MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

Artificial intelligence is moving beyond chatbots and algorithms - it is being embedded into the backbone of global markets. With $55.8 trillion in assets under custody, global financial giant BNY is at the centre of this shift. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo sits down with Leigh-Ann Russell, CIO and Global Head of Engineering at BNY, to find out how the bank has scaled 80+ AI solutions, trained nearly its entire workforce in generative AI, and is balancing innovation with regulation while preparing Asia’s markets for an AI-enabled future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For someone living with visual impairment, even the simplest daily tasks like picking the right carton of milk at the supermarket, can be a challenge. Enter AiSee, an AI-powered wearable that is akin to a “visual companion”, created at the National University of Singapore to help people better connect with the world around them. So how exactly is it reshaping accessibility? And how could it pave the way for more inclusive innovation in Singapore and beyond? On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Associate Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Co-founder of AiSee, from the Department of Information Systems & Analytics, at NUS Computing to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data and AI giant Databricks has surpassed a US$100B valuation with over US$1B in AI revenue. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Adam Conway, SVP of Products at Databricks about what’s fueling this momentum, how Asia’s AI adoption differs from the US, and why agentic AI could be the region’s next big leap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Findings from a report by financial compliance software firm Fenergo show that regulators worldwide issued more than US$1.2 billion in fines against financial institutions in the first half of 2025 - a staggering year-on-year increase. While North America accounted for the largest penalties, Asia was not spared, with enforcement actions in China, Malaysia, Australia, and Singapore, where MAS issued multiple fines for AML breaches. On Industry Insight, host Lynlee Foo speaks with Cengiz Kiamil, Managing Director at Fenergo, about what’s driving this surge in fines, why sanctions and digital assets are increasingly in the crosshairs, and how Asia’s financial institutions should respond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anime has surged from subculture to a US$30B global industry, with streaming, merchandising, and fandom driving growth far beyond Japan. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Kendrick Wong, CEO of Singapore-based Kasagi Labo, a pioneering anime venture studio about why anime resonates with global audiences, the business model shifts powering its expansion, and how Singapore is emerging as a launchpad for this billion-fan future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly a billion people around the world depend on remittances - and Asia Pacific is at the centre of this $905 billion market. But the way money moves is changing fast. Visa’s latest Money Travels 2025 report shows digital apps have overtaken traditional channels, with speed, security and convenience driving adoption. So what does this mean for banks, money transfer operators, and fintechs as well as consumers across the region? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Debarun Roy Choudhury, Vice President, Head of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions (Regional SEA) at Visa to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Singapore’s deaf and hard-of-hearing community, something as simple as picking up the phone can feel impossible. With only seven full-time interpreters serving thousands, making a doctor’s appointment or calling a hotline often means relying on family, friends, or long waits. Enter CallBridge — a homegrown innovation using real-time text-to-speech and speech-to-text to let users make calls independently, privately, and with dignity. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks with co-founders Yeo Shi Tan and Cody Tan De Xuan about building CallBridge during a hackathon, the impact of its pilot programme, and their vision to integrate it into essential services like emergency hotlines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASEAN’s electricity demand is set to nearly triple by 2050, and renewables alone won’t be enough to keep the lights on. One option making a quiet comeback is nuclear power—this time in the form of small modular reactors (SMRs) that are safer, smaller, and more flexible than the plants of the past. On Industry Insight, Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of Energy & Utilities Practice at Arthur D. Little, explains why SMRs are gaining traction across Southeast Asia, how new technologies like AI and 3D printing are reshaping nuclear’s future, and why Singapore can still play a leadership role in policy and safety without building a reactor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once viewed primarily as crisis managers, interim executives are increasingly stepping into strategic roles across AI adoption, supply chain transformation, and post-merger integration. This model is growing globally with Singapore emerging as a hub. So why are companies turning to contract leaders to drive strategy? And how will this reshape executive recruitment in Singapore? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Mike Magee, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at X-PM to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From cooking oil to jet fuel, Singapore is leading Asia’s green shift. With Southeast Asia’s first large-scale alkoxides facility now open at Jurong Island, what does this milestone mean for the future of clean fuels, better nutrition, and sustainable manufacturing in the region? