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Nine exchange-traded funds widely associated with the country’s so-called national team recorded combined net inflows of 128.7 billion yuan ($19 billion) during the week ending 23 October. The total was the highest since nearly 140 billion yuan entered the same closely watched group during the tariff-driven market turmoil 18 months earlier.

The surge followed a punishing decline in mainland shares that pushed the CSI 300 benchmark into bear-market territory, conventionally defined as a fall of at least 20% from a previous peak. Investors have been monitoring large purchases of index-tracking funds for indications that state-backed institutions are seeking to contain further losses.

The figures measure money entering funds favoured by official investors rather than confirmed purchases by government-controlled entities. No public announcement has established how much of last week’s inflows came directly from the state, making the scale of official intervention difficult to determine precisely.

Central Huijin Investment, a unit of sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, is among the principal institutions associated with market stabilisation. Its investment activity has become an important signal for traders attempting to assess Beijing’s willingness to support share prices during periods of intense volatility.

The latest inflows were concentrated in exchange-traded products offering exposure to broad mainland equity benchmarks. Such vehicles enable institutions to acquire diversified holdings quickly, directing demand towards major listed companies without having to purchase individual shares separately.

Thursday’s trading illustrated the pressure facing authorities. The CSI 300 fell into a bear market as persistent selling overwhelmed earlier signs of institutional support. Funds favoured by state investors attracted approximately 46 billion yuan that day, highlighting the contrast between substantial new subscriptions and continuing weakness in underlying shares.

Friday brought a partial reversal. The CSI 300 finished 1.7% higher at 4,105.33 after falling by as much as 2% during the session. The recovery coincided with unusually active trading in several large index funds, although trading patterns alone cannot identify the buyers responsible.

One CSI 300 exchange-traded fund managed by E Fund Management registered turnover of about 19.5 billion yuan on Friday, its busiest session since October 2024. Heavy turnover can reflect purchases and sales by multiple participants and does not, by itself, establish the size of net state investment.

The rebound provided relief after a prolonged retreat that had already tested confidence in official market-support measures. The benchmark had endured a record sequence of weekly declines, leaving investors focused on whether additional institutional demand could interrupt the selling pressure.

Analysts at China Securities, including Yao Ziwei, had previously identified large subscriptions to leading broad-market funds and heavier activity towards the close of trading as characteristics consistent with institutional buying against the prevailing market trend. Their observations did not amount to confirmation of individual investors’ identities.

The scale of potential support has also attracted attention. Analysts including Rebecca Sin estimated that Central Huijin raised approximately $231 billion through exchange-traded fund sales during the first half of 2026 and redeployed about $43 billion after purchases resumed in July. Their calculations suggested considerable remaining capacity, although available resources do not guarantee further buying.

Those estimates underscore the distinction between market intervention and a sustained recovery. Purchases can provide immediate demand for shares, but their effect depends partly on whether other investors become willing to hold equities without continued institutional assistance.

The comparison with April 2025 is significant because that episode followed sweeping American tariff announcements that triggered sharp market losses. Authorities subsequently introduced measures intended to stabilise trading and confidence. Last week’s inflows approached the scale seen during that earlier emergency, despite the different circumstances surrounding the latest decline.

The nine-fund basket represents only part of China’s exchange-traded fund market. Subscription figures can vary depending on the funds selected, the valuation method and the period measured, while changes in units outstanding cannot establish the identity of the ultimate purchaser.

Mainland exchange-traded funds are listed securities whose prices fluctuate throughout the trading day. Their creation and redemption mechanisms allow authorised institutions to adjust the number of units outstanding as investor demand changes. These mechanisms can produce substantial changes in reported fund flows even when trading activity involves different categories of institutional and individual market participants.

In Singapore, the Enabling Masterplan 2030 (EMP2030) sets out the national vision of becoming a more inclusive society by 2030. Its 29 recommendations span three strategic themes, including strengthening support for lifelong learning. One of its stated aspirations is for persons with disabilities to have greater access to lifelong learning opportunities and resources by 2030. Against this backdrop, SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is highlighting why accessibility should form part of the conversation when students and families evaluate their higher education choices.

