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Consumer culture

As Chinese consumers’ belts stay tightened, Beijing banks on foreign tourists splurging

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street tourist attraction in Beijing, China.
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street tourist attraction in Beijing, China.

Why it’s time to end the grim march of the touchscreen

There is no denying the ease and speed of touchscreens but there is room for human interactions too, says the writer.
There is no denying the ease and speed of touchscreens but there is room for human interactions too, says the writer.

Cold Storage to replace FairPrice at Esso stations

Cold Storage will roll out a refreshed convenience retail concept at Esso stations.
Cold Storage will roll out a refreshed convenience retail concept at Esso stations.

‘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.

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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.