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.
In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) and Academic Director of SMU’s Business Families Institute Kenneth Goh, reflected on a former student who built a successful e-commerce business while studying, using his story to challenge Singapore’s “linear progression fallacy”. He argued that the education system reinforces this narrow view and stressed the need to value adaptability, experimentation, and creativity over rigid achievement.
Commenting on the latest fare hike, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said the fare hike amounts to under $5 a week for regular commuters, with heavy users benefiting from a reduced monthly travel card. Asst Prof Fan explained that the 5% increase, based on multiple cost factors, reflects only part of the allowable adjustment and is a “gentle way” to manage rising expenses. He added that other transport modes have already raised fares during peak hours.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian attributed the increase in stores that accept cashless-only transactions to the success of the Government’s go-digital campaign, which has made it easier and cheaper for merchants to go cashless. He added that merchants now have more affordable plug-and-play options, and promotional incentives further encourage the adoption of cashless transactions. Assoc Prof Fu also noted that cashless transactions discourage theft and minimise human error.
Commenting on the 5 per cent transport fare hike, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said that the fare increase is "measured and considerate", noting that the actual increase is well below the ceiling. Asst Prof Fan emphasised that the price of monthly travel passes will be reduced by six dollars, which will actually translate into a small reduction in commuters’ monthly expenses. He also shared that as the public transport network grows, service disruptions may appear more frequent.
China, Iran, and Russia are expanding barter trade to circumvent European and US sanctions. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that bartering is inefficient and unsustainable but reflects growing efforts to bypass dollar settlements, further fragmenting global trade. He added that if such alternatives become widespread, they could eventually undermine the US dollar’s dominance and lead to financial decoupling from the US-led system.
Commenting on title inflation, SMU Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Paul Lim opined that it is not always a bad thing if workers approach it strategically. He noted that the key is living up to the title, where those who do so prove themselves, while those who abuse it risk being exposed as posers or inept.
