MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

As healthcare shifts from treatment to prevention, medtech companies are evolving beyond devices. On Industry Insight, Masanori Matsubara, Managing Director of OMRON Healthcare Singapore, joins us to discuss how connected health tools, personalised data, and step-up insurance coverage are converging to support better everyday health. Discover how this model is helping patients take charge of chronic conditions like hypertension, and what it reveals about the future of preventive care in Singapore and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unpaid internships. Burnout disguised as passion. In Singapore’s creative industry, these are increasingly common, driven by a mindset that values hustle as a pathway to success. But when hustle culture becomes a rite of passage what's the real cost? Pedro Aguirre, Community Development and Impact Director at social enterprise Make The Change, joins Lynlee Foo to unpack why internships have turned into a resume “arms race,” how it is filtering out diverse talent, and what a more sustainable and inclusive creative ecosystem should look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore investors are diving into Japan’s real estate market, and boutique B&Bs in Osaka are leading the charge. In Part 2 of an Industry Insight Japan Special, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ruben Koh, Senior Director and Head of International Residential Sales at Savills Singapore, who shares more about the sell-out success of Metro City Osaka and what’s driving Singaporean demand for fully-managed, short-stay properties in Japan. From tourism tailwinds and favourable exchange rates to the appeal of plug-and-play models, we explore why Japan’s B&B market is booming — and what investors need to know before jumping in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s hospitality market is making a strong comeback - but it’s not just about Tokyo anymore.In Part 1 of an Industry Insight Japan Special, Jason Leong, Executive Director and Head of Investment & Asset Management at Frasers Hospitality, joins Lynlee Foo to unpack why global capital is flowing into long-stay, lifestyle-led hospitality models across Japan. From Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto, tune in to explore what makes these “gateway cities” attractive to institutional investors, how guest preferences are evolving, and why local insight is key to navigating risk in a competitive, fast-changing market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can AI make high-quality academic support more accessible, and empower students to learn better, not just faster? Two graduates from the National University of Singapore saw an opportunity to do that. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Andre Lim and Jed Ng, co-founders of Check, an AI-powered tool developed to offer hyper-personalised academic support for students from secondary school to junior college. Designed to complement traditional learning, discover how this edtech innovation is not only transforming how students study, but also tackling deeper issues like unequal access to quality tutoring and over-reliance on generic AI tools. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Singapore lead the AI revolution in secure software? Singapore now ranks among the fastest-growing developer communities in Asia-Pacific — and is among the top 10 global contributors to AI projects on GitHub. On Industry Insight, we speak with Tariq Shaukat, CEO of Sonar, a global leader in code quality and security solutions trusted by millions of developers worldwide. Tariq unpacks why Sonar is investing in Singapore, how agentic AI is transforming software development, and why trust, speed, and scale are becoming the new pillars of secure digital innovation. Listen to his insights for a front-row view of how developer-first tools and autonomous AI are reshaping the way we build software, and what it means for the future of trust in a fast-moving digital world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has set ambitious targets to green 80% of its buildings by 2030 — but progress is slowing, and that’s a challenge for the entire built environment industry. So how can landlords, developers, and building managers unlock the next phase of growth and meet rising ESG demands? Is retrofitting existing buildings now the biggest opportunity for the industry? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Allen Ang, President of the Singapore Green Building Council to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global trade tensions rise and Singapore exporters brace for higher tariffs on goods like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, what should businesses here be doing to stay ahead? On Industry Insight, Chua Soon Ghee, Senior Partner at global consultancy Kearney, breaks down how companies in Singapore and the region can respond — from rethinking procurement and diversifying supply chains, to building strategic agility and unlocking new growth opportunities in ASEAN and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asia’s businesses are under pressure to scale, stay competitive, and meet rising expectations — all while managing risks in an unpredictable market. So, how can companies here build smarter, stronger businesses for the long haul? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Liher Urbizu, SAP’s President and Managing Director for Southeast Asia to take a look at how businesses can rewire their core to future-proof themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singaporeans love to snack — but today’s consumers expect more from their treats. They’re looking for healthier options, adventurous global flavours, and brands that align with their values. So how can snack makers keep up with evolving habits while staying profitable and relevant? On Industry Insight, Maureen Tayengco, Head of Consumer Insights and Analytics, SEA and AMEA, Mondelez International, joins Lynlee Foo to unpack the big trends shaping the future of snacking in the region. From health and sustainability to nostalgia and hyper‑personalisation, she shares what businesses need to know to win over savvy snackers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BDx Data Centres recently launched an initiative in collaboration with a Singapore quantum computing company to deploy Southeast Asia’s first hybrid quantum computer at its flagship SIN1 facility in Paya Lebar. How will this change the game for AI, enterprise innovation, and the future of data centres? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Mayank Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of BDx Data Centers to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Southeast Asia’s data centres heating up under the strain of AI workloads and sustainability targets, the industry is turning to liquid cooling as a smarter, greener solution. Bahador (Bernardo) Jebelli, Director for Thermal Solutions at digital infrastructure solutions provider, Vertiv Asia, joins Lynlee Foo on Industry Insight to explain how this technology works, what’s driving its adoption, and why it could reshape the region’s digital infrastructure in the years ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charging an EV shouldn’t feel harder than filling a tank — especially when crossing borders. Yet fragmented networks and clunky apps still frustrate drivers. The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo speaks with Heng Jung Seong, Head of EV Charging at City Energy, about Singapore’s move to app‑free, plug‑and‑go charging, what it took to make it work in Malaysia too, and why seamless infrastructure is key to driving EV adoption across the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As AI and talent shortages reshape the job market, more companies in Asia Pacific are prioritising skills over degrees — and embedding learning into their business strategies. Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2025 shows Singapore leading globally in AI readiness, but still facing skills gaps. On Industry Insight, Eklavya Bhave, Head of Asia at Coursera, explains how skills-first strategies are helping businesses see real results — and what lessons employers and professionals can take to stay competitive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synthetic identities — part real, part fake — are enabling fraudsters to slip past outdated checks and exploit banks at scale. With synthetic identity fraud in Asia Pacific surging by over 180% in the past year, Singapore’s fast‑growing digital banking sector faces a pressing question: how can institutions build trust and defend against these increasingly sophisticated threats? Reinhard Hochrieser, SVP of Product & Technology at Jumio, shares insights into the rise of synthetic identity fraud in Asia, how groups like Grey Nickel operate, and what banks can do to strengthen trust in a digital-first world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asia’s construction sector is booming — with soaring demand for data centres, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable buildings. But rising costs, labour shortages, and tougher sustainability rules are testing developers like never before. Turner & Townsend Singapore's Managing Director Khoo Sze Boon, joins Lynlee Foo on Industry Insight to explain how smarter procurement, collaborative contracting, and workforce upskilling can help the region keep up. Plus: why trust and long‑term partnerships matter more than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boards are under pressure to prove their climate numbers but can they really trust the data? A look at the emerging crisis of ESG data integrity, and how boards can strengthen oversight, improve trust in disclosures, and use technology to make better-informed climate decisions. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Benjamin Soh, Founder of ESGpedia to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From DeepSeek to the open source Ernie and MiniMax, China’s tech giants are racing ahead in AI — but it’s not just about innovation. It’s about execution at scale. How are Chinese companies embedding AI into their business models — and what can Singapore firms learn from their playbook? