MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

Influence in Singapore’s social media landscape is evolving. Today, it’s no longer just about viral posts or massive follower counts. New data from Meltwater shows how Singapore’s creator landscape is evolving, and how influence itself may be changing in a crowded digital environment. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ram Bojeesh, Country Manager, Southeast Asia and India at Meltwater to find out what this shift tells us about the future of the creator economy here in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arcades used to be all about high scores and flashing lights — but today, they’re transforming into full-blown social destinations. From VR experiences to cashless payments, the arcades are undergoing a major shift. On Industry Insights, Lynlee Foo speaks to Nesh Selva, General Manager, Timezone Singapore to find out how operators like Timezone keeping the fun — and the business — alive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coffee vending machines are popping up across Singapore, offering a quick caffeine fix without the café queues. But in a market that many see as oversaturated, how can this automated model stand out and remain profitable? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Pu Fang Jie Jacky and Chang Wei Sheng, Co-Founders of Flow Coffee to find out why some operators are brewing success where others see only competition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Singapore moves toward supporting ageing in place, ensuring the safety of seniors who live independently is becoming increasingly important. One quiet but serious risk is falls at home — incidents that can go unnoticed if a senior is alone and unable to call for help. Project GUARDIAN, an initiative by Antica Foundation, is tackling this challenge through non-intrusive fall detection technology paired with community support. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dixon Lim, Executive Director, Antica Foundation to find out how technology continues to evolve for the future of eldercare innovation in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sudden shutdown of The Providore after more than a decade in business has again raised questions about the health of Singapore’s F&B industry. Rising rents, manpower shortages, higher ingredient costs and intense competition have made the business increasingly difficult to sustain, even as new outlets continue to open. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Xinde Yap, Former Founder of Chug Chug to hear a first-hand account from a former F&B business owner whose business has shuttered years ago, and to look at whether the industry has improved , and what needs to be done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical innovation often focuses on drugs and devices but behind every treatment is a critical system ensuring products remain sterile, safe and compliant across global supply chains. As healthcare manufacturing grows more complex, specialised packaging is becoming an increasingly important part of the industry. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Aldin Velic, Vice President and General Manager, Asia-Pacific at Nelipak to find out why this hidden layer matter so much for patient safety and healthcare companies, and how does it fit into Singapore’s ambitions as an advanced manufacturing hub.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in the Middle East have renewed focus on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Nearly a fifth of global oil supply passes through the narrow waterway, much of it headed to Asia. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Benjamin Tang, Director, Head Liquid Bulk Commodities, S&P Global Energy to look at what tanker flows and shipping data are signalling, and what it could mean for Asia’s energy supply chains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this World Sleep Day, we dig into a growing concern: Is modern life quietly sabotaging our sleep? From late-night scrolling to stress and constant connectivity, many of us feel more tired than ever. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr. Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at Resmed to find out what is really happening to our sleep and how does it impact our wellbeing now and in the long run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil markets have been extremely volatile in recent days as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raised concerns about a major disruption to global energy supplies.The closure of the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, has injected fresh uncertainty into global energy markets, prompting policymakers to respond. The International Energy Agency has agreed to what could be the largest coordinated release of strategic oil reserves in its history, as governments attempt to stabilise supply and calm volatility. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Marc Ostwald, Chief Economist and Global Strategist at ADM Investor Services International, about how markets are interpreting the situation and what the implications could be for the global economy, including Asia and Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying active sounds simple in theory but for many people, the real challenge isn’t knowing what to do. Some developers are exploring whether AI and behavioural design can help people build healthier habits by making exercise more personalised, engaging and easier to stick with. One Singapore startup called Bion, is an AI-guided fitness app that combines personalised training with gamified elements designed to keep users motivated. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Joshua Hee, Co-founder of Bion to find out how gaming concept can change the way we exercise, keep track of progress, and stay motivated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ride-hailing was once seen as the convenient — and sometimes cheaper — alternative to taxis. But many commuters in Singapore start to feel that a private-hire ride is more expensive lately. Several ride-hailing platforms have raised their platform fees, and depending on the time of day, the difference between apps can be quite significant. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Aqil Hamzah, Journalist from The Straits Times to find out what is driving these rising costs — and are commuters really getting the best value anymore?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is starting to reshape the built environment — from how buildings are designed to how they are operated and maintained. With Singapore pushing for greater use of AI, robotics and digital tools in the sector, what does this transformation actually look like in practice? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Alfred Fox, Chief Executive, Integrated Solutions, SJ Group about where AI is already delivering results across infrastructure and building operations. Learn how technologies such as digital twins, predictive maintenance and AI-optimised energy systems are helping buildings run more efficiently, why data and digital infrastructure are becoming critical foundations for smarter cities, and how AI could change the way urban infrastructure is managed in the years ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industries today are increasingly testing ideas in digital environments before anything is physically built. Often called virtual twins, these simulations help companies refine designs and avoid costly mistakes early. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Sharon Toh, Vice President, AP South, Dassault Systemes to find out how this approach is changing the way industries innovate, and where is momentum emerging across Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Singapore sharpens its focus on food security, sustainability, and supply-chain resilience, the infrastructure supporting the food industry is undergoing a quiet transformation. The Gourmet Xchange (GXC) is Singapore’s largest strata-titled food facility and the first integrated waterfront food hub in central Singapore’s Kallang district, reflecting deeper structural shifts through a purpose-built food infrastructure in a land-scarce city. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ronald Tay, CEO of CapitaLand Development (Singapore) to find out what this signals for food operators, investors, and policymakers watching the future of Singapore’s food ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyber intrusions today are faster, more sophisticated, and often designed to stay hidden for months. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Fabio Fratucello, Field Chief Technology Officer World Wide of CrowdStrike about how modern cyber espionage campaigns operate, why telecommunications infrastructure has become a strategic target, and how artificial intelligence is accelerating cyber operations around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine waiting at a bus stop without being able to see which bus is coming. That’s where Oculis comes in. This Singapore‑made app uses AI and your phone camera to “read” approaching buses out loud, helping visually impaired commuters travel independently and safely. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Lee Kiah Hong and Ryan Yeo, Co-founders of Oculis to find out how their tech is turning our phone cameras into trusty companions and changing the way it functions for the visually-impaired community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries is evolving — and it’s reshaping how companies think about talent, skills, and long-term competitiveness. On this International Women's Day special of Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Miranda Lee, Chief Workforce Officer at Motul Asia Pacific to dive into how women are going above and beyond in these industries with Motul as a case study, offering a lens into the trends shaping the future of traditionally male-dominated industries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is starting to make decisions inside organisations. The bigger question is: who’s in control? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Stephen McNulty, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific at OpenText, a global enterprise software company specialising in information management and governance. As enterprises move from AI pilots to operational and increasingly autonomous systems, the conversation shifts from capability to accountability. How do organisations retain oversight? What role does information visibility play? And how can leaders balance innovation with governance and data sovereignty across Asia Pacific? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As artificial intelligence deployment accelerates, the focus is shifting from operational efficiency to infrastructure capacity, raising questions about whether sufficient data-centre supply and investment exist to support sustained growth. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Govind Choudhary , General Manager, Southeast Asia & India, Digital Realty to find out how digital infrastructure is evolving across Asia Pacific, what enterprises now require when deploying AI workloads, and whether Singapore can maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly expanding regional landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel is changing — and it’s no longer just about ticking off destinations from a map. A new report from Priority Pass shows that travellers increasingly seek to recharge, disconnect, or even go on digital detoxes. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Rohan Bhalla, VP of Business Solutions, APAC, Collinson International to find out why younger travellers are building trips around wellness experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As AI becomes more embedded across finance, logistics and healthcare, the risks are growing too. Recent cyber activity targeting telecommunications infrastructure in Singapore has once again highlighted how strategic digital environments can become entry points into wider ecosystems. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET to find out whether cyber resilience is evolving at the same pace as digital transformation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day in Singapore, thousands of people wrestle with legal questions they don’t understand, and traditional legal help can cost hundreds of dollars an hour or leave people lost in jargon and paperwork. So Lawify serves as an AI-powered legal guidance platform that is designed to make legal help accessible, affordable and human-centred, with total confidentiality and privacy. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kiran Mohan Bodhapati, Lawify to find out how it helps to close the legal literacy gaps for Singaporeans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Budget 2026 pushing AI adoption across the economy, what does that mean for the infrastructure underneath it, and how is AI reshaping the internal design and operation of data centres? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ali Badreddine, APAC Vice President and General Manager, Johnson Controls to find out how Singapore’s role is shifting in a more distributed regional network supporting AI growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia is getting wealthier but is it healthier? New research from AIA Group suggests that even as economies across Asia grow, long-held beliefs around emotional restraint and “silent resilience” remain widespread — potentially shaping how people manage stress and seek help. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer to find out what are insurers observing across the region, and whether behaviours can shift fast enough to close the wellbeing gap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel habits are shifting as people move away from long, once-a-year holidays toward shorter, more frequent trips. As such, travel is becoming more fragmented with hotels and cities now competing for travellers with just 48 to 72 hours to spare. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Edmund Ong, General Manager, Trip.com to find out what this means for the tourism sector in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If there’s a time to invest in AI and advanced manufacturing, it’s now.” That was the message from Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, as Singapore’s Budget 2026 placed AI firmly in focus with plans for a National AI Council and a dedicated mission for advanced manufacturing. On Industry Insight, The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo speaks with Lennon about the realities manufacturers are navigating today — mixed demand, cost pressures, and the growing role of AI inside factory operations. They unpack why upgrading is happening in stages, how firms are moving at different speeds, and what that means for Singapore’s competitive edge. For more Budget 2026 insights:https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently in Singapore’s Budget 2026, with expanded support measures and new initiatives aimed at embedding AI across the economy. But announcements are only one part of the story. The bigger question is: are Singapore SMEs ready to move beyond pilots to meaningful adoption? In this Budget-special edition of Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Kelvin Koh, Co-Chair, Singapore Enterprise Chapter of SGTech on rising SME interest, common scaling barriers, the role of change management and partnerships, and what would signal a national tipping point for AI adoption. For more Budget 2026 insights:https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lunar New Year is traditionally one of the first major stress points for global supply chains with factory shutdowns across Asia, front-loaded exports, and potential shifts in freight rates. But in 2026, the signals are more nuanced. Is global supply chain demand stabilising — or beginning to soften? On Industry Insight, The Afternoon Update’s Lynlee Foo speaks with Andrew Coldrey, Vice President for Asia Pacific at C.H. Robinson, about what early 2026 freight patterns are revealing about global trade. They discuss softer retail demand and evolving inventory strategies, air freight dynamics including semiconductor and technology cargo, ocean capacity and carrier pricing decisions, manufacturing diversification across Southeast Asia, as well as the impact of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty on global trade flows. Listen for a measured look at how resilient global supply chains really are, and the indicators to watch in the months ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the changes in Budget 2026 is the halving of the maximum Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate for early deregistration of cars - from $60,000 to $30,000. But on the surface, this looks technical. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Lee Nian Tjoe, Senior Transport Correspondent at The Straits Times to find out how this change could reshape behaviour in meaningful ways for car owners and the second-hand market. For more Budget 2026 insights:https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI isn’t just for tech companies — law firms are using it too. From smarter contracts to automated research, AI is changing the rules of legal work. Some teams are seeing faster turnaround times, while others struggle with uncertainty on how to adopt AI safely, and how to upskill lawyers effectively. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Shanice Choo, Asia Pacific Innovation Lead, Clifford Chance to find out what law firms and legal professionals need to know to stay ahead in an AI-driven era.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major digital infrastructure transaction has made headlines — but beyond the deal itself, what does it reveal about Southeast Asia’s next phase of growth? As power constraints tighten, regulatory landscapes differ sharply across markets, ownership and operational control are becoming critical strategic advantages. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Projesh Banerjea, Managing Director and Head of Southeast Asia Infrastructure, KKR to find out why long-term investors are doubling down on essential infrastructure in Southeast Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if tech wasn’t just about efficiency — but about equity? From digital tools that support job training to real-world partnerships that match candidates with employers, Inclus is reimagining what inclusive employment can look like in the 21st century. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Anders Tan, Co-founder of Inclus to find out how corporates and communities can build more accessible workplaces, and why inclusive design matters for everyone in a digital economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an era of relentless cost pressure, regulatory scrutiny and market volatility, leadership judgement is being tested in new and uncomfortable ways. Decisions are really made under pressure — when trade-offs are unavoidable and certainty is in short supply. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Rachael Johnson, Head of Risk Management and Corporate Governance, ACCA to find out what boards should now look for when they want genuine assurance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IoT has moved well beyond pilot projects, yet many enterprises still struggle to make connected systems work reliably once they scale — especially across borders. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Syed Natashrul, Head of APAC, Wireless Logic to find out why global IoT deployments are unable to get it right, and what it takes to build IoT systems that are resilient, secure, and scalable across markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost pressures aren’t going away in 2026, and for service businesses, that’s forcing some tough decisions. But when margins tighten, are operators cutting the right costs — or the ones that quietly weaken the business? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Associate Professor Michael Alexander Kruesi, Business, Communication and Design Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to find out what are the trade-offs businesses often underestimate, and what do recent exits reveal about decision-making under pressure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Asia-Pacific air travel surges, airlines are under mounting pressure to keep fleets operational, compliant, and safe. While industry attention has focused on Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandates and production capacity, a quieter challenge is building behind the scenes: a maintenance and hardware bottleneck. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ian Lam, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Aerospace Group at Eaton to find out why aircraft maintenance readiness is fast becoming the next major constraint on aviation growth in Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As populations age, mobility loss is becoming one of healthcare’s biggest hidden challenges. QuantumTX is tackling this with patented muscle-activation technology that helps seniors and patients regain strength and movement. On Good Tech, Debbie Yong speaks to Ivan Goh, Founder and CEO, Quantum TX to find out how they are redefining mobility care with their tech.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has long been one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs — but a new challenge is taking off. Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, promises to cut the industry’s carbon footprint, but scaling it fast enough is no small feat. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Steven Bartholomeusz, Head of Public & Regulatory Affairs, Asia Pacific, Neste to find out why early action on SAF isn’t just green — it’s smart business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world that’s becoming less predictable, leadership judgement matters more than ever — especially for small, open economies like Singapore. In a special conversation on The Afternoon Update, Lynlee Foo sits down with Leo Varadkar, former Prime Minister of Ireland and now a Global Advisor at Penta Group, to talk about decision-making under pressure, public trust, and what leaders need to get right when stability can no longer be assumed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quant investing has moved from a niche financial strategy to a powerful force shaping today’s global markets. With artificial intelligence accelerating everything from signal discovery to risk management, investment firms are rethinking how portfolios are built, and how humans and machines work together. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ram Rasaratnam, CIO, AXA IM Equity Quant Investing, BNP Paribas Asset Management to find out how investors should judge modern quant strategies, and what the next generation of systematic investing could look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As ESG faces pushback globally, Southeast Asia is heading into a defining moment. From boardrooms to suppliers, ESG requirements are cascading through organisations, and stakeholders need to prepare for as scrutiny and standards tighten. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Jozsef Acabo, Vice-President at ESGpedia to find out why 2026 is shaping up to be an inflection year for ESG readiness in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global markets send mixed signals, commodities are telling a deeper story about where the world economy is headed. Oil reflects shifting energy demand and geopolitical risk while gold remains a barometer of uncertainty. So what do these signals mean for Singapore as a trading, energy-importing, and investment hub? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Marc Ostwald, Chief Economist & Global Strategist, ADM Investor Services International Limited to find out how do these signals serve as early-warnings for supply chain stress, energy transitions, and changing investment flows?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.