MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

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Synthetic identities — part real, part fake — are enabling fraudsters to slip past outdated checks and exploit banks at scale.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.

What does “good government” look like in an age of complex global challenges? As geopolitical tensions rise, governments face growing pressure not just to lead, but to perform. OnViewpoint, Wu Wei Neng, CEO of the Chandler Institute of Governance, shares findings from the 2025 Chandler Good Government Index. From Singapore’s rise to the top, to surprising leaps from the UAE, Vietnam and Rwanda, discover what sets high-performing governments apart—and why financial stewardship and global influence are slipping in others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, the buzz wasn’t just about AI and immersive commerce—it was about how travel is reshaping retail. 'Live' from Marina Bay Sands, Industry Insight dives into the latest travel and retail trends in Asia Pacific with Mastercard's Chief Economist David Mann. From currency-savvy Singaporean travelers boosting footfall in Tokyo and Osaka, to the rise of wellness and purpose-driven tourism, discover why shopping no longer starts at the storefront—but at the moment a flight is booked. Plus, hear how FX shifts, digital wallets, and real-time personalisation are redefining retail strategies across Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does retail in Asia Pacific look like in 2025? 'Live' from NRF 2025 APAC at Marina Bay Sands, the region's biggest retail conference, George Pepes of APAC Vertical Solutions Lead for Healthcare and Retail, Zebra Technologies joins The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo to unpack how AI-powered mobile solutions, intelligent inventory management, and real-time workforce tools are redefining the customer experience across Asia. With Gen Z leading the charge as NFC-native consumers and expectations rising across the board, George explains why retailers must act fast to digitise, automate, and adapt. Listen to this conversation to stay ahead in one of the world’s fastest-moving retail markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Generative AI is reshaping legal practice — from how junior lawyers conduct research to what clients now expect from their legal advisers. But that’s just the beginning. On Industry Insight, Yeong Zee Kin, Chief Executive of the Singapore Academy of Law, joins Lynlee Foo to unpack the bigger shifts redefining legal careers in Singapore. Discover how AI is transforming the role of the lawyer, the rising importance of human judgment, and how structured training and cultural reform are becoming key to retaining talent. From new client pressures to the growing appeal of in-house roles and international opportunities, Zee Kin offers a grounded, strategic view of what the legal profession must do to stay ahead. Whether you’re a practitioner, policymaker, or just AI-curious, listen to this essential conversation about the future of law in a fast-changing world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Russia to Myanmar, the global sanctions net is tightening and Singapore based businesses are feeling the pressure. Recent headlines involving CCIC Singapore and Splendent Technologies show how even indirect exposure can lead to serious consequences. What is driving this increase in enforcement and how can companies here protect themselves? On Industry Insight, we speak with Haider Mannan, founder of risk intelligence firm BIGTXN to unpack the fast-evolving sanctions landscape, why traditional compliance is no longer enough and the practical steps all businesses should take to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2025 survey, 65% of Singapore finance professionals plan to change roles within two years, and globally, over half of respondents—and 37% in Singapore—view accountancy as a springboard to start their own business. On Industry Insight, ACCA’s Regional Head of Policy, Chiew Chun Wee shares more about the transformation of the sector in the AI era — accountants are evolving from traditional number-crunchers into strategic business partners and driving innovation with AI, sustainability reporting, and integrated thinking. Plus, the critical skills you need for financial leadership in Asia Pacific. A must-listen for accounting and finance professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing professional landscape!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you move from AI hype to enterprise impact? Why do some AI and cloud strategies scale while others stall? The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo sat down with cloud computing platform Amazon Web Services' Enterprise Strategist and former Coca-Cola Global CIO Miriam McLemore to unpack what enterprise leaders get wrong — and what the best get right. From decision velocity and culture readiness to workflow simplification and strategic cloud adoption, tune in to get a boardroom-level view of digital transformation done right.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and AI-driven tools become mainstream, legacy security models are no longer enough. On Industry Insight, Sanjay Yadave, Vice President & Managing Director, Greater Asia at leading cloud security firm Zscaler, sat down with The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo to share his expertise on what real cyber resilience looks like in today’s cloud-first, AI-enabled business world. Learn more about why legacy security stacks are a liability, not a safeguard, what true Zero Trust implementation looks like at enterprise scale and how Singapore’s investments in AI and cloud can only succeed with the right leadership mindset and cultural readiness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Asia’s flagship technology event, Asia Tech x Singapore (ATxSG) 2025 kicks off (27 - 29 May)Industry Insight's Lynlee Foo sits down with Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive at Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), for a sweeping conversation on how Singapore is scaling innovation—safely, strategically, and fast. From AI and quantum computing to digital sustainability and space tech, Kiren shares how Singapore is future-proofing its digital economy, supporting 240,000 SMEs, and preparing 3.5 million workers for the next wave of transformation. We also explore the rise of agentic and embodied AI, and why the real challenge isn’t just technology—it’s how fast we adopt, upskill, and govern it. Whether you're in finance, manufacturing, logistics or tech, tune in for a front-row seat to the digital priorities shaping Singapore and the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine solar-powered clinics in remote provinces, AI-driven telehealth linking thousands of islands, and green hospitals cutting costs and carbon at once. On Industry Insight, Chris Humphrey from the EU ASEAN Business Council joins The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo to unpack the region's healthcare transformation - from financing innovations and digital health solutions to sustainable infrastructure and preventive care strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when crypto stops being the wild card—and starts becoming a serious player in portfolio strategy? On Industry Insight, Mark Wong, Head of Trading at Independent Reserve Singapore, unpacks the latest findings from the firm's Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index on how Singaporeans are navigating the digital asset space. Ownership is down, confidence is shifting, and stablecoins are stepping into the spotlight. From Bitcoin’s evolving role to MAS-led regulation, this is where sentiment meets strategy—and where professionals are rethinking how crypto fits into the bigger financial picture. Listen and find out how Singaporean investors are repositioning—why ownership is declining even as awareness remains high, how Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset, and why stablecoins are gaining traction in real-world use cases.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 21 May 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his first full Cabinet since taking office—an important milestone following his recent election win. What are the signals behind the structure, and the broader strategy? On Viewpoint, political observer and lecturer at Nanyang Technological University, Dr. Felix Tan joins Lynlee Foo to unpack how this Cabinet reflects a blend of continuity, strategic recalibration, and Singapore’s evolving leadership posture amid domestic and global uncertainty. From the absence of a second DPM to shifts in key portfolios, Dr Tan shares his views on what this means for governance, succession, and political trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is changing the cyber threat game — not just faster, but quieter. On Industry Insight, Vishak Raman, Vice President for Southeast Asia, ANZ, India & SAARC at global cybersecurity solutions and services firm Fortinet, explains how AI-fuelled threats are exposing dangerous gaps in visibility, speed, and scale — especially in mid-sized enterprises across Singapore. He also shares how platform-based defences can close detection gaps and protect Singapore’s most vulnerable businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.