SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang said that the Wingle in-flight messaging app, which allows passenger communication without internet, might promote social interaction and find acceptance in Asia due to Asians' tendency for online interaction over face-to-face encounters, especially when privacy or anonymity is provided.
SMU Senior Lecturer of Communication Management Tracy Loh notes that the use of video podcasts by politicians as part of their communications and campaigning strategy allows for a more off-the-cuff approach, enabling politicians to showcase their personality and potentially increase their relatability with voters.
SMU Professor of Marketing Nirmalya Kumar stated that despite efforts to reduce bureaucracy, India's unpredictable regulations still make it a difficult place for business. He noted recent improvements but highlighted ongoing issues with the complex tax system and slow legal dispute resolution.
In February 2024, China's Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.7 per cent year-on-year, its first drop in 13 months. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian explained that this decline is not a major concern due to typical post-holiday consumption slowdowns and comparisons to high prices in February 2023. Additionally, cheap energy purchases from Moscow since the Russia-Ukraine war and weakened domestic demand amid lower household incomes have kept China’s CPI low.
Researchers from SMU and SUTD developed a system integrating drone technology and AI to help coaches optimise swimmers' training. The project began in 2024, initiated by SMU Professor of Computer Science Rajesh Krishna Balan and Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) and President of Singapore Aquatics Kenneth Goh.
SMU Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Shereen Fatimah, who researches workplace motivation, noted the importance of a trusting and constructive relationship between employees and managers. She recommended that employees starting a new working relationship with a manager should understand the manager's strategic goals and suggest solutions while being open to changes implemented by new managers.
SMU Associate Professor Chen Liang's commentary discusses DeepSeek's impact on AI competition by emphasising efficiency and open-source innovation over expensive infrastructure. This challenges Silicon Valley and prompts US and Chinese tech firms to adapt. US restrictions on AI chips have boosted China's AI growth, potentially spurring American innovation. Ultimately, the nation that encourages agile startups and collaboration will lead the AI race.
China's draft Private Economy Promotion Law aims to prohibit illegal fees and unauthorised restrictions. Scholars view this as a signal of government support for the private sector ahead of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian noted that discussions on the law and related media coverage emphasise the government's focus on private enterprises. He expects China to introduce measures to support the private economy during the upcoming Two Sessions in March.
SMU Professor Emeritus of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Practice) Pang Eng Fong and a colleague noted that while Singapore's Budget 2025 is lauded for addressing high living costs with short-term subsidies, it overlooks market distortions from state policies on land, labour, and exchange rates. They argued that these subsidies, particularly for higher-income individuals, may foster an entitlement culture and delay essential economic restructuring.
The rise of fresh juice and smoothie vending machines, led by iJooz, has transformed Singapore's convenience food market with over 1,500 installations. SMU Associate Professor Hannah H. Chang observed that iJooz capitalised on market timing and hygiene concerns, especially after Q Orange lost consumer trust. New entrants like Fresh & Pure and Hale Smoothies are targeting niches with sugarcane juice and blended smoothies for busy professionals
