Get a head start to your day with The Breakfast Huddle from 6am to 9am. Listen to insightful discussions as Elliott Danker and Manisha Tank deep dive into the stories and issues that matter the most to you. Together with Ryan Huang, be kept apprised of the markets and the companies to watch.
It's World Emoji Day! Our cute little friends have emerged as wonderful companions for the human race in the realm of digital communications. So much so that we probably can't imagine having a WhatsApp conversation without them! Emaad, Ryan and Audrey dive into the origin and meaning of emojis, how they're created and approved, and the three most used ones! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo credit: Unsplash & its talented community of contributors Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Innovation and personalisation are now reshaping the luxury travel space. New, reimagined experiences are key for a new generation of high-net-worth shoppers and travellers. Tony Archbold, Vice President of Sales for Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises in Asia, tells us how iconic brands can reinvent themselves and expand into diverse markets across Asia-Pacific. Produced, edited and presented by Audrey Siek See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Once known simply as Singapore’s go-to cab company, ComfortDelGro is rewriting its story—one autonomous shuttle at a time. Picture a veteran driver boarding his vehicle—not to drive, but to monitor an autonomous shuttle. This is ComfortDelGro’s new reality. From taxis to robotaxis, the company is transforming under the radar. Join Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar as they unpack the remarkable transformation of one of Asia’s largest land transport giants, and what it all means for investors eyeing the future of transport.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Phil Orlando, Chief Equity Market Strategist, Federated Hermes discusses why investors are better placed to look for a pull back before entering into new positions, as storm clouds on the horizon present the potential to induce some modest profit-taking among investors. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dorian Carrell, Head of Multi Asset Income at Schroders discusses why investors need to rethink the traditional 60/40 portfolio allocation between equities and fixed income. He also shares why concentrated exposure to US assets may be riskier than many global investors assume. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Breaches aren’t just hitting companies — they’re hitting everyone connected to them. We’re seeing more attacks come through third parties, vendors, and service providers. So what now? Kavitha Mariappan, Chief Transformation Officer, Rubrik joins the Breakfast Show to discuss how AI is changing the cyber game, why supply chains are under siege, and how businesses can stay resilient and one step ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This may be a little 'morbid' to ask, but when’s the last time you thought about writing your will? Have you written one? If you're in good health and in your 30s or 40s - it’s easy to put this off. Plus, talking about death can feel a little taboo. But if you have ageing parents, kids, or even just a growing pile of savings and investments —it’s never too early to think about who handles our money after we’re gone. Audrey, Ryan and Emaad discuss whether they've thought about it, and basic steps on how to get started today. Presented by Audrey Siek, Ryan Huang and 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.
Randstad’s 2025 Singapore survey shows nearly 9 in 10 employees believe a sense of community helps them perform better, and lack of appreciation ranks among the top three reasons staff feel discouraged across all age groups. Yet many workplaces still struggle to build cultures where people feel recognised. This segment will explore why appreciation often falls through the cracks, how it ties into the pillars that drive belonging at work, and what leaders can do to personalise recognition to keep their teams engaged and loyal in a high-stress job market. Jasmine Liew, CEO of Breakthrough Catalyst and the Premier Partner of Appreciation at Work, shares her thoughts on the Breakfast Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kraft Heinz might be breaking up with its grocery aisle staples — but is it really about health, wealth, or just bad taste? In a twist that has Wall Street raising eyebrows, the food giant is reportedly cooking up a $20 billion corporate split! But will this move spice up shareholder value, or just further complicate an already sticky legacy? Join Dan Koh and Ryan Huang as they connect the dots between changing consumer demand, investor pressure, and the growing realization that maybe not all mergers age like fine ketchup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sevasti Balafas, CEO, Goalvest, discusses the market's resilience in the face of recent tariff announcements; why the AI theme and dominance remains intact in the US; expectations for the upcoming June CPI report; and why Q2 earnings growth is expected to come in lower than Q1. Produced/Presented: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Breakfast Bites "commonly mispronounced" series continues, and today we explore the realm of medical terms and conditions. Emaad and Audrey walk you through how to correctly pronounce some of them, which can sound quite different to how they look on paper! Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo credit: Pexels & its talented community of contributors Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Extreme weather events are reshaping the way people think about travel. On the Bigger Picture, Abhishek Bhati, Pro Vice-Chancellor & CEO, University of Newcastle in Singapore and Vice-President, International Tourism Studies Association discusses evolving traveller trends / behaviours, including whether 'climate migration tourism' may become mainstream; the viability of Singapore as a tourism hub given rising temperatures; how tourism businesses are adapting; and the potential impact on travel insurance premiums. Produced & Presented by: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The way we hire and work is changing — fast. In a world where talent gaps need to be filled instantly and flexibility is no longer a perk but an expectation, businesses are rethinking everything they know about employment. The Breakfast Show invites Julian Tan, Founder and CEO of FastCo to discuss how his platform is enabling companies to stay agile while empowering a new generation of independent workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HYBE, the company behind BTS, is riding high as all seven members are back from military service—fueling hype for a long-awaited full-group comeback and sending the stock soaring. But behind the scenes, serious trouble is brewing. Regulators in South Korea are investigating HYBE’s 2020 IPO, with allegations that founder Bang Si-hyuk may have hidden hundreds of billions of won in profits. Join Dan Koh and Audrey Siek as they break down how BTS’ comeback is shaping HYBE’s market value, and what investors, fans, and the industry should be watching next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Companies are rushing to adopt AI—but many are forgetting one thing: their people. So as the pressure to adopt AI grows, the question remains - is it up to companies or individuals to stay relevant? Ryan Meyer, Managing Director of APAC at General Assembly joins the Breakfast Show to discuss the hidden risks of ignoring workforce development, and how smart companies are preparing their teams for what’s next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore’s economy just delivered a 4.3% year-on-year growth in Q2, beating expectations and brushing off recession fears. But what’s really behind the numbers? And can the momentum continue into the second half of the year? Dan Koh chats with Selena Ling, Chief economist & Head, Global Markets Research & Strategy, OCBC to unpack the latest GDP figures, break down the key growth drivers, and explore what this means for businesses, investors, and policy decisions in the months ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever taken a sick day, and then got a surprise call from your boss just checking if you’re really at home resting? Or maybe you’re expected to do lots of work after you’ve clocked out for the day. This is something that was addressed on AskST on the Straits Times. What can you do when your boss crosses the line with intrusive demands? And how do you even tell when a request is fair game… or is it over the top? Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced and edited by Audrey Siek Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore dividend lovers, here's something to cheer about! The Singapore REIT scene just got a new heavyweight contender — NTT DC REIT, backed by global telecom giant NTT Ltd., is making its trading debut on the SGX. With a projected 7.5% yield and exposure to high-demand data centres across the US, Europe, and Singapore, this IPO is turning heads among dividend hunters and tech-savvy investors alike. But does the yield hold up long-term? And how does it stack against data centre REIT darlings like Keppel DC REIT? Find out with Dan Koh and Ryan Huang as they find out if this should be the next big thing in your portfolio!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With shifting global headwinds, sector rotations, and emerging investor priorities, what does the outlook hold for listings on the SGX? Ronald Tan, Senior Vice President, Equity Capital Market, Global Sales & Origination, SGX discusses what’s driving activity on the exchange, where global interest is coming from, and how REITs—especially milestone listings like NTT DC REIT—are shaping Singapore’s position as a preferred listing destination. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's World Population Day! Today's Breakfast Quiz will surely test how knowledgable you are in the realm of geography! Try your luck! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gina Martin Adams, Chief Equity Strategist & Global Director of Equity Strategy, Bloomberg discusses why we could see the upcoming earnings season beat expectations. She also shares why investors need to look out for concentration risks in their portfolios. