23 VJC Econs in the News

Guys… we are living in the future. What might happen to the flow of labour into Singapore? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBfeFutPc_i/?igsh=ZnlpOW51bno2bTJx

From the headline/article, SG’s AD increased because…

Singapore tourism receipts up 5.9% in Q2 on year, in line with arrivals International visitor arrivals also jumped 14.8% to 3.9 million. https://bt.sg/w363d

What are some considerations the regulators had?

What are some considerations the regulators might have taken into account before making the decision to stop the merger? BREAKING: The NTUC Income-Allianz deal is off after the Singapore government intervened to stop it. It says the transaction in its current form is "not in the public interest". https://cna.asia/3YnjPWA

We know AI is big now. And it’s coming to SG. Whats the pros and cons on SG’s economy? If you were to set an essay question based on this article, what will it be? — Tech superstar startup OpenAI announced this week that it will set up a hub in Singapore to serve partners and customers in the region — a hard-won victory for the government, which has been trying to boost the nation’s chops in artificial intelligence. Find out more in our free Singapore Edition newsletter: https://bloom.bg/3Nn4rmB 📸: Marco Bertorello/AFP

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/sep/30/end-of-an-era-as-britains-last-coal-fired-power-plant-shuts-down The UK has shut down its last coal-fired power plant. Some questions to think about: 1. What are some of the microeconomic and macroeconomic impacts of transitioning from coal to renewable energy sources? 2. What are the implications for income distribution as the UK economy transitions away from coal? 3. How might the shutdown of coal plants impact the UK's industrial competitiveness in global markets? Maybe can come out in the 2026 CSQ, but by then you all will be in uni or finishing NS 😇😇

In 2021, the world’s largest oil rig builder pivots to clean energy. The company is a/an…

PRELIMS ARE OVER! BUT ECONS IS NOT DONE WITH YOU! 🫵🏼 Spare us 6 mins ok? Taking away the geopolitical element, you see a classic case of how a country loses its comparative advantage and is always a struggle to regain it.

A little complicated towards the end. But super relevant to us for the first 3 mins. What are the considerations a central bank has before implementing a policy change? Btw: tightening = contractionary policy hor Either way, nothing unhinged here to see. Just sensible econs. https://youtu.be/rVDE5Q74EhM?si=2dLzAwRDznU5QmDP

MAS uses which tool as a monetary policy tool to achieve its objectives?

MAS use interest rate policy to achieve its macroeconomic goals. Yes… if you are going huh? And plucking your hair out in frustration, welcome to the club. So if you know someone who is not on the channel and thinks that MAS wields interest rates as a weapon, invite them to this channel and come to the front of the class… https://youtu.be/2YcWmrpMvUA?si=MHBSuTcl9WpMVEHq

All I want to say is, subsidies shift supply (cos S shift S). Not demand. Anyway, do take some time to read this -- an article about deflation. Something that we haven't tested much because the highlight of the past few years has been high inflation all around the world. But still need to know about deflation. Hopefully this helps to set some context. https://str.sg/Cdaj

Remember doing an inquiry question about youth unemployment in China on SLS last year (assuming you even did your SLS)? https://www.instagram.com/p/C_rsFNBSyQd/?igsh=enZ0cTJudGNjcGF5 I found this at once interesting, (slightly) depressing, and also hopeful. Lessons to learn for us in SG for sure.

Since we are still cringing from the previous post, let’s one up it. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_j75qehfl9/?igsh=Ync2MDVkYTUwN2Z5

Is dynamic pricing a form of price discrimination?

Surge pricing for concert tickets? It’s everywhere! EVERYWHEREEEEEE Ticketmaster has compared its use of “dynamic pricing” to airlines and hotels, which increase costs based on demand, and has said the prices are set by artists and their management. skibidi Look ma! I learnt a new word too!

Travelling to New Zealand? From Oct 1, the entry fees for tourists will nearly triple to $81.40. https://str.sg/j344

Remember EQ3 from the Prelims? This is an example of a possible policy that govts can adopt to address overtourism issues. Consider — how would the economic analysis for this look like? To those of you heading to NZ aft your A-Levels — take note! In the meantime, hope everyone is having a productive yet restful (abit oxymoronic I know, but you can do both!!) Sep break. See you all next Monday; stay healthy and (a term I have recently learnt from my students) locked in!!

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