Pay nothing, get two phones with vivo-M1 promotion

SIAL in China and World's Global Style Network (WGSN) have identified seven emerging trends shaping China's food and beverage industry in 2026.

The insights follow SIAL Shanghai 2026, which attracted 183,302 industry professionals from 132 countries and regions, and over US$14 B in intended onsite transactions, according to organisers.

The Shanghai show underlined demand around healthier snacks, functional foods, clean-label products, premium beverages and food-as-medicine concepts, all categories now expected to shape the atmosphere at SIAL Guangzhou. 

The broader product mix planned for SIAL Guangzhou 2026 reads like a snapshot of Asian consumption in transition. Healthier snacks, functional foods, nutritional solutions, natural products, ready-to-drink beverages, new-style tea drinks, specialty coffee, beverage ingredients, sweeteners, concentrates, convenience foods and products for the silver economy are all set to feature.  

New-style tea drinks and specialty coffee are feeding demand for ingredients, flavours and formats that can be scaled across retail and foodservice. Functional foods are moving closer to everyday consumption, appearing in snacks, beverages and ready-to-eat formats. Convenience, meanwhile, is being redefined: consumers still want speed, but increasingly expect better ingredients, stronger provenance and a sense of occasion.

1. Digestive, wellness, dairy

Functional dairy products, including A2 dairy, camel milk and nutritional solutions, are meeting growing demand for gut health and personalized wellness.

2. Clean-label protein snacking

High-protein snacks and premium meat-based products are redefining convenient nutrition with cleaner ingredients and better textures.

3. Tea-flavoured innovation

Tea flavours are expanding beyond beverages into snacks, dairy, coffee and confectionery, creating new product opportunities.

4. Asian low-ABV revolution

Tea cocktails, sparkling rice wine and RTD beverages are bringing new and tipsy experiences to younger consumers.

5. Low-GI & functional bakery

Low-sugar, slow-release energy and functional bakery products are offering healthier ways to enjoy everyday foods.

6. Mood & sensory snacking

Extreme sour flavours, cooling effects and multi-sensory experiences are transforming snacks into emotional experiences.

7. Food-as-medicine wellness

Herbal nutrition, botanical drinks and zero-sugar solutions combine traditional ingredients with modern wellness concepts.

As these trends continue to influence product development and consumer behaviour across Asia, SIAL Guangzhou 2026 will bring together innovative products and suppliers responding to these market shifts.

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL in China South, Guangzhou arrives at a time when international buyers, distributors and retail procurement teams are looking more closely at supplier reliability, product differentiation and faster access to Asian growth markets.

At SIAL Guangzhou 2026, food trends will be reflected through products showcased by more than 1,500 exhibitors across 15 sectors, offering visitors a closer look at the future direction of the food and beverage market. The event is expanding to four exhibition halls this year. The ambition is to make South China’s edition a more prominent international sourcing platform, especially for buyers seeking export-ready Chinese suppliers and Asian market insight in the same place. 

Beyond sourcing, SIAL Guangzhou 2026 will include events such as the SIAL Innovation Awards, SIAL in China Awards, SIAL Snacking Awards, SIAL Cup Barista Challenge, SIAL Chic & Tea Contest, Match Me, SIAL White Paper Market Insights and SIAL Elite Hour. Together, they give the exhibition a more layered identity, mixing product discovery with networking, competition, category intelligence and market signals.

Some of the top buyers who will be present at SIAL Guangzhou 2026:  

Retail

Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd.
Rainbow DIGITAL Commercial Co., Ltd.
Angliss Shenzhen Food Service Limited
WAL-MART (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Hema (China) Co., Ltd.
Busy Ming Group Co., Ltd.
Fujian Wanchen Food Group Co., Ltd.
Jiangmen Dachang Supermarket Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Jiarong Supermarket Co., Ltd.
Meiyijia Holdings Limited
GuangDong Sai Yi Convenience Stores Limited  

Catering

Luckin Coffee Group Co., Ltd.
Mixue Group
Shenzhen Yiren Yiwei Hot Pot Chain Co., Ltd.
Juewei Food Co., Ltd.
Yuan JI Food Group Co., Ltd.
GYH L Limited
Guangzhou Restaurant Group Co., Ltd.
Zhongyin Babi Food Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Yamei Catering Management Co., Ltd.
Jiumao Jiu (Guangzhou) Holdings Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Tao Tao Ju Co., Ltd.  

Hotels

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
HanTing Xingkong (Shanghai) Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang New Century Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
Fuqing Longshun Hotel Co., Ltd.
Cixi Tiandi Jiayuan Hotel Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Grand Glory Hotel Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Four Seasons Hotel Co., Ltd.
Fujian Lijiu Jiayan Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
Southern Airline Pearl Hotel
Jiangsu Yachengtong Hotel Management Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Zte Hetai Hotel Investment Management Co., Ltd.  

