In a commentary, SMU Assistant Professor of Marketing Shilpa Madan said unfamiliar social situations produce stress because of what a faux pas might cost, such as colleagues, clients, or bosses reassessing a person negatively. Across five studies with Singaporean and American participants, she highlighted that their research found that participants who got stressed out more consistently learned faster when picking up the nuances of interacting in new social situations.
In an interview, Dr Paul Lim, SMU Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources and Director of the Undergraduate Admissions at SMU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, discussed perceptions that Singaporean workers are less driven than their regional counterparts. Citing research, he noted that workers in developed economies tend to prioritise purpose, autonomy and career growth, while those in developing countries focus more on finance, security and recognition.
In a podcast on the internationalisation of the renminbi (RMB), SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said China is unlikely to pursue rapid RMB internationalisation in the same way the US dollar evolved, as China remains committed to maintaining capital controls and safeguarding its manufacturing-led economy. Assoc Prof Fu noted that excessive reliance on currency expansion could weaken domestic manufacturing capabilities and eventually hollow out industry — an outcome China is unwilling to risk.
Commenting on why people spend more on Mother’s Day than Father’s Day, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah H. Chang said that brands did not necessarily create this divide. She noted that culturally, people have already come to believe certain things about mums and dads and the family, so these are simple ways for people to demonstrate their appreciation for their parents on such occasions which in turn, creates a bit of a feedback loop. Assoc Prof Chang added that Gen Zs and millennials are far more cognisant of gender stereotypes.
Commenting on Grab’s new app feature letting users book these rides directly with fares varying by distance, timing and demand, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said the changes allow a lot more possibilities in terms of non-stop trips and more door-to-door opportunities, so people do not need to then go back to those few fixed places to make a connection. However, he pointed out that this service would be quite expensive as the taxis are pricing extra for the convenience.
Commenting on more family businesses handing over their leadership to outsiders, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Kenneth Goh stated that shareholders should be concerned only if the succession process is weak, opaque or driven by sentiment rather than merit. He added that many Asian business families are becoming more sophisticated about governance, and they have better structures, more ways to communicate, and better technology to coordinate and oversee businesses across geographies.
A joint SMU-DBS report observed that inflation expectations for transportation rose to 3.5% in March from 3% last December 2026, highlighting growing energy-related cost pressures. SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh stated that tensions involving Iran and Israel, including threats to the Strait of Hormuz, could drive further inflationary pressures.
Commenting on why Chinese-only menus are ‘self-limiting’, SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship David Gomulya said Chinese businesses are expanding into Singapore due to its strong spending power and cultural familiarity, as well as strong competition in China’s F&B market. However, he noted that Chinese-only menus or limited English translations may be driven by practical reasons — such as standardisation, staff training or signalling authenticity — but are ultimately “self-limiting” in a diverse market.
Chinese authorities ordered a halt to the acquisition of Manus, a Singaporean AI startup native to China, by US tech giant Meta, demanding that the company withdraw from the deal. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian believes the acquisition may fall through, making Manus the biggest loser. He added that Meta will definitely look for other, more affordable options.
According to the Singapore Index of Inflation Expectations survey, the majority of Singaporeans expect inflation to increase in the next year due to global trade policies and rising fuel prices. SMU’s Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics and DBS Group Research are co-sponsors and research partners of the survey, which is now in its 59th edition, and it was led by SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh. The survey polls 500 individuals representing a cross-section of Singapore households.
