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.
Commenting on the appeal of “hidden gems”, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami said that once found, a hidden gem might lose some of its lustre, and cited American baseball star Yogi Berra who said, “Nobody goes there any more. It is too crowded.”
TECO Electric & Machinery Chairman Morris Li believes that a company’s established governance systems will allow the right people to perform effectively in the right positions. This view echoes the observations of SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh. She also opined that aside from succession, the participation of rising generations to shape the future is also a key challenge for Asian family businesses. Prof Koh also emphasised that the essence of succession lies in the joint creation of value and responsibility.
The Changi East Business and Leisure District is set to transform the area near Changi Airport’s T5 into a vibrant hub, strengthening Singapore’s role as a regional gateway with potential multimodal links such as “sea-air” connectivity via the nearby Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said that the potential for sea-air transport depends on the development of nearby Indonesian and West Asian islands.
Analysts backed Singapore’s decision to keep a ban on cross-border private ride-hailing service with Johor Bahru, Malaysia, citing adequate options and potential risks to the local taxi industry. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said licensed taxis are sufficient to meet the demand. Asst Prof Fan added that during certain festive seasons, demand seems to outstrip current supply. However, outside of this season, the current supply of cross-border taxis seems to be more than capable of handling the demand.
In an interview with CNA938, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan discussed the proposal of Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke who expressed hope for cross-border ride-hailing services with Singapore. Asst Prof Fan highlighted challenges such as regulatory restrictions, differing fare systems tied to ringgit and Singapore dollars, and concerns over unlicensed “pirate” services advertised online.
Commenting on high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that subsidies and lower electric vehicle prices help offset high COE premiums, while rising incomes and economic optimism are also driving car purchases. He added that Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) gains were expected to translate into household income, and if residents remained confident about the outlook, they would continue making big-ticket purchases such as cars.
After eight consecutive days of gains, the SSE Composite Index narrowly missed 3,700 points on 14 August 2025, marking its highest level since December 2021. Despite a slight afternoon dip that ended the streak, brokers remain optimistic about a “slow bull” market in A-shares, with potential to reach 3,800 points. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that short-term pullbacks may be driven by profit-taking, but the market has been on an upward trajectory since September 2023.
Malaysian authorities proposed starting cross-border bus services at 4am to ease checkpoint congestion. While this could benefit Malaysian workers commuting to Singapore, concerns include higher operating costs, potential fare increases, manpower needs, and lack of early connecting transport. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted Malaysian workers would benefit most, but operators must cover costs, making fare hikes likely.
Commenting on Johor’s proposed Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link for Iskandar Puteri and Tuas, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan highlighted the need for stronger connections between Singapore and Johor but noted that limited public transportation on the Iskandar Puteri side remains a concern. He is unsure if it would be commercially viable to be constructed.