E-commerce

JD
Taobao (China) Software Co., Ltd.
POIZON
VIPSHOP (China) Co., Ltd.
Douyin Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Sankuai Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Tmall Technology Co., Ltd.
Shanghai 100me Internet Technology Co., Ltd.
Fuzhou Pupu E-commerce Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou Television Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Dichao (Shenzhen) Network Technology Co., Ltd.  

Trading

Guangdong Wuyang Frozen Food Co., Ltd.
Dreamer Oversea Group Co., Ltd.
Xi'an Hecai Trading Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Youliang Industrial Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Dingyi Food Group Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Lingyu International Trade Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Xiangsheng Import and Export Trading Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Youxi Cheng Trading Co., Ltd.
Xiamen Kangperruixun International Trade Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Shengnong International Trading Co., Ltd.
Qingdao Ximengde International Trade Co., Ltd.  

Logistics

Guangzhou Nansha Haijixing International Supply Chain Co., Ltd.
Hunan Juyuan Jicai Supply Chain Co., Ltd.
HeNan Ocean Times Supply Chain Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Asia Global Fresh Supply Chain (Group) Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Shengjia Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Jiarong Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.
Hongpeng Supply Chain (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Wentai Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.
Shuhai (Shenzhen) Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Aojia Supply Chain Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Green Tomato Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd.  

Food manufacturing & processing

Beidahuang Food Group Hebei Limited Company
Zhejiang Yiming Food Co., Ltd.
Shenzhen Jiulongzhai Food Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Beary Foodstuff Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Rimei Foods Co., Ltd.
Bestore Co., Ltd.
GUANG DONG JIA YOU Food Co., Ltd.
Guangzhou Li Shanghuang Food Co., Ltd.
Henry Food Co., Ltd.
Haoxiangni Health Food Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Jiashili Food Group Co., Ltd.  

Others

Lianhua (Xiamen) Aviation Food Co., Ltd.
Hubei Airport Group Aviation Logistics Co., Ltd.
Spring Airlines Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Meow Fish Cultural Gifts Co., Ltd.
China Nanhang Group Aviation Food Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Eastern Air Catering Co., Ltd.
Zhuhai Hengqin Good Sing Culture CCI Capital Ltd.
Hangzhou Leke E-commerce Co., Ltd.
Zhengzhou Qianweiyangchu Food Co., Ltd.
Guangdong Zhongshan Health Industry Technology Co., Ltd.
Wuxi Anjing Food Marketing Co., Ltd. Suzhou Branch

Details

SIAL Guangzhou 2026 | 3–5 September | Guangzhou, China

Register at https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

Singapore investors top in the world for AI adoption in finance

- More than three-quarters (76%) of Singapore mass affluent and high net worth (HNW) investors use AI for finance and investment tasks (73% global average)

- Gen X and Baby Boomer adoption in Singapore (both 72%) significantly outpaces global peers (65% and 59% respectively) 

- Despite high adoption, Singapore investors are among the most measured when it comes to acting on AI alone: 40% prefer a hybrid AI-then-adviser sequence before committing  

An HSBC survey from Ipsos* of 600+ Singapore mass affluent and HNW investors finds high AI use is paired with a strong preference for adviser-validated decisions. This group are using AI for finance and investment (76%) at a higher rate than the global average (72%), yet they continue to look to financial advisers to validate AI-generated insights before making investment decisions. 

The results point to an investor base that has embedded AI in its research workflow while placing a continued preference on expert human advice at the moment of decision, HSBC said.

These findings come as HSBC Singapore accelerates the roll-out of adviser-enabled AI, including Wealth Intelligence**, launched in September 2025, and AI Prepare***, launched in May 2026. Wealth Intelligence gives relationship managers access to insights and research from more than 10,000 sources, helping advisers arrive at client conversations better informed, while AI Prepare generates a client engagement pack in seconds. This reduces manual preparation for relationship managers, allowing them to focus on delivering personalised advice and strengthening client trust. 

HSBC and Google Cloud also announced a global multiyear AI partnership on 17 June 2026, with hyperpersonalised wealth management support among its three initial focus areas. The partnership is expected to enable more than 200 new AI use cases across HSBC's global operations within two years. 

The generational spread of that adoption is one of the more striking Singapore-specific findings. Gen X investors report AI use in finance at 72%, against a global equivalent of 65%. Among Baby Boomers, the gap is wider: 72% in Singapore versus 59% globally. AI engagement here is not concentrated among younger investors; it cuts across age groups in a way that distinguishes Singapore from most of the other nine markets surveyed. 

But AI adoption does not translate into reliance. Only 8% of Singapore investors say AI was the single most influential source in their last major investment decision, against 12% globally. And while 43% say AI has increased their appetite for taking calculated risks, that figure sits below the 49% global average, consistent with Singapore's positioning as a more measured market alongside the US (44%), UK (39%) and Taiwan (43%). 

