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Consumer culture

‘I have better work-life balance now’: S’pore dental assistant turned fishmonger

Former dental assistant Ms Neo Hui Qin became a fishmonger in 2024 and runs a stall in Tiong Bahru Market.
Former dental assistant Ms Neo Hui Qin became a fishmonger in 2024 and runs a stall in Tiong Bahru Market.

Field Notes from Chongqing

Gen Zs in China snapping up replicas of museum artefacts. Is this about cultural confidence?

Museums around China are turning some of their most iconic artifacts into exquisite souvenirs to appeal to consumers.
Museums around China are turning some of their most iconic artifacts into exquisite souvenirs to appeal to consumers.

Chinese New Year service offering proxies to bow to parents in China stokes controversy

Lantern installations at Yuyuan Garden ahead of the Lunar New Year, which will welcome the Year of the Horse, in Shanghai, China February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Chenxi Yang
Lantern installations at Yuyuan Garden ahead of the Lunar New Year, which will welcome the Year of the Horse, in Shanghai, China February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Chenxi Yang

Forum: Only time will tell if modified watches will stay the course

Consumers warming to ‘emotional’ AI toys

The palm-sized toy developed by Chinese start-up Takway.AI is billed as the world's first emotionally intelligent AI pocket pet.
The palm-sized toy developed by Chinese start-up Takway.AI is billed as the world's first emotionally intelligent AI pocket pet.

‘I am a knight’: Paris’ last newspaper hawker gets top French award

French President Emmanuel Macron praised Pakistan-born newspaper hawker Ali Akbar Akbar, 73, as an example of integration which “makes our country stronger and prouder”.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Pakistan-born newspaper hawker Ali Akbar Akbar, 73, as an example of integration which “makes our country stronger and prouder”.

America’s a la carte economy is making everyone feel poorer

The Wall Street Journal reported in 2025 that a typical four-day visit to the theme park costs US$1,000 more than it did five years ago, adjusted for inflation.
The Wall Street Journal reported in 2025 that a typical four-day visit to the theme park costs US$1,000 more than it did five years ago, adjusted for inflation.

BNPL provider Atome secures $444m funding from banks including HSBC, DBS to expand in region

The new credit facility will accelerate the expansion of Atome’s BNPL and lending across its markets in the region.
The new credit facility will accelerate the expansion of Atome’s BNPL and lending across its markets in the region.

Production error at Chinese factory catapults ‘cry-cry’ toy horse to unexpected fame

A plush toy horse went viral for sporting a pout instead of a smile. The factor owner said its expression was simply a production error.
A plush toy horse went viral for sporting a pout instead of a smile. The factor owner said its expression was simply a production error.

Lego should be simple, not smart

The Lego Smart Brick being introduced ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.
The Lego Smart Brick being introduced ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.