SMU Assistant Professor of Operations Management Bhavani Shanker Uppari and another academic conducted a study titled "Impact of solar lighting kits on the lives of the poor". The study found that distributing free solar-plus-battery kits to rural households in Ghana has positive effects on expenditure patterns, children's education, safety, and security. The authors said that off-grid electricity can be an effective solution for those waiting for grid electricity to become accessible, cheaper and reliable.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that in upcoming China-United States (US) negotiations, the US will likely demand increased imports of American Products and services due to China's persistent trade surplus with US, while China may request eased export controls on semiconductors and advanced technological equipment to China. He noted China's consistent US policy of emphasising mutual benefits from cooperation and harm from confrontation, suggesting broad negotiation potential if a strategic adversarial relationship is avoided.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami stated that physical flyers are most effective for locally relevant services like tutoring or car washes. While acknowledging the significant waste due to low interest rates of recipients, he noted that low production and distribution costs can still make them worthwhile due to potential high profits from small conversion rates. Despite digital marketing's prevalence and advertising fatigue, Assoc Prof Ramaswami pointed out that digital ads best target those already looking to buy or sell.
The US-China trade war has temporarily cooled as both countries agreed on Monday (May 12) to reduce previously imposed high tariffs by up to 11.5% over the next 90 days, following their first formal trade talks in Geneva. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that the scale of US concessions exceeded expectations. Tariffs have largely returned to pre-April 2 "Liberation Day" levels, except for the initial 34% reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods, of which 10% remains.
SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Tracy Loh agreed that the more "relaxed" format of Podcasts offers viewers a different perspective of politicians, allowing their personalities to emerge, particularly during unscripted moments. She added that this makes them appear more authentic and transparent.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Hu Jianfeng commented on "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services, noting that borrowing to consume had become mainstream. He highlighted BNPL's lower entry barriers, making it accessible and convenient, which stimulated spending and drove the economy. As BNPL grew, so did regulation discussions. While users aged 18+ could sign up, Assoc Prof Hu questioned if every 19-year-old had the financial discipline. He emphasised the need for early financial education and real-life practice.
China's official manufacturing PMI dropped to 49% in April, the biggest decline in 16 months, signalling growing economic pressure. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian analysed that this data reflects the gradual impact of the trade war. However, he believes the Chinese government is unlikely to resort to broad interest rate or reserve requirement cuts and is more likely to introduce targeted support policies for industries and enterprises that are severely affected.
SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Tracy Loh observed that while rallies and enthusiastic crowds can impact voters, it is uncertain if these factors alone can persuade voters to change their preferences. She referenced the 2015 general election, where the Workers' Party's large rally turnout did not prevent a significant victory for the People's Action Party, noting that substance, logic, credibility, and emotion also play important roles in persuasion.
SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that air travel is highly sensitive to economic cycles. The impact of US tariffs on travel demand depends on their effect on GDP. He expects a greater decline in leisure travel over business travel due to tariffs affecting blue-collar industries more. Additionally, if tariffs resume, businesses might reroute goods through countries with lower tariffs, like Singapore, enhancing cargo flow there.
In the ongoing US-China tariff war, Chinese authorities have warned other countries against making trade deals with the US that harm China's interests. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that President Trump's inconsistent remarks make the negotiation outlook uncertain, with neither side gaining a clear advantage. China is collaborating with other nations to address concerns over US policies that disrupt international trade rules.
