Most SEA countries are concerned about the impact of tariffs on daily life

 

10 APRIL, SINGAPORE – Milieu Insight, a global market research and data analytics company recently released a survey revealing growing apprehension among Southeast Asians in response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs on goods from the region. The findings shed light on a population increasingly concerned about rising living costs and broader economic implications, with many already shifting their spending habits.

The quantitative study conducted by Milieu Insight’s proprietary survey community polls N=6,043 individuals, representative of the online population in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam.

The new tariffs, recently announced by the U.S., would place a 46% tariff on Vietnam’s exports, 36% on Thailand’s, 32% on Indonesia’s, 24% on Malaysia’s, 17% on the Philippines' and 10% on Singapore’s.

"These findings show that people in Southeast Asia are already anticipating economic pressure from these new tariffs," said  Gerald Ang, Founder and COO of Milieu Insight. "There may be higher prices which means Southeast Asians would have to adjust their spending habits, and increasingly look to local products to fill the gap. This shift in sentiment could have lasting implications on both consumption patterns and economic slowdown in the region."

Most SEA countries are concerned about the impact of tariffs on daily life

The survey, conducted across six Southeast Asian nations, revealed that 73% of respondents were aware of the tariffs, signaling widespread regional attention. Concerns about how the tariffs might impact daily life were particularly high in Vietnam (78%), followed by Thailand (75%) Indonesia (73%) and Singapore (72%). Malaysians, while still wary, showed comparatively lower concern at 63%.

When asked about the potential national impact, 93% of Thais believed the tariffs would have a negative effect on their country, the highest level of concern across the region. Meanwhile, a resounding 90% of Southeast Asians expect the tariffs to drive up prices of everyday goods.

Shifting spending patterns

This shift in perception is translating into stronger support for local products, with most respondents expressing increased interest in locally made goods.

87% of respondents who usually prefer international brands said the new tariffs make them more likely to purchase locally made products. Additionally, close to 4 in 5 (75%) said they would reduce their consumption of imported goods or switch to local alternatives.

Across all surveyed markets, electronics and gadgets are seen as the most vulnerable to tariff-related price increases. In Singapore, 73% of respondents pointed to this category, followed by automobiles and transportation (55%), and household appliances (53%). Similar trends were observed in other countries, where 63% of respondents identified electronics as most likely to be impacted.

Singaporeans expect increased costs from businesses to be passed on to consumers

When it comes to absorbing the costs of the tariffs, responses vary across markets. 

A majority of Singaporeans (59%), Filipinos (51%) and Malaysians (37%) expect the increased costs from businesses to be passed on to consumers if product prices rise due to tariffs. However, Thais (49%) and Vietnamese (48%) are more optimistic, expecting businesses to offer more discounts and promotions instead.

Confidence in government response

Southeast Asians are divided on whether their governments can effectively manage the economic impact of these tariffs. Confidence is highest in Vietnam (81%) and Singapore (66%) followed by Malaysia (56%), while skepticism prevails in Thailand (68% not confident) and the Philippines (61% not confident).

In the future, 42% of Southeast Asians said they would prefer to reduce reliance on U.S. imports by expanding domestic industries, while 40% called for implementing price controls or regulations on essential goods. Additionally, 34% expect the government to introduce subsidies to support local consumers and negotiate trade agreements with other countries.

The above fieldwork was carried out from 4th to 7th April 2025.

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To download the press release please find it attached below, we have also included the Southeast Asia charts here.

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

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Warm Regards,

Seema Surinder,

Account Manager

Grow Public Relations

Trabaho Party-list calls Pinoy workers 'heroes'; compares them to World War II vets

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Apr 9, 2025 10:28 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Trabaho Party-list recognized the resilience and heroism of Filipino workers on the occasion of the Day of Valor on Wednesday, April 9. 

(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN) 

  

Trabaho Party-list recognized the resilience and heroism of Filipino workers on the occasion of the Day of Valor on Wednesday, April 9.

The group, which is vying for seats in the House of Representatives in the upcoming May 12 mid-term polls, likened the daily struggles of the modern-day working class to the sacrifices of World War II veterans.

