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

There is an ongoing crackdown on e-vaporisers here in Singapore, following a spike in seizures of drug-laced e-vaporisers. K-pods or e-vaporiser laced with the anaesthetic drug etomidate, have been at the center of public attention this week, with The Straits Times’ launch of an anti-vaping campaign on July 13. Over the past few weeks, young people have been caught on video shaking uncontrollably, purportedly from the effects of using drug-laced vapes. In fact, the vaping issue today mirrors what was seen in the early 1980s, when Singapore was grappling with glue-sniffing. So how deep does this crisis run and what’s fueling it? And how can we address this issue? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Melvinderpal Singh Ishar, Deputy News Editor, The Straits Times, to find out more. To report vaping offences and the sale of vaping devices to the authorities, the public can contact HSA’s Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to mull US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats to trading partners around the world. The Straits Times Index was up 0.55% at 4,154.89 points at 2.45pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$882.07M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have embattled entertainment player mm2 Asia, as the group is seeking to delay a S$54 million bond repayment by six years to the end of December 2031. Elsewhere, from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company posting a better-than-expected 61 per cent jump in profit for the June quarter, to China pledging to rein in “irrational competition” in its electric vehicle (EV) sector – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. Plus – the ongoing saga between US President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. 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.

Markets are anything but predictable right now. Central banks are pulling in different directions, inflation’s uneven, and geopolitical risks are on the rise. So, how can investors protect their portfolios without sacrificing yield? Short-term interest rate strategies might just be the smart middle ground. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Angus Hui, Deputy CIO and Head of Fixed Income at Fullerton Fund Management, for a breakdown of why these flexible, liquid approaches are gaining attention and what it means for your investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synagie is an enterprise AI company focused on helping businesses adopt secure, compliant, and cost-effective AI solutions that go beyond the limitations of traditional single-LLM models. And they have created Geene, an intelligent AI platform that combines Generative AI, Blockchain, and Big Data to solve critical challenges like data privacy, regulatory compliance, AI hallucinations, and high operational costs. Geene features a multi-model engine, Geene-M2, which dynamically routes queries to the best-performing AI models for optimal results and cost savings. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Olive Tai, CEO & Co-Founder, Synagistics, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 5,500 flats will be offered in the July 2025 BTO launch, spanning a diverse range of locations, which include mature estates such as Bukit Merah, Clementi, and Toa Payoh, as well as emerging areas like Sembawang North and Simei. Around 1,400 flats in Clementi and Bukit Panjang have waiting times under three years, including Sembawang Beacon, Sembawang North’s first BTO project. This aligns with the year’s second Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise, pushing total 2025 SBF supply past 10,000 units amid high demand. What should we know about how location, waiting time, and affordability will shape application patterns? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director of Data Analytics, Huttons Asia, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as Asian markets traded mixed. The Straits Times Index was up 0.23% at 4,129.29 points at 1.08pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$700.73M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singapore Airlines. The group’s operating results released yesterday showed the national carrier and its low-cost arm Scoot reported a 4.5 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in June. Elsewhere, from a trade deal reached between Indonesia and the US, to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang calling China’s open-source artificial intelligence a “catalyst for global progress” as he addressed an expo in Beijing – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Too Jun Cheong, Dealing Manager from Moomoo Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asia’s startup scene is booming — but behind the buzz, a quiet challenge is testing investor confidence: governance. As global capital flows shift and regulations tighten, the question isn’t just about innovation anymore. It’s about trust, transparency, and how startups build the frameworks that investors demand. Why might governance just be the make-or-break factor for the region’s future? What do founders and investors need to get right to win in this fast-evolving landscape?On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jecky Pelaez, Partner for Investments, Legal & Compliance at Kickstart Ventures, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainability in tech often feels like just another buzzword. But what does real, long-term change look like in a world that replaces phones every two years? That’s the challenge Mahir Hamid and his team at Cinch are tackling. As Asia’s largest device-as-a-service platform, Cinch is rethinking how we use and reuse tech, working with brands like Samsung to offer phone subscriptions with perks like upgrades and damage protection. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Mahir Hamid, CEO and Co-founder, Cinch, to find out what it really means to build sustainable tech, Singapore’s growing e-waste issue, and why device ownership might be on the way out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Festival of Football about to explode in Singapore, Sports Minutes brings you two voices from Arsenal - new signing Christian Nørgaard and Riccardo Calafiori. From settling in to sailing out to Singapore, title ambitions and to pre-season expectations, the Gunners duo pull no punches. Will you be cheering them on at the Singapore Sports Hub on 23 & 27 July 2025? GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:https://premier.ticketek.com.sg/shows/show.aspx?sh=RSFOF6074 Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump announced a new wave of weapons for Ukraine and set a 50-day deadline for Russia to agree to a peace deal or face harsh secondary sanctions aimed at countries still buying Russian oil. The move marks a sharp turn from his earlier attempts at rapprochement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about whether this ultimatum could bring an end to the war or risk escalating it further. So what does this 50-day ultimatum really mean for the future of the war? Could it push Russia toward negotiations or risk provoking even greater escalation? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Markus Wagner, Professor of Law, University of Wollongong, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore share inched higher today as investors mull a slew of economic indicators out of China. The Straits Times Index was up 0.14% at 4,114.90 points at 12.58pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$566.25M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have BRC Asia, after the prefabricated steel reinforcement company secured around S$570 million worth of contracts for the Changi Airport Terminal 5 project, where it will supply steel reinforcement for the substructure of the upcoming terminal. Elsewhere, from China’s economy expanding more than five per cent in the second quarter of the year, to how Nvidia said it plans to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chip to China – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Thilan Wickramasinghe, Head of Equity Research, Maybank Securities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With markets on edge and capital harder to come by, private credit is stepping into the spotlight. Backed by real assets and designed for downside protection, IFSAM’s approach is giving investors a new way to tap into yield — while supporting businesses and gaining exposure to Singapore’s property market. But how exactly does this model balance risk and return? What does it mean for the future of investing in private credit? And how can investors best position themselves amid ongoing market uncertainty? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Charis Liau, Chief Investment Officer of IFS Asset Management (IFSAM), to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Becoming a new mother sparked a desire to create something meaningful - jewellery that captures not just beauty, but deeply personal memories. Using materials like breast milk, umbilical cords, and ashes alongside gold, platinum, and gemstones, Love Juno Gems offers custom pieces that serve as modern heirlooms. It’s about preserving identity and legacy in a way that feels both intimate and timeless. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Min Qi Yeo, Founder of Love Juno Gems, to find out how she’s building a modern heirloom jewellery brand with meaning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today even as investors continue to monitor incoming developments on the tariff front. The Straits Times Index was up 0.37% at 4,102.85 points at 12.58pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$597.06M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singapore Exchange, given the excitement surrounding NTT DC Reit’s IPO on the local bourse. The manager of NTT DC Reit (real estate investment trust) said the public tranche of its Singapore initial public offer was about 9.8 times oversubscribed. Elsewhere, from China’s exports rising more than expected in June, to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang set to hold a media briefing in Beijing on Wednesday – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. 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.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to nominate outspoken internet personality Nick Adams as the next ambassador to Malaysia has sparked both controversy and curiosity. Known for his fiery right-wing views, Adams’ appointment is raising fresh scrutiny over his diplomatic qualifications—and what this move signals about the future of US-Malaysia relations. While critics have voiced concern and disbelief, others speculate that Adams’ close alignment with Trump could offer strategic advantages. But what does this nomination really reveal about Trump’s foreign policy priorities? And how might Adams’ persona play out on the global stage, especially in a Muslim-majority country like Malaysia? