MONEY FM 89.3 - The Breakfast Huddle with Elliott Danker, Manisha Tank and Finance Presenter Ryan Huang

Are you burnt out? Does it mean you should change companies or switch careers even? It all depends on your individual situation, and this is why investigation how you truly feel is important. Are you overworked, or just staying in a job that isn't aligned with your long-term goals? Emaad, Ryan and Audrey share what the experts are saying. Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Sean Cheong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From AI-powered shopping agents to instant payments and embedded finance, commerce is evolving faster than many businesses realise. On Mind Your Business, the Breakfast Show speaks with Krishnaraj Tantri, Senior Vice President, South and SEA, Global Payments, to break down the six forces redefining how consumers pay, spend and interact with businesses across Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s workforce is entering 2026 with a striking disconnect: while most workers believe happiness at work is possible, only 56% say they actually feel happy, placing Singapore among the lowest in the region. Esther Lee, Managing Director, Singapore, Jobstreet by SEEK unpacks new findings that point to burnout, limited career progression and uneven access to purpose and recognition as key pressure points, even as pay is increasingly viewed as a baseline rather than a differentiator. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. markets rebounded sharply as fears of AI-driven disruption eased, lifting the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow in a broad relief rally. A blockbuster multiyear partnership between Advanced Micro Devices and Meta Platforms — including up to 6 gigawatts of GPUs and a potential 160 million-share warrant — reignited the AI capex narrative and raised fresh questions about competition with Nvidia. Meanwhile, software names like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and DocuSign bounced as investors reconsider whether AI is a threat or a tailwind. Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, Carson Group breaks down whether this is just a relief rally, what it means for the AI arms race, and how global tariffs and industrial names like John Deere fit into the bigger macro picture. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang Image: Geralt via PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Winter Olympics 2026 are in full swing - and that means our favourite winter sports are back in the spotlight! Now, curling may not be as popular as the likes of snowboarding, figure skating, or freestyle skiing, but it's idiosyncracies may pique your interest! Emaad, Ryan and Audrey dive into the basic rules and some fun facts on Curling is Cool Day! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Dan Koh Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s retail sector is facing intensifying pressure. While nearly 90% of registered retail entities are locally owned, the rapid expansion of Chinese brands across F&B, fashion, beauty and lifestyle has sharpened competition in malls and prime retail spaces. But beyond brand visibility, the real strain lies in a cost environment and competitive model that increasingly rewards scale, speed and capital strength. Dr Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, joins the Breakfast Show to examine whether this moment marks a passing competitive wave or a longer-term reset of Singapore’s retail landscape, and what it will take for local SMEs to stay resilient in a market that is evolving faster than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US stocks slid sharply as AI disruption fears and renewed tariff tensions under President Donald Trump rattled sentiment, pushing the S&P 500 back into negative territory for 2026. Heavyweights like IBM, Microsoft and CrowdStrike led the decline amid fresh competition from Anthropic. Fabien Yip, Market Analyst, IG breaks down the Supreme Court tariff implications, the close of US Q4 earnings with focus on Nvidia, and more. Image: Alexandra_Koch from PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Min, Travel Trends & Destinations Expert, Skyscanner shares the biggest hurdles Singaporeans face when planning their overseas vacations, the most popular cheap destinations for 2026, how travellers can maximize value on short trips, and whether there really is a cheapest day to fly. Produced & Presented by: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Breakfast Bites, we’re tackling one of modern parenting’s trickiest debates. If your child has a smartphone, do you have the right to check it?Is that responsible parenting, or a serious invasion of privacy?Audrey, Ryan and Emaad dive into safety versus trust in the age of smartphones. Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang & Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs power Singapore’s economy, but rising costs, intense competition and talent pressures are making survival tougher than ever. With people often the biggest expense line, is HR still being treated as back-office admin instead of a strategic function? We speak with Stephanie Chua, Founder of Vault Personnel, about whether HR has evolved fast enough to meet the realities facing SMEs today, and why getting it wrong can be costly. Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang & Emaad Akhtar Edited by Sean Cheong Photo credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets are navigating fresh uncertainty after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down former President Trump’s emergency tariff powers, while oil prices swing on U.S.-Iran tensions and AI-fueled tech stocks brace for Nvidia’s earnings. We speak with Vasu Menon, Managing Director, Investment Strategy, OCBC Bank about what this means for investors in Asia, market volatility ahead, and whether the AI trade still has room to run. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You don’t need a long rest to reset, studies on micro-breaks show that even pauses under five minutes can lift your mood, restore attention and reduce mental fatigue. So, a simple three-minute pause gives your brain just enough space to detach and let its “reset networks” switch on, so you return sharper than before. This episode explores why these “micro-resets” work and how to fit them naturally into a busy day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entrepreneurship is often framed as speed, scale and venture capital. But what if longevity is the real advantage? The Breakfast Show invites Joanna Teo, Managing Director of Attribute Data, to share her journey from bootstrapping a profitable data agency to building a self-funded product startup, and what sustainable entrepreneurship really looks like in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 has added nuance to Singapore’s sustainability journey. While the country remains committed to its long-term net-zero ambitions, the tone around carbon pricing appears more measured, reflecting a global environment where climate momentum has become less uniform and economic pressures more pronounced. Beyond the carbon tax, the Government continues to push ahead with solar expansion, regional electricity imports and the exploration of emerging low-carbon energy sources. So how should businesses interpret this mix of pragmatism and ambition? Kum Mun Lock, Vice President of Strategic Client Success at Univers joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what Budget 2026 signals for corporate sustainability strategies and long-term investment decisions. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. stocks pulled back, leaving the S&P 500 hovering near flat for the year as investors rotated out of financials and kept a close eye on simmering tensions between the United States and Iran. Steve Sosnick, Chief Strategist, Interactive Brokers examines mixed corporate signals from Walmart and Deere & Company, and what they reveal about the consumer and cyclical outlook. With the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index expected to edge higher, we ask whether inflation is stalling — and if markets are too optimistic on rate cuts. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates have plateaued, long yields are easing, and capital is slowly returning to property markets. But is 2026 a true recovery year for real estate, or just selective strength? Dan Koh sits down with Vijay Natarajan, Vice President, Real Estate & REITs, Equity Research, RHB Singapore to unpack the rate impact on property valuations, segment divergence across real estate, and the investment case behind co-living operator Coliwoo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Startups may dominate headlines, but SMEs remain the backbone of Singapore’s economy. So why are so many struggling to scale or survive beyond the founder? On this episode of Mind Your Business, the Breakfast Show speaks with Daniel Charles, Founder & CEO of Sum Capital Partners, about acquiring and modernising traditional businesses, building shared systems across SMEs, and using AI as a strategic advantage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New York Times is back in focus after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a roughly 3% stake in the media company. Shares jumped following the news, adding to a strong 12-month rally driven by digital subscription and advertising growth. Dan Koh and Audrey Siek break down why Warren Buffett’s move matters, how NYT’s business has transformed, and what investors should watch next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under Budget 2026, Singapore will raise the qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass holders from 2027, alongside lifting the local qualifying salary and adjusting selected work permit levies. The changes are phased in, but they form part of a continued calibration of the foreign workforce framework. So, how might firms adjust their workforce mix? And what should businesses be reviewing now as the changes take effect from 2027? Jod Gill, Partner, Deloitte SG Tax Services, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what the Budget 2026 measures mean for employers on the ground. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the spirit of Budget 2026, we put your global knowledge to the test with a fun, fast-paced quiz on government grants and support schemes around the world! From Singapore’s hawker subsidies to generous maternity leave in Bulgaria, how well do you really know where the money goes? Play along and see if you can ace this global “goodies” edition of Breakfast Quiz. Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang & Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 sets aside $50 million for a new SG Partnerships Fund to back ground-up community projects as part of a broader push to strengthen social bonds and build what Prime Minister Lawrence Wong calls a “we first” society. Corporate volunteer and donation tax incentives have also been extended to 2029, signalling a continued effort to encourage businesses to play a larger role in social impact. But will funding and tax deductions be enough to shift behaviour? According to the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s latest study, only 14% of companies in Singapore engage in corporate volunteering, with leadership interest cited as the biggest barrier. Megan Fernandes, Head of Community Investment, Prudential Singapore joins the Breakfast Show to examine whether Budget 2026’s measures can translate intent into sustained action and what it will take for businesses to step up. For more Budget 2026 insights: https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been in a situation where a less experienced colleague has been promoted ahead of you? How did you react? Emaad, Ryan and Audrey share expert tips on good practices to follow in such instances, including shifting the narrative from "why not me" to "what would it take." Have a listen! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Dan Koh Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Abella, Director of Investments, GoalVest breaks down the latest moves in the U.S. stock market. The S&P 500 climbed on tech gains while the equal-weight index outperformed signaling a shift in leadership. We explore where smart money is rotating in technology, how AI is driving capital expenditures and which sectors could benefit. David also shares insights on earnings trends market valuations and potential triggers for volatility along with strategies for dividends international markets and hedges like gold. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang Image: Frank Rietsch from PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s prime residential market is tipped to return to growth after a weak 2025, but is this the start of a sustained recovery or just a modest bounce? We speak with Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy, Savills Singapore about who’s buying, how cooling measures like ABSD are shaping demand, and the key risks high-end buyers should watch in 2026. Produced and presented by Audrey SiekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Satay Sauce and Salted Egg Cereal chocolate bars to curated craft sake, Fossa Chocolate has built one of Singapore’s most distinctive premium food brands. But behind the bold flavours lies serious operational strategy. The Breakfast Show speaks with co-founder Yilina Leong about building craft with commercial intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ferrari beat expectations in its latest earnings and lifted sentiment with a confident 2026 forecast, supported by new model launches and a strong order book. Dan Koh and Ryan Huang break down the key numbers, why the market reacted positively, and what investors should watch as Ferrari prepares to unveil its first fully electric model in May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oriano Lizza from CMC Markets Singapore unpacks the AI scare trade and which industries could face the biggest disruption, previewing major global earnings from Alibaba, Walmart and Berkshire Hathaway, and examining recent movers in the Singapore stock market following the Budget statement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With every Singapore household set to receive another $500 in CDC vouchers next January, how should you use yours? As we unpack Budget 2026, we go beyond supermarket runs and hawker favourites to explore Michelin Bib dining spots, hobby finds at Bras Basah, and even how you can donate your unused vouchers to charity. Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang & Emaad Akhtar Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever wished your boss understood what you need, you’re not alone. Managing up is really about clearer communication, not manipulation. This episode shows how small habits like clarifying expectations and pre-empting updates can make work smoother for both you and your manager.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hermès reported full-year 2025 revenue of €16 billion, beating expectations with resilient growth in leather goods and strong performance in the Americas and Japan. While net profit dipped slightly due to a one-off French surtax, underlying earnings and margins remained robust. Dan Koh and Audrey Siek break down the numbers, why Hermès continues to outperform peers, and what investors should watch in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kettle Gourmet started as a gourmet popcorn brand. Today, it operates 11 snack brands and exports across Asia. On Mind Your Business, the Breakfast Show invites Zac Chua, Founder, The Kettle Gourmet to share how owning production lines, avoiding retail, and focusing on regional distribution transformed his company into a scalable consumer business built for long-term profitability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 sets out a mix of adjustments and incentives that may shape the operating environment for Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises going forward. From changes to foreign manpower qualifying salaries to measures aimed at supporting internationalisation and business transformation, the signals are clear but the impact may not be uniform across sectors. So how should SMEs interpret this year’s Budget? Where might cost pressures be most keenly felt, and how might firms respond as policy shifts take effect over the next two years? Chor Khieng Yuit, Senior Business Correspondent, The Straits Times joins the Breakfast Show to share her insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Breakfast Quiz is all about Friday the 13th! Featuring historical origins, pop culture, presidents and more! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street tumbled as investors shifted from cheering AI’s promise to fearing its disruption, with the Dow plunging 670 points and tech and software stocks extending steep losses. From financials to freight and real estate, concerns over job losses and squeezed profit margins rattled sentiment, even as some strategists argue the selloff may be overdone. Brenda Vingiello, Chief Investment Officer, Sand Hill Global Advisors unpack the volatility, defensive rotation into staples, and what the upcoming inflation data could mean for markets next. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang Image: Frank Rietsch from PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of Singapore’s latest Budget, attention is turning to what the measures will mean where it matters on the ground for small and medium-sized enterprises. From cost pressures and manpower constraints to AI adoption and overseas expansion, are businesses feeling reassured… or still wary about the road ahead? We take the pulse of SME sentiment with: Chen Ze Ling, Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking at DBS Eric Sim, Founder of Institute of Life Toh Ting Feng, CEO and Co-Founder of GetGo Join the Breakfast Show as we unpack early reactions to the Budget, explore how AI is reshaping business models, and explore why more SMEs are eyeing overseas expansion in 2026. For more Budget 2026 insights:https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 was delivered yesterday against a backdrop of moderating growth and rising global uncertainty. The speech spanned business tax rebates, enhanced overseas expansion support, labour market adjustments, artificial intelligence initiatives, capital market funding, and more calibrated household support. This episode of Morning Shot breaks down what stood out from the announcements, from the signal being sent to Singapore firms, to the shift in tone around household relief, and the structural bets on AI and capital markets. As businesses and households begin digesting the measures, we also look ahead to what matters most in the months to come. The Breakfast Show is joined by Ovais Subhani, Senior Business Correspondent at The Straits Times. For more Budget 2026 insights:https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The STI has just crossed 5,000 for the first time, and Budget 2026 may be adding fresh fuel to the rally. From a S$1.5 billion boost to deepen equity participation, to a new National AI Council and fresh consumer support, the policy signals are clear. Dan Koh speaks with Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence to break down the real winners, the overlooked sectors, and whether Singapore stocks can sustain their record run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheng Siong is back in focus after OCBC downgraded the supermarket operator to “hold”, citing stretched valuations following a strong 2025 rally. Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar examine whether fundamentals justify the premium pricing, how Budget 2026’s CDC vouchers could help stabilise demand, and what investors should monitor next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Emaad, Ryan and Audrey share some of the greatest female inventions across history! Think paper coffee filters, the foot-pedal trashcan, disposable diapers and frozen pizza! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s industrial sector may not make splashy headlines, but it powers everything from semiconductors to AI infrastructure. Despite global trade tensions and rising supply, the market has held firm in 2025 — so how durable is that resilience? We speak with Dr Chua Yang Liang, Head of Research & Consultancy for Southeast Asia at JLL about where the real opportunities and risks lie, and what to watch as Budget 2026 approaches. Produced and presented by Audrey SiekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As fewer young people enter the hawker trade, some are finding new meaning in old paths. On Mind Your Business, the Breakfast Show speaks with Reuben Koh, Founder of The Reverie, about modernising a hawker business, balancing passion with practicality, and what small food operators need to survive and grow in Singapore today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CapitaLand Investment reported a sharp 70% drop in full-year net profit after significant revaluation losses from its China portfolio weighed on earnings. While headline results disappointed, operating profit and fee income remained resilient as the group continues shifting toward an asset-light, recurring revenue model. Dan Koh and Ryan Huang unpack what drove the weakness, how the dividend held up, and what investors should watch next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.