Ms Law's Podcast: Recent Episodes
MsLawExplainsThings
Evaluative qn:
Discuss whether technological developments present more challenges than risks. [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/10/10/competing-with-china-on-technology-and-innovation-pub-80010
Evaluative qn:
Discuss the factors that have caused the bike-sharing industry in Singapore to decline. [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/wheel-woes-rise-and-fall-singapores-bike-sharing-industry-892931
Evaluative qn:
Discuss whether Singapore will be able to achieve a “zero waste future” considering its current policy approaches. [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/masterplan-push-singapore-towards-zero-waste-future
Evaluative qn:
Discuss the strategies retailers in Singapore can take to survive the current pandemic. [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at
- https://www.ey.com/en_sg/consumer-products-retail/how-can-retailers-adapt-for-sustainable-growth-after-covid-19-
- https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/the-future-of-retail-in-a-covid-19-era-money-mind-638331
Evaluative qn:
Discuss the likely impact of an ageing population on labour markets and the global economy. [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.ft.com/content/df61dc42-99fa-11e6-8f9b-70e3cabccfae
Evaluative qn: Discuss whether the entry of Lazada into the online supermarket business is likely to be beneficial to society. [25m]
The link to this week's episode can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/lazada-redmart-platform-online-shopping-supermarket-910536
Evaluative qn:
Discuss whether government intervention is necessary in the case of information failure [25m]
The link to this week's episode can be found at
Evaluative qn:
Discuss whether the Progressive Wage Model is likely to benefit all workers and the Singapore economy. [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/progressive-wage-model-benefits-workers-but-does-it-lift-productivity-help-businesses
Evaluative qn:
Discuss the factors that the Singapore government would need to consider in deciding whether to ban PHOs [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-ban-key-source-artificial-trans-fat-all-foods-june-2021
Evaluative qn:
Discuss the likely impact of a price cap on energy on consumers, producers and resource allocation. [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.bbc.com/news/business-46720908
Evaluative qn:
Discuss whether UK's monetary policy decision will be sufficient to address its economic challenges [25]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51309256
Evaluative qn:
Discuss the likely reasons why car manufacturers are shutting operations in the UK [25m]
The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/nov/01/uk-carmakers-go-head-with-shutdowns-despite-brexit-delay
Evaluative Qn :
Explain the likely demand and supply factors that have fuelled an increase in the price of diesel cars in the UK [10m]
Discuss the effectiveness of the congestion charge in achieving better air quality in the UK [15m]
The link to the article for this week's episode can be found at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/05/london-ultra-low-emission-zone
We examine the broad issue of Electric Vehicles in Singapore and consider the challenges that the steady adoption faces. Consider the applications to market failure and the broader macro context of sustainable growth. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/big-read/big-read-after-decade-fits-and-starts-its-all-systems-go-spores-electric-vehicle-dream
This week, we take a closer look at the impact of government assistance to floundering retail tenants and consider whether the assistance is sufficient or whether landlords can play a more important role in helping to keep costs under control! The link to this week's article can be found at: https://tdy.sg/2TspQCf
Are command and control measures the only way to change consumer behaviour? We examine the difficulties of changing perceptions and consider if fines are the only way to encourage civic conciousness. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/big-read/big-read-old-habits-die-hard-hawker-centres-singapore-seeks-fine-its-way-out
We round off the season with a cross cutting episode that investigates if Singapore has the potential to develop a new comparative advantage and turn itself into the next Silicon Valley. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/big-read-tech-titans-converge-singapore-asia-silicon-valley-14125892
How can firms survive in the face of revenue and cost challenges? We consider what firms have been doing and wider policy initiatives to help them weather the storm. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/covid-19-singapore-companies-transform-diversify-13030146?cid=h3_referral_inarticlelinks_24082018_cna
We investigate a possible shift in the financing of public expenditure and consider the pros and cons of financing long term projects via government borrowing. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/ips-researchers-propose-govt-fund-more-projects-through-borrowing-wake-fiscal-challenges?cid=tdy%20tg_tg-am_social-msging-free_09102018_today
With the drop in crude oil price, how come petrol prices aren't dropping too? We investigate the role of the oligopolistic nature of petrol retailers and dig a little deeper. The link to this week's article can be found at : https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/plunge-crude-oil-prices-will-not-necessarily-lead-drop-petrol-prices-mti