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Shahriman Lockman, Director (Special Projects) at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Malaysia, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carbon capture is no longer just a climate play. It's an investment strategy. How should investors explore the rising momentum behind CCUS in Asia Pacific: the science, the funding, and the future? Can the region turn carbon into capital? And who’s betting big on this emerging frontier of clean tech? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sohini Chatterjee, Vice President, Low Carbon Research (CCUS), Rystad Energy, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skilio is a digital career accelerator that empowers Gen Z jobseekers in Southeast Asia to discover and secure cross-border work opportunities by showcasing who they truly are, beyond paper qualifications. For too long, talent has been measured by grades and certificates alone, but they believe people are far more than their report cards - it's their skills, experiences, and unique stories that shape how they work, what they value, and the impact they make. That’s why Skilio curates career programmes designed to help Gen Z build practical, in-demand skills, explore global career pathways, and connect with an international network of peers and employers. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Zhi Hui, Co-Founder, Skilio, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Helping businesses manage their customers more effectively and efficiently – that is the work of our guest for today, Salesforce. Founded in 1999, Salesforce pioneered a Software as a Service or SaaS model by bringing Customer Relationship Management or CRM software to the cloud. You might have heard of the term CRM for quite some time, but while CRM might seem like a buzzword that came about towards the end of the twentieth century, the concept is fairly easy to understand, and has been practised for thousands of years by traders. To a company selling goods or services, CRM basically means keeping a record of a customer’s profile and transaction history, and analysing that information to help it better sell to the customer again. Take for instance, how you might receive a voucher in your email inbox during your birthday month to buy your favourite cake from the neighbourhood grocery store. But these days, Customer Relationship Management goes beyond just promotions, it includes managing a firm’s internal resources against demand, its marketing and channel strategies, its data storage processes, its customer service platforms and even more. Salesforce’s software is enabling over 150,000 companies, including notable names like FairPrice Group, Panasonic, Schneider Electric and Singapore Airlines to do all of that. The firm is also helping its customers around the world deploy its digital labour platform Agentforce. Companies can use Agentforce to build and deploy autonomous agents that can reason, decide, act and drive meaningful outcomes 24/7 – think service agents, sales development representatives, sales coaches and marketing campaign assistants. So what should we know about Salesforce’s Agentforce platform and how will the solution augment its growth trajectory right here in ASEAN? Meanwhile, Salesforce had in March 2025 pledged to invest over US$1 billion in Singapore over 5 years – but what was the rationale behind the move and how far is Singapore a bright spot for the firm? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Sujith Abraham, Senior Vice President and General Manager, ASEAN, Salesforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore government has raised the Seller’s Stamp Duty holding period from three to four years for private homes, aiming to cool speculation and curb sub-sales. Supporters say it deters flipping and promotes long-term ownership. Critics argue it could choke market liquidity, tighten supply, and drive prices even higher. But will this move stabilise the market — or squeeze supply and drive prices up? On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer, MOGUL SG and Stanley Wong, Senior Associate District Director, Propnex to find out whether the revised 4-year SSD holding period inflates or stabilises Singapore’s property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares moved higher today even as traders continue to mull news on the global trade front. The Straits Times Index was up 0.42% at 4,092.74 points at about 2.38pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$878.99M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singtel, because the local telecommunications giant’s technology services arm, NCS, will invest S$130 million over the next three years to further its artificial intelligence (AI) development across the Asia-Pacific. Elsewhere, from the S&P 500 index and the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite hitting fresh peaks despite Trump’s latest tariff salvo, to academics, including an adviser to the People’s Bank of China urging the country to add as much as 1.5 trillion yuan (S$268 billion) in fresh stimulus to boost consumer spending and maintain currency flexibility to counter US tariffs’ drag on growth – more international headlines remain 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.

