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

Still unnsure about travel plans for 2026? We have you covered! The Straits Times has put together 7 up-and-coming travel hotspots worth a visit in the new year. Emaad and Audrey summarize the attractiveness of these destinations! Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo credit: ST File Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The startup pipeline in Southeast Asia is changing. Drawing on AngelCentral’s 2025 analysis of startup applications, Shao-Ning Huang, Chief Angel & Partner at AngelCentral joins the Breakfast Show to discuss data-driven insights on mid-career founders, what angel investors look for, and why many corporate professionals struggle in startups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Southeast Asia positions itself as a global hub for data centres and digital infrastructure, banks are stepping up lending to support the boom. But with growth comes new forms of credit risk. Dan Koh speaks with Rena Kwok, Senior Credit Analyst, Asian Financials, Bloomberg Intelligence, about Singapore banks’ exposure to data centre loans, whether risks are contained, a look ahead to ASEAN banks’ outlook for 2026, and the impact of currency volatility across the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's that time of year where we try to eat healthy, quit drinking, and hit the gym! As 2026 knocks on our doors, we look back at the goals we had set for ourselves last year; and find out what and why we fell short. Audrey and Emaad also share tips from experts on how to make your 2026 resolutions stick! Presented by Audrey Siek & 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.

Nike is one of the world’s most recognisable brands, but the company is navigating a challenging reset after a period of weak stock performance and uneven growth. Dan Koh and Audrey Siek unpack Nike’s latest earnings, the pressures on margins, ongoing weakness in China, and what recent insider buying by Apple CEO and Nike board member Tim Cook could signal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone shares her market outlook for 2026, including expectations for the AI and tech sectors (other investable opportunities in these spaces apart from stocks); risks that could alter the Fed's policy path; the upside potential for gold and silver; and whether oil prices will remain under pressure. Produced/Presented: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music may seem worlds apart from branding, content studios, or operating businesses in China. But for JJ Ong, Multi-Hyphenate and serial entrepreneur, those disciplines are deeply connected. In this episode of Mind Your Business, the Breakfast Show explores how JJ’s early years as an independent musician laid the groundwork for his later ventures — from founding branding and content businesses to running cross-border operations in China. JJ shares how creative skills can be translated into scalable business models, the mindset shift from being hired talent to building platforms, and the practical lessons in pricing, risk, and cash management that come with growing multiple ventures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paper art may sound niche, but for Pei Li and Symond, co-founders of PeiPer and PeiPer Arts School, it became the foundation of two profitable businesses. In this Mind Your Business episode, the Breakfast Show explores how PeiPer evolved from artistic practice into large-scale commissions and an arts school serving hundreds of students, and the steps Pei Li and Symond took to build a sustainable creative enterprise by pairing artistic vision with operational discipline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Silver prices have surged to record highs, turning the once-overlooked metal into one of the biggest market stories of the year. Join Dan Koh and Audrey Siek as they discuss why silver behaves differently from gold, why it can be more volatile, and what everyday investors should watch next as prices push into uncharted territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all love Disney, right? The rides, the magic, the memories. But for Singaporean families, a Disney holiday can quickly turn into a serious financial decision. On today’s Breakfast Bites, we break down the real costs, from flights and park tickets to hotels and premier passes, and explore why so many families are willing to stretch their budgets — or even go into debt — to make the dream come true. Presented by Audrey Siek & Dan Koh Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US dollar has anchored the global financial system for decades, but cracks are beginning to show. At the same time, artificial intelligence is driving trillion dollar valuations even as real economy productivity gains remain uncertain. Tom Orlik, Bloomberg's Chief Economist examines what is changing beneath the surface of global markets. We explore why confidence in the dollar is being tested, what credible alternatives could look like, and whether AI investment is running ahead of economic reality. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fabien Yip, Market Analyst, IG, discusses the AI rally, Q3 GDP outperforming expectations; the current Fed policy trajectory for 2026; a sliding greenback; and a stellar run for precious metals gold and silver. Produced/Presented: Emaad AkhtarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 2025 draws to a close, markets have delivered strong gains. Global equities are up sharply, Singapore stocks have hit record highs, and gold has surged on geopolitical and rate-cut expectations. But beneath the headline numbers, questions remain about growth, valuations, and what lies ahead in 2026. Dan Koh speaks with Vasu Menon, Managing Director of Investment Strategy at OCBC Bank, to break down the winners and losers of 2025, the chances of a Santa Claus rally, what US growth figures reveal about the economy, and how investors can prepare their portfolios for risks and opportunities in the year ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas and Coca-Cola have long been intertwined, from the iconic red trucks to seasonal packaging and global campaigns. But this year, as the company reports solid third-quarter results and leans into its 2025 holiday campaign, the festive season is also shaping up as a market signal for consumer behaviour. On Companies to Watch, Dan Koh and Emaad Akhtar unpack Coca-Cola’s latest financial performance, how its Christmas marketing is evolving in an age of AI and social media buzz, and what the holiday season reveals about brand power, consumer confidence and spending ahead of 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, Emaad decided - after much deliberation - to get a hair transplant done. The location? Islamabad, Pakistan The total number of grafts transplanted? 4,234 Tune in as Emaad relives the whole experience, from pre-op fears to being on the operating table to the meticulous aftercare protocols. Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Ryan Huang Produced by Emaad Akhtar Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shukor Yusof, Founder & Analyst, Endau Analytics discusses the aviation industry outlook for 2026 from the perspective of potential jet fuel price trajectories, forex risks and geopolitical tensions, and how these factors may influence investor sentiment. Produced and presented by Emaad Akhtar Photo credit: ST FileSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you remove rent, large service teams, and foot traffic from the restaurant equation? In this episode of Mind Your Business, Pristina Mok of Fragment Dining joins the Breakfast Show to discuss how she built a private dining business from her own home, the cost structures, pricing strategy, menu design, customer acquisition, and the trade-offs involved in building a sustainable, hands-on food business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christmas approaches, more travellers are choosing getaways and shared homes over traditional hotel stays, putting Airbnb firmly in focus during the peak holiday season. On Companies to Watch, Dan Koh, Emaad Akhtar, and Ryan Huang look at how holiday travel trends have evolved in recent years, what Christmas demand reveals about consumer spending on experiences versus material gifts, and what investors should watch as the company heads into its most important travel quarter of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. markets climb into a shortened holiday week, led by gains in artificial intelligence stocks like Nvidia, Micron, and Oracle. David Abella, Director of Investments at GoalVest, explains why strong earnings have kept markets resilient in 2025 despite rich valuations, where tech and dividends fit in a portfolio, and what investors should expect as volatility picks up heading into 2026. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 2025 draws to a close, markets are navigating a volatile mix of AI disruption, geopolitics and macro uncertainty. China’s GPU challengers MetaX and Moore Threads are raising fresh questions about Nvidia’s long-term dominance, just as the threat of tighter U.S. trade restrictions looms over the chip sector. Add a delayed U.S. GDP report and thin year-end liquidity, and investors are being forced to reassess positioning into the final week of the year. Oriano Lizza, Sales Trader at CMC Markets Singapore, shares his view on tech and AI, near-term market risks, and the key themes shaping investor strategy heading into 2026. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preventive health is a fast-growing industry in Asia, but one still struggling with fragmented data and unclear guidance. The Breakfast Show invites Hari V. Krishnan, Co-Founder & CEO of Genie Health, to discuss how lessons from building billion-user tech platforms are now being applied to healthcare, and why successful health innovation requires trust, behaviour design and long-term thinking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cash flow remains the heartbeat of every small business, yet in today’s climate of volatile tariffs, higher operating costs and unpredictable payment cycles, many SMEs are finding it difficult to keep liquidity steady. According to the 2022 ASEAN SME Transformation Study by UOB, Accenture and Dun & Bradstreet, 82% of business failures are linked to poor cash-flow management, serving as a reminder of how vulnerable SMEs can be when funds are left idle or visibility over cash positions is weak. Kelvin, Co-founder and Group CEO, Funding Societies and Dennis Poh, Founder and Managing Partner of Legatcy Consulting LLP, join the Breakfast Show to explore what smarter cash management looks like today, from segmenting working capital to using digital treasury tools and short-term instruments, and