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Guoli Chen, Professor of Strategy, INSEAD to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 10, 2025, Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, turns 100 — yet he remains preoccupied with the same mission he outlined more than 50 years ago: addressing the “Malay Dilemma.” Shannon Teoh, Malaysia Bureau Chief at The Straits Times, joins Lynlee Foo to reflect on his centenary interview with Dr Mahathir, sharing what the statesman is really like at 100, his regrets about leaving office too soon, and why he still believes uniting and uplifting the Malay community is Malaysia’s unfinished business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ride-hailing platform Grab has begun piloting a driverless shuttle service for its employees, running a short route between Media Circle and One‑North MRT station — but how close are we, really, to seeing autonomous vehicles as part of daily public transport in Singapore? On Viewpoint, The Straits Times' senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe joins Lynlee Foo to unpack how this trial differs from earlier experiments, the role of regulators, public readiness, and why small‑scale, real‑world tests like these are crucial to building trust in the technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data show that more than 87,000 elderly Singaporeans now live alone — double the number a decade ago. How can technology help keep them safe without intruding on their privacy? On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo chats with Carlos Chacon, one of the creators of Birdhouse — a discreet, award-winning motion sensor designed to watch over seniors living alone. Carlos shares the human story behind the innovation, what his team has learned from real-world trials, and how Birdhouse is shaping the future of ageing in place. Listen to discover how a small device is making a big social impact — and why good technology always puts people first. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Family Trends Report 2025 shows that just 56% of eligible fathers in Singapore took paternity leave last year. Despite expanded policies, nearly half still forgo their full entitlement. Why? Dr Kalpana Vignehsa of the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore joins Lynlee Foo to explore workplace culture, hidden penalties, and how to truly normalise fathers’ caregiving roles — beyond policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As businesses expand across borders and customer expectations for real-time payments grow, treasury functions are no longer just about keeping cash safe — they’ve become a key driver of business strategy. On Industry Insight, Fabian Khoshbakht, Managing Director and Head of Treasury Services, Asia Pacific at BNY, shares how technology, data, and fintech partnerships are reshaping the way companies manage liquidity, risk, and cross-border payments. He explains why Asia is leading the way, how corporate treasurers are embracing AI and analytics, and what the future holds for automation and digital currencies. Want to understand how treasury is evolving from a backroom function to a strategic enabler of growth? Don't miss this conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supermarkets are getting smarter — blending AI, data, and automation to create smoother shopping experiences and more efficient operations. At the heart of FairPrice Group’s Store of Tomorrow initiative are innovations like Vision AI, smart trolleys, and personalised recommendations, already being piloted at Sengkang Grand Mall and soon coming to Punggol Digital District. On Industry Insight, Dennis Seah, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at FairPrice Group, shares lessons from the pilot, how shoppers and staff are responding, and what this signals for the future of brick‑and‑mortar retail in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Come October, travellers from Singapore will have easier access to Uzbekistan, with AirAsia X launching flights via Kuala Lumpur. Changi Airport Group too is exploring direct routes. But growing tourism beyond Tashkent into the country’s heritage cities takes more than flights. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo chats with former Money FM 89.3 host Timothy Go, who calls the historic city of Khiva “Uzbekistan’s fairytale come true.” From infrastructure gaps to cultural partnerships, Timothy shares what it takes to build sustainable, authentic tourism in Central Asia — and why Singaporean players have a role to play.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite inflation and economic headwinds, Singapore’s SMEs are defying the odds — growing revenue, hiring talent, and staying optimistic. But behind this resilience lies a digital backbone: cloud accounting. On Industry Insight, Koren Wines, Managing Director of Xero Asia, joins Lynlee Foo to unpack the findings of Xero’s latest 'The State of Small and Medium Businesses Singapore' report and the growing role of cloud-based finance tools. From tackling late payments and improving real-time financial visibility to embracing AI and embedded finance, find out how cloud platforms are evolving into intelligent systems that empower small businesses to act fast, stay compliant, and scale sustainably.