MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

Grab is taking another step towards driverless transport with an on-demand autonomous vehicle service in Punggol. But is Singapore ready? On Viewpoint, host Lynlee Foo and transport economist Walter Theseira, at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, discuss the economics behind autonomous vehicles, why commercial viability matters as much as technology, and how AVs could change the way we move around the city. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Searching for information is no longer just about keywords. AI is changing the way students and researchers discover, connect and make sense of knowledge. As NUS launches AI Sense Maker, Southeast Asia's first conversational AI platform for academic research, Lynlee Foo speaks with Associate Professor Natalie Pang, University Librarian at the National University of Singapore, about what AI means for research, critical thinking and the future of learning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a $900 million support package to help businesses cope with higher energy costs and ongoing global uncertainty. As external shocks become more frequent, how should policymakers balance short-term relief with building long-term business resilience? Song Seng Wun, an Economic Advisor at SDAX, speaks to Lynlee Foo on Viewpoint about whether government support has become part of Singapore's economic playbook and what it means for businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From helping create jobs and improve access to medicines to opening the door to the space economy, Lynette Tan has built a career around creating opportunities for others. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo sat down with the CEO of Singapore-based space technology company Space Faculty reflects on leading through change, staying true to her values, and why the best leaders never stop learning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone knows the companies designing AI chips. Far fewer know about the businesses building the infrastructure that allows those chips to work at scale. As AI demand grows, what does it take to power the next generation of data centres, and how is that reshaping manufacturing, supply chains and Southeast Asia's role in the global AI ecosystem? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Felix Teng, CEO and Co-Founder of BizLink Holding, a global technology company specialising in connectivity and power solutions for AI data centres and semiconductor equipment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest property announcements were not just about cooling measures or en bloc redevelopment, they offered a glimpse into where Singapore's housing market may be heading. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at Mogul.sg, about what recent policy changes reveal about the way Singaporeans are buying, selling and living in their homes. From right-sizing and an ageing population to en bloc redevelopment and the challenges of renewing older estates, they explore why housing policy is becoming more targeted, and what it could mean for homeowners over the next decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is beginning to do more than answer questions, it can increasingly act on our behalf. Inspired by recent developments involving OpenAI and Malaysia's PMX.AI, Lynlee Foo explores where we draw the line. Would you let AI book appointments, reply to emails, make phone calls or even speak in your name? As AI becomes more capable, how much of ourselves are we willing to hand over?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is tightening cybersecurity rules to better defend critical services against AI-powered cyber threats. But this conversation goes beyond the headlines. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo sits down with Teo Xiang Zheng, Vice President, Advisory at Singapore-headquartered global cybersecurity firm Ensign InfoSecurity, to explore why cyber resilience is no longer just an IT issue, how AI is changing the economics of cyber attacks, and what business leaders and employees alike need to understand in a world where the machine doesn't sleep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI can explain financial jargon, summarise market news and even recommend what to buy or sell. But does that make it a good financial adviser? On AI & Me, Lynlee Foo speaks with Polka Mishra, Partner at Javelin Wealth Management, about where AI genuinely adds value, where it falls short, and why human judgement remains essential when making investment decisions. They also explore confirmation bias, data privacy, and why AI should be the engine and not the driver, of your financial journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Metro's closure may have sparked the conversation, but the bigger story is how we've changed as shoppers. Why do we still enjoy wandering through stores when almost everything can be bought online? What keeps us coming back to physical retail, and what does the future of shopping look like? Lynlee Foo speaks with Leonard Lee, Professor of Marketing, NUS Business School, National University of Singapore about consumer decision-making, retail therapy, AI recommendations, and why shopping is about far more than simply buying things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Innovation isn't just about having great ideas, it's about knowing how to turn them into lasting value. For more than two decades, Audrey Yap has worked at the intersection of law, business and innovation, helping companies protect, commercialise and grow their ideas while witnessing Singapore's innovation journey first-hand. From advising founders and business leaders to championing Singapore's manufacturing and innovation ecosystem, Audrey has built a career around enabling the success of others. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo speaks to Audrey Yap, Chairman of the SMF Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence Award (SIMEA), about the career choices that shaped her journey, the lessons she's learnt from decades of working alongside innovators, and how her perspectives on leadership, success and innovation have evolved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has emerged as one of this year's standout investment destinations, attracting growing interest from global investors. But beyond the headlines, what's fueling this momentum? And are the qualities investors look for in a market beginning to change? