KIASUNOMICS3: ECONOMIC INSIGHTS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

Have you ever wondered whether the Build-To-Order scheme affects marriage and divorce? Do you think haze affects physical and intellectual characteristics of babies? Is there a relationship between foreign buyers and property transactions? Are women more strategic taxi drivers? These and more are discussed in Kiasunomics©3 in an easy-to-understand manner.

Each chapter, written simply and light-heartedly, is self-contained and covers a different research topic conducted at the National University of Singapore. The research findings are discussed in conversational terms to help readers understand the influences and consequences of the decisions made by all of us, using simple economic logic.

This edition covers topics including the effects of climate change on property prices, purchase behavior when there is an online security breach, effects of parental bankruptcy on children, food orders during COVID lockdown, and many more.

The book brings to light the relevance of research, often seen as esoteric, on our daily life and decision-making. It also bears on policy implications, particularly issues on housing, retirement, and financing.

Contents:

• Climate Change and Property Prices
• Flood and Spending
• Air Pollution and Academic Scores
• Tracking the Pulse of Singapore Housing
• Credit Rewards and Spending
• Interest Rate Reduction and Financial Discipline
• Marry for Love, or Love of House?
• Living Close to MRT Tracks
• Inflation Expectations and Lifestyle Change
• Water Consumption
• Are Women More Strategic Drivers?
• Like Parent, Like Child; Or Not
• Diet During the Pandemic
• En Bloc Sales
• HDB Upgrading
• Online Listing
• Fintech
• Cybersecurity Breaches
• Illicit Wealth
• GST and Terrorist Attacks
• Retirement Support Program

Readership: General readers.

'I am delighted that the popular Kiasunomics series has returned for a third edition. As before, the authors — Professor Sumit Agarwal, Associate Professor Ang Swee Hoon, and Professor Sing Tien Foo — draw on the latest economics research to cast insights into contemporary issues of the day, such as climate change, fintech, and not least the perennial topic of property prices. Written in the same accessible, conversational style, these essays demonstrate, once again, how economic understanding can elucidate the changes happening in our society, and provide a sound basis for choices and actions.' - Professor Tan Eng ChyePresident, National University of Singapore

'I enjoyed Kiasunomics 1 and 2, and am delighted with the publication of Kiasunomics 3, and more importantly, that the authors have chosen the topical issues of the day like climate change. Tien Foo, Sumit and Swee Hoon have again brilliantly translated very complex urban economic issues into readable stories that will bring home important messages to a much wider audience than just experts and specialists. I would get my grandchildren to read these books. We pin our hopes for the future on them, and Kiasunomics has provided a way to stoke their curiosity and equip them with the knowledge to tackle the big challenges that they will face.' - Khoo Teng ChyeChairman, Management Board of Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies (IREUS)Professor (Practice), Director, NUS Cities, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore

'This is the third book in the phenomenally well-received Kiasunomics series written in the same easy-to-read, story-telling style to explain abstract economic principles. The authors have again successfully demonstrated that the results of rigorous academic research translated into layman language and illustrated with examples applicable to the everyday life of Singaporeans have a much wider appeal. Readers can easily relate to the wide-ranging topics covered in the book to their daily experiences.' - Dr Seek Ngee HuatChairman, GLP Capital PartnersProvost's Chair Professor (Honorary), Department of Real Estate, Business School, National University of Singapore

Key Features:

• Contextualized to Singapore for local identification, but lends itself to readers from other countries that adopt similar Singaporean practices such as Build-to-Order flat and Mass Rapid Transit
• Includes stories involving international research that Singaporeans will find interesting and informative
• Brings forth 'Economics Made Simple' to show the relevance of research to our daily lives and help readers understand economics
• Has illustrations that demonstrate common behaviors and related research findings
• Applies Freakonomics' philosophy to the Singaporean context