The US dollar has long ruled the global financial stage, but that reign is now facing fresh challenges. Rising geopolitical tensions, shifting economic powers, and breakthroughs in financial technology are sparking a quiet yet powerful move away from dollar dominance. With countries and institutions eyeing alternatives like the euro, yuan, and digital currencies, the big question looms: How deep is this shift, and what does it mean for markets and investors worldwide? Is this the beginning of the end for the dollar’s supremacy, or just a new chapter in a familiar story? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gautam Chadda, Head of Strategic Advisory (Asia) at RBC Wealth Management, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many mid-career professionals or civil servants stepping into digital learning environments, the pressure can feel overwhelming. That emotional weight is exactly what Johnson Ong is helping people unpack. He’s the Founder and Chief Happiness Coach at Living Better, a Singapore-based company that weaves emotional wellbeing and resilience coaching directly into workforce training. Johnson works closely with adult learners, many of whom are stepping into tech for the first time, to rebuild their confidence and help them feel capable again. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Johnson Ong, Founder and Chief Happiness Coach at Living Better, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweeping changes are coming to the Singapore Premier League - from a spike in foreign player quotas to the launch of a new reserve league. As Forrest Li begins his FAS presidency, we ask: are these reforms a bold leap forward or a risky gamble for local football? READ MORE: FAS introduces enhancements to SPL, with increase in prize money and foreign player quotaFAS introduces enhancements to SPL, with increase in prize money and foreign player quotaGot a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the coming decade, six golf courses across the island are set to close, making way for housing and urban redevelopment. That includes Mandai Executive Golf Course — the country’s only public 9-hole facility — which will shut its gates by the end of 2026. In its place? New residential projects and an Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre. Supporters say this is a necessary trade-off in a land-scarce city where housing needs are growing. Critics argue it marks the slow erosion of public access to a sport already seen as elite and exclusive. So what does this shrinking golf footprint mean for Singapore’s urban priorities, sporting future, and socio-economic landscape? Is this a long-overdue reset — or the loss of a shared public good? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Nicholas Fang, Managing Director of sports consultancy Novastella, former Nominated Member of Parliament and former national athlete, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to digest more developments on the global trade front. The Straits Times Index was up 0.41% at 4,074.48 points at 12.01pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$564.51M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have DBS, Singtel and ST Engineering, given how the Singapore bank, telecommunications giant and defence technology company were among the top performers in Temasek’s Singapore-based portfolio companies in the past year. Elsewhere, from Nvidia’s brief rise to a world-record US$4 trillion valuation, the latest US Federal Reserve meeting minutes suggesting rate cuts later in the year – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. Also on deck – US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff salvo on Brazilian imports. 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.

It was supposed to be a routine confirmation hearing — but what unfolded on Capitol Hill was anything but. Dr. Anjani Sinha, President Trump’s nominee to be the next US Ambassador to Singapore, faced a grilling that exposed not just gaps in preparation, but deeper questions about competence, credibility, and the cost of political loyalty. From fumbling trade figures to blank stares on ASEAN policy, the hearing left senators — and observers — stunned. So the question now is: Was this just a bad performance, or a symptom of something much bigger in America’s diplomatic playbook? What happens now to Dr Sinha? Does he still have a chance to be confirmed as the next ambassador to Singapore? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alternative investments are undergoing a major transformation in 2025. New technologies like blockchain are enabling tokenization of real-world assets, while AI is reshaping how deals are sourced and managed. Private credit continues to grow as investors seek yield beyond traditional markets, and impact investing is moving toward deeper, measurable outcomes. Combined with changing regulations and increasing retail participation, these shifts are redefining how investors approach alternatives. What opportunities and challenges lie ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape?On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gerald Gan, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Reed Capital Partners, to find out what the top themes are to watch in the alt space this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industries change, job security vanishes, and for many mid-career professionals in Singapore, the pressure to reskill is real. But switching into cybersecurity? That’s a whole different beast. It’s technical, fast-moving, and often feels out of reach for those without an IT background. That’s exactly why the Centre for Cybersecurity Institute was started by a team who’ve been there. As Singapore continues to invest in digital capabilities and cybersecurity talent, CFCI represents a different kind of training provider, one that’s less focused on tech buzzwords and more focused on people. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with James Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Centre for Cybersecurity Institute, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as investors mull new tariff threats by US President Donald Trump. The Straits Times Index was up 0.23% at 4,056.99 points at 11.31am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$490.29M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have OCBC and Great Eastern, given how the insurer will resume trading after a vote for it to be delisted fell through at its extraordinary general meeting yesterday. Elsewhere, from Trump’s latest comments to impose a 50 per cent tariff on imported copper, to China’s producer deflation deepening to its worst level in almost two years in June – more international headlines remain in focus. 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.