Investors use AI to research and analyse (69%), for strategy support (44%), and to stress-test their own ideas (34%), then bring those findings to a professional adviser for reassurance (79%) and strategic expertise (71%). Four in 10 Singapore investors say their ideal approach is hybrid, with 57% preferring AI and advisers working together, above the global figure (50%). That preference holds across generations: 45% of Singapore Gen Z investors favour the sequence for generating new investment ideas, ahead of their global peers at 38%. 

Ashmita Acharya, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC Singapore, said: "Our new data tells us is that Singapore's investors are using AI in their financial decision-making with discipline. They are doing more of their own analysis, arriving at conversations better prepared, and expecting more of the professional advisers who help them as a result. That is not a challenge to the adviser relationship model; it is setting a higher bar for what good advice looks like.  

"Our investment in adviser-enabled AI, including Wealth Intelligence, AI Prepare, and our broader partnership with Google Cloud, gives our relationship managers the tools to work at the same level of rigour as the clients they serve, and to bring something to the conversation that AI alone cannot; deep experience, empathy, clear judgement and accountability for the outcome." 

Nine in 10 HNW investors in Singapore have embraced AI, compared with 82% globally. Singapore's wealthiest respondents attribute an average 40% of their investment returns over the past 12 months to AI influence, above the 31% average across all Singapore investors surveyed. At the same time, roughly two thirds (65%) say AI makes them feel more in control. These are clients who are already measuring AI's contribution to their portfolio performance; what they are looking for from their bank is a relationship that matches their level of sophistication. 

*HSBC's Human-AI Advantage study was conducted by Ipsos across 10 markets: Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, UAE, UK, US and mainland China. A total of 9,993 mass affluent and high-net-worth investors participated, with fieldwork in January and February 2026. In Singapore, 609 respondents were polled (weighted). 'Mass affluent' is defined as having US$100,000 to US$2 million in investable assets. 'HNW' is defined as those with investable assets of US$2 million and above.

**Launched in Singapore and Hong Kong in September 2025, Wealth Intelligence is HSBC Private Bank's proprietary generative AI platform. It was built by in-house developers and is powered by OpenAI's large language model. The platform synthesises Chief Investment Office research and more than 10,000 external data sources to provide wealth management teams with real-time investment insights. It is being progressively scaled across HSBC's global markets.

***AI Prepare is HSBC’s AI-powered pre-meeting wealth engagement tool. It brings together a client’s financial overview, tailored talking points and investment insights into a single view. It helps wealth management teams prepare more efficiently for client meetings, supporting more informed and personalised client conversations. 

Immersive display, Awesome Intelligence from the Samsung Galaxy A27 5G

- Samsung Galaxy A27 5G joins the A series

- Features Infinity-O display for a seamless viewing experience

- Reliable performance and intelligent tools for more users


Samsung Electronics Company has announced the Galaxy A27 5G, which refines everyday mobile use with an immersive display, reliable performance and integrated AI features. Building on the popular Galaxy A26 5G, the new device is designed to keep up with everyday activities.

Source: Samsung. Samsung Electronics has announced the Galaxy A27 5G.

“The Galaxy A27 5G reflects our commitment to making meaningful innovation more accessible without compromising on quality,” said Ronnie Ng, VP, Head of Mobile Experience at Samsung.

“As mobile experiences become increasingly central to how people connect, learn and stay productive, users expect technology that is both capable and intuitive. By bringing meaningful upgrades across display, performance and Awesome Intelligence features, the Galaxy A27 5G makes everyday innovation more accessible to people.”

With a slim 7.8 mm body, the Galaxy A27 5G is designed to feel comfortable in the user’s hand throughout the day. Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform¹, the Galaxy A27 5G delivers a smoother and more responsive experience. A boost in GPU performance delivers smoother graphics for gaming and streaming, while the latest high-speed memory enables faster data transfer speeds and improved power efficiency.

For smoother and more seamless viewing, the Galaxy A27 5G features a 6.7" Super AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. It also introduces an upgraded Infinity-O display, which minimises the visible camera area through a discreet punch-hole design. Together with a reduced and more balanced bezel, this adds screen space and removes distractions to keep content front and centre. The Galaxy A27 5G also introduces a 12 MP front camera that captures a wider range of brightness and richer colours.

With a 5,000 mAh (typical) battery², users can enjoy up to 23 hours of video playback on a full charge, while Super Fast Charging provides up to 45% charge in just 30 minutes.

The Galaxy A27 5G introduces upgrades to its suite of Awesome Intelligence features, making mobile intelligence more accessible. Circle to Search³ with Google now supports multi-object recognition, allowing users to search for multiple items within an image at once in a single gesture. It also allows outfits to be virtually tried on directly from search results, helping users to explore new styles from anywhere.

