with an audience that values depth and accessibility. We are excited about what’s to come as we celebrate and leverage this dynamic shift towards audio-first content,” he said.

Singapore – We Are Social and Meltwater has recently released their annual report on social media usage globally, and has noted that amidst a 5-billion strong global users base, users in Southeast Asia proved to one of most active user base, from gaming to social media usage.

According to the report, the average time spent on social media in the Philippines (3 hours, 34 minutes), Indonesia (3 hours, 11 minutes), Malaysia (2 hours, 48 minutes), Thailand (2 hours, 31 minutes) and Vietnam (2 hours, 25 minutes) is above the global average of 2 hours, 23 minutes. Singapore spends 2 hours, 14 minutes on social media.

It is also worth noting that Singapore ranks 10th globally for social media adoption versus total population. The total number of social media identities as a percentage of Singapore’s population is 85%.

Meanwhile, the average number of social media platforms used in the Philippines (8.0), Malaysia (7.9) and Indonesia (7.8) see these nations rank second, third and fourth respectively worldwide. The average in Singapore (6.9) also ranks higher than the worldwide average (6.7). Moreover, the Philippines topped the list globally for the highest percentage of social media users (43.9%) who say they follow influencers or other experts on social media.

Additionally, Indonesia (62.8%), Malaysia (61.5%) and the Philippines (60.0%) ranked second, third and fourth respectively up against other nations globally for the percentage of social media users who visit social media in order to learn about brands and see their content. Thailand (53.7%) and Vietnam (52.5%) were also above the global average (48.9%).

The percentage of internet users from Vietnam (81.2%), Indonesia (80.9%), the Philippines (79.2%) and Malaysia (76.8%) who use social media to research brands and products they’re considering buying is also above the worldwide average (73.9%).

Lastly, Southeast Asians are amongst the top gamers. Indonesia (96.5%) and the Philippines (95.5%) top the list globally of internet users in playing video games on any device. Thailand and Vietnam follow closely behind in the fourth spot globally with 93.2% of internet users playing video games.

From a global perspective, Facebook–which celebrates its 20th birthday on February 4–grew its global ad reach by more than 200 million over the past 12 months, delivering year-on-year growth of 10.5%. LinkedIn, Snapchat, WeChat and Pinterest also have all reported strong user growth year-on-year.

Meanwhile, digital ad spend grew by 10 percent year-on-year, with almost $720 billion spent on digital ads in 2023. Social ad spend increased by 9.3% to USD $207 billion, and investment in influencer activities increased by 17%.

Nathan McDonald, co-founder and group chief executive at We Are Social commented: “Social media continues to be a vital part of the way we connect with one another, from building communities to researching purchases and everything in between. TikTok’s continued popularity has changed the way that people behave online – social is not somewhere where a broadcast approach works for brands, and the importance of thinking social first has never been more important.”

He added, “It’s encouraging to see strong growth across multiple social platforms, each offering something different, whether that’s Pinterest for social commerce or Facebook for connecting with communities. For marketers, understanding platform nuances – and how to use social media to connect in culturally relevant ways – will be more crucial than ever.”

Meanwhile, Alexandra Saab Bjertnæs, chief strategy officer at Meltwater, said: “As social media enters its next chapter with five billion-plus users, understanding usage patterns, engagement, and emerging trends is crucial to helping brands find their unique voice amidst all the online chatter.”

She added, “The rise of TikTok, coupled with Instagram’s ‘favorite’ status and the growth of professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, paints a picture of evolving preferences. With so many platform choices, brands need to really understand where their target audience is going for information—and shape compelling narratives that engage them with unparalleled precision and authenticity.”