“The spirit of Araw ng Kagitingan lives on in the dedication of our workers, our modern-day heroes, who, despite economic hardship, continue to carry the weight of our nation's progress,” Trabaho Party-list spokesperson Mitchell-David Espiritu said in a statement.

The party-list says that true valor today means fighting for a future where every Filipino has access to dignified and meaningful work. 

With this, the group reaffirmed its mission to champion inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities. 

Founded on the principles of uplifting the working life and promoting true equality, Trabaho is pushing for key reforms including a real living wage, improved working conditions, increased support for small businesses, and expanded access to skills development programs. 

The group also expressed openness to exploring progressive policies such as Universal Basic Income to combat “in-work poverty", if and when it wins seats in Congress.

“As we honor the bravery of our forebears, let us also commit to building a society where no Filipino is left behind, where every worker is respected, protected, and empowered,” Epsiritu concluded.

 

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Why body-shaming hurts Filipinos’ mental health

 BY ANNA MAE LAMENTILLO

Apr 9, 2025 00:03 AM 

NIGHT OWL

 

The phrase “Ang taba mo” has long been a fixture in Filipino social interactions, commonly surfacing in family reunions, neighborhood gatherings, and even casual conversations between acquaintances. Although often uttered without obvious malice, this seemingly benign remark has deeper implications when viewed through the lens of recent findings on body image and mental health. A newly released survey conducted by Arkipelago Analytics highlights a troubling pattern, revealing that over half of young adults aged 18–24 in the Philippines experience negative self-perception that adversely affects their well-being. While multiple factors contribute to these sentiments—including the influence of social media and the proliferation of global beauty standards—the everyday comments exchanged in Filipino households and social settings also appear to play a substantial role in shaping body image.

The persistence of “Ang taba mo” as an accepted form of discourse can be traced to certain cultural norms that value frankness and familial familiarity. In many Filipino households, conversations surrounding weight gain or loss have traditionally been viewed as ordinary observations, sometimes even interpreted as signs of affection. Historically, such remarks might have been linked to indicators of health or prosperity, especially in contexts where food scarcity or limited resources could shape perceptions of body size. However, in contemporary times, when exposure to international media and an ever-expanding digital sphere is common, the interpretation of these remarks has taken on new dimensions. What was once viewed as a casual statement may now be perceived as criticism, potentially triggering self-doubt, insecurity, or shame.

The aforementioned survey reveals that 52 percent of individuals aged 18–24 report detrimental mental health effects related to body image, a figure that exceeds the global average for the same age bracket by approximately six percentage points. Similar, though somewhat lower, rates of negative impact are evident among those aged 25–34, followed by declining numbers in the older groups surveyed. In line with these statistics, low self-esteem and persistent stress top the list of reported psychological ramifications, with a significant segment of respondents also citing depression or pronounced anxiety. The data further suggest that the casual remarks encountered in one’s immediate social sphere can reinforce or exacerbate these internal struggles, particularly for younger Filipinos who may already be grappling with intersecting demands related to education, career, or personal identity formation.

These findings prompt a closer examination of the interplay between cultural expressions, social norms, and shifting ideals of beauty. As mass media and online influencers reshape public perceptions of physical appearance, Filipino youth navigate a dual landscape: on one side, a culturally ingrained acceptance of direct commentary on weight, and on the other, global trends that emphasize a narrow, media-driven standard of attractiveness. This dual influence can result in a heightened sensitivity to remarks about body size, particularly for those immersed in digital cultures where images are constantly filtered, curated, and projected to large audiences. In these spaces, the phrase “Ang taba mo” acquires an intensity it may not have possessed in earlier generations. 

At the core of the issue lies the potential disconnect between intent and impact. Although family members or friends might intend to express concern or merely acknowledge a noticeable change, the recipient of the remark can interpret it as an indictment of personal worth or attractiveness. The growing body of research on the psychology of body image in the Philippines points to this divergence as a key factor in understanding how everyday language may contribute to mental health challenges. Scholars of psychology, sociology, and cultural studies increasingly emphasize the need for nuanced interpretations of well-meant yet potentially harmful comments, especially in societies with strong communal ties and traditions of openness.