No more extensions — that’s Trump’s latest ultimatum on tariffs. With just weeks to go until August 1, countries that haven’t made a deal face steep penalties. But the extension, paired with Trump signaling that he was still negotiating additional deals, has fueled speculation among some in Washington and on Wall Street that the president would not follow through on his latest tariff threats. Is this tough talk real power or political posturing? Will Trump stand firm or change course again? And how are nations reacting to this high-stakes deadline? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow with the US Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, for a deeper analysis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As companies rethink the role of the office, investors are being forced to reassess what makes real estate truly valuable. Knight Frank’s latest (Y)OUR SPACE report reveals a market in flux, where flexibility, sustainability, and workplace experience are driving decisions. But with corporate uncertainty still looming, is the office market ready for a reinvention or just a reset? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Lee Elliott, Head of Global Occupier Research, Knight Frank, to find out more about the key findings of the report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collektr is Asia’s premier livestreaming marketplace dedicated to collectible enthusiasts. Built for collectors who demand authenticity and security, Collektr offers a seamless platform to buy, sell, and trade verified collectibles across diverse categories. More than a marketplace, Collektr is a vibrant community where passionate collectors connect, share knowledge, and bid in real-time, ensuring every transaction is as thrilling as the treasures they pursue. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Adlin Yusman, Founder & CEO, Collektr, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is the time of the year where Singapore’s state investor Temasek releases its latest financial performance. Founded in 1974, Temasek is a global investment company whose purpose is to make a difference for today’s and future generations “So Every Generation Prospers”. With a global network of 13 offices in 9 countries around the world, the Singapore headquartered firm seeks to build a resilient and forward-looking portfolio that will deliver sustainable returns over the long term. Speaking of portfolio and returns, Temasek reported a Net Portfolio Value (or NPV) of S$434 billion for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, up S$45 billion from a year ago. On a mark to market basis, Temasek said its net portfolio value would stand at S$469 billion, reflecting a value uplift of S$35 billion from its unlisted portfolio. The firm largely attributed the increase in portfolio value to the strong performance of listed Singapore-based Temasek Portfolio Companies and direct investments in China, the US and India. Meanwhile, the state investor’s 20-year and 10-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) remained resilient, at 7% and 5% respectively. But how would Temasek assess its latest performance given an uncertain macroeconomic environment, complicated by heightened trade and geopolitical tensions? Covering the annual release for the fourth time, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to Temasek’s office in this “On the Go” Special episode of Under the Radar, where she spoke with Png Chin Yee, Chief Financial Officer, Temasek.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development has released its Family Trends Report 2025, offering a deep dive into how families are evolving — and what that might mean for the nation’s future. While two-child households remain the norm, there’s a noticeable uptick in one-child families and a growing number of women reaching their 40s without children. At the same time, policies like paternity leave and childcare support have gained traction, and more parents are tapping into flexible work arrangements. But beyond the numbers lies a bigger question: What do these shifts mean for Singapore’s long-term population outlook? Are we simply seeing changing preferences, or are we headed for deeper demographic challenges — from low fertility to an ageing society? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Tan Poh Lin, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to mull uncertainties relating to global trade. The Straits Times Index was up 0.48% at 4,051.30 points at 2.30pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$956.01M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singapore Airlines. The national carrier said yesterday that its proposed joint venture with Malaysia Airlines received conditional approval from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore. Elsewhere, from how investors are reacting to US President Donald Trump’s tariff letters to 14 countries, to movements in the Australian dollar after the Reserve Bank of Australia held its cash rate in a surprise move – more international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kelvin Wong, Senior Analyst, OANDA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global uncertainty grows and fears of political and financial instability mount, the ultra-rich aren’t just watching markets — they’re moving their money into vaults. And one unlikely hotspot is emerging as a global gold haven: Singapore. Behind the doors of a sleek, heavily guarded facility near Changi Airport, billions in gold bars are quietly being stored — shipped in by investors looking for safety, control, and distance from risk. So what’s driving the world’s wealthiest to park their gold in the Lion City? And what does it say about the future of wealth protection? