China’s stock market fell sharply on 4 September 2025 as regulators hinted at measures to curb speculative trading, pushing the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite Index below 3,800 points. The Chinese government aims to protect small investors and prevent overheating, not suppress the market, amid a recent surge in retail participation following a strong August rally.
Commenting on how convenience stores could continue proving their relevance, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami said they might need to expand their services and keep close tabs on the needs of their immediate community, adding that it would also help to keep up with broader consumer and food trends.
Experts and operators said that for cross-border car rental services between Malaysia and Singapore to become a reality, various regulations, cost differences and enforcement mechanisms need to be resolved first. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan agreed that there were "many sensitive considerations" that needed to be taken into account. Singapore authorities would want to “wait and see” how the public reacts to the RTS (Rapid Transit System) when it starts operating.
In a commentary, SMU Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources (Education) Thomas Menkhoff stressed the need for educators to upskill so they can guide students in using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) responsibly, rather than dismissing it. He argued that universities should move beyond prohibition and invest in AI literacy to safeguard academic integrity.
Commenting on Singapore's traditional games, SMU Assistant Professor of Marketing Han Minju pointed out that the “dramatic” transformation Singapore has undergone creates a need for psychological anchors, something timeless and grounding, which is the purpose of traditional games. Asst Prof Han said that these games “represent a simpler, more authentic time that helps manage the anxiety of rapid modernisation and change”.
Experts said cross-border ride-hailing services between Malaysia and Singapore are unlikely in the short term due to regulatory, cost disparity, and enforcement-related challenges. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that one issue is that once Malaysian private-hire vehicles enter Singapore, it would be difficult to monitor whether drivers are illegally picking up passengers within Singapore.
SMU Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Nina Sirola published a new research offering a fresh take on how employees experience job insecurity and reveals an underlying structural unfairness. Her research reframes job insecurity and was published in the peer-reviewed Academy of Management Journal (AMJ). Asst Prof Sirola said that her research offers actionable insights for policymakers and organisations aiming to design fairer work environments, especially during periods of change and uncertainty.
China’s new rules enforcing mandatory social security contributions are pushing firms to hire retirees exempt from payments, reflecting weak trust in the system. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that mandatory social security contributions will inevitably trigger conflicts among various parties.
Deloitte Singapore has recognised 14 enterprises at the Singapore’s Best Managed Companies awards this 2025, with five new entrants joining the list of organisations celebrated for management excellence, strategic vision and contributions to the economy. The companies are assessed against Deloitte’s four-pillar framework, and all submissions are reviewed by an independent panel of business leaders, including SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh.
Commenting on China’s new mandatory social security, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that the new rules could raise labour costs, prompting job changes and even the hiring of retirees to avoid social security payments. Assoc Prof Fu said that a few small firms may close, but most will adapt to higher costs. He also pointed out that while hiring retirees saves money short-term, it can reduce efficiency. He stressed the transition will take time, but increasing incomes is essential for China to become a true developed nation.