how SMEs can build stronger financial resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christmas approaches, few companies feel the pressure quite like toy makers, and Hasbro sits right at the centre of the festive season. From Monopoly and Scrabble to Nerf and Transformers, the company’s brands are Christmas staples in households around the world. Dan Koh and Ryan Huang look at what this holiday season could mean for Hasbro, what toy and board-game sales reveal about consumer confidence, and why Christmas can make or break the year for the company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Micron’s AI-fueled rally to a surprising CPI reading, markets are recalibrating ahead of 2026. Kyle Rodda, Senior Financial Market Analyst, capital.com discuss the implications for U.S. interest rates, corporate earnings in a challenging consumer landscape, and the evolving policy signals from the ECB, BOE, and BOJ. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think you know your Christmas history? From why turkey and ham became holiday staples, to the first artificial Christmas trees, festive desserts, and quirky traditions like first-footing in Scotland or mistletoe kisses — this quiz will take you on a whirlwind tour of Christmas around the globe. Play along at home and see how festive-savvy you really are! Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lamb Weston has supplied fries to restaurants worldwide for decades, but its decision to enter the Singapore retail market marks a major strategic shift. The Breakfast Show invites Jeevan Dass, Senior Commercial Director for Asia Pacific, Lamb Weston to discuss what this move signals about Asia’s evolving F&B landscape, how consumer expectations are changing, and the innovations shaping the next generation of premium frozen foods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese AI chipmaker MetaX made a dramatic market debut this week, with shares surging around sevenfold after a heavily oversubscribed IPO in Shanghai. Dan Koh and Ryan Huang unpack what drove the explosive first-day rally, why China is pushing hard to build domestic AI chip champions, and what investors should watch next as excitement around valuation, execution and long-term competitiveness comes into focus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Hong Kong projected to become one of the world’s most rapidly ageing societies, the need for safe, dignified and accessible nutritional care has never been more urgent. This is the gap My-Care Healthcare set out to fill, specialising in medical nutrition for seniors with dysphagia, diabetes and kidney disease, and designing innovative eating utensils that support independence and quality of life. Their solutions now serve patients across the Greater Bay Area and beyond, anchored by food-factory operations that prioritise waste reduction, lower consumption and sustainability. On this episode of 2025 OCBC Emerging Enterprise, Francis Ho Ho-tak, Founder of My Care Healthcare and one of this year’s Emerging Enterprise Award winners, shares how his company is redefining patient-centred nutrition, the challenges of scaling impact for an ageing population, and the sustainability commitments driving their next phase of growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stocks fell sharply on Wednesday as investors rotated out of high-flying AI names, triggered by a report that Oracle’s primary investor pulled out of its $10 billion Michigan data center project. Frank Cappelleri, Founder and President, CappThesis weighs in on the tech sell-off, where investors are rotating to, and if there is enough momentum for a Santa rally. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang Image by Frank Rietsch from PixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyber threats are evolving faster than ever, with attackers targeting the human element and leveraging AI to outsmart businesses. Gar O’Hara, Senior Director of Sales Engineering at Mimecast, breaks down why Southeast Asia is a hotspot for attacks, and the key moves organisations should make in 2026 to stay secure. Produced and presented by Audrey SiekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re a week out from Christmas, and here’s a question for you — what does the holiday really mean to you?Because while many of us are busy buying, hosting and spending… there’s a growing movement around the world that’s ditching gifts altogether, and it might just make you rethink Christmas this year! Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore generates millions of tonnes of waste every year, with food waste among the fastest-growing streams. But what if waste wasn’t the end of the story, but the beginning of a new business model? The Breakfast Show speaks with Loh Yen Lyng of A1 Environment about how spent coffee grounds are recovered and repurposed into materials, products, and compost, and the commercial realities of making circular economy ideas work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rheinmetall has been one of Europe’s standout defence stocks since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, but recent diplomatic signals have injected fresh volatility into the sector. Join Dan Koh and Ryan Huang as they unpack the latest developments in the war, why European defence spending remains structurally elevated, and what Rheinmetall’s outlook means for investors navigating