SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Dr Tracy Loh suggested that the United States' (US) social media screening for student visa applicants likely targets content critical of its policies. President Donald Trump, or supportive of causes the US is against, like diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes. She advised applicants to avoid or delete such posts, recommending safe content like personal celebrations instead. Dr Loh believes immigration officers will likely conduct random scrolls rather than deep forensic investigations into deleted posts.
SMU Assistant Professor Terence Fan stated that autonomous vehicles can enhance public transport by improving convenience, sustainability, and efficiency. For success, they must tackle challenges in safety, regulation, public trust. workforce transition, and infrastructure development.
SMU Professor Emeritus of Operations Management Arnoud De Meyer has been appointed as an Honorary Member of European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The honorary membership recognises him for leaving a lasting mark on global business education, contributing to strengthening international quality standards, and advancing the EFMD mission.
Jetstar Asia's decision to cease operations on July 31 has raised concerns over short-term hikes and the need for Changi Airport to find replacements for four exclusive routes. SMU Assistant Professor of Operations Management (Education) Joyce Low said the move was expected, citing rising operational costs -life fuel - as a growing challenge for low-cost carriers. She noted that Changi Airport must now step up efforts to attract other budget airlines to cover the affected routes.
In recent years, trading cards have become increasingly popular in Singapore, with many consumers hooked on buying, trading and collecting them online. As demand has grown, prices for rare cards have soared - and scams have surged in tandem. SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah H. Chang explained that this hype often causes consumers to lower their guard, as the mismatch between supply and demand creates a sense of urgency. "When a seller offers a rare, limited-edition card on a platform, it naturally seems more attractive and valuable," she said.
Singapore's carbon tax revenue for 2024 is projected at $642 million, significantly lower than the estimated $1 billion based on the new rate of $25 per tonne. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Liang Hao said the shortfall is likely due to transitional allowances granted to major emitters to maintain competitiveness. he noted that the scale of the gap suggests these allowances were a major contributor to the lower-than-expected tax revenue projection for 2024.
Grab is launching its own taxi fleet, GrabCab with the first batch of vehicles hitting the roads in July. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that Grab is mainly targeting newcomers or inactive taxi license holders. However, drivers from other taxi firms may also switch if Grab offers more attractive terms. Asst Prof Fan added that GrabCab's entry could drive overall taxi rental rates down.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami attributed Chinese brands' ability to offer good quality at low prices to factors like lower worker and input costs, efficient supply chains, government subsidies, and potentially laxer regulations that do not fully reflect social costs. Addressing the stigma of low-cost, mass-produced goods, he stated that these products, including those from global players like Ikea, provide affordability despite not being buildt to last.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah H. Chang said the queuing phenomenon in Singapore is an example of social proofing - in which people make decisions by following the actions of those around them - that has found special resonance. She also linked queue culture to kiasuism where people are afraid of missing out if they do not queue with others.
China's anti-corruption efforts in the Internet sector have intensified in recent years, with more cases involving younger individuals and low-level staff engaging in major graft. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that new business models naturally give rise to new forms of corruption, especially when safeguards are lacking. "This is human nature," he said.