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kunhee Park, ETF Equities Investment Strategist at State Street Investment Management, about why capital is flowing into Singapore, what investors are prioritising today, and what this says about the evolving global investment landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bots are no longer just buying up concert tickets. Powered by AI, they're becoming faster, harder to detect and capable of launching sophisticated attacks at unprecedented speed. As organisations race to keep up, cybersecurity is evolving beyond protecting systems to establishing trust in every digital interaction. What does this mean for businesses, consumers and the future of online security? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Daniel Toh, Chief Solution Architect, APJ at Thales, a global technology company with businesses spanning aerospace, defence, cybersecurity and digital identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you rather have an AI assistant answer instantly and solve your problem in under a minute, or wait to speak to a human? As AI transforms customer service, Lynlee Foo explores what people value most when they need help, and whether speed is becoming more important than human interaction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI race is no longer just about who builds the smartest models. It may increasingly be about who gets the world to use them. China is pushing to expand the global reach of its AI models, but what is it really trying to achieve? Lynlee Foo speaks with Gary Ng, Hong Kong-based Senior Economist for Asia Pacific at global financial group Natixis, about why AI has become an economic and geopolitical strategy, how China's approach differs from that of the US, and what it could mean for Singapore and businesses navigating two emerging AI ecosystems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more seniors choose to age at home, families are turning to AI to help them stay connected and informed without compromising their loved ones' independence. But can AI detect subtle changes in daily routines before they become emergencies, and what are the trade-offs when it comes to privacy, accuracy and human oversight? On AI & Me: Eye on AI, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ivan Mun, Founder of Hello Ello, about how AI is transforming eldercare and what it could mean for families caring for ageing loved ones at home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From politics to investment and trade, what do this week's biggest headlines reveal about where Malaysia is heading? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with The Straits Times' Malaysia Bureau Chief Shannon Teoh about the Johor election, the Forest City controversy and Malaysia's growing durian trade with China, and why these developments matter to Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oxford. Harvard. Investment banking. It sounds like the blueprint for a conventional corporate career. But Kevin Tan, CEO of Tri-Sector Associates, had other ideas. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo speaks with Kevin about redefining success, leading across the public, private and social sectors, and why he believes the highest calling is to become a "public entrepreneur" - someone who builds institutions that create lasting impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical breakthroughs often make headlines, but turning a scientific discovery into a medicine is a journey that can take years, and most never make it. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo sits down with Dr Alan Russell, Vice President of Research, global biotechnology company Amgen, to explore how the business of biotech has evolved. From the rise of startups and AI-driven drug discovery to the economics of developing new medicines and Singapore's growing biotech ecosystem, they discuss what it really takes to bring life-changing treatments to patients.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses have long focused on making supply chains faster, leaner and cheaper. But after years of global disruption, many are now willing to pay more to make sure they can keep operating when the unexpected happens. Lynlee Foo speaks with Chris Hampden, Senior Vice President at Proxima, the global procurement and supply chain consultancy that is part of Bain & Company, about why supply chain resilience has become a boardroom priority, how companies are balancing cost against risk, whether consumers will eventually pay the price, and why AI is both strengthening and complicating global supply chains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore wants to build healthcare AI models trained on local patient data, with the aim of improving the early detection and treatment of chronic diseases. But better AI depends on better data. Would you be comfortable letting AI learn from medical data from people like you if it could lead to better healthcare? Lynlee Foo explores the trade-off between medical progress, privacy and trust in today's AI Dilemma.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent nursing home cases have raised concerns about care standards, but they also point to a much bigger question. As Singapore becomes one of the world's fastest-ageing societies, what should our eldercare system actually look like? On Viewpoint, Public health specialist and author of Myth Or Magic – The Singapore Healthcare System, Dr Jeremy Lim joins Lynlee Foo to discuss ageing in the community, supporting families, improving quality of life and why the future of eldercare is about much more than nursing homes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AImay live in the cloud, but the race to lead the AI economy is unfolding in very real places. As cities around the world compete to attract AI talent, investment and innovation, what sets the leading hubs apart? What is Singapore getting right and could its next phase of growth increasingly depend on the strength of its regional ecosystem? On AI & Me: Eye on AI, Lynlee Foo speaks to Paul Tostevin, Director of Savills World Research, as they explore how AI is reshaping the geography of innovation and what this means for Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Skills and Workforce Development Agency presents: Sailing Through Transformation — New Horizons. You may not have heard of Tong Seng, but chances are you've eaten rice that has come through this homegrown business. From sourcing rice from around the world to supplying Asian pantry staples across Singapore, Tong Seng Produce has grown into a trusted name over the past three decades. As the business enters its next chapter, its focus is on balancing tradition with innovation. We explore the leadership behind that journey, from earning the trust of long-serving employees to embracing digitalisation and AI, while staying true to the values that have shaped the company from the very beginning. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo speaks to Max Ng, Executive Director of Tong Seng Produce, about what it really means to take over the family business, earn your own credibility, and prepare it for the next generation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telecom companies are increasingly bundling premium artificial intelligence tools with mobile plans, marking a shift in how they compete for customers beyond price, data and network coverage. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Nikhil Batra, Senior Research Director, IDC, about what's driving this trend, whether AI is becoming the next key differentiator for telcos, and what it could mean for consumers and the future of the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies spend billions trying to keep hackers out. But what happens when one gets in? As attacks move faster and digital systems become more complex, the cybersecurity industry is shifting its focus towards resilience and containment; stopping a breach from spreading before it becomes a crisis. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Raghu Nandakumara, Vice President of Industry Strategy at Illumio, about why effective cyber defence may now depend as much on limiting the damage as preventing the attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is getting better at more and more of what we do. So if you had five hours a week to invest in yourself, would you spend them getting better at AI, or getting better at being human? On AI Dilemma, Lynlee Foo asks what happens to judgment, empathy and leadership when AI takes over more of the grunt work - and how we develop those skills if the grunt work disappears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore and Southeast Asia face a heightened risk of severe transboundary haze in the second half of 2026, driven by the return of El Niño, drier weather and mounting economic pressures that could increase forest and peatland fires. The warning comes ahead of the 27th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Bali, where regional leaders will discuss efforts to prevent another major haze episode. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Evelyn Tan, Assistant Director, Policy Programmes at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), about what the meeting hopes to achieve, whether Southeast Asia is better prepared for a high-risk haze season, and what stronger regional cooperation will take to tackle the problem at its source.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Searching the internet used to mean typing keywords into a search engine. Today, more people are turning to AI assistants for quick, conversational answers instead. As generative AI changes the way we search for information, what determines which businesses, brands and sources appear in those answers? And what does this shift mean for companies trying to stay visible online? On AI & Me, Lynlee Foo explores how AI is reshaping search, online discovery and digital communications with Jeff Hicks, Chief Product & Technology Officer at PR Newswire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long commutes remain a reality for many Singapore residents, with people living in towns such as Sembawang, Bukit Panjang and Punggol spending the most time travelling to work, while those in central areas enjoy significantly shorter journeys. As new data highlights where commuters are most affected, it also raises broader questions about how we define accessibility beyond just travel time. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Terence Fan, Assistant Professor Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University, about what these findings reveal about the daily commuting experience in Singapore and whether being a "10-minute walk" from an MRT station means the same thing for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many people, self-care isn't difficult because they don't have time for it and it's difficult because they feel guilty for putting themselves first. Whether it's saying no, taking a break, or setting boundaries, why do so many of us struggle to prioritise ourselves? And how can we let go of the guilt and embrace self-care as an essential part of a healthier, more balanced life? On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada unpack why prioritising ourselves can feel so uncomfortable, where that guilt comes from, and how healthy boundaries can help us care for ourselves without letting others down. Featuring insights from Concetta, Psychologist and Psychotherapist at Alliance Counselling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Skills and Workforce Development Agency presents: Sailing Through Transformation — New Horizons. AI is changing the way businesses operate but does growth still have to mean hiring more people? And how can workers stay relevant as technology reshapes the workplace? Raine Goh, founder and CEO of IT solutions provider Business Buddy, shares how her company is helping SMEs embrace AI and digital transformation by automating repetitive work and improving productivity. She explains why her team chose to reskill employees instead of replacing them, how content writers became prompt writers, and why businesses should see AI as a tool for transformation rather than a threat. The conversation also explores