Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Terence Fan was interviewed about why Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums have closed lower across all categories in the latest bidding exercise
Singapore residents expect a slight increase in expenses over the next 12 months, according to the quarterly Singapore Index of Inflation Expectations (SInDEx) survey by SMU and DBS Group Research. The 54th edition survey shows one-year-ahead headline inflation expectations stayed at 3.8 per cent from September 2024 to December 2024. About 500 individuals representing various Singaporean households were surveyed. DBS co-sponsors the research with SMU’s Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics (SKBI).
University Magazine shared about the best business schools in Singapore in 2025. It noted that SMU stands out among the best schools for business in Singapore, particularly through its Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB). SMU is renowned for its interactive seminars and industry-driven projects, which equips students with leadership, analytical, and communication skills. Its city campus location also enables meaningful corporate partnerships and networking events, opening doors to potential internships and employment opportunities.
SMU Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Chen Liang observed that younger consumers, once passive in the digital economy, are now actively resisting algorithmic manipulation. While consumer pushback may reflect distrust in the market and potentially reduce consumption, Assoc Prof Chen highlighted that platforms will continually optimise their algorithms, creating an ongoing "arms race" between consumers and platforms. This could hinder the healthy development of data applications.
SMU Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Daphne Yiu and other academics co-authored a study to examine why some companies weather trade wars better than others. Analysing U.S.-China business transactions during the 2018 trade war, the study found that innovative and socially responsible Chinese suppliers retained more U.S. buyers, while those with strong political ties suffered greater losses. To boost resilience, companies should prioritise innovation, enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, and minimise political entanglements.
China's 2025 local economic growth targets were unveiled this week, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong setting targets at approximately 5%. Other provinces have generally set lower goals compared to last year. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that most regions are likely to meet their 2024 targets, making China's overall 5% growth target achievable. However, for 2025, despite the central government's focus on stimulating the economy and expanding domestic demand, local governments have adopted more conservative targets.
The Workplace Fairness Bill has been recently passed in Parliament, marking a major milestone in Singapore's employment landscape. Aimed at tackling workplace discrimination, the bill protects employees from biases based on factors such as age, race and nationality. In an interview, Paul Lim, SMU Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources and Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, shared insights into the bill's implications for organisations and employees alike.
Commenting on the “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) payment method for online transactions in Singapore, SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh said higher interest rates over the past couple of years added to the costs borne by BNPL firms, as they absorb these rates using their revenue and bear the risk of non-payment by clients. This squeezes their profit margins. He pointed out that demand remains strong and said, "this is a supply-driven issue rather than a demand-driven one.
Commenting on the “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) payment method for online transactions in Singapore, SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh said higher interest rates over the past couple of years added to the costs borne by BNPL firms, as they absorb these rates using their revenue and bear the risk of non-payment by clients. This squeezes their profit margins. He pointed out that demand remains strong and said, "this is a supply-driven issue rather than a demand-driven one.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) plans to develop a new system to comprehensively monitor local road conditions, predict potential issues, and formulate maintenance plans and budgets. For drivers, this initiative will lead to smoother and safer journeys while minimising inconvenience caused by road maintenance. Commenting on the Pavement Performance Index, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategic Management Terence Fan noted that Singapore's roads have unique characteristics.
