Media OutReach
The Great Optimism Divide: Singaporeans’ Bright Future vs. Hong Kong’s Uncertainty
As the Year of the Snake Approaches, the contrasting sentiments reveal deeper economic realities and highlight the paths forward for both cities.
- Optimism Divide: A striking difference in outlook for 2025 exists between residents of Singapore and Hong Kong. 51% of Singaporeans express optimism about the upcoming year, while only 29% of Hong Kong residents share this sentiment.
- Confidence in Achievements: 57% of Singaporeans report high confidence in achieving their goals in 2025, contrasting sharply with just 34% of individuals in Hong Kong who feel similarly assured.
- Happiness Metrics: 55% of Singaporeans feel content in their daily lives compared to 43% of Hong Kong residents. Financial stability, health, and family are recognized as the top contributors to happiness across both regions.
- Economic Worries: Financial concerns remain a pervasive issue for both populations. Among younger demographics, Gen Z and Millennials in Hong Kong express heightened anxiety over finances, while older generations show different priorities.
- Health as a Priority: Health emerges as a critical focus for residents in both cities. While financial stability impacts happiness, health consistently ranks as a top priority, highlighting the importance of well-being amid economic challenges.
- Future Prospects: As the Year of the Snake unfolds, both cities face pivotal opportunities for transformation, with Singaporeans looking to embrace growth while Hong Kong residents must navigate a landscape of uncertainty.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2025 – As the Lunar New Year approaches, ushering in the Year of the Snake—a symbol of wisdom and renewal, MDRi has conducted a survey encompassing 1,000 participants from Hong Kong and Singapore to gauge the prevailing sentiments regarding their future and evolving life priorities for the upcoming year: the economic fates of Singapore and Hong Kong seem to diverge dramatically. While Singaporeans anticipate a prosperous 2025, buoyed by optimism and resilience, their counterparts in Hong Kong face a landscape marred by uncertainty and caution.
A Tale of Two Cities
Recent findings from a survey conducted by MDRi reveal a stark contrast in sentiment between the two cities. 51% of Singaporeans express optimism about the upcoming year, in sharp contrast to just 29% of Hong Kong residents. This disparity extends beyond mere feelings; it reflects deeper economic realities.
Singapore’s economy is projected to grow by 2.8% in 2025, buoyed by a robust performance in 2024 and improving external demand. In stark contrast, Hong Kong’s GDP growth is expected to decline to 2%, hindered by high interest rates and ongoing trade tensions, particularly with the United States. The economic slowdown has led many in Hong Kong to question their future, with 25% expressing doubts about achieving their personal goals in the coming year whereas 57% of Singaporean are feeling confident with achieving their personal goals.
Confidence and Happiness
Confidence is a vital currency in both cities, and here too the divide is palpable. 57% of Singaporeans report high confidence in their ability to achieve their goals, compared to only 34% of Hong Kong residents. This sense of agency is reflected in their levels of happiness, with 55% of Singaporeans feeling content in their daily lives, while 43% in Hong Kong report similar feelings.
However, underlying these sentiments are shared concerns—financial worries loom large for both populations. In Hong Kong, these concerns are particularly pronounced among younger demographics, with Gen Z and Millennials facing significant financial pressures in a sluggish economy. In Singapore, while financial stability remains a priority, family and health take center stage in the happiness equation.
The Health Imperative
As both cities grapple with their economic realities, health emerges as a priority for residents. The Year of the Snake, often associated with healing and transformation, may offer a timely reminder of the importance of well-being. Singaporeans tend to focus on family alongside health, while Hong Kong residents are increasingly concerned about financial stability and health issues.
This shared emphasis on health opens avenues for growth in the health sector, a potential silver lining amidst the economic clouds. As populations in both cities age, the demand for health-related services is likely to rise, providing opportunities for innovation and investment.
Navigating the Future
Simon Tye, CEO of MDRi, encapsulates the essence of the current moment: “The survey highlights the divergent trajectories of Hong Kong and Singapore, shedding light on the economic challenges and growth opportunities within the health sector for 2025. Understanding these differences will enable stakeholders to navigate the complexities ahead.”
