Experience - Recent Work

Market Research

High Net Work Individuals across Asia see more investment opportunities than risks from the current financial crisis and economic downturn.

IBI Partners quarterly study of High Net Worth individuals (classified as have >US$2 million in liquid assets), across 8 countries in the Asia Pacific has found that the majority believe there to be significant investment opportunties.
Over 68% of those interview stated that they shall actively seek new investment opportunities in 2009.
In terms of when the economic conditions will show clear signs of strengthening and growth, 60% believed it will be the 4th quarter of 2009, with 22% believing it will in the 1st or 2nd quarter 2010.

Consumption of green products and services is increasing considerably amongst consumers in Asia.

In an ongoing study across 10 countries in the Asia Pacific, involving 20,000 consumers, IBI Partners have identified continued strong demand for green products and new growth in green services, in addition to stronger forming attitudes towards environmental responsibility.
Demand for green products across Asia increased by 9% in 2008, with strong emerging demand coming from China, Thailand, Inidia and Taiwan, in addition to continued demand from developed countries of Japan and South Korea.
An emerging demand for green services is also emerging across several countries, such as for green electricity and transportation.

Business confidence for Q1 is pessimistic across Asia Pacific region.

IBI Partners quarterly business confidence forecasting survey for Q1 2009 has found a significant lack of confidence for the business environment across the Asia Pacific region for Q1 and throughout 2009.
Surveyed were 5,000 senior managers and business owners across a range of business sizes and industries, throughout 10 countries.
The countries which are most pessimistic about 2009 include South Korea, Japan and China, with the most optimistic being Australia, India and Vietnam.
Economic conditions are not forecast to improve until late Q3 or early Q4 at the earliest.

Small-Medium Sized Enterprises in Australia report a continued decrease in business confidence in February 2009.

IBI Partners Small-Medium Sized Enterprises monthly study reports a continued decrease in business condidence in February, from amongst the 2,5000 organisations interviewed throughout Australia.
Lack of certainty in the economy for the next 6-12 months was cited as the main reason for the continued lack of confidence, with 62% of organisations surveyed stating that they are cutting costs in an effort to get through the tough times they predict for 2009.
35% of organisations surveyed said they plan to hold off on capital investment until they see signs of improvement in the economy, with 26% saying that they are considering reducing staff numbers in the first half of 2009.

The pace of change in 2008 was overwhelming for many Australians

IBI Partners ongoing longitudinal study of Australian society has found that throughout 2008, Australians felt that the pace of change in their lives was the fastest that many had ever experienced, with many segments of Australian society feeling 'overwhelmed'.
The main issues which attributed to this throughout 2008 included the global financial crisis and deteriorating domestic economy, specifically the speed with which the economy changd, increasing government involvement in their lives, coupled with the decreased confidence in the competence of federal and state governments.
Another factor which was identified throughout 2008 was a general feeling of uncertainty that Australians are developing about their future, with a range of issues contributing to this, particular the economy, and the environment.

Singaporeans seek semi-retirement options to transition from the workforce to retirement

In a recent study of 1,500 Singaporeans who plan to retire in the next 12 months, IBI Partners found that the main concern is what they will do with their time, expecially while they remain fit and healthy.
Men particularly, approaching retirement are seeking to find part-time or casual work, business ventures or hobbies to become involved in, the primary motive being to remain active, more than for financial gain. To this end, 67% of men who plan to retire in the next 12 months stated that they are now actively investigating optins for obtaining part-tim or casual work.
In terms of the preferred retirement age, 65 is the preferred age given by men, with 52 being the preferred age given by women. However 68% of respondents stated that they have felt under pressure to retire early, mainly due to their age and not feeling able to cope with workplace demands.