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

Haze is creeping back into the region, with parts of Malaysia already recording unhealthy air quality readings as dry conditions persist. With the risk of transboundary haze rising, what could this mean for Singapore in the weeks ahead? And how serious could the situation become if the dry weather continues? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Professor Steve Yim, Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Health at Nanyang Technological University, about what is driving the deteriorating air quality, how haze could travel across the region, and what Singapore should be watching for next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From grandparents to Gen Z, every generation may have its own habits, priorities and way of seeing the world, but there’s one thing that seems to cut across all of them: the need to play. Whether it’s grandparents spending time with their grandchildren, parents revisiting games from their childhood, or younger generations stepping away from their screens, play continues to create moments of connection across age groups. So why does play have such a powerful ability to bring generations together? And in an increasingly digital world, could making time to play actually be more important than ever? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Jasmin O’Hara, Head of Operations at Timezone Singapore, about why play remains a universal language.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being part of a fandom can be fun — you find people who share your interests, build friendships and celebrate the things you love. But when does passion cross the line into toxic behaviour? On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar look at why online fandoms can become hostile, and whether being fiercely loyal to your favourite celebrity or community can sometimes go too far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you unwrap your favourite chocolate bar from one of your favourite brands, do you know who actually makes the chocolate? You’d be surprised to find out that it may not be the company whose name appears on the wrapper. In fact, some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands like Nestle, Mondelez and Hershey rely on specialist manufacturers, or so-called white label producers, who’re often working quietly behind the scenes. Our guest for today is one of the largest – Barry Callebaut. The company’s roots can be traced back to over a century ago in 1911, when Octaaf Callebaut, the grandson of a brewer in the small Belgian town of Wiez secretly worked on his first chocolate recipe. His secrets of chocolate making would go on to be passed from one generation to another, who learned the craft from their predecessors who still make chocolate with all of their senses. Fast forward to today, Barry Callebaut is a world leading provider of high quality chocolate experiences across the full spectrum of chocolate, cocoa, cacao coatings and non-cocoa alternatives, and is involved from the sourcing and processing of cocoa beans to the crafting of premium chocolates, fillings and decorations. With over 60 production facilities worldwide, Barry Callebaut serves the entire food industry from large-scale food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs and restaurants. Barry Callebaut is a company that we want to zoom in on given how it is a gauge of global chocolate demand following a period of record cocoa prices. That’s particularly so with concerns surrounding a strong El Nino weather pattern in the coming months. To this end, the firm had in July 2026 reported that third quarter sales volumes rose for the first time in two years, and also forecast a smaller full-year volume decline than earlier expected. So what’s bolstering demand and how does the firm intend to mitigate headwinds from seasonal weather patterns? What are the longer term consumption trends that will support Barry Callebaut’s business looking ahead? Speaking of the longer term, the firm also opened its Callebaut Global Innovation Center in Singapore to accelerate innovation and transformation across the chocolate and cocoa industry. But what is the strategic role played by its operations in Singapore and how important will the new innovation center be in positioning the firm for future growth? On Under the Radar, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Vamsi Mohan Thati, President of AMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) at Barry Callebaut Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lions are wounded, but not out just yet. Thailand head into the second leg with a 2-goal advantage, leaving Singapore with a mountain to climb if they are to reach their first AFF Championship final since 2012. But with their fans refusing to give up, Gavin Lee says neither will his team. So, will the Lions turn a difficult night into an unforgettable comeback? READ MORE:https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/lions-face-uphill-battle-after-3-1-loss-to-thailand-in-asean-cship-semi-final-1st-leg?ref=top-stories Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a career you've spent decades building suddenly comes to an end? Edgar Tang was retrenched at 50 after four and a half years at a multinational entertainment company. Instead of simply trying to return to his old career, he began documenting what it takes to rebuild his career, confidence and identity after 50. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with content creator Edgar Tang (@edgarafter50) as he shares why retrenchment can hit differently later in life, whether decades of experience can actually work against older jobseekers, and what it takes to reinvent yourself when you're caught between being “too old to hire” and “too young to retire”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 200 members of Singapore’s legal fraternity gathered behind closed doors to debate the Law Society’s handling of an internal audit that found “significant failings” in leadership, workplace culture and governance. With more than 100 lawyers calling for the full report to be released, questions are growing over what the summary leaves out, whether the investigation was sufficiently independent, and whether this has become a crisis of confidence in the Law Society’s leadership. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Clarence Lun, Managing Director at Fervent Chambers LLC, to share more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You say “PayWave”, but would someone overseas actually know what you mean? The term came from Visa's branding for contactless payments, yet Singaporeans have embraced it so completely that we use it for almost any tap-to-pay transaction, even when we're using Mastercard, American Express or Apple Pay. On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar look at how “PayWave” became such a Singaporean staple. And it doesn't stop at PayWave. From “kopitiam” to "Grab” and “Panadol”, are Singaporeans just really good at turning brand names and borrowed words into everyday language?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh has been struck off the rolls of Singapore lawyers after the Court of Three Judges ruled that his conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee warranted his removal from the profession. Singh was convicted in February 2025 on two counts of lying under oath to the Committee of Privileges, in connection with former WP MP Raeesah Khan’s false account in Parliament in 2021. But what does being struck off actually mean for Singh and could the ruling have wider implications for his future as WP chief and an MP? We break down the legal and political implications with Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at SMU’s Yong Pung How School of Law.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the workload becomes too much to handle? A video went viral after a fried chicken shop worker in Guangdong broke down after being left alone to handle a surge of orders. However, netizens praised the delivery riders who chose to comfort him instead of piling on more pressure. On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar discuss more workplace burnout, being overwhelmed, and how we should treat people who are struggling under pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes Joo Chiat the new “IT” spot for younger generations? From its colourful shophouses and local food scene to its heritage, independent businesses and social media appeal, the neighbourhood is attracting a new generation of visitors looking for more local experiences. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Tony Tan, Founder of Betel Box, about Joo Chiat’s transformation, what draws younger crowds to the neighbourhood, and whether it has what it takes to become Singapore’s next lifestyle hotspot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They train together. They travel together. They compete together. And yes… they’re a couple too. Matilda Lai and Nur Aufa Emil join Sports Minutes after representing Singapore at the Commonwealth Games, with another big 3x3 basketball event coming up very soon on home soil. We chat about their journeys, setbacks, injuries, sacrifices and what it’s like having someone beside you who understands exactly what elite sport demands. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sentosa Cove was once synonymous with Singapore’s luxury property market. But today, its high-end homes are proving harder to sell at a profit. New data shows that nearly two-thirds of resale transactions between May 2023 and June 2026 ended in losses, while gains among profitable deals have fallen sharply. Landed homes have held up better than condominiums, but they too are facing pricing pressures. With fewer buyers, higher costs for foreign purchasers and ageing leasehold properties adding to the challenges, is Sentosa Cove losing its appeal? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Research and Consultancy, Savills to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could try a career before committing to it? Under the new SG Youth Plan, young Singaporeans will have access to “job tasters”, short-term experiences ranging from a few hours to a few weeks, designed to give them a real-world look at different careers and workplaces. But can a short stint really tell you whether a career is right for you? And once the experience is over, what support do young people need to turn that taste into a meaningful career decision? We speak to Clarence Ching, Founder and Executive Director of Access Singapore, about whether job tasters can help young people make more informed choices and what needs to happen beyond the first taste.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever played a video game and you see beautiful landmarks and discover that you can actually visit that place in real life? Well, an American couple did just that after playing Mario Kart's Singapore Speedway track which made them decide to plan an entire trip to Singapore. On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar discusses how a single video game can inspire you to travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if an innocent Instagram Story accidentally exposed someone’s cheating partner? A 21-year-old man posted a group photo from his friend’s birthday dinner, only to receive a DM from a complete stranger asking about a man in the background. She recognised him as her boyfriend, who had told her he was overseas on a work trip. But where does his responsibility end? Should he answer her questions and help her piece together what happened or stay completely out of a relationship that isn't his? Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh unpack the tricky line between accidentally witnessing something, getting involved plus the bigger question of just how much our social media posts can reveal about other people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pickleball is no longer just a sport — it’s fast becoming one of Gen Z’s favourite ways to socialise. From meeting new people to building communities, more young Singaporeans are swapping dinners and café catch-ups for time on the pickleball court. But what is it about the sport that has sparked such a phenomenon? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Marcus Ng and Lucas Ho, Co-Founders of Forty Holes to find out why pickleball is becoming the new social sport for Gen Zs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has sharply upgraded its 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.5% to 5.5%, up from the earlier estimate of 2% to 4%, after the economy grew a stronger-than-expected 6.1% in the first half of the year. So what’s behind the surge? How much of Singapore’s growth is being fuelled by the global AI investment boom and can that momentum continue through the rest of 2026? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sheana Yue, Senior Economist for Macro Forecasting at Oxford Economics, about what’s driving Singapore’s stronger outlook, the risks ahead, and whether this growth story has staying power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the euphoria settles after securing a spot in the final four of the AFF Championship, the work has already begun for the Thai test that awaits in the semi-finals. Ahead of the two-legged clash, Sports Minutes heads into the Lions’ den to speak to FAS Deputy President Desmond Ong, Lions Head Coach Gavin Lee and Ilhan Fandi. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new movie was released in the cinemas on 9 August, but here's the catch - it's completely AI generated. The movie called "Trace Project" is a full-length movie generated by AI that depicts an ordinary young man from Singapore, who overcomes his father's disapproval to become the nation's first astronaut picked for a historic Mars exploration programme. On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dives into the movie which has caused a stir on social media and what this means for the future of film in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Draw and die, that was the assignment heading into the clash against Indonesia. And the Lions came out victorious in their pursuit of a spot in the final four at the 2026 AFF Championship. Buoyed by a rapturous home crowd, the boys in red sent Indonesia home to deliver the perfect gift two days before the Lion City celebrates National Day. So is this new dawn of fanfare and fervour here to stay? Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite earning higher salaries than previous generations, many young Singaporeans still don't feel financially secure. From shrinking purchasing power and salary increments that struggle to keep pace with rising costs, to lifestyle inflation, many hidden pressures are shaping the financial reality of young Millennials and Gen Zs. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kelvin Hong, Founder of The Economics Tutor to learn what it takes to build financial resilience in an economy where a bigger pay cheque no longer guarantees peace of mind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's collective sale rules could be set for their biggest overhaul in nearly 30 years. Under proposed changes by the Ministry of Law, the consent threshold for en bloc sales would be lowered from 80% to 70% for private developments aged 40 to 59 years, and to 65% for those 60 years and older. At the same time, new safeguards aim to better protect minority owners through higher compensation caps, shorter signature collection periods and stricter limits on repeated failed sale attempts. Will these changes finally breathe new life into Singapore's en bloc market after years of sluggish activity? Which ageing developments could now become viable for redevelopment, and will the reforms translate into more housing supply and help moderate private home prices? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at MOGUL.sg, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With National Day just a few days away, The Singapore Global Network has launched a National Day-themed Mixed Rice Quiz. The quiz aims to find out how you would navigate hanging out with your friends over the National Day weekend. And the results will match you with a classic cai png ingredient, which will come with its own personality description. On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar gets into the spirit of National Day by playing this quiz and find out which cai png ingredient they are and what it reveals about them during the long-anticipated National Day weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After battling mental health challenges, Lisa Chan chose to share her mental health journey publicly, sparking conversations that many families struggle to have. As a mental health advocate and content creator, she's seen firsthand how differently younger and older generations view emotional wellbeing and why that gap still exists. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lisa Chan about why mental health remains a difficult conversation across generations, what prevents parents and children from understanding one another, and how families can begin bridging that divide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Workers' Party has put forward its vision for Singapore's economic future — one where fairness is built into growth from the very beginning, not added as an afterthought. The motion sparked a wide-ranging debate in Parliament, covering everything from the role of multinational corporations and support for local SMEs, to worker protections, innovation, land policy and Singapore's long-term competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global economy. So what exactly was discussed in parliament? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Malminderjit Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Terra Corporate Affairs, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few names carry as much weight in Singapore football as Noh Alam Shah. From legendary striker to more recently a head coach - Alam Shah joins Sports Minutes to reflect on leaving Tanjong Pagar United, his biggest coaching lessons, and the future that lies ahead. He also previews Singapore's blockbuster meeting with Indonesia, offering the insight only someone who's lived both sides of the rivalry can.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget airlines have built their reputation on low fares, but are they still the cheaper option once all the add-ons are factored in? Jetstar's controversial new policy to charge passengers for using overhead cabin lockers from 2027. On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar discuss if it's fair to have a "pay only for what you use" approach that speeds up boarding, or another hidden fee that's pushing budget travel too far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 27, Lance Teo is teaching Gen Alpha students while working closely with millennial parents — a unique position that puts him at the crossroads of three generations. From overcoming stereotypes about young teachers to understanding how today's students learn and what parents expect, the role of an educator is evolving rapidly in the digital age. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lance Teo, Secondary English and Literature Specialist at English Ninjas to find out what it takes to be a Gen Z educator today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting ghosted is already frustrating enough in the dating world, but what happens when your potential employer does the same? A new website, DidTheyGhostYou.com, is giving job seekers a platform to anonymously report companies that allegedly disappear after interviews. With employers such as Apple, Microsoft and Meta listed among the site’s 'Most Reported', could public accountability push companies to communicate better with candidates? On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar discuss whether employers owe interviewees a proper response, and if naming and shaming companies could actually change hiring practices or come back to haunt job seekers themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family gatherings turn into an interrogation session for a man in his 30s. Single and unmarried, family elders constantly ask "when are you getting married?" or "do you have a girlfriend?"... and that leaves him uncomfortable. With intentions to still chase after his dreams and take care of ageing parents, he is torn between what everyone expected of him and what he wants. On Your Agenda, Hongbin Jeong discusses if it really matters if you're still single and unmarried in your 30s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More young people are choosing to stay in—but when they do head out, they're looking for more than just a meal or a show. They're seeking experiences. So, has the definition of a great night out changed? Are immersive, interactive experiences becoming the new way for businesses to attract younger audiences? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dream Academy's Executive Producer and Director Selena Tan, alongside acting veterans and icons, Sebastian Tan and Vernetta Lopez, to find out if dinner theatre can win over a generation that's choosing to stay in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s political landscape is shifting after Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional scored a commanding victory in the Negeri Sembilan state election, ending Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan coalition’s eight-year hold on the state. The result follows earlier setbacks for PH in Sabah and Johor and has raised fresh questions over Anwar’s political standing as Malaysia moves closer to its next General Election. Could the growing BN-PN partnership reshape Malaysia’s political future? Is the Unity Government under greater pressure? And with more state elections potentially on the horizon, is Anwar running out of states and time? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Days before National Day, the Lions have the chance to give Singapore another reason to celebrate. A draw against Indonesia on 7th August will send them into the AFF semi-finals, but the stakes go beyond football. Deepanraj Ganesan joins Sports Minutes to discuss belief, resilience, memories of past battles with Indonesia, and why the momentum behind Singapore football must continue regardless of the result.