Accessibility considerations can begin before classes start

Students who anticipate requiring accessibility support may benefit from raising their needs before beginning their studies, rather than waiting until an issue emerges during the semester. SIM GE encourages students with disabilities to contact its Student Development team early to explore accessibility services, including where formal documentation or a diagnosis may not yet be available. The institution works with its partners to reduce barriers in academic and non-academic areas.

Early discussion does not mean that every requested arrangement will automatically apply. SIM GE notes that available access arrangements depend on the university associated with the student’s programme. This is particularly relevant when comparing programmes delivered in collaboration with different university partners. Students may therefore need to understand how accessibility arrangements apply to the specific qualification they are considering, rather than assuming that the same provisions apply across all programmes.

Physical accessibility forms one part of the student experience

The physical environment remains an important consideration, particularly for students with mobility or other access requirements. SIM’s current campus accessibility provisions include ramps for building access, automatic sliding doors at the main entrances to Blocks A and B, stair lifts, accessible toilets and parking spaces, Braille on lift buttons and lift service at the overhead bridge opposite the campus. SIM also acknowledges on its accessibility information page that gaps in physical accessibility may still exist and provides a channel for students to raise barriers they encounter while navigating the campus.

For prospective students, this suggests that a campus visit can serve a purpose beyond viewing lecture theatres and recreational facilities. Students with particular accessibility requirements may also use the opportunity to understand how they would move between classrooms, student services, study spaces and other frequently used parts of the campus.

Inclusive learning extends beyond campus infrastructure

An accessible campus alone does not necessarily make the overall learning experience accessible. UNESCO has highlighted that students with disabilities can face barriers to higher education that extend beyond physical access, including barriers associated with learning environments and participation. It has called for broader collaboration to strengthen inclusion and equity within higher education.

For institutions, this places attention not only on facilities but also on how teaching and learning respond to different student needs. In 2026, SIM’s Centre for Teaching & Learning introduced a training series aimed at helping lecturers better understand and respond to students with special needs and diverse learning profiles. The initiative forms part of SIM Academic Division’s professional development efforts around more inclusive classroom practices.

Such efforts reflect a wider consideration for students choosing where to study: whether accessibility is addressed only through physical facilities or is also considered in the learning environment.

Programme-specific arrangements need to be understood early

Accessibility requirements can differ considerably between students. They can also be affected by programme structures, assessment requirements and the policies of the relevant awarding institution. SIM GE therefore advises early contact so that students can explore what accessibility services may be relevant to their individual circumstances. Its published guidance makes clear that available access arrangements are dependent on the university for the programme concerned.

For students and families comparing higher education options, practical considerations may include identifying who coordinates accessibility support, how early requirements should be raised, whether arrangements involve the institution, the awarding university or both, and what process applies if a student’s needs change during the course of study. Establishing these details before enrolment can provide greater clarity about what support may be available and what steps a student may need to take.

Accessibility is becoming part of the broader inclusion agenda

Singapore’s approach under EMP2030 places lifelong learning within the broader national effort to enable persons with disabilities to participate more fully in society. The Government’s 2025 updates to the Masterplan also included work to increase the availability of accessible training courses, alongside initiatives to create more inclusive physical and social environments.

Higher education institutions form one part of that wider learning ecosystem.

For prospective students, choosing a university will continue to involve considerations such as academic quality, programme fit, cost and future opportunities. For those who require accessibility support, understanding the learning environment and available support arrangements can provide another important piece of information before making that decision.

SIM GE’s position is that these conversations are better started early. By understanding what support is available, how it applies to a particular programme and where potential barriers may exist, students can make a more informed assessment of whether a learning environment meets their needs before their university journey begins.

References:

1. Ministry of Social and Family Development — Enabling Masterplan 2030 – https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/enabling-masterplans/emp2030
2. Ministry of Social and Family Development — EMP2030 Strategic Themes. – https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/enabling-masterplans/strategic-themes
3. SIM Global Education — Student Accessibility – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-care
4. SIM Global Education — Student Care – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-care
5. SIM — Academic Development – https://www.sim.edu.sg/academics/teach
6. UNESCO — Breaking Barriers in Higher Education for Students with Disabilities. Discusses accessibility and inclusion challenges faced by students with disabilities in higher education – https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/breaking-barriers-higher-education-and-students-disabilities

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 170 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) said on Saturday that applications submitted between 2023 and the first half of 2026 totalled 23.5 billion baht. The proposed projects cover specialised components and industrial materials used in electronics, batteries, electric motors and hydrogen technologies.

