People in Hong Kong most stressed followed by those in Jakarta

People in Hong Kong most stressed followed by those in Jakarta

Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Singapore

People in Hong Kong are the most stressed because of the pressure to make money quickly while Jakarta residents feel they are in a crisis, a study of five Asian cities revealed on Tuesday.

The research by global advertising giant Lowe & Partners listed Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok and Mumbai in descending order of stress following Jakarta.

The pace of life in Hong Kong was too fast, Caroline Slocombe, regional business development director of the firm in the Asia- Pacific region, told The Business Times.

"You are out there on your own," was the cry of Hong Kong people, Lowe found.

Jakarta residents feel they are in a crisis - economic, religious and moral - but still place hope in God, according to the study.

Singaporeans who are able to cope with stress better say that while the future's bleak, they will be all right as they see themselves as citizens of the world, the research showed.

"It's tough at the moment but we have a place in the world," was the sentiment expressed.

Although those in Shanghai complained of being overworked and underpaid, they were found to be optimistic about their future. Living standards continue to improve, people still have fun most days and there is a lot of pride and patriotism wrapped up in their outlook, Lowe said.

Residents of Bangkok and Mumbai coped because of their still strong community values which place emphasis on tradition, family and religion.

Lower conducted the study to better understand the types of ads people like. The analysis showed advertising that was surreal, escapist with over-the-top exaggeration worked best in Hong Kong, Slocombe told the newspaper.

Singaporeans go for international ads while Shanghai residents connect with ads that are patriotic, she noted.