MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

In today’s digital world, a single forwarded message can spark confusion, spread scams, or mislead entire communities. But what if there was a way to fact-check that message before it spreads? That’s where CheckMateSG comes in. As a volunteer-driven, AI-assisted WhatsApp fact-check service, it gives quick “skeptic or credible” signals, to help Singaporeans separate fact from fiction, and scam from truth. On Industry Insight, Nazirul Asrar speaks to Tan Bing Wen, Founder of CheckMate SG to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when AI stops running quietly in the background and starts performing live as a robot, as art, as an experience? This October, during the F1 weekend, Singapore hosts the world’s first global AI festival, AI CON. At its heart is the unveiling of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, alongside conversations about the future of AI literacy, governance, and human impact. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr. James Ong, Founder & Managing Director, Artificial Intelligence International Institute (AIII) and Co-founder of AI Con 2025 to find out how AI moves from enterprise tool to everyday experience and whether we are ready to live with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Institutions are no longer just experimenting with digital assets. Banks and fund managers are beginning to tokenise bonds, funds, and even structured notes. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Danny Chong, Co-Chairman of the Digital Assets Association, about how Singapore’s regulatory strength and financial depth are positioning it as a benchmark for institutional-grade digital assets, and whether clear rules can turn the city into a global hub for tokenised capital flows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology keeps businesses running. But what happens when supply chains for chips, software, or cloud services get disrupted overnight? A new tariff or export ban can throw things off course instantly, leaving companies scrambling to keep operations on track. Is flexibility, openness, and resilience still just IT jargon or has it become a boardroom essential? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dirk-Peter Van Leeuwen, CEO, SUSE to find out how businesses in Asia can build resilience into their digital infrastructure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formula 1 isn’t just about speed on the track - it is also one of the most complex live broadcasts on the planet, moving race data and video to millions of fans worldwide in split seconds. Beyond the race itself, F1 has become a testbed for the technology powering global live events. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dhaval Ponda, Global Head, Media & Entertainment Services at Tata Communications takes us behind the broadcast curtain. From subsea fibre networks and remote production hubs to AI-driven highlights and personalised feeds, he explains how Formula 1 showcases innovations that are shaping the future of mega-events across Asia Pacific and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumers expect seamless, mobile-first retail experiences - yet many F&B and retail businesses remain stuck in offline processes or reliant on platforms that erode margins and strip away customer data. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with David Brunier, Founder and CEO of Cata, a retail technology company, to explore the global digital gap and why reclaiming customer ownership is critical for SMEs. From the rise of white-label SaaS to Singapore’s role as a retail tech launchpad, we ask: can businesses close the gap before platforms define the future of retail?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 17 years old, most students are buried in textbooks and homework. But one Singapore teen has been busy solving a problem that even seasoned professionals struggle with - the burden of medical note-taking. His creation, SGScribe is an AI-powered transcription tool designed to take the pain out of paperwork for doctors and medical staff. So how does it work and how is he doing it all while balancing his studies? On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to John Tow Zhi Chong, student from ACS (Independent) and the creator of SGScribe to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Pacific accounts for more than 41% of global corporate travel spend, and is projected to nearly double in 2033. But beyond the numbers, as costs rise and companies face pressure to go greener, is travel just another line item on the budget or a business advantage that drives growth? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director, ATPI Asia to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors are rethinking real estate in Asia Pacific. Beyond offices and malls, living sectors like multifamily housing, co-living, student accommodation and senior living are emerging as the fastest-growing asset classes. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Emily Fell, Senior Director at Savills Asia Pacific Capital Markets, about the demand drivers behind these sectors, the cultural and demographic shifts shaping them, and why global capital is increasingly moving into this space. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and AIA Asia Employee Benefits Report 2025 revealed how rising costs, digital transformation, and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping employee benefits across Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. But what are the biggest forces shaping benefits strategies? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to May Leng Kwok, Head of Market Development, Global, CIPD to find out what this means for the future of work in Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Category A COE premiums have surged to a record $119,003 (17 Sep 2025), sparking new debate about affordability, inequality, and whether younger Singaporeans are giving up on the dream of car ownership. In this candid Viewpoint conversation, Lynlee Foo speaks with Money FM 89.3's Dan Koh of the Breakfast show and Friday Night Live, and host of the Gear Torques podcast. As a rare younger Singaporean who owns both a Ducati and a second-hand car, Dan shares his personal journey, the trade-offs he’s made, and what the car dream really means for his generation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

