Columns

PERSPECTIVE

Trump’s big, not-so-beautiful economic mess

Trump’s tariff wars have imposed steep costs on key allies, triggered price spikes, and hurt American producers and farmers

When every activity must justify itself with utility or output, something human and essential slips quietly away, says the writer.

Singapore needs more play – not to escape life, but to live it well

Rediscovering play may be one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to boost mental well-being, strengthen social bonds and help us age well

There have been a lot of numbers moving up and to the right this year as the valuations of publicly listed quantum companies have surged.

The mind-bending complexities of quantum investing

There’s a lot of enthusiasm over what is increasingly seen as the next big frontier in computing

As China heads into 2026, its economy continues to flash warning signs with slowing growth, lingering disinflation, subdued consumption, and a property market still trying to find a floor.
RETHINKING MATTERS

So bad it’s good: Why Chinese equities could shine in 2026

Conditions like slowing growth and subdued consumption are still viewed as catalysts that could lift equities in 2026

Too many policies that promote fairness also promote zero-sum thinking about the economy, under which more opportunity for the less fortunate means less opportunity for everyone else.

The economy needs a little bit of unfairness

In some ways, a lack of fairness actually powers the economy forward

President Xi Jinping was the only foreign leader that stood up to US President Donald Trump’s bullying tactics.

Repeat after me: Never underestimate China

By the law of large numbers, it still has the cost advantage in advanced manufacturing

Small farms dominate South-east Asia’s agriculture, and expecting a farmer to upload geolocation data and compliance reports to an EU portal is unrealistic without targeted assistance.

Asean exporters have 3 months to act before Brussels finalises anti-deforestation rules

Asean businesses have an opportunity to bring in some final changes to the deforestration regulation which will impact their supply chain

Sino-American tensions and US President Donald Trump’s actions are critically important, yet not everything should hinge on the US and China.
POLITICS THAT MATTER

A long year that is not over

Growth has been resilient and fundamentals remain positive, but problems have grown

In response to surging demand, the size of the land-based animal herd has expanded massively.

My Christmas Iberico ham scare is an omen

We fear something like another Covid-19 outbreak, but probably the next disease to hit the global economy will not infect humans

2025 proved AI's commercial viability beyond doubt. The challenge for 2026 is ensuring that velocity doesn’t outpace wisdom.
THINKING ALOUD

2025: The year AI came of age – and the questions ahead for 2026

The technology has moved from boardroom curiosity to balance sheet necessity