Columns

THE BOTTOM LINE

The ‘tech left’ is different this time

Many Silicon Valley leaders have embraced Trump’s second term. Will political dissent among US technology workers rise again?

Above: Opera Estate in the East Coast. Demand for suburban landed homes  is seen as resilient amid scarce supply.
HOCK LOCK SIEW

Unlock Bukit Sembawang’s deep value by putting it up for sale

The group’s undervalued share price is unwarranted, given its rare landed housing land bank

Emerging skills for 2026 and beyond will span both hard and soft domains – from AI literacy to ecosystem partnerships.
STEWARDSHIP MATTERS

ESG 2.0: Where value meets values

To navigate complexity, directors need a sharper framework – one that offers a coherent approach to what they should actually govern

The choice of the next Fed chair should be guided by the objectives set by Congress, not by President Trump’s political interests and personal whims.

The last days of Fed independence?

If Trump appoints a pliant Federal Reserve chair and monetary policy is loosened, it could stoke inflation and hurt global economic stability

Under a spheres-of-influence system, countries like Ukraine risk losing agency over their own futures, forced to accept domination by larger neighbours.
THINKING ALOUD

Is Trump’s embrace of great power politics tenable?

While the liberal international order has clear flaws, the alternative carries significant risks to smaller nations’ autonomy and long-term global stability

Trump has become the proverbial fox in the henhouse at WEF with his “America First” mantra.
THE BOTTOM LINE

Tariffs, geopolitical tension and a US$800 billion deal: World Economic Forum 2026

Businesses batten down at Davos as global policy uncertainty reaches two-decade high

Families are currently delaying or limiting childbearing due to rising costs and growing eldercare responsibilities.

Easing the tax squeeze on sandwiched working mums with Budget 2026

Amid rising wages and changing caregiving needs, can the personal income tax relief cap be tweaked to better support working mothers?

China's massive surplus in manufactured goods, now exceeds 12 per cent of the country’s own huge economy.

In 2026, trade drama will shift from Washington to Beijing

The real uncertainty lies in the rising resistance to China’s manufactured surplus

Indonesia and Malaysia have temporarily blocked access to Grok.

There’s one easy solution to the AI porn problem

How do we responsibly test AI models for child sexual abuse material?

Homeownership is often seen as a key pillar to ensuring financial adequacy for retirement.
SENSE & CENTS

Mind the costs of using CPF savings to buy a home

Aim for higher payouts under CPF Life and enjoy good interest rates on CPF savings