K-pop is no longer just South Korea’s cultural export. It is evolving into a global training and talent pipeline. From Seoul to Los Angeles, academies are shaping the next generation of performers, and now Singapore is home to the first SM Universe K-pop Academy outside Korea. So why was Singapore chosen, and what does this mean for Southeast Asia’s role in the global K-pop ecosystem? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Jonathan Ang, Regional Director at SM Universe, about the business of training idols, Southeast Asia’s potential as a creative hub, and how K-pop’s globalisation is reshaping music, fandom culture, and the wider creative economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deepfakes are no longer science fiction. They are emptying bank accounts, impersonating CEOs, and undermining trust in digital identity. On Industry Insight, iProov Chief Technology Officer Dominic Forrest explains how businesses and governments can fight back. From SingPass logins to global border control, he reveals how biometric authentication and liveness detection are being used to prove a person is genuinely present, and why that matters as over 130 deepfake tools spread online. This is Part 2 of our special series on deepfake fraud, focusing on the technology protecting digital identity. (*Part 1 of this deepfake fraud series, 'AI fraud and deepfakes: Why trust is at risk in banking' focuses on the industry-wide risks and why collective defense is critical to safeguarding digital finance)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scheduling shifts may sound routine, but for hospitals it can mean the difference between burnout and balance. Enter NurseShift.ai, an AI-powered rostering solution from IHH Healthcare Singapore that’s winning awards and winning over nurses. So how is it cutting rostering time in half and reducing overtime? And what does it mean for our healthcare workers? On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kavitha Dhanabal, Project Lead of NurseShift.ai, Mount Elizabeth Hospital to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deepfakes are no longer a niche concern. They are fuelling scams across Asia Pacific, from Singapore to Hong Kong, and eroding public trust in financial institutions. On Industry Insight, Christophe Barel, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), explains why AI-powered fraud is now a systemic risk to the region’s financial sector. He shares how phishing and synthetic identities are evolving, why fraud cases have surged by over 1,500% in Singapore, and what happens when consumer confidence in banks starts to crack. This is Part 1 of our special series on deepfake fraud focusing on the industry-wide risks and why collective defense is critical to safeguarding digital finance. (*Part 2 of this deepfake fraud series, 'Biometrics & Liveness: Securing digital identity against deepfakes' focuses on the technology protecting digital identity)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of debate over hybrid work, APAC’s office market is bouncing back. Companies are tightening return-to-office rules, expanding again, and competing for the best CBD locations. In Singapore, resilient rents, limited supply, and strong investor appetite are keeping the CBD firmly in focus. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Ada Choi, Head of Research for Asia Pacific at CBRE, about what’s driving this rebound; from stricter workplace policies to the “flight to quality” shaping corporate real estate strategies, and what it means for investors, occupiers, and Singapore’s role as a regional hub.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s nightlife scene has always been about the music, the energy, and the night out. But a new generation is changing the game. Known for being budget-conscious and wellness-minded, the Gen Zs are redefining what it means to party. So what is driving the Gen Zs to change how Singapore’s nightlife is like? And to what extent is it really caused by the younger generation? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Teo Kai Xiang from The Straits Times and Patrick Lewis (DJ LeNerd), Founder of Revelry Entertainment to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone expected to spur cross-border business, travel and investment, what role will hospitality play in anchoring that growth? Ascott’s newly announced flagship in Coronation Square Johor Bahru, directly connected to the RTS, offers one of the first real tests. How are hospitality players positioning themselves to capture rising demand? And what does it mean for the future of cross-border stays? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Limited to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital payments are booming in Singapore - the Monetary Authority of Singapore reports that e-payments more than doubled to S$1.25 trillion in 2023, with over 90% of adults now registered for PayNow. Yet for many SMEs in sectors like F&B, retail, and beauty, digital adoption remains patchy. As Southeast Asia’s SMEs race to catch up, why is Singapore emerging as a hub for PayTech innovation? And how are partnerships and cross-border expansion reshaping the competitive landscape across the region? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Christopher Yu, President & Chief Financial Officer, KPay to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.