Session 4: Why Your Phone Costs More Now: How Trade and Tariffs Affect You
🕒 Date & Time: 4 October 2025, 3pm-4pm
💻 Mode: Virtual
Why are your Nikes, iPhones, or even fast food suddenly more expensive?
Behind every price tag lies a global story – shaped by trade wars, tariffs, and political power plays.
But what do these international decisions have to do with your shopping cart?
With TikTok trends, global brands, and streaming platforms crossing borders daily, it’s time to explore just how interconnected the world really is – and what happens when countries put up walls instead of building bridges.
In this eye-opening session with Dr Sook Rei Tan, we’ll unpack these burning questions by breaking down complex economic concepts into relatable, real-life terms. From rising prices to future career paths, you’ll discover how global trade and tariffs affect nearly every part of your daily life.
In this session, we'll explore:
- What Is Trade? Imagine trading snacks at school – now scale that up to countries! We’ll explore why nations import and export everything from iPhones to avocados and even K-pop concerts.
- What Are Tariffs? Think of them as “extra charges” for goods. We’ll explain why a PS5 or a pair of Nikes might cost more in one country than another.
- The Trade War Drama: The U.S. vs. China is the “celebrity feud” of global economics. We’ll cover the winners, losers, and plot twists – complete with memes and infographics!
- How It Affects YOU: Learn how global trade impacts prices of your favourite brands – and even your future career options.
Join us and see how understanding trade and tariffs can help you make smarter choices –for today and tomorrow!
Speaker Profile
 | Dr Sook Rei Tan Senior Lecturer, Business Dr Sook Rei received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics from Nanyang Technological University. She is an active researcher in applied economics and international finance, with a particular focus on international financial integration. Her research examines how financial openness influences the economic stability and performance of nations. Her work has been published in respected academic journals, including the International Review of Economics and Finance, the Journal of International Money and Finance, and the North American Journal of Economics and Finance. |