We investigate the opportunities and challenges in the food delivery industry and how they illustrate a competitive oligopoly. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/brunch/food-fight-the-battle-for-the-food-delivery-market
We evaluate the areas in which the Progressive Wage Model can further adapt to address changing needs of the workforce and its impact on the low wage sectors. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/progressive-wage-model-minimum-versus-singapore-low-income-13271802
We contrast the approaches taken by different countries in tackling the persistent issue of income inequality. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/low-growth-developed-countries-advanced-economies-west-mobility-12127034?cid=h3_referral_inarticlelinks_24082018_cna
We investigate the delicate balance that businesses face in overcoming challenges - what is the continued relevance of the brick and mortar store in the face of online shopping? The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-retail-e-commerce-brick-mortar-love-bonito-funan-11697616?cid=h3_referral_inarticlelinks_24082018_cna
We recap the benefits and costs of globalisation and investigate the deeper issues that persist which lead to a growing discontent with globalisation - namely, income inequality. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/2020-economic-outlook-singapore-trade-growth-implications-12206242
In an era of deglobalisation, how can Singapore chart the way forward as countries rethink trade and move towards greater regionalization? Stay tuned for a discussion on the challenges Singapore faces and how it can continue to remain competitive. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/singapore-world-past-peak-trade-globalisation-cptpp-rcep-asean-12929886
We revisit arguments for trade and protectionism and consider the benefits and costs of a trade war. Are the benefits worthwhile or is there a better way forward? The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/trumps-trade-war-what-was-it-good-not-much
We review some key trends of the global economy in the post pandemic era and investigate the challenges that economies face as they grapple with the effects of the recession. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/10-ways-covid-19-has-changed-the-world-economy-forever
We delve into Budget 2021 and explore some of the important shifts as we restructure the economy and pivot to a new tax policy! The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/budget-2021-singapore-jss-household-support-package-covid-19-14209224
We take a closer look at labour market challenges in Singapore and balance short term and long term needs. What is the unintended consequence of excessive reliance on foreign labour and how can we chart a way forward? We investigate the necessity of supply side policy to complement demand management measures. The article for this week's episode can be found at: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion/rethinking-singapores-workforce-balance-in-a-post-covid-19-world
One of the key limitations to the use of stimulus measures in the current recession is the prospect of government debt. Is debt all that bad or can it be the necessary means for the economy to recover? We take a closer look at the experience of various economies and apply skills of evaluation and critical awareness. The article for this week's episode can be found at: https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/rethinking-government-debt
We delve deeper into balance of payments and consider the factors behind the widening US trade deficit. What makes the current recession different from previous ones and what does this mean for the US economy? We find out more as we dissect the shift in the US trade balance. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.wita.org/blogs/pandemic-trade-surprise/
Happy 2021! We return with a new episode on China's slow economic recovery amidst the pandemic and investigate the factors of AD and AS that are driving growth. We also highlight the gradual shift in China's economic model as it pivots away from it's external facing strategy and considers the merits of a domestically driven one. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/can-china-continue-its-economic-recovery-covid-19
doubleepisode X2! I discuss the effect of the Saudi oil crisis on Singapore and other countries. We used different frameworks to analyse its impacts - we think of it as an individual market (cue demand and supply), a market with effects on the wider economy (cue AD and SRAS) and its impact on macroeconomic aims. The link to the article can be found at: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/explainer-how-singapore-affected-when-saudi-oilfields-burn
doubleepisode x2! I revisit some familiar concepts of Market Failure by examining the approaches of different countries to the same issue of traffic congestion. The link to the article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/indonesia-jakarta-drivers-businesses-sceptical-odd-even-rule-11791830
doubleepisode. We revisit the recently popular idea of economic decoupling and review the arguments for and against this controversial strategy. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.ft.com/content/06047bc5-81dd-4475-8678-4b3181d53877
doubleepisode We reexamine the concepts of Balance of Trade and investigate how economic power is rebalancing away from the West towards the East. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.ft.com/content/696d0406-181c-4972-a158-06b610f50dbd
