Consumer culture

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.

‘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”.

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.

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.

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.

Lego should be simple, not smart

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

Letter From Tokyo

Japan has a shrinking population of kids and a tepid economy. But its toy market is booming

The International Tokyo Toy Show, an annual four-day event held from Aug 28 to 31 with the first two days for business stakeholders and the other two for members of the public, draws a bustling crowd eager to check out new toy releases.

Life List: 2025 in 15 lifestyle objects

Share A Coke: Personalisation made charmingly low-tech in the age of AI

Beverage giant Coca-Cola revived the Share A Coke campaign in 2025, with over 150,000 customised cans created in the first month alone.

As cultural confidence grows, Chinese brands highlight China’s heritage in storytelling

Bampo staged a fashion show in a Guaizhou tea plantation to launch its tea-scented leather bags.

Shenzhen-based tea chain Molly Tea to open first S’pore outlet in Orchard Central in 2026

Shenzhen-based tea chain Molly Tea is set to open its first Singapore outlet in Orchard Central in 2026.

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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.