Commenting on China’s ride-hailing industry hitting saturation point in more cities, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said that despite robust public transport systems in major Chinese cities, ride-hailing boomed in the country because it offered a “reasonable way of life for many ordinary citizens, and made (it much easier for) those wanting to get a ride in fast-growing cities”.
Commenting on sentiments that Singapore cinemas can do more to win audiences, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang said cinema operators here have been innovating. “Many cinemas have rolled out cutting-edge projection and sound options, and more luxurious seating, and added dine-in options,” she said.
The Vietnam-Singapore Board Forum (VSBF 2024) co-organised by VIETSTAR Consulting and Training JSC and SMU was held in Hanoi on 23 May. The VSBF 2024 focused on the theme "Leading for Tomorrow: Pioneering Green Business Solutions", and explored the upcoming challenges and opportunities arising from economic volatility, climate change, energy transition, green businesses, green technology, and green finance.
SMU Lee Kong Chian Professor of Marketing Nirmalya Kumar has been observing the ups and downs of the retail business for decades – from Amazon’s pioneering of ecommerce to the recent rise of quick commerce.
Commenting on TikTok’s global cuts of hundreds of staff, SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Tracy Loh said TikTok’s move is not unexpected against the backdrop of tech layoffs in recent months. In fact, the firm has slashed headcount later than other big tech companies, she noted. She noted Douyin, TikTok's sister firm in China, has been more aggressive, and added, “What might be slightly more interesting for TikTok is they have said that they are letting people go in the marketing, the content marketing as well as in the user support teams.
Sharing his views on how older children can learn to manage their finances, SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh said that below the age of 21, children’s brains do not function like mature adults, and are often driven by reward-seeking impulses or instant gratification, rather than exercising discernment and patience through delayed gratification. Hence, parents should expose their children to more challenging concepts such as credit and investment only when they are of tertiary education age, he said.
Commenting on the impact of the United States government's aim to end entertainment giant Live Nation's alleged monopoly on Singapore, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang said that should the lawsuit result in the need for concerts to engage several ticketing platforms, it might be more complicated for concert-goers to buy tickets. She also explained how the move could hurt artistes.
Commenting on the teething issues surrounding unmanned shops, SMU Lee Kong Chian Professor of Marketing Kapil Tuli said the technology has not caught up with the promises of artificial intelligence-operated shops, including cost savings from not having to hire people to man the shops round the clock. Although unmanned stores require no queueing, most customers still need the security of having a person to speak to about products. Human staff are also important to maintain order in shops, he added.
With banks cutting interest rates on saving accounts, SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh discussed how this will impact consumers’ investment choices and offered insights on potential investment strategies. As an advocate of saving before spending, SMU alumnus Martin Layar shared how he managed to save $10,000 in just nine months. He emphasised the need for sound financial management from the outset of one's career.
Commenting on dynamic pricing creeping into Singapore's ticket sales, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang said dynamic pricing allows companies to streamline their offerings according to market demand and maximise profits. However, she said, "Though it might help improve efficiency and profits in the process… if fans or concertgoers do not expect it or see it as unfair, this may lead to unhappiness in the market demand side."