doubleepisode We consider the possibility of inflation, deflation and stagflation as the most likely scenario the world economy might find itself in as the crisis wears on and into the recovery phase. Recap some key causes and consequences and try for yourself to justify the most likely scenario (exercise those evaluative muscles!) The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/what-lies-ahead-deflation-inflation-or-stagflation-0
doubleepisode We revisit familiar concepts of demand and supply and consider the challenges to profitability which the airline industry faces. We focus on LCCs and consider their possible strategies to survive and possible factors that help them to emerge from this storm! The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/covid-19-impact-budget-travel-airline-low-cost-long-distance-13088820
Have you seen the walking dead in the form of a company? With all the macroeconomic measures being taken by governments worldwide, companies are kept afloat to cope with fixed and variable costs but are all these companies even "alive" or are they "zombies"? The link to this week's article can be found at https://bit.ly/3inYZi2
We revisit the topic of imperfect information and asymmetric information as we look closer at the claims made by UV sterilizers - does advertising and information online sometimes cause us as consumers to overestimate our true MPB? Or is it also an underestimation of the true MPC? The link to this week's article can be found at https://bit.ly/3glHI7F
double episode! We revisit labour market challenges in Singapore, a popular topic and review key ideas on unemployment, the necessary measures and their link to the profits of firms! This is a cross-cutting episode that allows you to flex your Economics muscles , to identify and understand concepts. The link to the article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/government-measures-singapore-economy-jobs-support-scheme-12986934
double episode continues! We revisit concepts of AD-AS, macroeconomic goals and income inequality in this episode as we consider the factors that have led to an uneven economic recovery across China. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.ft.com/content/e0e2940a-17cb-40ed-8d27-3722c9349a5d
double episode spree continues! We revisit the macroeconomic impact of the pandemic and how it has influenced key areas of AD such as trade and investment and how restrictions have led to innovation and adaptability! The link to this article can be found at https://bit.ly/2XQsRf3
double episode spree continues! It doesn't seem to make sense to set up a physical store in this current pandemic, but some stores still see the opportunities presented. Revise some key concepts on revenue and costs and how the pandemic is a time of both challenge and promise to local firms! The link to the article can be found at https://bit.ly/2DBBRxD
This week starts the double episode extravaganza, to help all who need revision out there! Here's an episode on monetary policy that those new to Macroeconomics and already familiar may find interesting. Is lowering interest rates in countries the answers to economic woe? We review the workings of monetary policy and some of the challenges that lay ahead for growth, inflation and unemployment. The link to this article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/covid-19-tharman-warns-global-gains-recent-decades-could-unravel-prolonged-low-interest
The start of the double episode extravaganza! This episode would apply to those who have learned Market Structure. I discuss the question of whether Breadtalk's acquisition of Food Junction is necessarily a good thing and for who - let's recap market structure! Extra points if you picked out the relevant economies of scale and add this to your collection of Singapore based examples. The link to this article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/food-court-meal-prices-likely-be-stable-variety-may-suffer-breadtalk-buying-food-junction
What has the Big Mac have to do with comparing living standards across countries? We take a closer look at this peculiar indicator and examine what exactly it represents. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-uk-among-world-cheapest-big-mac-rishi-sunak-discount-2020-7
There is no easy way out of this mess (pun intended)! Given Singapore's plunge into an economic downturn, we explore a wide ranging episode which caters to those new to Macroeconomics (look out for those AD factors!) and those familiar with the workings of Singapore's monetary policy. We are living in exciting times and Macroeconomics is an exciting lens with which to understand the world around us! The link to this week's article is found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/mas-eases-monetary-policy-as-economy-reels-from-impact-covid-19-12587788
In our first episode on Macroeconomics, we breeze through some new concepts in GDP and see if we can assess the health of Singapore's economy in the current pandemic era. The link to today's article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/economy-gdp-mas-forecast-survey-q2-12835070
In this episode, we consolidate our time on Market Failure by examining a multi causal issue such as climate change. At different levels, different sources of market failure exist, from negative consumption and production externalities to information failure. What is the way forward for Singapore and how can we make an impact on climate change, starting with you and me - the individual?
