SMU Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Jared Nai shared tips for managers to support non-drinkers in the workplace. He suggested offering non-alcoholic options at events, maintaining open communication channels, and ensuring fair performance evaluations. He also advised non-drinkers on setting healthy boundaries at gatherings.
SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh discusses how Budget 2025 will need to consider both short-term incentives and long-term challenges amid an upcoming election and geopolitical uncertainties.
With household incomes on the rise, SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh highlights that the 1.4% increase in real incomes, after adjusting for inflation, has strengthened households’ purchasing power, better equipping them to manage their cost of living.
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.
