A framework agreement on short-form video platform TikTok has been reached in the latest round of trade talks between the US and China. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that both the US and China will seek a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Judging from its spokesperson’s mentions of “technology export” and “intellectual property licensing”, the Chinese government will likely allow ByteDance to grant TikTok’s algorithm licence to the US but restrict the scope of use and implement restriction terms.
SMU's Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) programme set a new record in its debut placement in the 2026 QS Global Master's in Finance Rankings, ranking 1st in Singapore, 2nd in Asia and 33rd worldwide among 248 programmes evaluated across 47 locations. In related 2026 QS Global MBA Rankings, the SMU MBA programme advanced a spot to rank 4th in Asia while maintaining its global 41st place, despite an increase in the number of programmes evaluated.
The US and China have reached a framework agreement on transferring TikTok to US-controlled ownership, with analysts suggesting China may settle the key dispute over its recommendation algorithm by licensing the intellectual property. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian echoed this sentiment, inferring that the Chinese government may allow ByteDance to authorise TikTok in the US to use its recommendation algorithm, but will impose restrictions on the scope and conditions of use.
In an interview, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang explained that young people are drawn to nostalgic items for their uniqueness, emotional comfort, and connection to past eras, often due to an interest in the historical events or pop culture of those times. While sourcing quality second-hand goods can be difficult, Assoc Prof Chang said that vintage and flea markets provide a reliable supply through community networks that sustain nostalgic culture.
China’s consumer demand remained weak in August 2025, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) falling 0.4% and core CPI rising 0.9%, while Producer Price Index (PPI) dropped 2.9% but showed signs of easing deflation. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that China’s PPI decline narrowed year-on-year in August 2025 while remaining stable month-on-month, which he took as a sign that recent Chinese government measures to curb excessive competition were having some effect and that the economy had begun to stabilise.
Commenting on the potential of ChatGPT as a financial advisor, SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh said that chatbots' ability to offer scenario planning could lead investors to “start believing ChatGPT is a qualified financial advisor”. Asst Prof Ghosh added that, in reality, those results are based on different analyses of past data or, more likely, what is available on the web, and therefore cautioned against relying on ChatGPT or other forms of generative artificial intelligence when seeking investment advice.
China’s stock market fell sharply on 4 September 2025 as regulators hinted at measures to curb speculative trading, pushing the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite Index below 3,800 points. The Chinese government aims to protect small investors and prevent overheating, not suppress the market, amid a recent surge in retail participation following a strong August rally.
Commenting on how convenience stores could continue proving their relevance, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami said they might need to expand their services and keep close tabs on the needs of their immediate community, adding that it would also help to keep up with broader consumer and food trends.
Experts and operators said that for cross-border car rental services between Malaysia and Singapore to become a reality, various regulations, cost differences and enforcement mechanisms need to be resolved first. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan agreed that there were "many sensitive considerations" that needed to be taken into account. Singapore authorities would want to “wait and see” how the public reacts to the RTS (Rapid Transit System) when it starts operating.
In a commentary, SMU Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources (Education) Thomas Menkhoff stressed the need for educators to upskill so they can guide students in using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) responsibly, rather than dismissing it. He argued that universities should move beyond prohibition and invest in AI literacy to safeguard academic integrity.