Object Eraser⁴ has also been enhanced. It now delivers more precise results, making it easier to remove unwanted distractions with more natural-looking edits. Additionally, Voice Transcription⁵ in the Voice Recorder app can now translate as it transcribes, making it easier to capture meeting notes in 22 languages.

Building on the Awesome Intelligence⁶ experiences introduced earlier this year, the Galaxy A27 5G supports a choice of AI assistants, including Google Gemini⁷ and Perplexity⁸. There is deeper integration across more native Galaxy apps as well, including Gallery. The Galaxy A27 5G further supports Bixby⁹ as a conversational device agent.

The Galaxy A27 5G reinforces Samsung’s commitment to long-term support with up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, as well as up to six years of security updates from the initial global launch date. Built on Samsung Knox with hardware-backed protection from Knox Vault¹⁰, the Galaxy A27 5G keeps sensitive data secure, making device protection easier and more intuitive.

Details

The Galaxy A27 5G is now available in Singapore in Black, Blue and Light Pink¹¹ in two storage configurations: 128 GB (recommended retail price or RRP, S$418) and 256 GB (RRP S$498).

Consumers can now purchase the Galaxy A27 5G through the following channels:

• Samsung Online Store
• Samsung Shop App
• Samsung Experience Stores
• Samsung Official Store in Lazada, Shopee and TikTok
• Selected Consumer Electronics & IT online stores (Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, Harvey Norman)
• ZYM Mobile

For added peace of mind, consumers can opt for Samsung Care+¹², which offers comprehensive coverage optimised to users’ needs, including tailored benefits that protect the value of the device.

Consumers who purchase the Galaxy A27 5G between 3 July and 6 August 2026 can enjoy launch offers worth up to S$116¹³, including savings of up to S$50, a 25 W power adapter (worth S$38) and a one-year Samsung Care+ Screen Protect plan (worth S$28), while stocks last. Offers may vary by purchase channel. Terms and conditions apply.

Specifications

	Galaxy A27 5G
Display	6.7” FHD +  *Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.7" in the full rectangle and 6.5" accounting for the rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole.
	Super AMOLED, Infinity-O Display  Up to 120 Hz refresh rate
Processor	Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4 nm) Octa-Core 2.4 GHz (4x), 1.8 GHz (4x)
Dimensions & Weight	162.4 x 78.2 x 7.8 mm, 200 g
Camera	5 MP Ultra-Wide Camera  50 MP OIS Wide Camera  2 MP Macro Camera  12 MP Front Camera
Memory &    storage14	6 + 128 GB (Online exclusive, only available in Blue)  8 + 256 GB  MicroSD: Up to 2 TB
Battery	5000 mAh (typical)  25 W Fast Charging
	*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,860 mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
OS	Android 16   One UI 8.5
Security	Samsung Knox Vault
Water & dust   resistance	IP6415

1 Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

2 Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,860 mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors.

3 Circle to Search is a trademark of Google. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Requires an Internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google apps to the latest version. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

4 Results may vary depending on shooting conditions, including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

5 Voice transcription feature requires Samsung Account login. Only available on the pre-installed Samsung Voice Recorder app or files recorded using the pre-installed Samsung Phone app. Voice recording feature in the pre-installed Samsung Phone app may not be supported in some countries. Audio files must be under 3 hours in duration to be processed. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. For details, please visit https://www.samsung.com/sg

6 Samsung Account login may be required to use certain Samsung Intelligence features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by Intelligence features. Availability of Awesome Intelligence features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model or phone carrier. Awesome Intelligence service may be limited for minors in certain regions with age restrictions over AI usage.

7 Gemini feature requires an Internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

8 Menu names, paths, and screen layouts may vary depending on your device model, software version, or app version. This feature may vary depending on your country, language, model, or app. If the Perplexity app does not appear in the voice wake-up app list, update both the Voice wake-up app and the Perplexity app to the latest version from the Galaxy Store, then try again. Language support for Perplexity may vary by country.

9 Service availability may vary by country/service provider/language/device model/OS version.

10 Security features or hardware/software architecture of Samsung Knox Vault on Samsung Galaxy A series smartphones may differ from those on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices, including S series, Z series, S FE series smartphones and Tab S series tablets launched from 2021 onwards. Availability of Samsung Knox Vault may vary depending on the device model.

11 Colour availability may vary depending on country or carrier.

12 Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/offer/samsung-care-plus/mobile/. Care at home and abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during travel, users should contact the visiting country/region's local customer services centre in advance for Samsung Care+ availability.