Let's delve deeper into Asymmetric Information as we consider how the labour market is also an example of Adverse Selection and how our pursuit of qualifications actually comes down to sending the right signals!
Let's delve deeper into the issue of rising insurance premiums in Singapore and examine different solutions. Great for building up examples and deepening your understanding of Asymmetric Information! The link for this week's article can be found at: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/panel-suggests-doing-away-with-medical-insurance-riders
A bonus episode for those interested in Behavioural Economics - how do online reviews affect consumer perceptions and hence decision making? Recall that consumers may possess incorrect information due to persuasive advertising, but how about those pesky negative online reviews we tend to read? Delve deeper into what affects consumer behaviour and leads us to under or over consume. The link to today's article from NYT is available here https://tinyurl.com/yd5t98yv
Welcome back! It's time to dive into this ongoing issue faced by many countries - how to stem smoking? Let's recall this is a multicausal problem and requires a unique approach. Recap your understanding of negative externalities and information failure and listen carefully for a new concept that merges the two! You may check out the article discussed in today's episode here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/minimum-legal-age-smoking-singapore-orchard-road-ban-11075250
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 24. I examine whether entry into musuems should be free and if musuems can be considered a public good. Listen for a quick revision of public goods and learn more about this multi-faceted issue! The link to this week's article can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y7neby7y
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 23. I examine the market for education as an example of positive consumption externalities and analyse the possible policies that can be used. Listen carefully for exciting pointers for Evaluation! The link to this week's article can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y6arxju9
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 22. I examine the various options open to Malaysia to tackle the rising incidence of diabetes, focussing on its proposal of a "Soda Tax". Listen carefully for exciting pointers for Evaluation and comparison across countries! The link to this week's article can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y7e9gb4w
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 21.I consolidate our discussion of demand and supply and elasticity with a fast look at fast fashion (all puns intended). Listen carefully for exciting snippets of the next chapter on Market Failure! The link to this week's article can be found at https://tinyurl.com/y8qspexo
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 20.I explore the concept of price ceilings to stem the rising price of food items in Indonesia amidst the coronavirus outbreak. The link to this week's article can be found at https://tinyurl.com/wug9lqo
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 19. I explore the concept of minimum wage and consider whether such a policy might reduce income inequality in Singapore. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/oxfam-inequality-index-singapore-minimum-wage-10815924
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 18. I explore the concept of GST and its relevance to Singapore's expenditure needs. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/budget-2020-gst-hike-fair-sporeans-need-take-shared-responsibility-needs-all-such
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 17. I explore the effect of the Coronavirus crisis on air travel, hotels and cruise services, applying the concept of CED. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/3/10/21171509/coronavirus-covid-19-airlines-lodging-cruises-chart
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 16. I explore the effect of the Coronavirus crisis on the tourism industry . The link to this week's article can be found at https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/28/business/global-tourism-novel-coronavirus/index.html
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 15. I explore the demand and supply factors contributing to the spike in prices of masks, amidst the Coronavirus crisis. The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-coronavirus-face-mask-price-gouging-shortages/
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 14. I explore the decision making framework and highlight some key skills for case study. #highhopes #timetotakeoff The link to this week's article can be found at https://www.bbc.com/news/business-37760187
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 13 I explore the effects of external factors on Singapore's labour market.The link to this week's article can be found at:https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/hiring-more-restrained-wage-growth-expected-ease-labour-market-softens-mas
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 12. I explore Singapore's Zero Waste campaign and draw important parallels to UK's approach of banning plastics.The link to this week's article can be found at:https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/shoppers-at-7-fairprice-outlets-to-pay-for-plastic-bags-in-month-long-trial
Welcome to MsLawExplainsThings Episode 11. I explore the relative merits of government intervention to competition in Singapore's public transport industry and draw important parallels to UK's similar nationalisation/privatisation debate. The link to this week's article can be found at: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/operating-deficit-buses-balloons-its-time-rethink-subsidies-say-analysts