Chinese customs authorities recently seized over 46,000 counterfeit Labubu toys, known as "Lafufus" highlighting a growing black market that exploits consumers and violates intellectual property rights. In an interview, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang discussed the implications of these fakes flooding the market. Assoc Prof Chang explained how such knockoffs can undermine the Labubu brand, impact market dynamics, and affect collectors who value authenticity causing down-stream impact.
SMU Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Paul Lim explained that candidate ghosting is a reflection of power dynamics in the job market, where companies prioritising efficiency may not respond to unsuccessful candidates in an employer's market. Conversely, in a candidate's market, job seekers may ghost employers.
SMU said that the university had recorded "less than a handful" of cases of AI-related academic misconduct in the past three years. The university's instructors inform students which AI tools are allowed, and guide the on their use, typically for idea generation or research-heavy projects outside exams. SMU Assocaite Professor Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami has encouraged students to use AI, provided they submit full account of how tools were used and critique their outputs.
Singapore's local institutions are increasingly distinguishing themselves in global rankings and drawing international students. Singapore has four ranked universities in the latest QS World University Rankings for 2026, with SMU jumping from 585th to 511st. SMU Provost Professor Alan Chan said that SMU'S "steady upward movement" in global rankings over the past year is encouraging.
SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh said that oil is a major variable cost across air travel, energy, and shipping, pervasively impacting daily life through energy and food prices, and potentially leading to inflation if increased costs are passed to consumers. While airlines often use futures contracts to lock in jet fuel prices months in advance, limiting immediate airfare impacts, he believes the energy sector may see more immediate price increases passed to consumers.
CNA Singapore Tonight spoke with SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan about the launch of the first train for the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link. He highlighted its modern design, spacious cabin, and inclusive features such as an induction system for the hearing-impaired. Asst Prof Fan noted that authorities have made the commute smoother and more commuter friendly. On the train's 3.6-minute peak-hour frequency, he said only minor adjustments may be need, as integration with the Singapore MRT improves convenience.
SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Dr Tracy Loh suggested that the United States' (US) social media screening for student visa applicants likely targets content critical of its policies. President Donald Trump, or supportive of causes the US is against, like diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes. She advised applicants to avoid or delete such posts, recommending safe content like personal celebrations instead. Dr Loh believes immigration officers will likely conduct random scrolls rather than deep forensic investigations into deleted posts.
SMU Assistant Professor Terence Fan stated that autonomous vehicles can enhance public transport by improving convenience, sustainability, and efficiency. For success, they must tackle challenges in safety, regulation, public trust. workforce transition, and infrastructure development.
SMU Professor Emeritus of Operations Management Arnoud De Meyer has been appointed as an Honorary Member of European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The honorary membership recognises him for leaving a lasting mark on global business education, contributing to strengthening international quality standards, and advancing the EFMD mission.
Jetstar Asia's decision to cease operations on July 31 has raised concerns over short-term hikes and the need for Changi Airport to find replacements for four exclusive routes. SMU Assistant Professor of Operations Management (Education) Joyce Low said the move was expected, citing rising operational costs -life fuel - as a growing challenge for low-cost carriers. She noted that Changi Airport must now step up efforts to attract other budget airlines to cover the affected routes.
