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RFP trends from market research company show softening of China upward trend for K1-2 2003

Asian based market and brand research agency Orient Pacific Century published today an update of their analysis of market research Asian trends based on the number of requests for proposals are received by the company.
In the first half of 2003, the percentage of RFPs for research in China and East Asia fall slightly, possibly due to the impact of SARS, an increase of security concerns about North Korea and a reduction in in-bound and out-bound travel and Tourism. Thailand was the country, representing the most increased interest from companies who want to Commission market studies.

The authors of the report suggests, however, that this trend may be temporary as fears of SARS and the effects decrease, tourism and air travel increases and the Chinese economy is making a strong comeback.

Asian market research news provides the latest news concerning the practice of market studies in Asian countries, industry and consumer surveys, Economic Outlook, case studies, market and brand strategy & market entry. It is intended for marketing business people targeting Asian markets.
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SARS hit the market research in Asia

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cut a lot through operations and profitability of the market research industry in Asia, as overseas clients cancel the travel expenses of briefing meetings, observation, focus groups, and finalizing new contracts, often with just a few days notice. This has been caused by a dramatic increase in the number of overseas countries such as USA, Australia and European countries posting travel advisories against travel to the most affected countries such as Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Vietnam. This prohibition against effectively all Government or a quasi-governmental authorities from travel to affected countries, passes through the affected ports, or even a general ban on travel to Asia.

At least two weeks, many large companies in Singapore, Australia, USA and Europe has placed a ban on almost all travel, including to relatively risk free countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia. just yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) Finally, a statement, counteract all travel to Hong Kong and China.

In our quick survey yesterday covers 14 Center to top executives in the same number of multinational Asian offices or local market research and advertising agencies reported (China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand), 12 respondents that they so SARS as a "major" threat to sustainability in the medium term activities than the Iraq war, or a possible North Korean conflict. 2 the respondents regarded it as a "major threat".

13 respondents reported cancellations or postponements "indefinite" of market research projects where the justification was specifically related to SARS.8 these reported 3 or more projects postponed or cancelled in the last 7 days.Almost all judgment urgent communications from overseas clients ask for their advice on the impact of SARS on the results of research currently being carried out or in advertising and communication strategies being tested or developed; this was especially the case for research in tourism or transport industries, but not limited to these industries. IT clients were also very concerned about the impact of the SARS virus issue on consumer and industrial attitudes and consumption.(U & A).

Other negative effects include an overall decrease in new requests for proposals (RFP), reported by 10 companies.

On the positive side, said some leaders, they had seen an increase in enquiries concerning Web-based surveys or surveys in your phone, where human contact is much more limited than social methods such as focus groups, face to face conversations and observational methodologies.

While the Iraqi war was seen as the largest external threat to market research and advertising industries up to 2 weeks ago, SARS threat now seen by interviewees all Asian industry executives in a quick telephone survey yesterday so far more impactful already.

While the war in Iraq is still dominating the news in the Western world, in Asia, whereas spread of the SARS virus war against Iraq to interior pages.

Of course, more heavily affected some industries, such as the tourism, airline and Conference/meeting/PR sectors.Regional and international meetings and conferences throughout Asia, and to a lesser extent the rest of the world where delegates are expected from the affected countries is being canceled at an astronomical rate. Air carriers from Cathay Pacific Singapore Airlines to many airlines worldwide have cut Asian routes and frequencies dramatic, stops dead an industry already shaky from the affects of international terrorism and the war against Iraq. Asian airlines have been less affected by the decline in international tourism pga terrorism concerns due to continued strong regional demand, but SARS has put an end to. Same for a relatively healthy (relative to the non-Asian regions) tourism industry.

Hong Kong, the first country outside the Chinese mainland to be affected, have closed their schools in 2 weeks.Yesterday a whole large apartment block on the Mainland was evacuated and a floor of a hotel, where some early Canadian and Singapore event fine has been closed and disinfected.

In Thailand are arrivals from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Vietnam, all being screened at the airport by taking temperatures, and all on an aircraft, on which there is a suspicion of an event is detected that is either quarantined or sent home.Visitors from these countries are required to wear a face mask for the first 2 weeks of their stay. Singapore, one of the first to be hit hard outside China/Hong Kong, their familiar effectively, attacked the problem seriously and aggressively from the start, closing schools and recently a major University and place the quarantine suspected.It would not exaggerating to say that if this early rapid reaction was not implemented, then the problem would be far higher in Singapore just now.

As Malaysia announced the end of their initial suspicions earlier this week, the Government has jumped into action and issued a letter to editors of all major newspapers asking them not to feature Malaysian cases, as it may affect tourism receipts.Malaysia has a strong record of suppress what are perceived as "negative" news about Malaysia in their own press.A few years ago, newspapers were prohibited from reporting air quality ratings and last year 2 great English language newspapers was castigated by not less than Mr Mahathir for publishing reports of poor water quality in Kuala Lumpur. Why? Both can "deter tourists from visiting Malaysia".

