SMU Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Nina Sirola published a new research offering a fresh take on how employees experience job insecurity and reveals an underlying structural unfairness. Her research reframes job insecurity and was published in the peer-reviewed Academy of Management Journal (AMJ). Asst Prof Sirola said that her research offers actionable insights for policymakers and organisations aiming to design fairer work environments, especially during periods of change and uncertainty.
China’s new rules enforcing mandatory social security contributions are pushing firms to hire retirees exempt from payments, reflecting weak trust in the system. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that mandatory social security contributions will inevitably trigger conflicts among various parties.
Deloitte Singapore has recognised 14 enterprises at the Singapore’s Best Managed Companies awards this 2025, with five new entrants joining the list of organisations celebrated for management excellence, strategic vision and contributions to the economy. The companies are assessed against Deloitte’s four-pillar framework, and all submissions are reviewed by an independent panel of business leaders, including SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh.
Commenting on China’s new mandatory social security, SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that the new rules could raise labour costs, prompting job changes and even the hiring of retirees to avoid social security payments. Assoc Prof Fu said that a few small firms may close, but most will adapt to higher costs. He also pointed out that while hiring retirees saves money short-term, it can reduce efficiency. He stressed the transition will take time, but increasing incomes is essential for China to become a true developed nation.
Commenting on the appeal of “hidden gems”, SMU Associate Professor of Marketing (Education) Seshan Ramaswami said that once found, a hidden gem might lose some of its lustre, and cited American baseball star Yogi Berra who said, “Nobody goes there any more. It is too crowded.”
TECO Electric & Machinery Chairman Morris Li believes that a company’s established governance systems will allow the right people to perform effectively in the right positions. This view echoes the observations of SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh. She also opined that aside from succession, the participation of rising generations to shape the future is also a key challenge for Asian family businesses. Prof Koh also emphasised that the essence of succession lies in the joint creation of value and responsibility.
The Changi East Business and Leisure District is set to transform the area near Changi Airport’s T5 into a vibrant hub, strengthening Singapore’s role as a regional gateway with potential multimodal links such as “sea-air” connectivity via the nearby Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said that the potential for sea-air transport depends on the development of nearby Indonesian and West Asian islands.
Analysts backed Singapore’s decision to keep a ban on cross-border private ride-hailing service with Johor Bahru, Malaysia, citing adequate options and potential risks to the local taxi industry. SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan said licensed taxis are sufficient to meet the demand. Asst Prof Fan added that during certain festive seasons, demand seems to outstrip current supply. However, outside of this season, the current supply of cross-border taxis seems to be more than capable of handling the demand.
In an interview with CNA938, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan discussed the proposal of Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke who expressed hope for cross-border ride-hailing services with Singapore. Asst Prof Fan highlighted challenges such as regulatory restrictions, differing fare systems tied to ringgit and Singapore dollars, and concerns over unlicensed “pirate” services advertised online.
Commenting on high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan noted that subsidies and lower electric vehicle prices help offset high COE premiums, while rising incomes and economic optimism are also driving car purchases. He added that Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) gains were expected to translate into household income, and if residents remained confident about the outlook, they would continue making big-ticket purchases such as cars.
