China’s exports in October 2025 declined by 1.1% year-on-year due to a high base effect and the impact of US tariffs. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that with the trade truce reached between China and the US, trade data between the two countries could be expected to improve.
Commenting on the Nexperia semiconductor deadlock, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that Beijing's agreement to allow the Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs to send representatives to China for consultations is itself a diplomatic gesture. However, Assoc Prof Fu believes that the Netherlands is unlikely to issue a public apology for diplomatic reasons, but it may revise its regulations to prevent similar incidents from happening again and provide economic or reputational compensation to Nexperia’s Chinese owner Wingtech Technology.
In a commentary published as part of The Straits Times’ Finding Joy series, SMU Assistant Professor of Marketing Shilpa Madan shared how she found calm amid a turbulent year through diamond art – a meditative, hands-on activity that contrasts with her professional world. As a consumer psychologist, she linked the experience to research showing that joy deepens when shared, noting how the hobby became an unexpected way to bond with her son.
In an interview with Eco-Business, SMU Associate Professor of Finance and recipient of the Ho Bee Professorship in Sustainability Management Liang Hao – who also serves as Co-Director of the Singapore Green Finance Centre – highlighted how SMU’s Sustainable Finance programmes equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills that prepare them to contribute effectively from day one. The Singapore Green Finance Centre also allows students to tackle real-world problems with real data and present solutions to practitioners who can put them into practice.
In a commentary published as part of The Straits Times' Finding Joy series, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami shared how a contract cleaner's handmade decorations transformed his office pantry and showed how her creativity, cheer, and resourcefulness made her an integral part of the team.
The latest rage in crypto investing is “perp” contracts, which give traders the leverage to amplify gains or losses by as much as 1,001-fold. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Emiliano Pagnotta said that these leveraged bets can unwind fast, however, setting off a “liquidation cascade.”
In a commentary co-authored by SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Thomas Allard, the authors found that charities that appear highly capable often receive fewer donations, a pattern called the “Charity Capacity Curse.” They explained that while well-run organisations are best equipped to create lasting impact, donors give less when a charity seems self-sufficient, as it reduces their sense of being needed.
In a commentary, SMU Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources and Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business Paul Lim recalled his doctoral studies in Chain, which exposed him to the "996" work culture of long hours driven by the belief that effort guarantees success, and also by peer pressure. With more Chinese firms entering Singapore, he noted concerns about such habits spreading, though Singapore's history of selectively absorbing foreign work norms suggests it will adopt what works.
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.
