SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah H Chang is unsurprised by Carousell's findings that middle-aged professionals in their 40s are driving the collectibles boom, as this group is often highly stressed with young children, ageing parents, and work responsibilities but is also financially stable enough to afford toys that offer emotional benefits. Assoc Prof Chang further links the rise of the Phenomenon of "kidults" to the demographic turning to toys for escapism due to economic uncertainties caused by the tariff wars.
At the ATxSummit 2025, a panel, 'Success to Significance - Leaders Building Communities," moderated by SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh, explored how successful Women in Tech can and have been playing impactful roles in "paying in forward" and creating equally successful communities of women. Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, Ms Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Trip.com, Ms Tan Su Shan, CEO of DBS Group, spoke on the panel.
Speaking at the World Wide Fund Singapore's Earth Summit on May 23, SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh noted that the temperature in Singapore has continued to rise despite the many trees to cool the environment.
Parts of the weather radar system from Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 were sent to the US for testing after last May's severe turbulence incident, with results still pending. In an interview, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan explained that if the radar was faulty, it could have misled the pilots. However, if the systems was functioning properly, it raises questions about the decision to fly through the turbulent area.
SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan suggested that the authorities consider reinstating the issuing of private driving instructor licences to new instructors, for students who find it difficult to book their practical lessons at the driving schools. He added that driving remains a necessity if Singaporeans are in countries that do not prioritise public transportation.
With shifting consumer attitudes and a growing emphasis on sustainability, buying and selling pre-owned items has become a lifestyle. However, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang noted that while each pre-owned item in unique, quality can vary greatly, making trust and consistency key challanges. Unlike new products with standardised quality, second-hand goods often suffer from mismatched expectation between buyers and sellers. Assoc Prof Chang highlighted the need for strong trust systems and market mechanisms to support the sector's growth.
SMU Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship David Gomulya emphasised that differentiation is crucial for gourmet grocers. He explained that by carving out a clear niche distinct from traditional supermarkets, they can maintain their edge and justify higher prices. Assoc Prof Gomulya said that gourmet grocers who adapt smartly will endure, and he believes their disappearance would be more keenly felt than that of a generic supermarket.
In 2023, luxury lifestyle media brand ICON partnered with SMU's Business Families Institute to launch The Next ICON awards, celebrating the next generation of leaders driving change through innovation, purpose, and resilience. The 2025 awards honoured three outstanding leaders under the age of 40. One of the recipients, Kia Jiehui, was recognised for leading her family's precision engineering business towards greater sustainability and carbon reduction.
SMU Adjunct Lecturer Kevin Cheong attributes the weaker-than-expected demand for Lady Gaga concert tickets and hotels rooms in Singapore to a general slowdown in consumer spending due to geopolitical and economic uncertainties. He explained that factors like fan intensity and recent hits influence concert "fever,", but the current climate leads consumers to prioritise essential travel over luxury indulgences. He also noted that regional tourists are becoming more discerning, exploring domestic travel or other destinations like Thailand or Bali.
In a move to curb profit-driven and arbitrary cross-regional law enforcement actions - commonly referred to as "distant-water-fishing" - targeting businesses, China has launched a special campaign since March to regulate law enforcement involving enterprises. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said the campaign helps correct negative practices that affect the business environment. Compared to last year, private sector confidence has started to recover.
