MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

Singapore is one of the most densely populated places on Earth, and one of the most liveable. But as the city continues to grow, can it stay that way? In this wide-ranging edition of Viewpoint, Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah joins Lynlee Foo to discuss how Singapore is planning for an increasingly uncertain future. From climate resilience and energy security to the next generation of regional centres such as Jurong Lake District and Long Island, the conversation explores what it will take to keep Singapore liveable, resilient and competitive in the decades ahead. Along the way, she explains why Singapore gave up prime CBD land for Gardens by the Bay — so the city could "breathe."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us are quick to show compassion when someone else is hurting. But when it comes to our own feelings, the response is often very different. We tell ourselves to move on, toughen up, or stop making such a big deal out of things. Why do we dismiss experiences that genuinely affect us? Why do we compare our struggles to other people's and decide we have no right to feel hurt? On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo and Alexandra Parada explore why we're often harder on ourselves than we are on others, and where the line lies between resilience and simply brushing things aside. Featuring insights from Mavis Long, Founder and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Turning Grey Skies Blue Psychology Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheryl Han's entrepreneurial journey began during one of the most difficult periods of her life. In 2019, she lost her father and was retrenched from DHL just two weeks later. The experience forced her to rethink her assumptions about career security and what she truly wanted to do next. Driven by a passion for women's health, she went on to co-found Orchard Clinic, which grew into one of Singapore's leading postpartum and pelvic health centres. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo speaks with Cheryl Han, Chief Operating Officer of Prologue and Co-Founder of Hunter & Match, about resilience, reinvention and the leadership lessons she's learned through every career pivot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada round up four events worth checking out this weekend, including CJ Hendry's immersive juju world, the creative food-and-music gathering Beats & Doodles, the KPop Demon Hunters One Year Anniversary Pop-Up, and the thought-provoking exhibition Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy. From giant inflatables and exclusive collectibles to doodling sessions, K-pop merchandise, and explorations of anatomy through art and science, discover what's happening around Singapore and why these experiences made their weekend shortlist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gantries are coming down. The charges aren't going anywhere, and may be coming somewhere new. On Viewpoint, ahead of Singapore's ERP 2.0 switchover, The Straits Times' Senior Transport Correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe and Lynlee Foo break down what's actually being trialled — advanced charge alerts, roadside parking via your onboard unit, zone-based pricing, and the possibility of ERP coming to Orchard Road. The big question: is this a smarter road pricing system, or something closer to a full driving platform? The answer might surprise you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthropic has pulled access to its most advanced AI models following a US government order restricting foreign access, Microsoft says Singapore's workforce is among the world's most advanced AI users, Databricks has unveiled a new AI coworker designed to automate business tasks, Meta is bringing AI-powered search to Facebook, and South Korea's courts are grappling with lawyers citing AI-generated "ghost cases." Lynlee Foo unpacks the week's biggest AI stories and examines the growing tension between AI innovation, regulation, enterprise adoption and trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lawyer in the United States was recently fined after submitting a court filing containing AI-generated quotations that didn't actually exist. The case is one of a growing number of incidents involving AI "hallucinations" where chatbots confidently generate false or misleading information that appears convincing. On AI & Me: AI Dilemma, producer Alexandra Parada examines how AI-generated errors are making their way into professional settings, and explores who should be held accountable when AI gets it wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently announced that Singapore will undertake the IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Phase 1 mission and continue building its nuclear decision-making capabilities. With Singapore set to undergo the IAEA review of its nuclear readiness from 2027, the conversation around nuclear energy is entering a new phase. As Singapore takes another step in evaluating whether nuclear energy could one day play a role in its energy mix, what exactly does nuclear readiness involve? How prepared is Singapore to build the ecosystem required to support it? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Mr. Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of Energy & Utilities Practice for Asia Pacific at Arthur D. Little, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Networking is often seen as an essential part of building professional relationships and creating new opportunities, but for introverts, the thought of walking into a room full of strangers can feel overwhelming. From managing social energy and starting conversations to making meaningful connections, can AI offer practical advice that actually works in the real world? On AI & Me: AI Tried It, producer Alexandra Parada puts AI's networking tips to the test and shares her verdict on whether they're genuinely useful or simply easier said than done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people grow up believing that their worth is tied to how much they achieve, making it difficult to rest without feeling guilty. In a culture that constantly glorifies hustle and productivity, slowing down can feel unearned or even lazy. Over time, this mindset can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and a harmful cycle of self-criticism. Rest, however, is not wasted time. Taking moments to recharge mentally and physically allows us to show up more fully in our work, relationships, and personal lives. On Is It Just Me?, producer Alexandra Parada hears from Sylvia Tan, Director and Principal Counselling Psychologist at Sylvia Tan Psychology Consultancy, about why so many people struggle with productivity guilt, where these beliefs come from, and how we can build a healthier relationship with rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 35, Ang Jun Long leads an SGX-listed company where most of his workforce is old enough to be his parents, and some clients still ask if they can meet someone more senior. On Suite Talk, the Executive Director of Eneco Energy talks about growing up inside his father's business, and why learning the ropes meant starting at a scaffolding site. He opens up about earning trust when everyone already knows your surname, what he actually does the first day he walks into an acquired company, and why his idea of leaving his mark might surprise you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada rounds up five events worth checking out this weekend, including World Cup-themed festivities at Changi Airport, C.J. Hendry's immersive Flower Market installation, and the fantasy-inspired Lion City Faire. From free football screenings and interactive art experiences to outdoor dance performances and a unique car park relay race, discover what's happening around Singapore and why these events made Lynlee's weekend shortlist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of professionals seeking help after retrenchment is rising, even as Singapore's labour market remains relatively resilient. What's driving the growing sense of anxiety among white-collar workers? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with sociologist and IPS Social Lab Adjunct Principal Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, Dr Tan Ern Ser, to explore whether the traditional promise of education, hard work and career progression is becoming less certain in an era of AI, offshoring and rapid workplace change. How is job insecurity reshaping the way Singaporeans think about careers, social mobility and the future? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple says Siri is finally getting smarter. Anthropic is preparing to go public. Singapore has launched a new AI supercomputer. And China plans to spend nearly US$300 billion on AI infrastructure. Lynlee Foo unpacks the week's biggest AI stories and explores what they reveal about the growing competition over AI capability, computing power and technological leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional business playbook was simple: own your assets, hire your people and control your operations. Today, more companies are questioning that model. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Alex Lin, Managing Director of Lalamove Singapore, about why businesses are increasingly choosing flexibility over ownership. From changing delivery patterns and inventory management to AI-powered logistics and rising operating costs, the conversation explores what these shifts reveal about how Singapore companies are adapting to a more uncertain business environment, and why on-demand services are becoming part of the modern business toolkit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI adoption is becoming a workplace KPI in some organisations. But does measuring AI usage lead to better work or just more prompts? Lynlee examines the rise of tokenmaxxing, the unintended consequences of tracking AI activity, and what it reveals about the way companies are approaching the AI transition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just over 100 days into the Iran war, Singapore is navigating a complex mix of economic pressure and geopolitical uncertainty. Stagflation risks, a fragile ceasefire, and the threat of disinformation, including fake narratives about Singapore's energy supplies — are reshaping how ordinary citizens, businesses and governments think about resilience. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with Nicholas Fang, Senior Advisor at strategic advisory firm The Asia Group and former Nominated Member of Parliament, to look beyond the headlines to assess what the past 100 days have actually revealed, and what Singapore should be watching as the conflict enters its next phase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A friend just called you up saying she has been retrenched. She has a mortgage to pay, bills piling up, and no idea what comes next. What would you say and what would AI say? On AI & Me, Lynlee Foo puts AI to the test, asking how it would support a friend facing job loss and financial uncertainty. Would its advice be practical, empathetic, or surprisingly human? As more people turn to AI for guidance during life's toughest moments, this experiment explores what happens when a chatbot becomes a source of reassurance, perspective and next steps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia's Rupiah just hit a historic low of 18,000 to the US dollar. Then parliament fast-tracked a law changing how the central bank operates. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Macro Research for Asia ex-Japan at Mizuho Bank, explains what's driving capital out of Indonesia, what it means for Singapore, and whether that Bali holiday is really as cheap as it looks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt guilty saying no, taking a break, or putting your own needs first? On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo explores why so many of us tie our self-worth to being useful. With insights from psychotherapist Rachel Lim of Range Counselling and Services, the conversation looks at where this belief comes from, when helping others can become unhealthy, and why being the dependable one often comes at a personal cost. How much of our identity should be tied to being useful?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo rounds up six events worth checking out this weekend, including i Light Singapore, GastroBeats, and TWILIGHT: Flea & Feast. From dazzling light installations and food festivals to wildlife experiences, local creator markets and family-friendly activities, discover what's happening around Singapore and why these events made Lynlee's weekend shortlist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo speaks with Mike Hecker, founder and CEO of BE WTR, a Swiss company that recently accelerated its Southeast Asia expansion and is challenging the long-held belief that premium water has to be imported. From helping build Nespresso in its early days to launching businesses that rethink everyday products, Mike reflects on entrepreneurship, conviction, innovation and the value of questioning assumptions. He shares the philosophy that guides his decisions, why being told something can't work motivates him, and the advice he now gives his sons about taking risks and building something meaningful. Suite Talk explores how leaders think, decide and operate — the person behind the role, not just the title.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Institute of Finance, Technology and Society (GIFTS), recently launched by Nanyang Technological University, aims to deepen research into how AI is reshaping finance, business and society. But there was a line in NTU's launch announcement that's worth discussing: today's AI isn't yet reliable enough for serious economic research. So what does that mean when AI is already shaping decisions about our banking, our insurance and our investments? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Gary Ang, founder of independent AI advisory practice, Quaintitative and former Lead of AI Supervision at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, about the gap between what AI can do today and what the financial sector actually needs it to do, and the questions every customer should be asking when AI is involved in decisions about their money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What comes after ChatGPT? This week on AI & Me, Lynlee Foo explores four developments that could shape the next chapter of artificial intelligence: AI wearables, AI agents, AI-powered PCs and the growing race to turn AI into a profitable business. From Meta's reported AI pendant and Singapore's plans for public-sector AI agents to Nvidia's vision for smarter computers, the technology is becoming less visible and more deeply woven into everyday life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As AI reshapes the workplace, employees are looking beyond pay and promotions to flexibility, wellbeing, career growth and purpose. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Chiew Chun Wee, Regional Head of Policy and Insights, ACCA about findings from ACCA's Global Talent Trends 2026 report. They discuss AI-driven workplace change, hybrid work, evolving career expectations and why traditional career paths may no longer fit today's workforce. What does this mean for employers trying to attract and retain talent in Singapore? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon has approved children's TV shows developed using generative AI tools, raising a bigger question than who creates the next cartoon. If your child loved an AI-generated show, would it matter that a human didn't create it? In this week's AI & Me – AI Dilemma, Lynlee Foo explores how AI could reshape storytelling, childhood imagination and the stories that influence the next generation.Amazon MGM Studios has green-lit its first AI-assisted children's animated series, marking a major step in the use of generative AI for entertainment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's economy grew 6% in the first quarter, but are workers actually feeling the benefits? On this week's Viewpoint Friday, Lynlee Foo speaks with Manu Bhaskaran, Founder and CEO of Centennial Asia Advisors and Senior Research Fellow at IPS, about what lies behind Singapore's strong growth numbers, why wage satisfaction remains a challenge, and whether the current AI-driven boom can be sustained. They explore rising tensions in the Middle East, the risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and what volatile oil prices could mean for businesses, consumers and the global economy. With the Shangri-La Dialogue taking place in Singapore, Manu shares his perspective on China's lower-level representation, US-China competition, and what smaller countries should expect in an increasingly uncertain world. As Manu puts it: "We have to build buffers and improve our ability to respond to shocks, because the shocks will come."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe right now, you’re working the job you once dreamed about. On paper, it looks like everything you wanted, but instead of feeling fulfilled, you feel drained, stuck, or disappointed. On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada explore why achieving the career you've always wanted doesn't always bring the satisfaction you expected and how to know whether you need a change in mindset, a change in environment, or a completely new path. Featuring insights from Aurelie Eltvedt, French Organisational Psychologist from Counseling Perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Chen, CEO of Arcc Spaces grew up helping his parents run an enamelware factory in Mali, West Africa, one of only four Chinese families in the capital. It's not where you'd expect the story of one of Asia's most recognised workspace brands to begin. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo talks to the second generation leader about growing up between worlds, what fifteen years in a family business really costs, and what it took to find his way back to himself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Set! rounds up a fresh mix of things to do this long weekend, from Winnie The Pooh-themed high teas at SKAI to arts performances under Pulau Ubin’s night skies. Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada also weigh in on which events they’d actually turn up for themselves from rooftop tea sessions and thrift market browsing to late-night island performances and vinyl crate digging weekends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Pacific’s commercial real estate markets have entered 2026 with stronger momentum than many investors expected, with Singapore emerging as the region’s most active market amid renewed interest in offices, retail and alternative assets. At the same time, lower financing costs and shifting global capital flows are fuelling investment activity across the region, while surging AI demand is turning data centres into one of real estate’s biggest growth stories. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Benjamin Chow, Head of Private Assets Research for Asia at MSCI, about what’s driving APAC’s commercial real estate recovery, whether post-pandemic market behaviour has stabilised, and the risks that could shape the outlook for the rest of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you use AI in your workplace? But are you aware of your company’s policies around AI and the extent of what you’re actually allowed to use? As AI becomes part of everyday work life, many people are navigating unclear boundaries such as relying on personal judgment while companies race to catch up with policies and governance. So where do we draw the line between productivity, responsibility, and risk? On AI & Me: AI Dilemma, Lynlee Foo explores the growing tension between embracing AI at work and understanding the ethical, professional, and organisational boundaries that come with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore wants to become a leading global AI hub. But as AI moves rapidly from experimentation into real-world deployment, what happens next for businesses, workers and the economy? Following Asia Tech x Singapore, Lynlee Foo speaks with Timothy Chin, Assistant Chief Executive (International) at the Infocomm Media Development Authority, about why “AI is no longer optional,” the growing pressure for companies to move beyond AI pilots, and whether Singapore is moving fast enough to stay competitive. They explore agentic AI, workforce anxiety, OpenAI’s expansion into Singapore, AI governance and the skills workers may now need in an economy increasingly shaped by automation and AI-assisted decision-making. It also examines the reaction to recent comments by the Standard Chartered CEO on “lower-value human capital”, and why many workers still feel uneasy about where AI may be heading. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lost AirPod. A stressed 13-year-old alone in a cab. A family group chat in full meltdown mode. What started as a chaotic Sunday parenting moment turned into a surprisingly uncomfortable question: would AI have handled it better than we did? On AI & Me, Lynlee Foo explores why AI's response to a panicking child was calmer than anything the family chat produced, and what that means for parents of Gen Alpha kids. Are our children already finding AI easier to listen to than us, especially under stress? While the experiment isn't about AI replacing parents, it's about something subtler, and maybe more unsettling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Viewpoint Friday, Lynlee Foo takes a step back to connect the dots behind some of Singapore’s biggest stories — from AI investment and booming tech sectors to rising business costs, restructuring and growing pressure on workers. In Part 1, Song Seng Wun, economic advisor at fintech firm SDAX shares his “bellynomics” perspective on what businesses and consumers are experiencing on the ground, as stories like Gardenia shifting production to Malaysia, rising COE prices and global layoffs raise questions about whether different parts of Singapore’s economy are moving at different speeds. In Part 2, Ian Tan, generative AI coach and lecturer at Nanyang Technological University’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information — discusses how AI is rapidly entering everyday working life, why companies and workers are feeling pressure to adapt, and how people can approach AI without getting overwhelmed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada explore whether our attention spans have actually gotten worse in today’s fast-paced digital world. This week, they unpack how constant notifications, endless scrolling, and screen-heavy lifestyles may be affecting the way we focus, and whether our brains are simply adapting to an always-connected environment. Featuring insights from Dr Annabelle, Clinical Psychologist at Annabelle Psychology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chia Hock Lai calls himself the “Accidental President.” In 2016, he found himself leading the Singapore FinTech Association, and spent the next decade helping shape Singapore’s fintech, blockchain and digital assets ecosystem. Today, he is Co-Founder and Asia CEO of Embed Financial Group Holdings, building financial infrastructure for underserved communities across emerging Asia and Africa. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo sits down with the fintech pioneer to explore the person behind the role, the leadership lessons learned the hard way, the blind spots, the trade-offs, and the principle that has anchored everything he has built: before you can do good, you must first do well. Suite Talk - conversations with C-suite and senior leaders, exploring how they think, decide and operate, and the story behind the title.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Set! returns with a curated mix of weekend picks across Singapore, from dragon boat night races at Kallang Basin and rooftop nightlife at Cloudhouse, to vinyl hunting at Filmhouse's Bizarro Bazaar and family fun at K!DZ Pop Con Asia. Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada also compare which events they’d actually go for themselves; from junk journalling and farmers markets to vinyl crate digging at Golden Mile Tower.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As streaming, gaming, social media, and endless digital entertainment compete for attention, what still gets people to leave the house for an arts event? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with Corrie Tan, Arts Editor at independent magazine Jom, and Director of the Asian Dramaturgs’ Network, about the future of live arts experiences in Singapore. Can festivals like the Singapore International Festival of Arts offer something audiences cannot get digitally? Why do some people still feel the arts are “not for them”? And in a convenience-driven world, what makes a live performance feel worth the time, effort, and attention? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google unveils AI-powered design tools and smart glasses at I/O 2026. China’s telecom giants begin selling AI token plans like mobile data. OpenAI launches personal finance features for ChatGPT, and commits more than US$300 million to expanding applied AI in Singapore. On AI & Me - Week in AI, Lynlee Foo breaks down what these developments really mean, why AI is moving beyond chatbots into infrastructure, and the bigger questions around trust, privacy, work and who controls the systems increasingly shaping daily life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore heavily subsidises hearing aids, yet adoption rates remain surprisingly low, and many people who do get fitted eventually stop using them altogether. New research from WS Audiology points to an overlooked factor shaping hearing aid adoption, one that could redefine the future of hearing care across Asia Pacific. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with James Benston, President of APAC at WS Audiology, about why the hearing care industry may be facing a deeper challenge than technology alone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore International Festival of Arts is in full swing, with stages across Singapore coming alive through performances shaped by years of human creativity and craft. But as audiences gather to experience theatre, music and art, another creative force is rapidly emerging: artificial intelligence, now capable of generating scripts, composing music and creating visuals in seconds. So when AI becomes part of the artistic process, who really is the creator? On AI & Me’s AI Dilemma, Lynlee Foo explores the growing role of AI in the arts scene, and asks where the line between human expression and machine-generated creativity begins to blur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.