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gregor Gregersen, Founder, Silver Bullion Group, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blitz Electric Mobility is Southeast Asia’s leading instant and same-day delivery provider, powered entirely by electric vehicles. With a fleet of over 3,000 EV couriers and advanced AI-driven logistics, Blitz has completed more than 11 million deliveries while reducing over 18 million kg of CO₂ emissions. Trusted by 50+ enterprise clients across multiple industries, Blitz delivers ultra-fast, sustainable logistics solutions that help businesses move smarter, greener, and faster than ever. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Saivya Chauhan, Founder & CEO, Blitz Electric Mobility, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today even as tariff worries returned to the fore this week. The Straits Times Index was up 0.25% at 4,023.71 points at about 2.17pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$654.40M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Del Monte Pacific, after the group said today that it is expecting a capital deficit on its balance sheet from write-offs in relation to its US subsidiary Del Monte Foods. Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump is set to send his first tariff letters to trading partners overnight, to oil prices slipping more than 1 per cent today after Opec+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August – more international headlines remained in focus. 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.

Starting April 2026, adult educators who wish to conduct SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)-supported courses will face new requirements. They’ll need to register officially, complete at least 40 hours of continuing professional development, and clock 80 hours of practice every two years to remain certified. This shift moves beyond the current one-off certification system, aiming to raise the quality of adult education, keep trainers up to date with industry developments, and open new pathways for experienced professionals from fields like law and healthcare to step in as educators. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ives Tay, Specialist Adult Educator and Independent Workforce Development Consultant, to unpack the latest changes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a move that could accelerate digital asset adoption, Singapore’s Monetary Authority has issued landmark guidance allowing crypto holdings to be officially verified as part of wealth assessments. This marks a major shift—especially for family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who’ve long faced hurdles integrating crypto into traditional financial frameworks. How will this reshape private wealth management, and why this may be the clearest signal yet that crypto is entering the financial mainstream? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAYGAP ASIA is a digital platform dedicated to salary transparency and empowering individuals to understand their true earning potential. Founded as MalaysianPAYGAP in 2022, the movement began with a rebellious spirit to break the taboo surrounding salary discussions. In 2024, MalaysianPAYGAP evolved into PAYGAP ASIA, expanding its mission across the region - through its new online platform, PAYGAP ASIA offers a safe, anonymous space for people to share salary information, gain insights into fair compensation, and advocate for workplace transparency and equity. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Prestine Davekhaw, Founder, PAYGAP, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the recent NTU case, where students were penalised for using AI in their assignments, the question takes centre stage: embrace the tech — or ban it outright? As AI tools like ChatGPT become part of everyday student life, universities are facing a defining dilemma; is AI a threat to genuine learning, or a tool students must master to be future-ready?Are universities overreacting, or falling behind in safeguarding the value of a degree? On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Andrew Tan Yong Chuan, Co-founder of Atomi Pte Ltd. and Damien Xing, Senior Lecturer in Law at the National University of Singapore Business School, in order to find out whether a zero tolerance policy for AI is needed for the future of academia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.