Malaysia Airlines announced in a development precisely today, they cancel all flights to Singapore and Hong Kong from today.

In China, where SARS is widely believed to have originated, the Government has been widely criticized for downplaying the dangers of the virus, a charge the Chinese Government declines sharply. Nevertheless, in view of the culture of Chinese society and all levels of Government, informal control with information about an unwillingness on the part of local officials to report "bad news" from their patch to their supervisors and worries cause "panic" in rural and less-educated populations among high levels of Government, impact.

In addition to the human tragedy is the impact on Asian business considerably. Growth estimates have already been revised down-wards for the most affected countries, and thus the region as a whole. Moodys is expected to be broadly to downgrade the Hong Kong very soon ... make no mistake, this is becoming a global crisis, however,. THE WHO reports that more than 200 "infections" is already present in Canada, THE USA, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Romania, Italy, Australia and Switzerland, but the only deaths outside Asia at present have been in Canada; In Asia are infections over 2000 and death is approaching 100 quick, although around 90-95% of these are on the Chinese mainland, including mainland regions of Hong Kong.

The next few weeks may well determine whether 2003 becomes just a mean or disastrous years for market research, advertising, tourism, airlines and many other industries in Asia.

Released april 04, 2003, 01: 06 PM in Asia

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Consumer growth prospects falls in the aftermath of SARS

While the consequences of the war in Iraq dominated Asian consumer sentiment in March, reinforces this month's Asia Consumer growth prospects index (april 2003) that SARS has emerged as an even greater threat to consumer spending in Asia for the next 12 months. For the first time since the start of the index, China has suffered two major "downgrading" in a row.

Index for Asian Consumer growth prospects is a monthly index and brief analysis of the prospects for the Asian consumer growth over the next 12 months based on relevant secondary economic indexes as well as the views of a panel of consumer trend watchers in Asia. it has run now for over 12 months.

Almost all the 12 Asian economies interviewees saw a decline in the index, with Singapore and Hong Kong the most effected. Decline was not unexpected, with the Government figures in both countries, predicting a major impact on economic growth for the next 12 months.Even in countries not directly affected by SARS currently such as Thailand and Malaysia feel greater impact through a dramatic decline in the past relatively bouyant regional tourism sector which countries impose travel ban and screening for tourists from affected countries.

Today downgraded both ING and Merrill Lynch both Hong Kong in the aftermath of SARS developments as new cases are reported, and there are no signs yet that the outbreak has peaked in the SAR and the PRC. the latter also downgraded the worldwide aviation segment.

Released april 14, 2003, 05: 48 PM in Asia

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The prospect of war affect Asian consumer demand growth for the next 12 months

War of the minds of many consumers in Asia, possibly causing many to delay the buyer due to increased unknowns from an expected war in Iraq. Both foreign and domestic investments have also in most Asian stock markets slowed this month.

Our Asian Consumer prospects Index indicates this month a lowering of the consumers ' demand growth prospects across the Board, despite most countries is fairly geographically isolated from any conflict arenas.

The lack of any evidence of a revival of European and North American economies also pulled down the prospects of consumer demand growth in export-oriented economies in Asia.

[Excerpt]The dominant factors that impact the index this month been increasing probability of military conflict in Iraq, and secondary tension comes from North Korea. This has had an overall effect of damping the Outlook for consumer growth in almost all countries, but especially to those closer to the expected arenas conflict or those with larger shares of Muslim citizens. a secondary factor is the continuous bad economic news from Europe and THE UNITED STATES, which affects the Nations with a degree of dependence on exports to the West.[End of extraction]

Released March 09, 2003, 02: 25 PM in Asia

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Thailand TV Ratings Technology battle shapes

There is a bull-fight design in Thailand for TV ratings measurement market with Video Research Japan Announces this week, they've developed Thailand's "most accurate audience measurement technology" after two years of research and development of their local device Video Research International (Thailand).

Video Research International, together with Taylor Nelson Sofres, bids for a Baht 100 million (around USD 2,400,000) annual contract with Thailand's Joint Industry Committee representing Thailand tv and media buyers, against long-term provider AC Nielsen.

According to a report from Jirapreeya K from Thailand English daily nation, AC Nielsen's service has been the subject of falling confidence among Thai media professionals.

Thailand contains one of the most attractive markets for media in South East Asia, with a live media, entertainment and advertising industry in relation to neighbouring countries with more developed countries.Adds the higher growth and continuing foreign investment prospects to Thailand, and its a contract worth winning (or maintain).

According to Niwat Wongprompreeda, if the researcher co., Ltd has an ownership stake in Video Research International, "..Greens in behalf of Thai researchers, it is my dream to give the market of data accuracy, and we are completely transparent with regards to our research methods and working philosophy, so everything can be shown... "

Its design for a nice international Bull-fight between the traditional multinational ratings provider AC Nielsen vs Europe in the form of Taylor Nelson Sofres vs. Japanese and regional giant Video Research International. stay tuned!