As the Year of the Snake unfolds, Singaporeans may find themselves shedding old doubts for new growth, while Hong Kong residents must tread carefully, mindful of the hidden challenges that lie ahead. In this transformative year, wisdom and insight will be crucial as both cities chart their paths forward.
Notes to editors:
- The press release result is based on a survey conducted by MDRi during 31st December 2024 – 6th January 2025, measuring the sentiment and happiness level of both markets of Hong Kong and Singapore towards the year 2025.
- The survey engaged a total of 1,000 participants, with an equal sample size of 500 individuals from each market, to ensure a balanced representation of the demographic distribution within the respective territories.
For further information, interviews, or comments, please contact [email protected].
Hashtag: #MDRi
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MDRi
Based in Hong Kong and with operations in London and Singapore, MDRi is a leading provider of business insights, empowering organizations with data-driven advice to make informed decisions and drive growth.
Through advanced analytics, industry expertise, and innovative methodologies, MDRi uncovers strategic opportunities, mitigates risks, and helps businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace. With a commitment to excellence and client-centricity, MDRi is revolutionizing the way organizations harness insights for success.
About The Mishcon de Reya Group
The Mishcon de Reya Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its heart, employing over 1450 people with over 650 lawyers. It includes the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP and a collection of leading consultancy businesses that complement the firm’s legal services.
Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore and Hong Kong (through its association with Karas So LLP). The firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply. Its work is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, spanning seven core practice areas: Corporate; Dispute Resolution; Employment; Impact; Innovation; Private; and Real Estate.
The Mishcon de Reya Group includes consultancy businesses MDR Discover, MDR Mayfair (in London, Singapore and Dubai), MDR ONE, MDRi (in Hong Kong) and MDRx. The Group also includes MDR Lab, which invests in the most promising early stage legaltech companies as well as the Mishcon Academy, its in-house place of learning and platform for thought leadership.
Earlier this year, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the alternative legal services market, flexible legal resourcing business Flex Legal. It also acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions management business.
Media OutReach
Tropicana Twister Builds Homes That Could Change Lives for Generations
Gandakan Kebaikan transforms nationwide kindness into real homes, delivering meaningful and lasting impact.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – Tropicana Twister’s ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ campaign has reached a defining milestone with the completion and handover of homes to families in need, marking a tangible outcome of a nationwide movement built on everyday acts of kindness.
Developed in partnership with EPIC Homes, the initiative contributes towards the building of up to 100 homes for underserved communities, including Orang Asli families across Malaysia. What began during Ramadan as a simple call to do good has since translated into safe, liveable spaces that provide families with protection, stability and a chance to move forward.
“Gandakan Kebaikan reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Franchise Senior Director. “Through this initiative, we’re building homes and helping to create stronger foundations for families to thrive, today and for the future.”
Jennifer Lee, Head of Marketing, PepsiCo Malaysia Beverages, shared, “This is where intention becomes impact. Tropicana Twister’s Gandakan Kebaikan campaign started as individual acts of kindness, and now, the result is visible, that Malaysians are and will continue to show up for one another.”
“Families living in unsafe homes live in constant worry, especially during heavy rain. An EPIC Home gives them a place where they can feel secure. It goes beyond being just a shelter – a safe home gives peace of mind, stability, and the hope for a better future.” said Nadhira Halim, (Asst. Manager, Fundraising & Partnership, EPIC Homes).
More than just physical structures, these homes create a sense of security and dignity, while giving families a stable environment to rebuild their lives. Built with the support of volunteers and local communities, each home reflects a collective effort that goes far beyond a single campaign.
While ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ was rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, its impact continues to extend far beyond the festive season. By focusing on long-term community needs, Tropicana Twister reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.
“As a brand, we believe in the power of collective goodness. This project is about turning that belief into action and bringing people together to create lasting impact,” added Jennifer. “Just like every beam and plank forms a home, each of you is a vital piece in building this journey.”
With the completion of these homes, ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ continues to build on its mission of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia, proving that collective goodwill can create an impact that lasts beyond a moment.
For more information, visit Tropicana Twister’s Facebook page @MYTropicana and watch here on YouTube to see the impact unfold.
