MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

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.

Singapore is investing $48 million to help media companies create local content with AI, Amazon is testing a Hindi version of Alexa+ as it expands its next-generation AI assistant to one of the world's largest language markets, and L'Oréal is bringing virtual makeup try-ons into ChatGPT, signalling a new era of AI-powered shopping experiences. Together, these developments point to a shift in how AI is evolving by becoming more local, more personalised, and more deeply embedded into the way people create, communicate, and consume. On AI & Me: Week in AI, producer Alexandra Parada explores what these stories reveal about the next phase of AI adoption and why relevance may matter just as much as intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Water infrastructure ran on one logic for decades: when demand grows, build more. Climate volatility is forcing a rethink. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Dr. Beverley Stinson, AECOM's Executive Vice President and Global Water Leader, to learn how digital tools, predictive analytics, and smarter asset management are reshaping the way utilities plan, invest, and operate, and why the next dollar may not go into concrete at all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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