13 This promo is valid to 6 August 2026 11:59 pm, while stocks last. The products under this promo may vary by retail outlet / platform. Each customer will be entitled to: 

(i) up to S$50 off via e-voucher for each Samsung Galaxy A27 5G 8 + 256 GB smartphone, purchased under this promo; 

(ii) a free 25 W power adapter (without cable) worth S$38; and 

(iii) one-year Samsung Care+ Screen Protect worth S$28. 

Not stackable with other promotions. Samsung reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions and/or amend or withdraw this promo at any time without prior notice and without assigning any reasons.

14 Memory/storage options and availability may vary by country, region or carrier. Available memory/storage capacity is subject to preloaded software.

15 Galaxy A27 5G is rated as IP64. Based on lab test conditions for spraying 10 litres of freshwater per minute from all angles for 5 minutes. Not recommended for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of the device is not permanent and may diminish over time due to normal wear and tear.

Robert Walters: Singapore employees feel less motivated after a performance review

Robert Walters research on professionals in Singapore has found pressure is growing on employers to balance workforce engagement, progression expectations and cost control. 

Source: Robert Walters Salary Survey Singapore 2026 landing page. Key salary and compensation insights for Singapore. In contrast, 100% of businesses in the Philippines are giving pay rises in 2026 vs 84% expecting a raise this year. Filipino professionals are staying an average of 2.3 years with 71% of professionals looking for a new job this year, and 69% are confident about job opportunities. 

Only 10% of professionals say they feel more positive about their roles after their latest performance review, according to new research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters. The process also left more than one in four (27%) professionals feeling less positive about their roles instead.

The findings are part of a global mid-year survey of professionals, which included close to 200 respondents from Singapore. Conducted in April 2026, they show that businesses are facing growing pressure to maintain workforce confidence and engagement heading into the second half of the year. 

Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters said: “Performance reviews are becoming increasingly important management moments, particularly as organisations look to balance worker needs while continuing to manage budgets. Employees want to know how their skills are valued, where they can progress and whether the business is investing in their long-term development.”

Among the respondents, 42% of professionals shared that they received a pay increase for 202. One in three of these respondents (15%) saw it as an inflationary increase. 

When asked if their current salary situation is influencing their likelihood of looking for a new job, 79% of the respondents shared that they are either actively looking for a new role or now open to new opportunities. This is an increase compared to the findings of the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026, where 26% of professionals in Singapore said in late 2025 that they did not have the intention to change or look for jobs for at least the next year or more.

“Most professionals understand the economic pressures businesses are operating under and recognise that significant salary increases may not always be realistic,” Powell said.

“But it can be challenging for organisations to keep employees motivated when they aren’t having regular open conversations around progression, future earning potential or how compensation decisions are made.”

Kirsty Poltock, Country Manager for Robert Walters Singapore said: “Performance reviews are a two-way conversation and an important opportunity for professionals to understand how their individual goals align with the organisation's priorities. Even if salary increases are modest, employees can use these discussions to identify the skills, experiences and responsibilities that will position them for future progression. 

"Over the coming months, professionals who continue to build in-demand capabilities, embrace new technologies including the partnership of AI integration, and demonstrate adaptability will be better placed to seize opportunities as hiring activity picks up.” 

The findings suggest that performance and salary reviews are carrying greater significance in today’s market. “We are seeing many organisations take a more strategic and measured approach to compensation management. Market data can play an important role in helping to understand where they are competitive, where progression gaps might exist and how salary expectations are evolving,” commented Powell.

“As the world of work continues to evolve, professionals are placing greater emphasis on long-term career value and future opportunities. Organisations that understand how workforce expectations are shifting will be better positioned to build engagement, develop critical skills and remain competitive over the longer term.” 

Other highlights from the survey for Singapore include:

Talent snapshot

- Beyond compensation and benefits, talent value having flexible work arrangements, job security and stability, and inspiring colleagues and culture from an employer 

- An expectation gap exists: 27% of employers are likely to give new hires a pay rise of above 10%. However 83% of talent looking to move jobs expect more than a 10% pay rise, with 23% of them likely to request over 20% more in salary

Employer snapshot 

- More than a third (37%) of employers plan to increase their headcount, with most of them looking to increase it by 5-10% 

- Nearly seven in 10 (69%) employers are looking to give a salary increment of at least 3% in 2026 for current employees, and 56% are likely to give a salary increment of at least 6% to new hires 

- Lack of candidates with the right skills/experience, gap in salary and benefit expectations, and talent staying put (job hugging), are among the challenges faced by companies in attracting talent 

- Soft skills: 65% of employers value interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills, and 59% value problem-solving and critical thinking among their employees 

- Contract hiring: 55% of companies will start or continue to hire contractors in 2026 

- Roughly three quarters (74%) of companies hiring contractors do so for project or short-term needs. Other reasons include headcount limitations, and a “wait to try” attitude