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When someone opens up about their struggles, many of us want to help—but don’t know how. Are You OK? is a mental wellness chatbot designed to guide peer supporters through difficult conversations with empathy and care. On Good Tech, Benny Lim, UX designer and project lead behind Are You OK?, shares how the tool uses AI, professional input, and real-world peer support practices to help everyday people show up better for those in need. From Telegram-based real-time advice to roleplay training for volunteers, discover how this tool is making emotional support more accessible—and more human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s long-delayed Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system kicked into enforcement today (1 Jul, 2025)— and within the first hour, 10 Singapore drivers were fined. OnViewpoint, The Straits Times journalist Harith Mustaffa joins us from Johor Bahru, where he observed the rollout firsthand. We unpack what went wrong, why some motorists were caught off guard, and what this might mean for weekend travel, businesses in JB, and Singaporeans navigating the system. From confusing tag activations to unexpected roadside stops, here’s what you need to know about Day 1 of VEP enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A compilation of 16 billion stolen credentials is now circulating online—posing a massive risk to businesses, even if they weren’t directly breached. In this episode of Industry Insight, Bernard Montel Technical Director and Security Strategist from cybersecurity risk and exposure management firm Tenable breaks down how attackers exploit these credentials at scale using automation and AI, and why identity—not networks—is now the primary attack surface. Discover why traditional defences fall short in cloud-first environments, how exposure management evolves beyond vulnerability scanning, and what business leaders can do to proactively reduce identity-related risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s URA Draft Master Plan 2025 presents a clear roadmap for urban growth, climate resilience, and integrated living — but what does it all mean for the property sector? On Industry Insight, Leonard Tay, Head of Research at Knight Frank Singapore, breaks down the long-term implications for developers, investors, and landowners. From the game-changing relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase to rising ESG expectations and green infrastructure, we explore how planning priorities are shifting — and why this reinforces Singapore’s reputation as a safe, stable destination for long-term real estate investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered why your overseas order is delayed—or why you are suddenly asked to pay more at the door? You’re not alone. Surprise import fees and delivery friction are frustrating shoppers everywhere. On Industry Insight, we unpack the cross-border shipping puzzle with Luke Li, APAC Marketing and Digital Experience Director at UPS. He explains how businesses can fix fee transparency, improve delivery timelines, and build trust through smarter logistics. From AI-powered customs clearance to sustainable shipping and supply chain mapping, we explore the tools reshaping cross-border e-commerce—so that your next global order arrives faster, cheaper, and with no hidden surprises.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With global growth slowing and geopolitical shocks mounting, what are Singapore’s real economy sectors doing to stay resilient? Chris Roberts, Partner for Infrastructure, Government, Healthcare and Manufacturing Tax at KPMG Singapore, joins Lynlee Foo to share insights from the ground—how companies are re-evaluating supply chains, pricing volatility into infrastructure decisions, and shifting manufacturing strategies in response to tariffs and trade disruption. From tax restructuring to investment hesitation, listen to explore how firms are hitting pause, gathering better data, and preparing for a world where resilience and adaptability are more valuable than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stablecoins, tokenised wallets, and embedded finance are shaping how consumers pay today. On Industry Insight, Dayna Leng, Chief Marketing Officer of DCS Card Centre, chats with Lynlee Foo to unpack how Web3 payment trends are moving from hype to everyday use. Dive into the shift from credit to ownership-based spending, the rise of prepaid and micro-credit cards, and why stablecoins like USDT and USDC are gaining traction in real-world transactions. From digital assets to AI-driven engagement, take a listen to understand where payments are heading—and how to stay ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As electric vehicles gain traction in Singapore, motor insurance is undergoing a quiet transformation. In this episode of Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Cecilia Siah, Vice President and Head of Motor Business at Income Insurance, to explore how the EV boom is reshaping insurance policies, premiums, and customer expectations. We unpack the risks unique to EVs — from high battery replacement costs to range anxiety — and how new motor insurance solutions are evolving to meet the needs of a growing community of EV drivers. Listen to this conversation and find out more about electric vehicles cover, or how insurers are preparing for a fully electric future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical Social Workers are on the frontlines of patient care—navigating not only complex health situations but also emotional, financial, and social struggles. Yet, after each patient conversation, they face another demanding task: translating these deeply personal stories into clinical documentation. With heavy caseloads