Blind boxes: adorable, collectible… and unexpectedly addictive. What began as a niche hobby for toy enthusiasts has exploded into a mainstream phenomenon, popping up in stores, fast food chains, and online platforms.

But this popularity comes with a downside. Concerns over compulsive spending have prompted Singapore to consider regulations aimed at curbing the gambling-like risks of blind boxes.

If rules are introduced, can strategies like ‘demarketing’ actually help curb addiction? And is it even possible to make a product designed to be irresistible truly safe without killing its appeal?

On The Big Story, Debbie Yong speaks with Dr. Nurhafihz Noor, Senior Lecturer in Business (Marketing) at James Cook University Singapore (Singapore Campus), to find out more.

Blind boxes: adorable, collectible&hellip; and unexpectedly addictive. What began as a niche hobby for toy enthusiasts has exploded into a mainstream phenomenon, popping up in stores, fast food chains, and online platforms.
But this popularity comes with a downside. Concerns over compulsive spending have prompted Singapore to consider regulations aimed at curbing the gambling-like risks of blind boxes. If rules are introduced, can strategies like &lsquo;demarketing&rsquo; actually help curb addiction? And is it even possible to make a product designed to be irresistible truly safe without killing its appeal?
On The Big Story, Debbie Yong speaks with Dr. Nurhafihz Noor, Senior Lecturer in Business (Marketing) at James Cook University Singapore (Singapore Campus), to find out more.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion,

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4–8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day’s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.

From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what’s happening — with clarity, context and a touch of personality.

Whether you’re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected — all the way home.

And she closes the day with a song that says it all.

Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong is your 4&ndash;8pm drive companion, guiding you through the day&rsquo;s biggest headlines, trending conversations and the issues shaping Singapore and the world.
From news and current affairs to lifestyle insights and generational perspectives, the show helps you make sense of what&rsquo;s happening &mdash; with clarity, context and a touch of personality.
Whether you&rsquo;re catching up after a long day or tuning in on the move, Your Way Home keeps you informed, engaged and connected &mdash; all the way home.
And she closes the day with a song that says it all.