The figures represent investment applications rather than completed expenditure. The agency did not provide a breakdown of project approvals, construction schedules or the amount already invested, leaving the pace at which the proposed capacity will become operational unclear.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BOI, said domestic production of sophisticated materials could reduce dependence on imports and allow Thai suppliers to participate in higher-value international manufacturing networks. The agency wants to develop industries supplying essential inputs rather than relying principally on assembly operations.

The applications include multilayer ceramic capacitors, graphite films used for heat management, engineered ceramics, neodymium magnets, materials for batteries and fuel cells, and specialised glass and quartz fabrics used in printed circuit boards. Nanomaterials for precision manufacturing are also represented.

Such products are important to increasingly powerful computing equipment. Multilayer ceramic capacitors help regulate electrical power in electronic circuits, while graphite films dissipate heat generated by densely packed components. The BOI said a high-end AI server can contain as many as 30,000 ceramic capacitors, illustrating the scale of demand associated with advanced computing infrastructure.

Among the companies identified by the agency, Taiwan’s Fultech Fiber Glass produces glass fabrics for circuit boards, including higher-performance varieties suitable for AI servers. Jones Tech manufactures synthetic and natural graphite films designed to transfer heat away from electronic devices.

Other projects target electric transport and energy storage. BGN Thai produces coated foils for lithium-ion batteries, while Phinis Well manufactures neodymium magnets used in electric motors. Xinyuan Graphite supplies bipolar plates for hydrogen fuel cells, extending the range of technologies covered by the investment pipeline.

CoorsTek Advanced Materials, part of the US-based ceramics group CoorsTek, has invested in engineered ceramics used in automotive pressure sensors and silicon nitride balls for hybrid bearings. Those bearings have applications in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Golden Egret Cemented Carbide produces tungsten carbide powders for precision cutting tools.

Thailand already hosts established electronic component manufacturers, including Japan’s Murata Electronics and Kyocera AVX Components. The BOI cited these operations as part of the industrial base supporting the proposed expansion into more specialised upstream production.

The announcement follows broader growth in investment applications for technology-intensive industries. BOI figures released for the first half of 2026 showed total applications rising 37 per cent from a year earlier to approximately 1.47 trillion baht across 1,299 projects. Digital infrastructure, including data centres, accounted for a substantial share of the total.

Those economy-wide figures are separate from the 23.5 billion baht advanced materials pipeline, which covers applications accumulated over a longer period. Comparing the two as if they represented the same reporting window would overstate the scale of the materials industry’s immediate expansion.

The government’s electronics strategy has also focused on printed circuit boards, a manufacturing segment closely linked to AI servers and communications equipment. Authorities announced approvals for further expansion by three circuit-board manufacturers involving more than $668 million in investment, with over 5,000 additional jobs expected from those projects.

Electric vehicle manufacturing provides another source of potential demand. BOI data published in September placed cumulative approved investment across Thailand’s electric vehicle supply chain at approximately $4.59 billion through August, covering vehicle assembly, batteries and key components. That total concerns a different investment category and should not be added to the newly disclosed applications without checking for overlap.

Narit said the agency would continue supporting research, technology development and workforce training alongside investment promotion. Its stated objective is to increase the share of advanced materials and components manufactured domestically for regional and international customers.

The investment drive also reflects Thailand’s efforts to attract suppliers serving multiple industries, rather than individual product categories. Manufacturers of specialised materials can potentially supply electronics, automotive and renewable-energy customers through overlapping production capabilities and established distribution networks.

The BOI calculated the dollar equivalent of the latest proposals using an exchange rate of approximately 33.76 baht to the US dollar. The agency, established in 1966, administers investment promotion for both domestic and foreign businesses.