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Lauren Kjeldsen, COO and a Member of the Executive Board, Evonik Industries to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Singapore continues to evolve its urban landscape, AI and data are becoming central to how new estates are designed and developed. From predicting traffic flows and optimising transport networks to reducing environmental impact and enhancing liveability, technology is reshaping the way cities grow. So how are smart planning tools are helping Singapore build more sustainable, efficient, and people-centric estates for the future? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Maurizio Garavello, Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific and Japan, Qlik to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will Singapore’s construction sites look like after 2030? From remote-controlled excavators and drones to carbon-capturing concrete and digital twins, construction is being reshaped by technology, sustainability, and collaboration. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Lee Aik Seng, Managing Director of Obayashi Singapore, about how digital innovation is changing site operations, why the Singapore Green Plan 2030 is accelerating material breakthroughs, and the role of partnerships in shaping the next decade of the built environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctors in Singapore spend nearly half their working hours on paperwork instead of patients. Can AI help give that time back? On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks with Xie Qihuang and Alexander Shao-Rong Pang, co-founders of Hesyra, a homegrown healthtech startup building an AI medical scribe. Born out of an NUS project, Hesyra listens to consultations and automatically generates clinical notes, referrals, and more - helping doctors spend less time typing and more time connecting with patients. One specialist even told the team it gave him back “the gift of eye contact” - the chance to look patients in the eye instead of at a keyboard. Listen and discover how startup Hesyra is bridging care and technology with an AI scribe built for clinicians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doing a search on Google is no longer just about finding answers — it’s about discovery, prediction, and personalisation. From consumer behaviour shifts to marketing in an AI-first era, artificial intelligence is reshaping the way people search, discover, and engage online. But how is Search evolving into an AI-powered discovery engine? And what does this mean for businesses rethinking their digital strategies? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ben King, Managing Director of Google Singapore to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jobs and reskilling were front and centre at this year’s National Day Rally. But ADP’s latest People at Work 2025 report shows a striking confidence gap: only one in three Singapore workers feel they have the skills to progress in their careers. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Yvonne Teo, Vice President of HR APAC at global HR and payroll solutions provider ADP, to unpack what this means for employers and employees - from supporting early-career talent and easing AI anxiety to addressing financial stress and building a culture of trust. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Factories across Asia are turning to AI and automation to stay resilient amid rising costs, supply chain shocks, and talent shortages. On Industry Insight, Rockwell Automation’s Scott Wooldridge, Regional President, Asia Pacific explains to Lynlee Foo how smart factories are reshaping manufacturing, and why the future depends on people and technology working together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia’s factories, ports, and supply chains are entering a new era that is powered not just by AI, but by the networks that connect everything together. Now with private 5G and edge computing, it processes data right where it is needed, are helping industries move faster, work smarter, and stay ahead. So how are these fast, secure networks shaping Asia’s industrial and enterprise landscape? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Robert Le Busque, Regional VP, Verizon Business to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pawnshops have always held a unique place in society. They’re one of the oldest financial services — places people turn to in moments of need, but also places where family heirlooms, gold bars, and luxury treasures change hands. Today, that traditional image is being redefined. With gold prices soaring and younger consumers embracing pre-owned luxury, pawnbroking is transforming into a modern retail and financial ecosystem. On Industry Insight, Money FM 89.3’s Lynlee Foo speaks with Lim Chun Seng, Group General Manager of MoneyMax, one of Southeast Asia’s largest pawnbroking and luxury resale groups. From innovation and consumer shifts to challenges and the future of finance, he shares how an age-old industry is finding fresh relevance in the modern economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During National Day Rally 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the creation of Age Well Neighbourhoods as one in four Singaporeans will be over 65 by 2030. This is a major step to support a rapidly aging population to help seniors access healthcare and social activities more easily. But how will this better support our ageing population? And what can we expect in the years to come? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr Ng Wai Chong, CEO of NWC Longevity Practice and Director of Clinical Development at Home Nursing Foundation to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries from healthcare to finance, and now, public safety. But trust remains a major hurdle. Enter the AI nutrition label: a tool designed to clearly explain how AI works, what data it uses, and where human oversight remains. On Industry Insight, Rajat Gupta, Vice President and Managing Director for Asia, Middle East & Africa at Motorola Solutions, a global security technology company, explains why AI transparency is becoming essential, and how regulation, consumer demand, and business competition are driving this global shift. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore Management University has entered the sustainability bond market — but why now, and how does it stand apart from traditional green bonds? So what lies behind SMU’s motivations, and the hurdles of aligning campus sustainability ambitions with investor-grade frameworks? And what is the growing trend of non-traditional issuers in sustainable finance. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Yvonne Chan, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, SMU to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proximity to nature is no longer just a lifestyle choice - it’s becoming a serious driver of property value in Singapore. This “green premium” is reshaping buyer preferences and influencing how developers plan new projects. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo chats with Dora Chng, Residential Director at GuocoLand, to discuss the thinking behind Springleaf Residence, where more than 70% of the site is landscaped and set beside the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. They explore buyer behaviour, affordability, and whether green living will remain a premium feature - or become the new norm in Singapore real estate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media apps are built to keep you scrolling, and that’s not an easy habit to break. But what if there’s an app specially designed to help you spend your free time more intentionally and meaningfully? On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Sindhu Mohan and Vishnu Sundaresan, Co-Founders of Snowball to learn more about a very different kind of social media that rewards you for living more offline.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI and automation are transforming how we work, and the skills needed to thrive. On Industry Insight, Jinhee Kuhl, Vice President of Talent at design software giant Autodesk, explains how these technologies are creating new jobs, reshaping roles, and redefining what it means to be “future-ready.” From AI fluency and systems thinking to adaptability and problem-solving, hear the capabilities employers will prize in the years ahead. Jinhee also shares how Autodesk uses tech in hiring, why sustainability matters in talent strategy, and how professionals in Asia can stand out in a rapidly changing job market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As ASEAN accelerates its push toward net-zero, battery technology is emerging as the backbone of the region’s clean energy future. From EV adoption to renewable energy storage, batteries are set to play a pivotal role but can Southeast Asia realistically compete with giants like China? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Dr. Chiam Sing Yang, Technical Director of the Singapore Battery Consortium and the lead for ASEAN Battery Safety Network. They discuss the region’s emerging battery ecosystem, the critical role of safety standards, and Singapore’s position as a high-value hub for testing, R&D, and recycling. Whether you’re tracking EV growth, renewable integration, or the future of battery innovation, tune to this conversation for an insider’s view of ASEAN’s opportunities, and challenges in the global battery race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Asia-Europe trade gains momentum, Southeast Asia’s role is shifting from that of a traditional transit zone to a more strategic and value-adding one. How are logistics strategies evolving? What’s driving demand across the corridor, and why is Southeast Asia no longer just a bridge? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Bianca Wong, Vice President Operations of FedEx Express Southeast Asia to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new free digital tool called "myACP" is making end-of-life planning more accessible in Singapore by letting individuals document their end-of-life care preferences without the need for a doctor's appointment or paperwork. But how does this tech make conversations behind end-of-life planning more convenient and comfortable? On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Wong Wai Min, Deputy Director, Primary and Community Care Development Division from Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once a thriving part of local culture, the big screen experience is now struggling to stay relevant but what’s behind the decline? And what will it take to bring Singapore’s cinema industry back to life? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Justin Deimen, Executive Director of Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes Singapore feel like home - especially for those still waiting to be accepted? In this SG60 special of Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo explores the meaning of belonging with three guests who see Singapore from very different vantage points. Dr Mathew Mathews, a sociologist at the Institute of Policy Studies, reflects on identity and cohesion at the 60-year mark.Jake Low, a young filmmaker, shares how storytelling helps expand our national narrative.Amandine Honvault, creator of New to Singapore, opens up about being rejected for permanent residency - twice - and why she’s still building a life here. From hard questions about status and recognition to hopeful dreams for SG120, this conversation challenges us to think beyond walls and documents, to what truly makes a city home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State-sponsored threat actors, ransomware gangs, and cybercrime brokers are joining forces - and they’re not breaking through your front door. They’re sneaking in through your partners. On Industry Insight, Teo Xiang Zheng, Vice President of Advisory at Ensign InfoSecurity, reveals why cyber supply chain attacks are escalating across APAC, how Singapore is becoming a testbed for ransomware variants, and what business leaders must do to defend their organisations from within. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s marine fuel sector is feeling the cash crunch. On Industry Insight, 129Knots’ Co-founder Mahesh Kumar explains how embedded finance is unlocking liquidity, transforming trade credit, and fuelling Singapore’s ambitions as a global maritime and fintech hub.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.