By placing the survey’s findings in historical and social context, it becomes evident that the cultural script around weight-related comments demands reevaluation. Although openness and candidness have their merits, the documented rise in body image issues—coupled with the expanding influence of digital media—illustrates the complexity of maintaining cultural practices in a rapidly transforming environment. While there is no single cause for the upswing in negative self-perception, the continued prevalence of “Ang taba mo” suggests that cultural idioms and social norms themselves are integral components of the evolving conversation on mental health in the Philippines. Understanding these dynamics not only sheds light on the lived experiences of young Filipinos, but also on the broader intersection of language, culture, and well-being in a society where words hold considerable weight.

Meet some of Tagaytay’s women baristas and roasters

SMDC The Strip At Wind: A scenic hub for female barista power this Women’s Month

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Apr 10, 2025 08:37 AM 

Nestled amidst Tagaytay's cool climate, SM Development Corporation (SMDC) The Strip At Wind provides a tranquil escape from the city bustle

Perfect venue for community and empowerment
The event, spearheaded by Liminvl Coffee owner Bettina Belardo, drew an engaged community of women baristas and roasters.

“I believe that our competitors represent some of the most skilled baristas and passionate enthusiasts in the coffee industry,” shared Belardo. “Our aim for this competition is to provide an inclusive platform where every participant feels empowered and valued.” 

ird runner-up Anne Aliangan, first runner-up Nery Domingo, Liminvl Coffee owner Bettina Belardo, second runner-up Shelo de Jesus, and champion Robee Lanuza

The "Women Who Brew" initiative featured a barista competition that highlighted the exceptional talent within the community. Robee Lanuza was awarded the title of Champ, celebrating the pinnacle of skill and dedication. Following closely were Nery Domingo, who took home first place, Shelo de Jesus in second, and Anne Aliangan in third, after a fierce competition.

Aromatic atmosphere and industry connections 
From the cozy Liminvl Coffee to the bustling grounds of SMDC The Strip At Wind, the air was rich with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the lively exchange of industry insights. The attendees, including talented baristas from renowned establishments, participated in engaging discussions, shared expert brewing techniques, and sampled a rich array of coffee products. The strategic location of SMDC The Strip At Wind, close to the coffee farms and homegrown coffee shops of Cavite and Batangas, facilitated unique networking and collaboration opportunities within the region’s growing coffee scene.

Liminvl Coffee at SM Development Corporation (SMDC) The Strip At Wind promotes an empowering space for female coffee professionals

Celebrating women’s contributions 
“Women Who Brew” was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful reflection of the dedication and skill of women shaping the coffee industry. The success of this event underscores the power of community and the importance of recognizing the vital role women play in every industry, one perfect cup at a time, within the welcoming and beautiful environment of this premier Tagaytay destination.

Watch the video highlights here and witness the power of women in coffee.

When you're planning your next quick out-of-town getaway to Tagaytay, make sure to visit Liminvl Coffee @SMDCTheStrips for an exceptional coffee experience. While you're there, explore other fantastic establishments like Samgyupsalamat, Koibito’s World of Gelato, and Kurimi Milktea Bar for a complete Tagaytay culinary adventure.

 

Politics aside, new research shows there are good financial reasons to back working from home

By

 Dorina Pojani, Neil G Sipe and Ying Lu via The Conversation

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 April 9, 2025 - 1:17 PM 

In the pre-industrial era, people often lived and worked in the same building. This removed the need to travel to work.

The separation of home and work occurred much later, during the Industrial Revolution. Factories and offices were grouped in designated areas and residential zoning was invented.

Even then, people typically spent about 60 to 90 minutes travelling each day, no matter how technology or urban layouts changed. This is known as Marchetti’s constant. 

The rise of the internet in the 1990s – and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic – sparked a rethink of commuting. As we head towards the polls in Australia’s largest federal election, working from home has become a hot-button issue.

Labor and the Coalition have been polarised for and against working from home, citing research and even anecdotes backing their positions. 

That was until this week. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton swung from insisting all public servants would have to return to the office five days a week under the Coalition to saying current arrangements would remain unchanged.