AI-driven workplace 

- Almost eight in 10 (78%) businesses expect up to half of their workforce to need reskilling due to AI advancements 

- Employers are looking for talent with skillsets in critical thinking and fact-checking, data analysis, and are highly adaptable

- Top concerns by professionals over AI adoption at the workplace include having their jobs displaced due to automation, bias or unfair treatment due to algorithms, and the lack of relevant training

In Australia, the research found that professionals remain mobile, with career development, fair pay, and strong leadership driving decisions. Salary movement through 2026 is expected to be moderate and targeted rather than broad-based, with increases focused on in-demand roles as employers balance cost control with retention, Robert Walters said. At the same time, AI is reshaping roles and accelerating demand for specialised expertise, while workforce expectations continue to evolve - flexibility, wellbeing, and purpose now sit alongside salary as key drivers of engagement, the company added.

When it comes to Indonesia, the hiring landscape in 2026 will continue to be shaped by disciplined growth, operational efficiency, and heightened risk awareness. As a result, employers are becoming more selective, prioritising roles that deliver clear business impact and support long-term capability building, particularly across digital maturity, governance, and workforce sustainability.

This is reinforcing demand for talent who can translate digital and AI capabilities into tangible productivity gains, especially within finance, supply chain, risk, and operations. In parallel, regulatory and environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly embedded in core business decision-making, sustaining demand for compliance, risk, and ESG-aligned professionals.

From a talent perspective, professionals remain cautious and value-driven. Stability, leadership quality, and meaningful development opportunities are taking precedence over short-term compensation gains. To compete effectively, employers will need to articulate a credible employee value proposition, underpinned by clear career pathways and targeted, market-aligned remuneration.

Malaysia’s hiring landscape will be shaped by its focus on digitalisation, green growth, and energy transition. Key sectors such as data centres, renewable energy, electric vehicles, cybersecurity, AI, and financial technology will see strong demand for adaptable talent with data literacy and digital fluency. Contract hiring will remain prevalent following the 2025 Gig Worker Bill, while AI-driven tools will streamline recruitment processes and enhance workforce planning. Talent attraction and retention will be challenging due to limited hybrid-skilled candidates and rising expectations for flexibility, work-life balance, and purpose-driven workplaces. Employers must offer competitive salaries, career growth opportunities, and flexible arrangements while effectively managing diverse workforce models, Robert Walters advised.

Job mobility remains steady in New Zealand, but professionals are making more considered moves, seeking fair pay, meaningful career progression, flexibility, and strong organisational culture, Robert Walters said. Skills shortages across key sectors continue to shape hiring strategies, placing pressure on employers to compete on more than salary alone. Salary growth in 2026 is expected to be moderate and targeted, focused on in-demand roles as organisations balance retention with budget control.

Thailand’s hiring market in 2026 is likely to continue navigating cautious business sentiment. Employers are expected to maintain careful hiring approaches, prioritising C-suite leaders who can steer organisations through ongoing challenges. Demand for B2B sales & marketing roles will remain high as companies focus on expanding market share and driving revenue growth. Skills-based hiring will gain traction, with reskilling initiatives becoming central to workforce strategies. Salary increases for job movers with in-demand skills are projected at significant levels, while existing employees may see modest adjustments.

Attracting and retaining talent will remain challenging due to supply-demand imbalances, prompting employers to adopt human-centric leadership approaches and invest in continuous learning and development to foster loyalty and resilience within their teams, Robert Walters added.

As for Vietnam, Robert Walters said the hiring market is thriving as the country's economy makes a strong recovery. While the hiring market is gaining momentum, both employers and employees remain cautious and risk-averse. Hiring timelines are expected to be prolonged, and companies are increasingly relying on hiring based on potential rather than experience.

To attract and retain talent, employers in Vietnam are advised to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, employee appreciation programmes, and growth opportunities. Creating a positive and inclusive company culture that emphasises work-life balance and teamwork is also crucial in building a strong employer brand.

Explore 

Tap on insights into pay levels and hiring trends with the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026 for: 

- Australia at www.robertwalters.com.au/our-services/salary-survey.html

- Indonesia at https://www.robertwalters.co.id/our-services/salary-survey.html

- Malaysia at https://www.robertwalters.com.my/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- New Zealand at https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Philippines at https://www.robertwalters.com.ph/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Singapore at https://www.robertwalters.com.sg/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Thailand at https://www.robertwalters.co.th/our-services/salary-survey.html, and for 

- Vietnam at https://www.robertwalters.com.vn/our-services/salary-survey.html

The Japanese edition (in Japanese) is available at https://www.robertwalters.co.jp/our-services/salary-survey.html while the Korean edition (in Korean) is at https://www.robertwalters.co.kr/our-services/salary-survey.html

Shopee, Meta, launch affiliate partnerships on Instagram in Asia

- Affiliate partnerships on Instagram are available for creators across Southeast Asia and Taiwan

- Builds on the success of Facebook affiliate partnerships

- Creators can earn commissions by sharing Shopee products on Instagram

Creators in Southeast Asia and Taiwan will be some of the first outside of the US to sign up for affiliate partnerships from Shopee on Instagram.

