More than 25 prominent figures are expected to attend the WE2025: Future in Motion exposition from 25 to 27 November, including SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh. The event would be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Sharing his insights on China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian opined that high-quality development oriented toward people’s well-being and quality of life means that China’s economy will no longer be measured solely by GDP growth rates.
Commenting on the expansion of Chinese companies in Southeast Asia, SMU Associate Professor of Strategic Management and Academic Director of SMU's Master of Science in Management programme Geng Xuesong said that Singapore’s infrastructure and talent base make it an ideal headquarters hub. He noted that firms such as Shanghai’s Joy Group, which opened its first overseas stores here, view Singapore as a gateway to markets like Thailand and Malaysia, reflecting growing regional ambitions.
Sharing his insights on China and the US trade talks, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that the countries have room for compromise to create a friendlier atmosphere for the upcoming summit while they remain cautious on key issues like rare earths and technology restrictions. He added that China would also not rush to sign an agreement similar to the “Phase One Trade Deal” in the short term, unless the US makes major concessions and lifts all restrictions.
Commenting on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which will prioritise economic development and high-quality growth, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said high-quality development means China’s economy will no longer rely solely on GDP growth as the measure of success. He added that more emphasis would be placed on citizens’ satisfaction and other indicators as the guiding benchmarks in the future.
Commenting on Hong Leong's green loan, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Liang Hao said that two things can be true at once: A building can meet strong energy or green building criteria, as required on Government Land Sales sites under the BCA's 2021 green building certification scheme, and still cause some degree of nature loss if it requires land-clearance. He suggested that a sustainability-linked loan over a green label could be preferred to avoid perceptions of greenwashing and communicate why.
In a commentary, SMU Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources (Education) Thomas Menkhoff and SMU Adjunct Lecturer Kevin Cheong highlighted the concept of “coopetition”, a mix of cooperation and competition, from Germany’s Stuttgart region. During a study trip, SMU students and faculty saw how this model fuels collaboration in fields like artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability.
Commenting on banks having more control over customers’ accounts, SMU Associate Professor of Finance (Education) Mandy Tham said that the moves should not be viewed as paternalistic but more as a cultural shift towards prevention rather than reaction in financial regulation. She added that this was understandable given how digital risks associated with managing their wealth have risen.
An opinion article on cashless transactions cited comments by SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian, who observed that the Government has been deliberate in advancing the Smart Nation agenda. He also noted that grants under the SMEs Go Digital programme have made it easier and more affordable for merchants to adopt cashless payment solutions.
Commenting on China’s economic growth, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee focuses on long-term planning, with China’s next five-year goal centred on economic transformation and high-quality growth, particularly in high-tech industries. He added that Beijing’s tougher trade stance toward the US reflects confidence in current macroeconomic trends and an expectation that Trump may eventually back down.
