During periods of rapid economic and social change, timely data becomes critical. For the World Bank, understanding how Malaysian households were affected by the COVID-19 crisis required more than traditional surveys. The situation was evolving quickly, and policymakers needed near real-time insights to respond effectively. To address this, the World Bank implemented a high-frequency phone […]
Understanding youth behaviour in a rapidly evolving political and social environment requires more than surface-level data. For the International Republican Institute (IRI), the objective was to gain a deeper understanding of how first-time young voters in Malaysia think, feel, and make decisions—particularly in the context of the country’s 15th General Election (GE15). Rather than relying […]
In film marketing, trailers play a critical role. They are often the first point of contact between a movie and its audience. Within a short span of time, a trailer needs to capture attention, communicate tone, and motivate viewers to watch. For Sony Pictures Malaysia, ensuring that the trailer for Bullet Train resonated with local […]
As e-wallet adoption grows in Malaysia, usage patterns are becoming more complex. While many consumers have adopted e-wallets, not all use them in the same way. Some rely on them daily, while others use them occasionally or only in specific situations. For Touch ’n Go Digital, understanding these differences was key to strengthening engagement and […]
When expanding into a new market, especially in a category as competitive as coffee, product-market fit becomes critical. For Kopi Kenangan, entering Malaysia meant stepping into a landscape with well-established international and local coffee chains, each with strong consumer preferences and expectations. Rather than relying on internal assumptions, the brand took a structured approach to […]
What Does a Market Research Agency in Malaysia Actually Do? For many organisations, especially those entering Southeast Asia for the first time, the term “market research agency” can feel broad and somewhat unclear. Is it just about running surveys? Is it data collection? Or is it something more strategic? In reality, a market research agency […]
When companies think about Southeast Asia, the focus is often on market size. Indonesia offers scale, Vietnam offers growth, and Thailand offers strong consumption. But when it comes to reliable data collection, Malaysia stands out because it offers a level of structure, consistency, and accessibility that is often harder to achieve elsewhere in the region. […]
Market research in Malaysia is often seen as relatively straightforward compared to other Southeast Asian markets. The infrastructure is strong, the population is accessible, and the ecosystem is well established. Yet, many projects still fall short. The issue is rarely the market itself; more often, it comes down to how the research is planned and […]
For many businesses, the question is often framed as a choice: should we focus on online or offline? In Malaysia, that distinction is becoming less useful. Consumers are no longer thinking in terms of channels; they move between online and offline depending on what is most convenient at each stage of their decision journey. Understanding […]
Consumer spending in Malaysia is often interpreted too simply. When spending slows, it is assumed that consumers are pulling back. When sales events perform well, it is assumed that demand is strong. The reality is more nuanced. Recent findings from Central Force’s nationwide consumer studies show that Malaysian consumers are still spending, but they are […]