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the old debate - does coloured hair impact your professional appearance? A now-deleted Facebook post went viral after it showed two Gen Z women with bright-coloured hair in an MRT. This re-ignited a conversation that has been going on for decades as to whether coloured hair should remain a taboo in the workplace. As such, the trio discusses why some people are still against people with coloured hair in the workplace, and why that attitude is shifting as the years go on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The yen is staging a dramatic comeback after Japan and the United States joined forces in a rare coordinated intervention to stop the currency’s slide. The Japanese currency has climbed nearly 4 per cent against the Singapore dollar since the intervention, raising hopes that the worst may be over for the battered yen. But can authorities really reverse the currency’s long-term decline in a global market worth trillions of dollars a day? And what could a stronger yen mean for Singaporeans heading to Japan, global markets and the wider economy? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Lim Jun Kit, Senior Strategist, Phillip Nova, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into a viral moment that took place during a sneak eating competition in China. What started as a habit we used to when we were younger, has now turned into a competitive sport. But for one elderly man who did not experienced school life, he took this opportunity to find out what life was like as a student in a classroom instead. So the trio discusses this beautiful moment and why we shouldn't take things for granted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask any young Singaporean today what they're doing to stay healthy, and you'll probably hear about strength training, wearable trackers or the latest wellness trend. Ask their parents or grandparents about that nagging back pain or aching knees, and you might get a very different answer: ‘Old already lah’. It's a phrase we've all heard before. So why do different generations see ageing so differently? And how can younger Singaporeans help their parents age well, before it's too late? As Singapore officially enters super-aged society status this year, conversations about healthy ageing are becoming more urgent than ever. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr. Ooi Seong Thean, Senior Resident Physician at SATA CommHealth, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the world’s most successful technology companies didn’t begin in gleaming corporate campuses. They began with bold ideas exchanged at the simplest of places. Sometimes, that place was a diner offering bottomless coffee and huge slabs of pancakes. For ASUS, that place was a humble coffee shop in Taipei. Back in 1989, a group of ambitious engineers came together with a vision of creating a “small and beautiful company”, one that could develop world-class technology from Taiwan for the rest of the world. More than 30 years on, ASUS is a global tech leader best known for its world-class motherboards, high-quality personal computers, monitors, graphics cards, routers and other technology solutions. But the company is now evolving beyond hardware and doubling down on artificial intelligence infrastructure and cloud services – an area it sees potential as the adoption of AI increases rapidly. For one thing, ASUS teamed up with the Taiwanese government to found the Taiwan AI Cloud Corporation in 2021 to build secure, scalable and sovereign AI infrastructure. The company helps governments and enterprises roll out and operate Sovereign AI systems, where their AI models and data are secured and operated within their own borders, laws and culture. It says it is seeing a global trend of countries investing in local capabilities to drive innovation specific to their language, culture and the economy. But where is demand coming from and how big of an opportunity is this for the firm? Beyond specific nations, who should build the collective AI infrastructure for Asia, and how should they monetise them? What will this mean for ASUS and Taiwan AI Cloud? On Under the Radar, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Peter Wu, CEO of ASUS Cloud and Taiwan AI Cloud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, the legal profession has been synonymous with prestige, stability and success. But today, more young lawyers are questioning whether the rewards still outweigh the demands. From burnout and toxic workplace cultures to shifting expectations around leadership, mentorship and work-life balance, is the profession struggling to meet the needs of a new generation? On The Agenda, Nadiah Koh speaks to Paul Neo, Assistant Chief Executive, Singapore Academy of Law to find out whether younger lawyers simply challenging norms that previous generations accepted without question.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A beauty and wellness chain is under scrutiny after investigations uncovered allegations of coordinated high-pressure sales tactics, with some customers reportedly feeling trapped into buying expensive products and treatment packages. In some of the most concerning cases, elderly consumers were allegedly encouraged to use their CPF savings to pay for purchases they never intended to make. On What's Trending, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar discusses the use of pressure sales tactics and why people keep falling for it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One save. One moment. One nation celebrating. At just 19, Lionesses' goalkeeper Izairida Shakira held her nerve in a high-pressure penalty shootout to send the Singapore Women's National Team to the ASEAN Championship and etch her name into local football history. But what was going through her mind? We relive the save that sparked a nation, explore her rapid rise, and hear why she believes the best is still to come.READ MORE:https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/goalkeeper-izairida-shakira-the-heroine-as-lionesses-down-cambodia-for-asean-cship-spotGot a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.