and a growing admin burden, burnout is becoming an all-too-common reality. In this episode, Lynlee Foo speaks with Caleb Chiam, Senior Software Engineer at Open Government Products and the tech lead behind Scribe—a digital tool designed to reduce the documentation burden for social workers. Caleb shares how Scribe uses technology to streamline note-taking, freeing up social workers to spend more time where it matters most: with their patients. Tune in to learn how one innovation is helping heal the healers, and why rethinking paperwork could transform the future of care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From curating shopping lists to planning dinner outfits, AI is reshaping how we shop — but not without raising questions about trust and transparency. In this episode, we speak with Ben Wong, General Manager for Southeast Asia and Hong Kong at Adyen, to unpack the latest insights from Adyen’s 2025 Retail Report. We explore how consumers in Singapore and beyond are using AI to enhance their shopping experiences, the rise of social commerce, and how brands can build secure, personalised journeys in an increasingly digital world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nanyang Polytechnic has introduced Singapore’s first cross-school Common Entry Programme across Business, IT, and Engineering — giving students more flexibility to discover their interests before choosing a diploma. But could this also reflect a broader shift in how education prepares students for the future of work? Russell Chan, Principal and CEO of NYP, joins Lynlee Foo to explore how this new approach could reshape the intersection of education, industry, and employability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Good Tech, we shine a spotlight on Better.sg — the volunteer-driven non-profit harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world social challenges in Singapore. Since 2020, they’ve been quietly building bridges between skilled professionals and causes that need them most. Joining us is Xin Yi Yap, Projects and Operations Manager at Better.sg, who shares how the organization mobilizes designers, developers, and domain experts to co-create impactful digital tools for communities in need. From matching volunteers to meaningful missions, to creating platforms that address everything from mental health to elder care, we explore how purpose and innovation come together — and how you can be part of the movement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Institutional DeFi is no longer just a thought experiment—it’s taking shape behind closed doors and in pilot projects across the globe. On Industry Insight, Xin Song, CEO of GSR, a global leader in digital asset markets joins Lynlee Foo to unpack why major financial institutions are getting serious about decentralised finance. From Singapore’s Project Guardian to BlackRock’s tokenised funds, we explore the forces accelerating institutional DeFi adoption—and what’s still holding it back. Xin explains how GSR is bridging the gap between traditional and decentralised markets, what tokenised real-world assets mean for liquidity and risk, and why regulatory progress is key to unlocking scale. Whether you’re in finance, fintech, or just DeFi-curious, listen to this conversation to find out what’s really happening behind the buzz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are non-tech players—from real estate developers to sovereign wealth funds—pouring billions into data infrastructure across Asia? On Industry Insight, Jennifer Tay, PwC Asia Pacific Infrastructure leader and PwC Singapore Partner joins Lynlee Foo to discuss the forces reshaping the market: from AI-driven demand and energy constraints to ESG mandates and sovereign fund strategies. She shares insights into why Asia’s data centre market is heating up, how connectivity and grid capacity are now mission-critical, what roles non-tech players are stepping into, and whether the boom in capital is heading toward consolidation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when AI goes viral — but the rules haven’t caught up? From Ghibli-style art generators to powerful large language models, generative AI is raising big questions around copyright, consent, energy use, and accountability. As businesses race to deploy these tools, who’s thinking about governance? IBM’s Stephen Braim, Vice President Governmental & Regulatory Affairs, Asia Pacific joins Lynlee Foo on Industry Insight to unpack the risks, regulations, and regional responses that could shape the future of AI governance in Asia and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your next home climate-resilient? Do rental listings reveal hidden bias? And how much influence do digital platforms have over what we see — or don’t — in the housing market? As cities across Southeast Asia expand and temperatures rise, property listings are no longer just about price and location. Increasingly, they reflect deeper concerns—like climate risk, rental bias, and long-term liveability. On Industry Insight, we dive into the future of sustainable and inclusive housing with PropertyGuru's Head of Sustainability, Cecile Corda. Learn about the role PropTech platforms play in urban transformation and how digital tools influence what homes people see, and which ones they trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.