geopolitics-driven markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As industries across Asia confront tightening emissions rules and rising pressure to decarbonise, the demand for cleaner, more efficient environmental solutions has never been greater. That’s where Green Environmental Engineering comes in. From advanced air-pollution control systems to waste-to-energy facilities and proprietary carbon-capture technologies, the company delivers end-to-end solutions that help manufacturers, energy players, and government agencies cut emissions and meet increasingly stringent sustainability standards. On this episode of the 2025 OCBC Emerging Enterprise series, Eddy Wee, Managing Director of Green Environmental Engineering and one of this year’s Emerging Enterprise Award winners, shares how his company is driving the region’s low-carbon transition, the breakthroughs behind their technology suite, and what it takes to scale environmental innovation across Asia’s rapidly evolving green economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you spot opportunities where technology meets traditional industries? Dennis Goh, CEO of Salt Investments has done it in food-tech, fintech, and now maritime. He walks us through the mindset, strategies, and practical lessons behind building ventures that challenge conventional thinking, and explains how Salt Investments is creating transparency, predictability, and long-term growth in the maritime sector. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once December hits, there’s no escaping Christmas music. Audrey and Ryan count down the most overplayed festive songs and reveal just how much money they make every year.... including why Mariah Carey’s 30-year-old hit still delivers a very merry payday. Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DBS shares have climbed to fresh all-time highs after the bank was appointed Singapore’s second renminbi clearing bank, strengthening its role in China-ASEAN trade and capital flows. Dan Koh and Ryan Huang unpack why this strategic win matters for DBS’s long-term growth, how it enhances fee-based income and regional competitiveness, and what investors should watch next as capital returns, interest-rate trends and valuation come back into focus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As personal care evolves from functional tools to lifestyle essentials, Stryv has carved out a distinct space by making premium grooming and beauty devices both accessible and design-led. From hair styling tools to grooming and oral care solutions, the brand has built a loyal following through sleek design, thoughtful pricing, and an omni-channel presence that bridges online convenience with in-store experience across Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. On this episode, we speak with Roy Ang, CEO of Evolut Holdings — the company behind the Stryv brand and one of this year’s Emerging Enterprise Award winners — as he shares how Stryv is redefining personal care in Southeast Asia, the lessons learned from scaling a fast-moving consumer brand, and the opportunities they see as they expand into new markets across the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Sosnick, Chief Strategist, Interactive Brokers discusses how markets are repricing expectations around the AI trade, as the AI-related names continue to see weakness on the back of Oracle and Broadcom falling short of lofty expectations. He shares if it is now time to rotate out to other sectors. Produced/Presented: Ryan HuangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oracle is back in focus after its latest earnings update triggered a sharp sell-off in its shares and sent ripples across the broader tech sector. Join Dan Koh and Ryan Huang as they unpack what really moved Oracle’s stock, why even strong earners like Broadcom felt the pressure, and what investors should watch next as markets demand proof that AI spending can translate into sustainable profits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With labour shortages and rising hygiene expectations reshaping the facilities management sector, the need for smarter, more efficient cleaning solutions has never been clearer. That’s where Hivebotics steps in. Its AI-driven robotics, including a multifunctional cleaning arm and high-efficiency vapour technology, are designed to take on some of the most demanding tasks in modern facilities, raising cleanliness standards while reducing reliance on manual labour. On this episode of the 2025 OCBC Emerging Enterprise series, Rishab Patwari, Founder and CEO of Hivebotics and one of this year’s Emerging Enterprise Award winners, shares how his company is redefining facilities management, the challenges behind scaling breakthrough robotics across global markets, and the opportunities they see in shaping the next generation of smart, automated cleaning solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas may warm the heart... but it quietly empties the wallet. From turkeys and hams to Christmas trees, decorations, hosting, travel and stacked celebrations, we break down how much the holidays really cost in Singapore, and why December is such a powerful economic engine. Audrey and Ryan add up the business of Christmas, and ask whether festive spending is truly worth the price tag. Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Dan Koh Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.