SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang observed that Chinese lifestyle brands are leveraging cultural identities to succeed in Singapore, where diverse cultures are embraced. She mentioned that local and international competitors must improve their store design, product appeal, and brand storytelling to engage their audience effectively.
SMU Professor of Marketing Nirmalya Kumar believes that Asia's richest families will face chaos and unpredictability under US President Donald Trump's second term. While he acknowledged risks, he noted these families' diversified assets provide some protection from market fluctuations. He advised them to understand Trump's intentions and distinguish policy from rhetoric.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang noted that Chinese car brands are increasing their market share in Singapore due to improved branding and marketing, with partnerships with companies like Toyota and Mercedes-Benz boosting their global credibility. However, she expects competition to intensify as other manufacturers expand their electric vehicle (EV) offerings. Japanese and German brands can leverage their strong brand equity and favourable perception if they enhance their EV technology and remain competitively priced.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian commented on the merger rumours between Dongfeng Motor Group and Changan Automobile. He noted that China's state-owned automakers face pressure from new energy vehicles and competition from private automakers. The merger aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, address overcapacity, and decrease reliance on government subsidies.
As President Trump moves to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium exports, SMU Professor of Marketing Nirmalya Kumar provides insights into the potential impact of these measures on the US steel industry, noting that Canada is likely to be significantly affected. Concurrently, there is an ongoing debate among experts regarding whether a technological failure at a multinational corporation is more disruptive than a cyberattack on a small business.
SMU Assistant Professor Nina Sirola noted that high-profile layoffs in tech companies have caused job security concerns in Singapore, spreading anxiety across various sectors. Associate Professor Eugene Tan added that these fears may influence voters, prompting the Prime Minister to address the issue and allocate resources in Budget 2025. He pointed out the link between job security, immigration, foreign labour policies, and technological advancements.
SMU Associate Professor of Communication Management (Practice) Tamas Makany and another academic noted that AI content moderation on social media must include human oversight. Assoc Prof Makany emphasised that AI lacks empathy and understanding of parental concerns, so relying on social media companies to develop such capabilities is unrealistic.
SMU Associate Professor Hannah H. Chang noted that Chinese car brands are gaining market share in Singapore due to improved branding and marketing efforts, such as partnerships with Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, which boost global recognition and credibility. However, she anticipates competition will increase as other manufacturers expand their electric vehicle (EV) offerings. Japanese and German brands, with strong brand equity and favourable perception, can stay competitive by innovating in EV technology and maintaining reasonable pricing.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Hu Jianfeng discussed the impact of the Deep Seek AI model, noting that it is unlikely to cause a significant disruption to the AI industry. He emphasised the importance of embracing technological advancements and keeping pace with changes. For investors, Assoc Prof Hu advised focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term challenges and stressed the importance of portfolio diversification to mitigate risks from sudden stock impacts.
In an interview, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan discussed the dangers regarding the use of e-bikes and the potential reasons behind the decline in retailer-related offences involving power-assisted bicycles, also known as e-bikes.
