News and Insights

As 2022 ends, Speyside shares a global outlook for 2023, highlighting cautious optimism in emerging markets like India, Mexico, and China, despite global challenges such as inflation, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory uncertainty. Latin America presents mixed prospects, with Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru facing political transitions or instability, while Mexico and Ecuador show opportunity for growth through trade and investment.

In November 2022, Brazil’s House of Representatives approved bill 1202/2007 to regulate lobbying activities. The bill aims to ensure transparency by requiring lobbyists to register and disclose meetings with public officials. It now awaits review by the Senate.

Large infrastructure projects often face delays and cost overruns due to overlooked social, political, and environmental risks. To avoid these, companies must secure a social license to operate—genuine community acceptance built through stakeholder engagement and transparent communication.

Being prepared for a communication crisis is essential. Key strategies include monitoring relevant keywords through social listening, setting up real-time alerts, and analyzing sentiment in online conversations to detect early warning signs and respond effectively.

As the year ends, it’s essential to reassess and refine your external communications strategy. This involves measuring relevant PR metrics, closely analyzing competitors’ tactics, and identifying new opportunities ("white spaces") to position your brand more effectively in the media.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won Brazil’s presidential runoff with 50.9% of the vote, returning to office after 12 years. His government aims to unify the country, advance tax reform, and boost public investment in infrastructure, energy, and social programs.

Speyside Group has appointed Arly Belas as Head of Healthcare Practice in Brazil to strengthen its expertise in health policy and corporate affairs. With over 10 years of experience in healthcare across Europe and the Americas, Belas will lead initiatives in areas such as rare diseases, vaccines, and oncology, working closely with teams in Brasília, São Paulo, and globally.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased health awareness in Latin America, with more people turning to digital tools for self-care and information about medications. As demand for accessible and reliable health information grows, e-labeling presents a promising solution. It can enhance health literacy, support safe self-medication, and improve supply chain efficiency.

Indonesia has passed its first Personal Data Protection Law, marking a major step toward protecting citizens' data. The law clarifies data rights, cross-border transfers, and enforcement, aligning Indonesia with global standards. However, businesses may face challenges due to vague provisions, strict penalties, and a short two-year transition period without clear technical guidance.

Brazil’s presidential election moves to a second round between Lula (48.4%) and Bolsonaro (43.2%). The country is highly polarized, and campaigns are focused more on personal attacks than policy. Bolsonaro gained support in key states and in Congress, while Lula secured some centrist endorsements. The far right grew in the legislature, but the centrist “Centrão” bloc remains influential.

Healthier SG is Singapore’s new long-term healthcare strategy aiming to shift focus from treating illness to preventing it. With an ageing population and rising costs, the government plans to strengthen primary care, especially through family doctors, incentivize healthy lifestyles, and adopt new data systems and funding models. The initiative starts with older residents and aims to yield meaningful results over the next 8–10 years.

Brazil’s public health system is underfunded. Bolsonaro promises continuity but has cut key programs and funding. Lula proposes restoring services and increasing investment, but lacks details. Both offer vague plans.