But beyond political squabbles, what does the latest research – including our own on workers in Brisbane – show?

Impacts of working from home

Working from home impacts multiple areas including transport, housing, business and health. A systematic literature review on working from home – covering international studies between 2000 and 2022 – shows it:

• reduces traffic congestion and saves commuting time. However, it financially strains public transport operators due to lower demand.
• boosts regional growth as workers relocate in search of larger homes with home-office space. But this raises regional housing demand and prices.
• helps employers cut costs and increase productivity and job satisfaction rates. It can, however, limit promotion opportunities for remote workers.
• cuts traffic pollution and improves work-life balance. But it may cause social isolation, overwork, strained family relationships and musculoskeletal problems if ergonomic furniture isn’t used.

These are short-term effects, which may eventually disappear as society adjusts. The long-term effects are harder to predict because government and workplace policies change, as do economic conditions.

While working from home reduces the need for daily commuting, people may reallocate this saved time to off-peak trips for shopping or recreation.

As households move from urban cores, urban sprawl increases, resulting in less frequent but longer trips. This may lead to increased overall travel, offsetting environmental benefits. Marchetti’s constant may no longer hold.

The redistribution of activity zones may create new economic dynamics. Suburbs and regional centres may gain from more local spending, while areas with fewer shops may rely more on online shopping. Traditional CBDs could decline, needing new uses for office spaces.

New research on Brisbane workers

Our new research – to be published in a forthcoming book in Elsevier’s series “Advances in Transport Policy and Planning” – assesses the short-term costs and benefits of working from home for individuals, the private and the public sectors in Brisbane.

Here, a big shift to working from home occurred during the pandemic. We’ve used secondary and proxy data from 2020-2021 when working from home peaked. During that time, Brisbane was in and out of lockdowns.

We’ve created an accounting tool that lists the costs and benefits of working from home. The net impact is calculated by subtracting total costs from total benefits, allowing us to measure tangible and, when possible, intangible effects.

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We found individuals and the private sector gained the most, while the public sector has felt the greatest losses. Employees have enjoyed more benefits from working from home than expected, while employers have cut spending in CBDs and seen increased revenues in suburbs.

In Brisbane the total annual working from home (for individuals, the private and public sector) costs amounted to A$557.5 million, while the total benefits reached $4.1 billion. These benefits outweigh costs by a factor of seven.

However, this is a preliminary look, rather than a comprehensive account. It is important to remember the cost-benefit balance may evolve over time, depending on technological advances, corporate culture and generational preferences.

Should Australia continue to support working from home?

Based on our findings and assuming other state capitals perform like Brisbane, we recommend keeping work from home arrangements. But what about public sector losses?

While public transport revenues have been lower due to working from home, it doesn’t seem to be a major issue for South East Queensland. Here, 50 cent fares were introduced before the last state election and have since become permanent.

However, the budgets of public transport operators in other states might be different. In those cases, more proactive measures might be needed. This might involve shifting from peak-hour services to frequent all-day routes and adjusting fares for vulnerable customers.

Some agencies might offer demand-responsive services, like ride-sharing. If all public transport becomes financially unsustainable, community-based cooperatives could step in.

These shifts in transport patterns may prompt land-use changes. For instance, businesses relying on daily commuters, like restaurants and shops in city centres, may move to the suburbs or pivot to delivery, take-out or meal-prep kits.

In any case, not all jobs can be done remotely. Certain sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, justice and hospitality will continue to require employees to be physically present.

Dorina Pojani, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, The University of Queensland; Neil G Sipe, Honorary Professor of Planning, The University of Queensland, and Ying Lu, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, The University of Queensland. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 

Große Rentenänderung 2025: 4 Millionen Rentner betroffen

 Stand: 09.04.2025, 13:42 Uhr

Von: Florian Forth

Rund 4 Millionen Menschen in Deutschland bekommen eine Witwenrente. Am 1. Juli 2025 ändert sich dazu der Freibetrag – und die Rente steigt.