Source: Shopee and Meta. Shopee and Meta today announced the launch of affiliate partnerships on
Instagram for creators across Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

The initiative from Shopee and Meta enables eligible creators in these locations to connect their Shopee affiliate account to Instagram, discover Shopee’s affiliate products and share recommendations with their audiences through Instagram Reels and Feed content. When Instagram viewers complete qualifying purchases on Shopee, the creators are eligible to earn commissions. 

The expansion builds on the success of Facebook affiliate partnerships, launched in 2025. As of March 2026, more than 5 million creators globally have connected their Facebook account to their Shopee affiliate account, with around 50% of onboarded creators new to the Shopee Affiliate Program. These numbers highlight the partnership’s success in attracting and enabling a new generation of affiliate creators.

Through this partnership, Meta and Shopee are making it easier for creators to monetise product recommendations, while helping shoppers discover relevant products through the content they already engage with. 

“Our success with Meta on Facebook affiliate partnerships has shown how powerful creator-led commerce can be when content, trust and shopping come together. We are excited to build on this momentum with Instagram, giving creators more ways to earn from product recommendations across Reels and Feed, while helping shoppers discover and purchase Shopee products more seamlessly. 

"This is part of Shopee’s broader commitment to supporting creators, sellers and brands as content becomes an increasingly important part of the online shopping journey,” said Peggy Zhu, Executive Director, Brand and Growth Marketing at Shopee.

With affiliate partnerships on Instagram, eligible creators can:

● Connect their Shopee affiliate account to their Instagram professional account

● Discover and select Shopee affiliate products to recommend in Reels and Feed content 

● Showcase multiple products in a single piece of content, with a shopping icon and a “commission eligible” label, enabling viewers to easily identify featured products and enjoy a more seamless journey from discovery on Instagram to checkout on Shopee

 ● Earn commissions when viewers complete qualifying purchases on Shopee 

Early signals from the initial Instagram Reels rollout have also been encouraging. Across markets, creators have shown strong early interest in using short-form content to share product recommendations with their audiences. 

Meta and Shopee are committed to protecting user data. Account linking and affiliate activity data are processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws, and creators maintain control over their connected accounts at all times.

“As a creator, I’ve always used Instagram Reels to share product recommendations in a way that feels personal and useful for my followers. Affiliate partnerships on Instagram make this even easier because I can add Shopee products directly to my Reels, helping viewers find what I’m recommending more quickly. It also gives me more opportunities to earn from the content I already enjoy creating,” shared Ekida (@ekidarehanf), a content creator from Indonesia.

Shopee and Meta are also testing an affiliate ad solution in a limited rollout starting with selected Southeast Asia markets, with a view to expanding over the coming months. With the creator's consent, Shopee sellers and brands can amplify select affiliate content as clearly-labelled paid promotions, with Meta's ad system helping to reach relevant audiences. This gives sellers and brands a seamless way to amplify creator content that is already resonating with audiences, driving greater reach and return on investment. 

"By bringing affiliate partnerships to Instagram with Shopee, we're creating more opportunities for creators to earn from the content they love making, while helping businesses of all sizes reach new customers. The strong adoption we've seen on Facebook shows the real demand for tools that turn creative content into meaningful commerce," said Nicole Tan, MD, Meta Singapore. 

Details 

Affiliate partnerships on Instagram with Shopee in Asia are now available to eligible creators in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Dubai leads globally for greenfield FDI projects for 5th consecutive year

- Dubai secured a record 7% share of global greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2025

Dubai has reinforced its position as the world’s leading destination for greenfield FDI projects for the 5th consecutive year, according to data published by the Financial Times’ fDi Markets database.

In 2025, Dubai delivered one of its strongest inward FDI performances since 2015 with a total of 1,253 greenfield FDI projects announced, a 10.5% increase on 2024. According to the data, Dubai also secured a record 7% share of global greenfield FDI projects, the highest in Dubai's history.  

The results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and consolidate its position as a leading global destination for business, investment, and innovation. Launched in 2023, the D33 agenda includes the launch of projects that will drive sustainable economic growth through innovative approaches and double GDP by 2033, making Dubai the fastest, safest and most connected city in the world.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy PM, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “Dubai’s sustained global leadership in attracting foreign direct investment reflects the confidence the world places in our economyal shifts into growth pathways, our institutions and our vision for the future. It is the outcome of a long-term strategy built on openness, connectivity, strategic partnerships and a commitment to creating the conditions for businesses to succeed. 

