Regarding Zest
Looks a very nice post but there is something missing on it, if you get an email inviting you to join the roadshow and then upon arrival from Europe the day before, and then at the roadshow you get a nice news from HR that any expats recruitment is on hold- meaning garbage bin- because they prefer locals, then obviously you understand that is much better to look for jobs elsewhere than in here.
Asia is big, probably in other countries if they invited you to a roadshow they do not change their mind in a question of days, and hopefully at least you get an interview to prove you may suit or not their needs.