SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian commented that China’s decision to file a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), is a diplomatic move aimed at demonstrating Beijing’s commitment to upholding the international economic and trade system as well as global order. Assoc Prof Fu opined that US President Donald Trump’s recent move to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods is a tentative strategy of "crossing the river by feeling the stones," aimed at assessing whether this action will exacerbate inflation in the US.
Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Terence Fan was interviewed about why Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums have closed lower across all categories in the latest bidding exercise
Singapore residents expect a slight increase in expenses over the next 12 months, according to the quarterly Singapore Index of Inflation Expectations (SInDEx) survey by SMU and DBS Group Research. The 54th edition survey shows one-year-ahead headline inflation expectations stayed at 3.8 per cent from September 2024 to December 2024. About 500 individuals representing various Singaporean households were surveyed. DBS co-sponsors the research with SMU’s Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics (SKBI).
University Magazine shared about the best business schools in Singapore in 2025. It noted that SMU stands out among the best schools for business in Singapore, particularly through its Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB). SMU is renowned for its interactive seminars and industry-driven projects, which equips students with leadership, analytical, and communication skills. Its city campus location also enables meaningful corporate partnerships and networking events, opening doors to potential internships and employment opportunities.
SMU Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Chen Liang observed that younger consumers, once passive in the digital economy, are now actively resisting algorithmic manipulation. While consumer pushback may reflect distrust in the market and potentially reduce consumption, Assoc Prof Chen highlighted that platforms will continually optimise their algorithms, creating an ongoing "arms race" between consumers and platforms. This could hinder the healthy development of data applications.
SMU Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Daphne Yiu and other academics co-authored a study to examine why some companies weather trade wars better than others. Analysing U.S.-China business transactions during the 2018 trade war, the study found that innovative and socially responsible Chinese suppliers retained more U.S. buyers, while those with strong political ties suffered greater losses. To boost resilience, companies should prioritise innovation, enhance corporate social responsibility efforts, and minimise political entanglements.
China's 2025 local economic growth targets were unveiled this week, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong setting targets at approximately 5%. Other provinces have generally set lower goals compared to last year. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that most regions are likely to meet their 2024 targets, making China's overall 5% growth target achievable. However, for 2025, despite the central government's focus on stimulating the economy and expanding domestic demand, local governments have adopted more conservative targets.
