In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Chen Liang argues that the clash over Anthropic reveals a deeper reality: frontier artificial intelligence (AI) is inseparable from state power. Assoc Prof Chen noted that while Washington reacts and Beijing plans, both are tightening control, driving a split into rival AI ecosystems.
Commenting on China’s oil price intervention, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that China's oil prices are primarily influenced by international pricing mechanisms. Assoc Prof Fu said that rising energy prices have both positive and negative impacts on businesses. For companies with high energy consumption and heavy reliance on raw materials, it will have a negative impact. However, China's vigorous development of new energy sources over the past few years has been beneficial to industries such as photovoltaics and electric vehicles.
Commenting on why F&B operators are urging online reviewers to show empathy, SMU Assistant Professor of Marketing Shilpa Madan said reviews play a key role in reducing uncertainty for other diners, especially in categories such as food, where quality is subjective and only fully apparent after purchase. She also highlighted that, according to research, negative information often carries disproportionate weight. She added that carelessness in criticism can have effects larger than the reviewer intends.
SMU Associate Professor Seshan Ramaswami pointed out that growing competition among beauty and wellness businesses in HDB estates is due to the "majority fallacy." He recommended government intervention only for national security or public safety issues, but noted targeted support – like encouraging banks and post offices with rental subsidies – could help older residents who struggle with e-commerce.
Commenting on the upcoming Labubu movie, SMU Lee Kong Chian Professor of Marketing Kapil Tuli said that Labubu has a loyal and fanatic customer base, so a film could potentially be a significant growth opportunity for Pop Mart, if the content is appealing.
Commenting on China’s energy security network, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that China could increase imports from Russia to offset shortages and serve as a strong buffer against global energy shocks.
Commenting on Nvidia’s restart of H200 chip production, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that the sale of H200 chips requires approval from both China and the US, and that Nvidia's ability to restart production is likely related to the trade negotiations between the two countries in Paris. Assoc Prof Fu noted that the trade teams of both countries reached a consensus on specific details, and it is expected that Chinese companies not involved in the military industry have received approval to purchase H200 chips.
In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship David Gomulya said more young Singaporeans are considering skilled trades because they see opportunity and joy, and it ought to be celebrated. Assoc Prof Gomulya noted that tradespeople who enter lift maintenance, urban farming, and other specialised fields are increasingly playing an indispensable role in a dense, infrastructure-heavy city. He added that Singapore is not facing an oversupply in trades, but correcting an undersupply.
According to economists surveyed by Bloomberg, China’s retail sales growth in the first two months of 2026 may slow to about 2.1%, the lowest on record outside the Covid-19 outbreak period. The forecast suggests domestic demand remains weak despite the government's efforts to boost consumption. Commenting on the survey results, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said the slowdown may partly reflect a high comparison base last year, as well as the earlier “trade-in” consumption stimulus that temporarily boosted demand.
A team of 30 individuals ranging from age 19 to over 70 are being tapped by first-term Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Neo Kok Beng to discuss and raise concerns about issues related to the economy and society. Most other NMPs like SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Kenneth Goh, who is also the President of Singapore Aquatics and a former national athlete, rely on their own existing networks to gather feedback.