why curiosity and continuous learning are becoming essential in an AI-driven workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada rounds up the best events happening this weekend, from inclusive arts festivals and youth-led celebrations to immersive family experiences and vibrant illustration showcases. Discover hands-on workshops at Pocket Fest, explore the ocean with CRYBABY at Singapore Oceanarium, celebrate creativity at Youth Day 2026 and the Illustration Arts Festival, or catch the excitement of the National Day Parade rehearsal with fireworks lighting up the night sky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Violinist has made history as the first Singapore-led animated feature to win Annecy's top prize —an honour that has propelled previous winners into the Academy Awards race. Lynlee Foo sat down with Executive Producer Justin Deimen and Co-Director Ervin Han to discuss the decade-long journey behind the film, why they believed a story rooted in Singapore and Southeast Asia could resonate with audiences around the world, how an international collaboration brought the project to life, and whether this landmark victory could mark the beginning of an even bigger global journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta has unveiled an AI system that converts brain activity into text without surgery, OpenAI has launched its first custom AI chip to power the next generation of ChatGPT, AWS is investing US$1 billion to accelerate enterprise AI adoption, and OCBC is rolling out AI-native banking with digital wealth advisers. On AI & Me: Week in AI, Lynlee Foo unpacks what these developments mean for the future of AI and the industries being reshaped by it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As healthcare systems grapple with rising demand and manpower constraints, AI is increasingly being viewed as more than just a productivity tool. From managing patient enquiries and reducing administrative burden to improving patient engagement and streamlining clinical workflows, AI is transforming how healthcare is delivered both inside and beyond the hospital. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Peiru Teo, CEO and Co-Founder of KeyReply, about the real-world deployment of AI across healthcare, the rise of agentic AI, and what the next chapter of AI-powered patient care could look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you let AI make purchases on your behalf? With OpenAI and Visa bringing AI-powered payments closer to reality and Singapore enhancing its digital payments infrastructure through PayNow Generation 2, Lynlee Foo examines the rise of agentic commerce and the complex questions around trust, security, and financial autonomy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're Team Messi or Team Ronaldo may reveal more than just your football preferences. New research from NTU Singapore suggests that political ideology, self-esteem and even where people get their news are associated with which of the two football icons they favour. Beyond the rivalry, the findings raise a broader question: are our cultural tastes really as personal as we think or are they quietly shaped by our identities and the media we consume? Lynlee Foo speaks to Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed from NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information about what our favourite footballer might reveal about us and what this says about the hidden forces shaping our everyday preferences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past two months, AI & Me: AI Tried It has been putting AI to the test, exploring how it responds to difficult conversations, offers comfort, and helps us navigate emotionally complex situations. Along the way, one thing became clear: AI's biggest strength isn't its intelligence, it's its emotional neutrality. It can offer thoughtful advice without judgment, but does it always understand what we're actually asking and if AI is making headlines everywhere, why aren't more people using it in their everyday lives? In the final AI Tried It, Lynlee Foo reflects on what she's learned from the series and why AI still hasn't become part of most people's daily lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening up to someone can feel like a relief in the moment, but for many people, it's often followed by feelings of embarrassment, self-doubt, or regret. But while vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, it's also essential for building trust, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging. On Is It Just Me?, producer Alexandra Parada hears from Colin Toh, Counsellor at Nook Counselling and Therapy, about why being vulnerable can feel so exposing, how past experiences shape our response to emotional openness, and how we can learn to choose courage over comfort when building meaningful relationships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Alexandra Parada rounds events worth checking out this weekend, including exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix Pit Building, the inaugural BAGFest celebrating books and board games, and the return of The Royal Ballet to Singapore after 21 years. From free motorsport experiences and indie creative festivals to cat-filled fun at Asia Cat Expo and an immersive after-dark adventure at the Singapore Discovery Centre, discover what's happening around Singapore and which events made Alexandra's top picks for the weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You put on your headphones to focus. Your boss sees someone who's checked out. That gap between intent and perception is the subject of recent research from SMU, with real implications for how your work is evaluated, how much support you get, and how your career progresses. On Viewpoint, Lynlee speaks with Michael Schaerer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources at Singapore Management University, about why something as ordinary as wearing headphones can trigger very different judgments, and why organisations haven't resolved the tension between being available and being effective. Is modern work becoming more performative? And are organisations doing enough to recognise the value of deep, uninterrupted work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.