Hashtag: #TropicanaTwister
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Tropicana, Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change cafor the planet and people. For more information, visit
www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
Media OutReach
Student bonds are built at SIM from orientation to graduation
From Orientation to a Continuous Student Journey
Orientation programmes have traditionally focused on introducing students to campus life. Today, they are increasingly seen as the starting point of a longer engagement model. Institutions such as the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), onboarding is complemented by a structured ecosystem of activities that extends throughout the academic lifecycle. These include Student‑led Student Club Recruitment drives,, leadership camps, and peer-led initiatives that encourage early interaction and sustained participation over time.
Building Bonds Through Shared Experiences
Rather than relying solely on informal social interaction, universities or institutions are creating structured environments where students collaborate regularly. SIM, for instance, offers more than 70 student clubs spanning arts, sports, and academic interests, alongside activities such as hackathons, overseas community projects, and student-led events. Such platforms allow students to work together on common goals, reflecting real-world team dynamics and reinforcing skills such as communication and collaboration.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The concept of student life is also expanding beyond academic settings. Dedicated platforms such as SIM’s Student Life initiatives are designed to provide a more holistic campus experience, reinforcing the idea that learning extends beyond formal instruction. At the same time, academic support systems such as the Student Learning Centre provide structured assistance through workshops, consultations, and learning resources, supporting both individual and group learning processes.
A Diverse and Global Learning Environment
With partnerships across universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and the United States, institutions like SIM bring together students from varied cultural and academic backgrounds. This diversity creates opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, which is increasingly relevant in a globalised workforce.
Connecting Student Experience to Career Outcomes
The emphasis on collaboration and engagement is also closely linked to employability. SIM’s broader model integrates academic programmes with industry partnerships, internships, and career services aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment. This reflects a wider trend in higher education, where experience is being designed not only around academic achievement, but also around the development of professional networks and workplace skills.
Redefining the University Experience
As learning models continue to evolve, universities or institutions are placing greater emphasis on how student interactions are structured over time. From orientation activities to co-curricular engagement and career preparation, the journey from enrolment to graduation is increasingly being shaped as a continuous pathway for collaboration, experience-building, and network development.
Reference:
- Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
- Singapore Institute of Management – https://www.sim.edu.sg
- SIM Global Education Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg.
Media OutReach
Where Ancient Ritual Meets Runway: Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan
Alex, a visitor ventured to China’s southernmost province primarily for its renowned black tea. What he did not anticipate was taking a front-row seat at a breathtaking fashion show staged on water.
“This unique stage has allowed me to capture some wonderful images,” said Alex, who happened to be in Wuzhishan during the Sanyuesan Festival. “I originally came here simply as a fan of Wuzhishan’s black tea, but now I find myself deeply fascinated by the culture of Wuzhishan as well.”
The “unique stage” he refers to is the immersive water-based performance space created for the 2026 Sanyuesan Festival, featuring the “Miss Li · Hainan Sanyuesan Water Village Show.” This innovative platform, with water as its runway and the rainforest as its backdrop, presents the Sanyuesan, a traditional celebration of the Li and Miao ethnic groups with thousands of years of history, through a contemporary lens, appealing to both local and international audiences.
The Sanyuesan Festival is memorable not only for its visual appeal but also for its interactive nature. In 2025, the event in Wuzhishan received 175,000 visitors and generated 110 million yuan (approximately 15.1 million US dollars) in consumption. This year, Wuzhishan introduced five premium tourist routes, converting ecological resources — including millennium-old tree fern groves, tropical rainforest tea gardens, and Yahu Terraces — into tourism products.
“Previously, folk culture felt distant,” said Shan Lijun, a tourist from northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. “But now, in Wuzhishan, I can sip tea, watch a village show, and dance with the locals— it all feels very ‘cool.'”
Additionally, the festival is witnessing the evolution of local intangible cultural heritage industries. A Li brocade fashion and cultural creative design competition showcased innovative garments and creative works, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. This heritage item, once listed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, has now, through the concerted efforts of many, been transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is reaching broader markets through collaborations with international designers.
Hashtag: #Sanyuesan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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