SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance Annie Koh discussed Budget 2025, emphasising the need for grants beyond CDC vouchers and advocating higher wages through improved productivity. She highlighted the importance of attracting foreign companies for stability, addressing declining fertility rates with better childcare support, and promoting part-time courses online. Prof Koh stressed the need to ensure Workfare and SG Credit schemes complement each other, with the biggest challenge being worker motivation to utilise SkillsFuture opportunities.
On 17 February, Xi Jinping met with private entrepreneurs, signalling support for the private sector. This underscores the government's hope that private businesses will boost economic growth and innovation amid economic pressures. SMU Associate Professor Fu Fangjian noted that the forum initially boosted the stock market, but recent official statements led to profit-taking and a pullback, which he called normal.
SMU Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) Annie Koh has been instrumental in expanding Singapore's global network and contributing to its reservoir of goodwill abroad, said Associate Professor (Practice) at SUSS Institute for Adult Learning Terence Ho. In his commentary on building Singapore's national brand, Assoc Prof Ho shared that Prof Koh had introduced Singaporeans and participants from various nationalities to visiting dignitaries she knew from the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos.
SMU Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour & Human Resources Jared Nai shared tips for managers to support non-drinkers in the workplace. He suggested offering non-alcoholic options at events, maintaining open communication channels, and ensuring fair performance evaluations. He also advised non-drinkers on setting healthy boundaries at gatherings.
SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh discusses how Budget 2025 will need to consider both short-term incentives and long-term challenges amid an upcoming election and geopolitical uncertainties.
With household incomes on the rise, SMU Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Aurobindo Ghosh highlights that the 1.4% increase in real incomes, after adjusting for inflation, has strengthened households’ purchasing power, better equipping them to manage their cost of living.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang observed that Chinese lifestyle brands are leveraging cultural identities to succeed in Singapore, where diverse cultures are embraced. She mentioned that local and international competitors must improve their store design, product appeal, and brand storytelling to engage their audience effectively.
SMU Professor of Marketing Nirmalya Kumar believes that Asia's richest families will face chaos and unpredictability under US President Donald Trump's second term. While he acknowledged risks, he noted these families' diversified assets provide some protection from market fluctuations. He advised them to understand Trump's intentions and distinguish policy from rhetoric.
SMU Associate Professor of Marketing Hannah Chang noted that Chinese car brands are increasing their market share in Singapore due to improved branding and marketing, with partnerships with companies like Toyota and Mercedes-Benz boosting their global credibility. However, she expects competition to intensify as other manufacturers expand their electric vehicle (EV) offerings. Japanese and German brands can leverage their strong brand equity and favourable perception if they enhance their EV technology and remain competitively priced.
SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian commented on the merger rumours between Dongfeng Motor Group and Changan Automobile. He noted that China's state-owned automakers face pressure from new energy vehicles and competition from private automakers. The merger aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, address overcapacity, and decrease reliance on government subsidies.