Released March 25, 2003, 05: 52 PM in Thailand

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SARS, Thailand, tourism and business travel: how quickly to recovery?

Thailand's economy is highly dependent on tourism and related industries and attracts high levels of foreign currency.

In many years branding Thailand as a destination exotic, natural, friendly and interesting, not to mention the "fantastic", of course, is the tourism infrastructure, ranging from some of the leading five-star hotels in the world and a world class airline to a myriad of restaurants and sole proprietorship tour operators, massive.

Thailand boasts many areas where local shop is heavily struck the international tourist trade-consumers with high affordability willing to pay much more than the local people for the same services and to pay a high premium for specifically tailored services such as Western style hotels, Western restaurants, foreign languages, tour guides and Japanese style karaoke lounges. also have a wealth of secondary establishments such as primary food producers for the Thai market, healthcare providers and transport industries. Clear international tourism accounts for a much higher share of contribution to the economy in Thailand than any other Asian country, although expenditure per tourist backward in Hong Kong and Singapore, where prices are much higher.

While the global tourism industry has suffered considerably since the World Trade Center bombing in THE UNITED STATES, the effects of the Asian tourism industry was moderated by a still more healthy increase in intra-regional travel as Asian tourists opted for shorter distances (and perceived-safer) destinations and travel was more affordable for Chinese mainlanders in particular due to the high economic growth.

It is no surprise therefore that THE SARS crisis (and 2nd international tourists concerns about the effects of the Iraq war and terrorism) would cut a lot through the Thai business and economy, especially as it affected the weblogs large incoming tourist market-making in East Asia including Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea.

As the above graph illustrates, experienced Thailand's major gateway-Don Muang airport in Bangkok dramatic drops in tourist arrivals from Japan and China, for the period from 1st to 21st april 2003 compared to the same period last year; this period incorporates the Thai Songkran festivities-a peak season for Thailand's travel industry.This graph reports rise or fall in tourists in these periods of Thailand's large incoming of the originating country tourist markets in Japan, China, USA, Germany and Australia; it is interesting, stable visitors originating from those countries in the UK and Germany, but somewhat smaller markets, while the United States-arrivals a little a significant drop, possibly influenced by terrorism fears that have hit THE US outbound tourism in General in a longer period. In short, China, Hong Kong and Singapore visitor cancelled due to travel restrictions on them, and Japanese and other travellers (countries which had not been "SARS held") was "scared" of reports on the rising SARS infection in Southeast Asia.It is interesting, SARS infections of population ratios in Thailand and Southeast Asia are comparable or even less than in THE EU or North American countries, but the fear of the unknown was the main factor.

This odd affect arrivals of the region is further illustrated by the graph below, that presents the data in the drop-down list in the receipts of each region.[E-Asia = East Asia, including Japan, China, Taiwan and South Korea; ASEAN = Association of South East Asian Nations members incorporate all 10 Member States, including Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia; euro = European countries; Amer = North-and South America; South Asia = India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and others; Oceania = Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands; M-East = Middle East; and Africa = African continent countries.]

Total tourist arrivals decreased by 41% between april 1st to April 21st compared with same period in 2002, by far the most affected In Southeast Asia (Thailand's large incoming tourist market as can be inferred from the first graf) and ASEAN (which includes SARS affected and high value outbound tourist market of Singapore).Middle East arrivals down probably was foreseeable due to instability in the region originating. Visitors from Europe and Australia appeared, however, less are deterred from visits in Thailand.

Co-incidentally announced THE WHO at the same time that the South East Asian and East Asian leaders performs an emergency SARS summit in Bangkok, to Vietnam and Thailand should be seen as "free" lack any SARS (Thailand) or last (in Vietnam) local transmission. More controversially, declared THE WHO also that SARS was "contained" in Singapore, a statement which was not on the agenda Singapore leaders for fear of causing any relaxation among Singaporeans. with the lifting of travel bulletins on Toronto, left this only China with a continuous and highly threatening condition.

Despite this need emergency Summit recommendations in the Asian Health Minister meeting in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia the week before that the Institute SARS health checks of all international travellers leaving South East Asian countries. justified as a way to "reduce" the fear of travel due to SARS-worries, an unwanted side-effects will continue to be to counteract the travel expenses of those who are unwilling to risk travelling expenses for the chance to be quarantined and company/vacation planning becomes interrupted a heavy costs on the presentation of the rather vague symptoms. It also "brands" the whole of Southeast Asia as being a SARS danger while only Singapore remains unabated.

No, really, when the travel and Tourism industry in Thailand and Southeast Asia will return. key is "perceptions", and how these are managed is critical to Thailand and South East Asian Tourism quick return to the previous high levels; Best guess is that it will be a gradual and constant improvement.

Released April 30, 2003, 07: 18 PM in Thailand

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