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.
SMU’s Business Families Institute launched a new framework to guide philanthropists with a structured approach to deploy their capital, work with strategic partners and support bold, long-horizon solutions capable of delivering sustained, large-scale impact for society. The report, titled ‘The Moonshot Approach to Philanthropy: A Framework From ‘What Ifs?’ to Action’, encourages philanthropists, charitable foundations and family offices seeking to deepen their impact to take a long-term view in the face of uncertainty.
Commenting on China’s crude oil supply, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian pointed out that the sharp fluctuations in international oil prices mainly stemmed from speculation in the financial markets. He predicted that the obstruction at the Strait of Hormuz would have a limited impact on the real economy, and there would be no oil shortage for at least a few months. Assoc Prof Fu added that everyone has some oil reserves, and China should be able to last at least six months to a year with its reserves.
Commenting on Chinese students' shift to manufacturing and energy roles, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that China's industrial sectors, especially semiconductors, electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy, have become "highly technology-intensive and now demand top engineering talent. Assoc Prof Fu said many young graduates now see them as "opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies rather than traditional factory work," adding that these jobs can offer "very competitive" salaries.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Thomas Allard said the disappearance of the five-cent coin would have little impact on most consumers, noting Singapore’s continued shift towards cashless payments. He also anticipates that the financial impact of its disappearance will average out over time as costs are rounded both up and down. Additionally, Assoc Prof Allard said that cash is unlikely to become obsolete soon, as elderly customers, small hawker businesses, and some tourists still rely on it.
SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that Asia-Pacific airlines with significant services to Europe, such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, could benefit in the short term from the recent flight disruptions in the Middle East. These disruptions, caused by a four-day closure of major Middle Eastern airports – including Dubai International – due to conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, have led to increased airfares between Asia and Europe.