Berlin – Eine wichtige Änderung steht für rund 4 Millionen Rentner an: Der Freibetrag bei der Hinterbliebenenrente wird zum 1. Juli 2025 von bisher 1038,05 Euro auf 1076,86 Euro erhöht. Diese Anpassung betrifft vor allem Witwen und Witwer, die neben ihrer Hinterbliebenenrente eigenes Einkommen beziehen.

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Grosse Rentenänderung 2025: 4 Millionen Rentner betroffen

Die Hinterbliebenenrente ist eine wichtige finanzielle Stütze für Menschen, die ihren Ehepartner oder Lebenspartner verloren haben. Sie soll den Unterhaltsverlust teilweise ausgleichen und den Hinterbliebenen vorübergehend finanziell unter die Arme greifen (alle News zur Rente bei RUHR24 lesen).  

Besonders für Witwen und Witwer, die ein Kind erziehen oder selbst bereits im Rentenalter sind, ist die Hinterbliebenenrente eine bedeutende Einkommensquelle. Laut einer Statistik der Deutschen Rentenversicherung bekamen Ende 2023 rund 4,1 Millionen Menschen in Deutschland eine Witwen- oder Witwerrente. Durchschnittlich wurden 699 Euro ausgezahlt.

Freibetrag der Witwenrente steigt im Juli 2025 an

Bei der Witwenrente werden eigene Einkünfte des Hinterbliebenen oberhalb eines bestimmten Freibetrags zu 40 Prozent auf die Rente angerechnet. Weil der Freibetrag jetzt auf 1076,86 Euro erhöht wird, bleibt künftig mehr vom eigenen Einkommen anrechnungsfrei. Dadurch steigt die Gesamtrente. Die Freibetragserhöhung kommt zu den regulären Rentenanpassungen hinzu und verbessert die finanzielle Situation vieler Hinterbliebener. Wie stark die Rentenerhöhung 2025 ausfällt, zeigt unsere Renten-Tabelle.

Witwenrente steigt: Rechenbeispiel – so wirkt sich die Änderung aus

Wie stark die Rente für Hinterbliebene durch die Erhöhung des Freibetrags steigt, lässt sich an einem Beispiel verdeutlichen: Nehmen wir an, eine Witwe bezieht eine große Witwenrente von 850 Euro monatlich und hat zusätzlich eine eigene Altersrente von 1200 Euro. Diese steigt wegen der Rentenerhöhung ab Juli zudem um 3,74 Prozent:

Posten	bis Mai 2025	ab 1. Juli 2025
Netto-Einkommen:	1200 Euro	1244,88 Euro
Freibetrag:	1038,05 Euro	1076,86 Euro
Anrechenbares Einkommen:	161,95 Euro	168,02 Euro
Anrechnung auf Witwenrente (40%):	64,78 Euro	67,21 Euro
Ausgezahlte Witwenrente:	785,22 Euro	782,79 Euro
Gesamteinkommen:	1985,22 Euro	2027,67 Euro

Die Witwe erhält somit ab Juli 2025 monatlich 42,45 Euro mehr als vor der Freibetragserhöhung und Rentenanpassung. Auf das Jahr gerechnet bedeutet dies eine Erhöhung um 509,40 Euro. Laut Echo24.de soll zudem die Waisenrente ab 1. Juli 2025 auf 228,42 Euro steigen.

Hinterbliebenenrente: Kinderzuschlag für Witwenrente bleibt bestehen

Die Erhöhung des Freibetrags ist besonders relevant für Hinterbliebene mit niedrigem Einkommen. Leider ist es Realität, dass zu wenig Rente ein Problem darstellt. Millionen Rentner erhalten nicht die volle Zahlung, die sie für ein sorgenfreies Leben im Alter benötigen. Die Freibetragserhöhung kann hier zumindest eine kleine Entlastung bringen. Neben dem erhöhten Freibetrag gibt es für Witwen und Witwer, die Kinder erziehen, zusätzliche Unterstützung. Der Kinderzuschlag zur Hinterbliebenenrente beträgt seit Juli 2024 bei der großen Witwenrente 78,63 Euro für das erste Kind und 39,32 Euro für jedes weitere Kind. Bei der kleinen Witwenrente liegt der Zuschlag bei 35,74 Euro für das erste und 17,87 Euro für jedes weitere Kind.