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He once protected world leaders as an elite bodyguard. But when life fell apart, Athanasius Pang found healing in the water. Today, he teaches babies to swim—and builds resilience from their very first breath. The Breakfast Show invites Athanasius Pang, Founder, Dip Swim to find out how he turned rock bottom into a ripple effect of impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alex Morris, CEO, F/m Investments discusses why momentum does not always equate to optimism, and why investors should not try to buy on the dips in the current market. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, few traditions are as enduring—or as endangered—as bespoke tailoring. For decades, Meiko Tailor in Singapore has quietly upheld that craft, led by Master Tailor Chung Chi Kwong. But times are changing. Now, his daughter, Adele Chung, is stepping into the spotlight—bringing fresh vision to a business stitched in tradition. The Breakfast Show invites Adele Chung, Bespoke Designer of Meiko Tailor and Founder of Uncommon Hem by Meiko Tailor to discuss what it’s like to grow up surrounded by scissors and suits, and how she’s balancing heritage with innovation as a second-generation leader in a male-dominated industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we say "Mandai", chances are you think of the Singapore Zoo and its decades-long commitment to conservation. But today, that mission is leaping beyond the zoo gates — through Mandai X. That is the Mandai Wildlife Group’s new growth and impact accelerator, and in partnership with BCG X, they are bringing fresh ideas to life to take conservation from the reserve to your living room. Belina Lee, CEO of Mandai X, and Abby Zhang, Principal Venture Architect at BCG X share more. Produced, edited and presented by: Audrey Siek See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is a sore spot for some of us who have had to deal with this issue at the workplace. Being passed over for a promotion… and then watching the role go to someone brand new instead. So this was a topic on AskST on the Straits Times - and it's more common than you think. What do you do when you’re left standing there without the promotion you think you deserve? Audrey and Ryan discuss their personal experiences, and share tips from career experts. Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced and edited by Audrey Siek Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With one of the youngest and fastest-growing digital economies on the planet, SEA has become fertile ground for breakthroughs in AI, Web3, and Deep Tech. But how are these innovations being supported? Who’s behind the scenes, nurturing founders and helping them scale? The Breakfast Show invites Alyssa Chen, Principal Accelerator, AppWorks, to find out what’s fueling Southeast Asia’s rise, what investors are really looking for, and why the region’s next-gen AI, Web3, and Deep Tech startups might just lead the global charge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Isaac Lim, Chief Market Strategist, Moomoo Singapore discusses how the second quarter of 2025 was dominated by the “3 Ts” – Trump, Tariffs, and Trade Wars. He looks at how the third quarter could see the TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) trade take off again. The discussion also zooms in on the safe haven flows supporting the Straits Times Index to new highs. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Lekas, President and CEO of Leader Capital shares why the U.S. administration may be pursuing a deliberate weak-dollar policy, partly to gain an upper hand in trade with countries like China by making U.S. exports cheaper and putting pressure on foreign economies. He believes that the U.S. administration is using tariff threats mainly as sabre-rattling - as a strategy to weaken the dollar rather than a serious trade policy. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s one of the oldest debates in parenting: If you’re a parent, or if you’ve just thought about having kids - would you ever spank your child? This "argument" is far from settled, especially here in Asia where traditional discipline methods still hold strong. But more parents today are asking: does physical punishment really work, or does it do more harm than good in the long run? Audrey and Ryan talk about whether or not they spank their kids, whether they were punished as children, and what the studies show. Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced & edited by Audrey Siek Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've all heard various theories about foods or supplements we should take or avoid to promote better gut health. And diets we should follow. And to be wary of certain patterns. But how much of this is really true? Emaad, Ryan and Audrey discuss some gut health "myths" that experts have sought to clarify. Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Middle Eastern air hubs are an essential cog in the wheel of the global aviation industry. But in mid-June, these hubs were caught in the crosshairs of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Scores of flights were diverted away from the likes of Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, home to the three most profitable carriers in the world, resulting in operational chaos. Shukor Yusof, Founder & Analyst, Endau Analytics, discusses whether the recent geopolitical turmoil may have any long-term implications for the viability of these Gulf aviation hubs, and what it would take for them to regain their shine. Produced/Presented: Emaad Akhtar See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Frank Cappelleri, Founder and President, CappThesis unpacks how Wall Street’s major indices closed lower, on the latest developments from US President Donald Trump announcing hefty tariffs against Japan, South Korea and other trading partners. He also looks at how much weight we should be putting on the recent formation of a Golden Cross for the S&P500. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In a region powered by digital transformation and economic growth, Canon is evolving beyond photography — into industrial, medical, and business innovation. With Southeast and South Asia undergoing rapid change, how does a legacy imaging giant stay ahead? Toshiyuki Ishii, President and CEO of Canon Singapore joins the Breakfast Show to discuss Canon’s role in shaping the future of imaging across 23 diverse markets — and how it’s responding to the rise of smartphone photography.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As China’s manufacturing engine powers ahead, this segment looks at how Southeast Asia is grappling with a fresh wave of competition or what some have called the “Second China Shock.” We explore how cheap, tech-driven Chinese exports are reshaping industries from textiles to autos, why ASEAN’s own export markets are feeling the strain, and what options the region has to protect local jobs without jeopardising ties with Beijing. Ravi Velloor, Associate Editor and Senior Columnist with The Straits Times joins the Breakfast Show to share his perspectives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pan Jingyi, Associate Director, S&P Global Market Intelligence discusses the latest Singapore and global PMI numbers and what this means for business confidence; last week's better-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data; and US President Donald Trump's looming tariff deadline on July 9. Produced/Presented: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's World Chocolate Day! On today's Breakfast Bites, Emaad and Audrey share some unexpected ways chocolate has been used - as a form of currency, and for special effects (fake blood) in movies. Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As hybrid work becomes the norm, companies across Asia Pacific are rethinking their offices — with 58% planning increased investment in space design. But what tech is driving this change? And what data really matters? The Breakfast Show invites Jes Singh, founder and Managing Director of DVI Solutions to discuss what it takes to design spaces that truly serve people — not just workflows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Radiology is getting a high-tech upgrade. Parkway Radiology, Singapore’s top private imaging provider, is teaming up with Australian health-tech firm Annalise.ai to launch the country’s first large-scale AI deployment in diagnostic imaging. The Breakfast Show invites Ms. Tan Yujuan, CEO of Parkway Radiology and Parkway MediCentre and Dr. Aengus Tran, Co-founder and CEO of Annalise.ai to discuss about how this partnership is set to improve care for over 85,000 patients a year — and what it means for the future of healthcare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s been quite a choppy ride for oil prices in the past week. We’ve seen prices ease on tariff uncertainties - as that weighs on the global growth outlook and demand. On the other hand, headlines around geopolitics in the middle east have weighed on the supply side of the equation to support prices. Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist, OCBC discusses what to look out for in 2H2025. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For this week's Breakfast Show quiz, we turn to the land of the free and the home of Donald Trump and the S&P500! It’s Independence Day today in the US - so markets are closed this 4th of July; but what is open for business is a long weekend packed with barbecues, parties and parades. Are you ready for a 4th of July showdown? Play along to see how well you know the holiday! 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.
Singapore is raising stamp duties on homes sold within four years to curb short-term speculation, reversing a move from 2017. This comes as sub-sales surge to their highest in over a decade, driven by rising prices and investor activity. Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at mogul.sg, joins the Breakfast Show to discuss what’s fueling the spike in quick resales, how the new rules might reshape investor behaviour, and what ripple effects this could have on developers, transaction volumes, and even the HDB resale and rental markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.