MONEY FM 89.3 - Prime Time with Howie Lim, Bernard Lim & Finance Presenter JP Ong

A viral travel hack has left people stunned. A US influencer shared a video suggesting travellers could wash their underwear in a hotel room coffee maker. Genius shortcut or completely unhygienic? Then, we shift gears to road signs, from familiar traffic signs in Singapore to a surprising and very real warning sign in Japan featuring cats. What does it mean, why does it exist, and should Singapore have one too? From hotel rooms to highways, from hygiene debates to hilarious road signs, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Alexandra Parada break down the stories on What's Trending. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow with the US Programme at IDSS, RSIS, to unpack US President Donald Trump’s record-breaking State of the Union address — the longest in modern history at 1 hour and 48 minutes.Delivered during his second term, the speech set out what Trump described as a “turnaround for the ages,” covering key issues including the economy, crime, immigration, trade and foreign policy. What does the address reveal about Trump’s priorities for the years ahead? What strategy underpins his messaging? And what signals does it send about the future direction of US policy both domestically and internationally?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tether is reshaping the gold market. The crypto giant has been rapidly scaling its physical gold purchases, reaching levels typically reserved for central banks and sovereign investors. This unprecedented move is blurring the lines between digital and traditional stores of value, forcing investors and markets to rethink the relationship between Bitcoin, gold, and emerging crypto players. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Ivan Lee, Head of Trading at QCP Group, to unpack what this convergence of crypto and gold means for investors, markets, and the future of money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares dipped today as investors digest a slew of corporate earnings from blue chip companies in the country. The Straits Times Index was down 0.3% at 5,005.57 points at 2.41pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.46B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have Genting Singapore after the company yesterday reported a 30 per cent decline in net profit for the second half of its financial year to S$155.6 million, from S$222 million in the same year-ago period. Elsewhere, from investors’ reactions to US President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, to how markets in Japan and South Korea reached record highs, more international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – more on investors’ sentiment towards the AI trade as Anthropic unveiled 10 new ways for business customers to use its AI plugins, and as they looked ahead to Nvidia’s latest earnings due overnight. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kenneth Goh, Director, Private Wealth Management, UOB Kay Hian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From red cards to recruitment strategy, from leadership to life after Tomoyuki Doi - Geylang International’s season hasn’t gone to plan. Sports Miniutes sits down with the Eagle's club captain Joshua Pereira to unpack the downfall, the dressing room mood, and the road ahead.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re going to turn the clock back to the 1800s to share with you the story of a young man, Georges Nagelmackers, who had just fallen out of love. Like some of us who might travel abroad to take a breather, Nagelmackers fled to the US, where he discovered railroads with the world’s first sleeping cars. The enterprising Belgian engineer decided to take that idea back to Europe, where he would launch luxurious trains leading to the Gates of the Orient. That’s right, we are talking about the Orient Express, or the luxurious train experience provider that would later be further popularised by a suspense novel by writer Agatha Christie in the early 1930s. Then called the CIWL (Compagnie Internationale des Wagon-Lits), or The International Sleeping Car company, Orient Express’ inaugural trip happened in October 1883 from Paris to Constantinople (or the modern day Istanbul), redefining the meaning of long distance travel for luxury travelers. As we know, the development of air travel has changed the way people move between places. That dealt a blow to CIWL, and eventually, the Orient Express made its last direct trip between Paris and Istanbul in 1977. That same year, the SNCF or the French National Railway Company acquired the Orient Express brand, and the last Orient-Express train left Vienna for Strasbourg in December 2009. But hope is not lost. Nearly 140 years after making its first trip, Accor Hotels fully bought over and redeveloped the brand in 2022, expanding the portfolio of Orient Express to include hotels and even yacht sailings. As for the original Orient Express carriages – they will be back on railway tracks in 2027, though details are still scant at the moment. So, what should we know about the Orient Express portfolio of hospitality solutions today, and what is next for the firm? In this episode of Under the Radar “SPECIALS”, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Gilda Perez-Alvarado, Group Chief Strategy Officer of Accor & CEO of Orient Express.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has warned that countries could face higher tariffs and even potential licence fees if they “play games” with recent trade deals, following court moves that blocked parts of his global tariff strategy. With the Supreme Court of the US limiting some of his sweeping levies, Trump has signaled that alternative legal tools, including possible new investigations under Section 301 through the Office of the United States Trade Representative, could be used to impose further trade pressure. How serious are these threats and how might US trading partners respond? And could this approach reshape future global trade negotiations? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Dylan Loh, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christie's Hong Kong Autumn Luxury Sales reached HK$1 billion, reinforcing Asia’s position as a global centre for high-value collecting. Exceptional performance across categories including world-auction records for rare Hermès handbags, Patek Philippe references, and Kashmir sapphires pushed hammer prices far above expectations. With nearly 20% new buyers and more than half of participants bidding online, the season reflects an evolving collector base that is younger, broader, and increasingly comfortable treating luxury assets as both cultural objects and investment-grade stores of value. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Winsy Tsang, Head of Department, Handbags & Accessories, Christie’s Asia Pacific, to unpack the trends behind this record-breaking market and what they reveal about the future of luxury collecting in Asia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada dive into the viral coffee-shop glitch that accidentally turned a UK woman into a quadrillionaire, but only inside one café. And the surprising return of landlines as parents bring back the house phone for their kids. From accidental “riches” to retro tech making a comeback, we unpack the chaos, the nostalgia, and the unexpected lessons behind both stories.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares slid today as investors continue to mull uncertainties relating to US tariffs on global trading partners. The Straits Times Index was down 0.52% at 5,015.04 points at 2.12pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.48B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have UOB, after the bank said today that its net profit for the fourth quarter fell 7 per cent on the back of margin pressures from lower benchmark rates. Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump warned countries against backing away from recently negotiated trade deals after the Supreme Court struck down his emergency tariffs, to a fresh trade tangle between Japan and China, more international headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer, Maybank Group Wealth Management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the referee becomes the headline (again), you know there’s a problem. Kyoga Nakamura’s elbow went unpunished, while weeks ago Madhu Mohana was sanctioned for a similar incident. Sports Minutes speaks exclusively to Madhu himself, plus Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in as we - uncover the consistently inconsistent levels of officiating in the Singapore Premier League. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are volatile, interest rates remain uncertain, and global risks keep shifting. At the same time, investors are faced with a growing mix of traditional assets and newer alternatives, making it harder to know what truly works in different market conditions. How should seasoned investors balance these options? What do they have to consider when structuring wealth across borders, including the practical risks and trade-offs that don’t always get the spotlight? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tanaporn “Giig” Yowa, Founder & CEO of Unique Prime Group, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has announced a potential 15% across-the-board tariff on imports, prompting Singapore to seek urgent clarity from its US counterparts on how the measures will be implemented. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the key concern is uncertainty, especially as details remain unclear following recent US court rulings and policy changes. What could the new tariff proposal mean for Singapore’s exports, competitiveness and economic outlook? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First, a sign at the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar is making waves, with a direct message to food influencers asking for kindness before criticism. Is it a fair request in the age of viral reviews, or are public opinions simply part of running a business? Then, we turn to Japan, where a seven-month-old baby monkey named Punch has captured global attention. From clinging to a stuffed orangutan for comfort to inspiring a viral social media moment, Punch’s story has even sparked brand responses and a sell-out of plush toys. How did one emotional video turn into an internet sensation and what does it say about the power of social media today? On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh break down the headlines, the reactions, and the bigger questions behind the trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares nudged higher today as investors continue to digest developments on the global trade front. The Straits Times Index was up 0.16% at 5,025.75 points at 2.32pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.05B seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have United Overseas Insurance, after the insurance arm of UOB on Friday posted a net profit of S$23.7 million for the second half of its 2025 fiscal year ended Dec 31 – a 51.5 per cent increase from S$15.6 million in the year-ago period. Elsewhere, from how markets in Asia-Pacific largely shrugged off US President Donald Trump’s latest decision to increase global tariffs to 15 per cent from 10 per cent, to how Singapore’s core inflation eased to 1 per cent in January – more economic and international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – a look ahead to earnings due this week, with all eyes laser focused on Nvidia’s latest results. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year. But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they’re quietly hoping for but not voicing? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated. In a world where interest rates, growth trajectories and policy signals are no longer moving in sync, traditional playbooks may not be enough. So what does this mean for portfolios today? Which asset classes offer the most compelling risk-return opportunities? And how should investors think about positioning across equities, fixed income and alternatives for the rest of the year? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Chris Iggo, CIO, AXA IM Core Investments, BNP Paribas Asset Management, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares inched higher today as most Asian markets traded lower. The Straits Times Index was up 0.23% at 5,012.95 points at 2.53pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.10B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have SIA Engineering Company, after the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul provider yesterday reported a net profit of S$41.9 million for the third quarter, up 9.7 per cent from the year-ago period. Elsewhere, from how shares of China’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) startups Zhipu and MiniMax Group soared in Hong Kong as the market reopened after the Chinese New Year, to how Indonesia and the US finalised a trade deal to cut US levies from 32% to 19%, more corporate and international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck, how Nvidia is reportedly close to finalising a US$30 billion investment in OpenAI, as the chipmaker moves to take a stake in one of its largest customers. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quarter-finals secured in the ACL Two, and now a blockbuster clash with league leaders Lion City Sailors awaits. Add in a recent coaching change and a relentless February schedule, and BG Tampines Rovers have plenty on their plate. Vice-captain Shah Shahiran joins Sports Minutes to discuss momentum, mindset, and what it’ll take to keep the Stags charging on all fronts. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 is putting mid-career workers front and centre, with a range of measures designed to support reskilling, career transitions, and staying competitive in an AI-driven economy. From enhanced SkillsFuture programmes and expanded training allowances to new AI initiatives and a merger of workforce agencies for more seamless career support, there’s a lot for workers to navigate. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Allison Ching, Executive Career Coach at Dream, Do, Deliver, and Muralee Reddy, Co-Founder of Mamashop Inc., about what Budget 2026 means for mid-career workers, from upskilling, career transitions, AI-readiness, and navigating the changing job landscape. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luxury watches are rapidly evolving from passion collectibles into a recognised alternative asset class, with the pre-owned market valued at $24.38 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $45.01 billion by 2030. Demand is strongest across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driven by rising liquidity, digital marketplaces, and a growing generation of investors who view watches as long-term wealth-building assets rather than just lifestyle statements. Even during economic downturns, luxury watches have shown remarkable resilience. During the pandemic, their value declined only about 8%, compared to a 19% drop in the S&P 500. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Oliver Müller, Founder of LuxeConsult, about what is driving the global surge in pre-owned luxury watches, which models and brands are considered “blue-chip” investments, and authenticity considerations are reshaping investor strategies in this dynamic market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada explore China’s Lunar New Year gala, where humanoid robots stunned audiences with flips, spins, and martial arts, showing off cutting-edge robotics and sparking big questions about the future role of AI in our lives. Then, keeping in the spirit of Lunar New Year, they share the story of a 10-year-old girl in Hebei who used her ang bao money to buy gold, turning her festive cash gift into a small fortune as prices soared. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares saw gains today as most Asian markets traded higher. The Straits Times Index was up 1.09% at 12.54pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$953.72M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Yangzijiang Maritime, after the maritime financial solutions provider announced yesterday that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting on Mar 6 to seek shareholders’ approval on the proposed adoption of a share buyback mandate. Elsewhere, from how minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting showed policymakers in no rush to cut rates, to a rise in tech heavyweights after news on Tuesday that Nvidia signed a multiyear deal to sell Meta Platforms millions of its current and future artificial intelligence chips, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does Budget 2026 really mean for Singaporean youths? For young adults stepping into the workforce? For couples thinking about starting a family? Was this Budget a hit or did it miss the mark? And are the support measures enough to ease the pressures young Singaporeans are feeling today? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Keith Yap, Founder and Host of The Front Row Podcast, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold and silver have experienced significant volatility, with gold around $5,033 per ounce and silver slipping over 2% to $76.34 as investors react to US inflation data, a stronger dollar, and profit-taking. Industrial demand and retail interest in China remain strong, even during Lunar New Year, while market positioning continues to respond to US rate expectations and real yields. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gregor Gregersen, Founder of Silver Bullion Group, to explore what is driving these movements, how gold and silver are behaving differently, and what investors should consider in the current market environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending today, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into how the Singaporean government is exploring regulating blind boxes to better manage gambling inducement risks, and how, over in China, a growing number of young people are celebrating what’s being called a “Cyber Lunar New Year.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares were little moved in a shortened session today as investors looked ahead to the Chinese New Year holiday. The Straits Times Index was down 0.04% at 4,935.69 points at 11.37am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$733.14M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Marco Polo Marine, after the integrated marine logistics company today posted revenue of S$32.8 million for its first quarter ended Dec 31, up 27 per cent from S$25.8 million in the same period a year earlier. Elsewhere, from how Singapore’s key exports expanded by a slower-than-expected 9.3 per cent year on year in January, to how shares of Chinese jeweller Laopu Gold and miner CMOC Group rallied in Hong Kong, more economic and international headlines remain in focus. Also on deck, how Alibaba Group Holding led a Chinese tech-share sell-off after the Pentagon added some of the country’s biggest names to a list of companies aiding the military, only to withdraw that roster minutes later without explanation. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breakups and rebounds took centre stage this Valentine’s weekend in domestic football, as BG Tampines Rovers parted ways with their head coach before a twist of events gave them a second chance to stay alive in the ACL Two. Sports Minutes dives in with the latest. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is now at the heart of Singapore’s economic strategy. From supercharging adoption to building talent pipelines and reshaping how businesses operate, what does this mean for you, your job, and your company’s future? Are businesses ready, and will workers keep up? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kwek SoCheer, Partner, Digital Solutions at PwC, to unpack how Budget 2026’s AI push will shape business strategy, workforce transformation, and Singapore’s position in the global AI race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly US$99 trillion in private wealth is set to flow across Asia by 2029, but shockingly, almost half of first-generation wealth holders haven’t planned who gets what. Why do so many families avoid the conversation about succession? And what happens when wealth is left unmanaged? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sissi Goh, Legacy Planner, Wealth Advisor, & Author, for the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning a trip across the Causeway for Lunar New Year or Ramadan? You may want to pause and take stock. Malaysia has reported 10 new tuberculosis clusters so far this year, including a recent outbreak in Kota Tinggi involving 37 cases. With thousands of Singaporeans expected to travel in the coming weeks, concerns are growing. How serious is the situation? Should you postpone your trip or simply take extra precautions? On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Professor Hsu Li Yang, Director of the Asia Centre for Health Security at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, to break down the risks, explain how tuberculosis spreads, and share practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore market pulled back today following Budget 2026 announcements, even as the government unveiled measures to boost existing equities, startups and new listings. The Straits Times Index (STI) crossed the 5,000-point barrier before the statement was delivered yesterday, buoyed by a strong 43.5 per cent net profit increase for Singtel. The momentum did not hold, though. In the first hour of trading today, the STI fell 1.1 per cent back below the 5,000 mark to 4,963.68 points. In terms of counters to watch, we have iFast, after the digital bank and wealth management platform’s net profit rose 70.4 per cent to S$32.9 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2025, up from S$19.3 million in the year-ago period. Elsewhere, from the potential winners and losers from Singapore’s Budget 2026, to how Anthropic raised US$30 billion in its latest funding round, more corporate and international headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retirement brings reflection, and perspective. After 15 years in Singapore football, Emmeric Ong sits down with Sports Minutes to reflect on stepping away, the realities players can’t always say out loud, and what he hopes the future holds for Singapore football. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Money Matters' Budget 2026 Conversation, Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian speak to Harvey Koenig, Partner, Co-Head of BEPS COE, KPMG, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University and former Nominated Member of Parliament, and Dr Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore, for their final thoughts on this year's Budget announcement, the hits and misses, and what to expect in the next couple of months as the Budget measures are being implement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to overcome structural constraints and turning AI adoption into a strategic advantage for the country. That’s the goal for Singapore in Budget 2026 plans laid out by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong. On Money Matters' Budget 2026 Conversation, Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian looked at Singapore's plans to realise its AI ambitions with Harvey Koenig, Partner, Co-Head of BEPS COE, KPMG, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University and former Nominated Member of Parliament, and Dr Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore. Among the measures discussed - a new set of national AI Missions targeted at driving AI transformation in key sectors of the economy, and a new National AI Council to be chaired by PM Wong to drive coordinated efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major theme of Budget 2026 was to support businesses negotiating a changing global operating environment, where economic flows are becoming more selective, partnerships are being more strategic, and where resilience now matters as much as efficiency. On Money Matters' Budget 2026 Conversation, Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian unpacked the suite of measures aimed at helping businesses capture growth opportunities and mitigate short-term challenges with Harvey Koenig, Partner, Co-Head of BEPS COE, KPMG, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University and former Nominated Member of Parliament, and Dr Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore. These measures ranged from tax rebates and deductions to the enhanced Market Readiness Assistance grant to help companies internationalise. The team also dived into the expansion of the Startup SG Equity scheme along with the launch of the second $1.5 billion tranche of the Anchor Fund to attract and anchor high quality public listings in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 is putting a spotlight on helping workers navigate the shifts brought forward by AI and automation, with support for reskilling, career transitions and manpower planning. This includes government plans to expand the TechSkills Accelerator to help workers build more practical capabilities. Meanwhile, more support will be given to lower income workers, with the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme has been extended for 2 more years, to 2028, while co-funding support for 2026 has been raised from 20% to 30%. Budget 2026 has also included updates to Singapore’s foreign worker policies. What does this all mean for our Singapore workforce? How do the new measures aim to equip Singaporeans for the future of work? On Money Matters' Budget 2026 Conversation, Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian speak to Harvey Koenig, Partner, Co-Head of BEPS COE, KPMG, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University and former Nominated Member of Parliament, and Dr Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 1.4 million Singaporean households will each get $500 in CDC vouchers. There will also be additional U-Save rebates to help households with their utilities expenses. On top of this, 2.4 million eligible adult Singaporeans will receive a $200-$400 Cost-of-Living Special Payment in September 2026 to ease expenses. But are these all enough for Singaporeans to tide through the rising cost of living? And what more support are given to families with children, lower income families and our ageing population? On Money Matters' Budget 2026 Conversation, Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian speak to Harvey Koenig, Partner, Co-Head of BEPS COE, KPMG, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University and former Nominated Member of Parliament, and Dr Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme of Budget 2026 is "Securing our future together in a changed world," with key themes including, advancing our refreshed economic strategy, harnessing AI, budding a resilient and skilled workforce, giving families more support and greater assurance, protecting our security and sustainability and renewing and strengthening our Singapore spirit. So what was the tone of this year's budget? On top of this, the annual Budget is also about revising government revenue and expenditure projections for the current financial year, as well as planning ahead for the new financial year. The estimated size of this year’s budget is $154.7 billion, higher than $143.3 billion previously. On Money Matters' Budget 2026 Conversation, Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian speak to Harvey Koenig, Partner, Co-Head of BEPS COE, KPMG, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University and former Nominated Member of Parliament, and Dr Clara Lee, Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, National University of Singapore, for a first look at this year's budget and to take a broader look in terms of Singapore’s economic direction and fiscal stance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada dive into China’s “doll mummy” craze where young women treat cotton dolls like real babies, celebrating birthdays, dressing them in designer outfits, and even taking them on holidays. And for football fans, would you refuse a haircut until your team won five games in a row? Manchester United fan Frank Ilett has been doing exactly that for 493 days, turning a viral joke into millions of followers, brand deals, and a fundraising campaign for children with cancer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you invest in what you know - the brands you recognise, the markets you’ve followed for years, the sectors that feel safe? You’re not alone. But today, we’re asking: does familiarity actually make your portfolio safer… or riskier? And how can investors tell when diversification is only superficial? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jason Tan, Portfolio Manager at PhillipCapital, for the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.