“We are proud of the trust that investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world continue to place in Dubai. This confidence reflects the resilience of our economy, the strength of our fundamentals and our ability to constantly create new opportunities for growth.

“Dubai’s competitiveness is also built on our ability to anticipate change, adapt quickly and transform global shifts into growth pathways. As we strengthen our position as the preferred global destination for investment, we remain focused on creating long-term economic value and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a major player in the global economy. 

"Our ambition is not only to attract investment, but to create an environment where the world’s brightest talent and most ambitious businesses come together to build the industries and opportunities of tomorrow.” 

Strengthening its position as a preferred global base for multinational corporations, Dubai retained the No. 1 global ranking for headquarters greenfield FDI projects for the 4th consecutive year, reflecting sustained confidence in the emirate’s ability to support regional and international expansion. Dubai also maintained its global leadership in AI-related greenfield FDI projects for the fourth year running, reinforcing its position as a centre for innovation-led growth and advanced technologies.

Dubai further ranked No. 1 globally across several strategic clusters, including information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, industrial equipment, and environmental technology. 

For the first time, Dubai ranked No. 1 globally in manufacturing FDI projects, marking a significant milestone in the city’s economic diversification journey and highlighting its growing role as an emerging cutting-edge manufacturing centre, directly aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. 

Dubai also secured the No. 1 global position in transportation and warehousing across projects, reflecting its continued strength as a global logistics and trade gateway. In addition, Dubai ranked first globally in several high-impact industries, including food and beverages, electronic components, healthcare, business machines and equipment, cleantech, metals and e-commerce. 

Notably, Dubai was the only destination city worldwide to attract more than 10 greenfield FDI projects across several of these sectors, meeting the global ranking threshold and demonstrating the breadth of its diversified economic base and its ability to sustain investment momentum across both established and future-focused industries.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said: “Dubai’s ability to maintain its global leadership in greenfield FDI attraction for the 5th consecutive year is a testament to the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the continued confidence international investors place in the emirate. 

"While global markets may have navigated significant challenges over recent months, Dubai entered this period with quantifiable momentum, attracting record levels of capital. This is a clear reflection of the trust that investors and multinational corporations place in our future-ready ecosystem. 

“This performance underscores the strength of Dubai’s diversified economy, the depth of its public- private partnerships, and the efficacy of a well-defined forward-looking regulatory framework that continues to attract high-quality investment across priority sectors. These results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, highlighting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient investment destinations.”

Beyond the headline rankings, 2025 saw broad-based growth across capital deployment and project activity. The city attracted US$8.83 B in greenfield FDI capital in 2025, according to the fDi Markets database. Greenfield FDI also supported the creation of 38,918 jobs in 2025, an 18.8% increase from 32,754 jobs in 2024. 

Performance during the year was also shaped by a mix of investment types, with continued momentum across greenfield projects, reinvestments, venture capital-backed activity, mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic expansions. 

Dubai attracted investment across key business functions including business services; construction; retail; logistics, distribution and transportation; and manufacturing. This reflects investor confidence in Dubai’s ability to support diverse operational requirements, from regional headquarters and logistics hubs to advanced manufacturing and consumer-facing businesses. 

HE Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET said: “The scale and quality of FDI inflows in 2025 reflect sustained global confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory. The continued inflow of capital investment is further evidence that investors are deepening their operational presence rather than adopting short-term positioning strategies. 

"From headquarters and high-value manufacturing to AI, fintech, logistics, and creative industries, the diversity and quality of investment flows demonstrate Dubai’s ability to anticipate structural shifts in the global economy. Investors recognise that Dubai offers a unique combination of agile regulation, world-class digital infrastructure, and access to top-tier global talent. 

"As we continue to advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, deal activity and expansion momentum remain strong, reinforcing our outlook for accelerating momentum in 2026 and beyond.”

Dubai FDI Monitor data confirmed continued confidence from a diverse mix of international source markets, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a globally connected investment hub. Source markets varied across capital flows and project activity, reflecting broad-based investor confidence from North America, Europe, Asia, and the GCC. India topped the list of top 10 investors, with China in 5th place and Singapore ranked 7th. 

Sectoral performance remained broad-based, with strong investment activity across business services, hotels and tourism, transportation and warehousing, consumer products, real estate, software and IT services, and financial services, demonstrating continued momentum across both traditional and future-economy sectors.

A recently-announced AED2.5 B economic incentive package reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to governance. Designed to ease financial pressures, enhance liquidity, and support business continuity across key sectors, the package includes fee deferrals across hospitality, trade, and licensing, extended customs grace periods, and streamlined residency permit processes to support global talent attraction and retention.