MONEY FM 89.3 - Workday Afternoon with Claressa Monteiro

Is crypto becoming a true pillar of personal finance, or still driven by sentiment? As Singapore’s “sandwich class” faces rising costs, more are turning to crypto as part of broader wealth strategies and not just speculation. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Lasanka Perera, CEO of Independent Reserve Singapore as they discuss the latest Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index to look at what is really changing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A workforce shift is starting to affect how companies perform. New research from Robert Walters points to an “engagement recession”, revealing a quieter but more dangerous shift in today’s workforce. Employees are still showing up but investing less, as pressure builds beneath the surface. If organisations are reading stability as a sign of strength, what might they be getting wrong? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kirsty Poltock, Country Manager, Robert Walters Singapore to find out how does disengagement reshape execution, decision-making, and growth over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From patient to pioneer— a lived experience can spark life-changing innovation. Auxobrace, a vest-like rehabilitation device designed for post–open heart surgery patients, is reimagining recovery by making it safer, faster, and more comfortable. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Ian Siew, Inventor of Auxobrace and James Dyson Award 2023 Singapore National Winner to find out how empathy-driven design and real-world insight is shaping the future of healthcare technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employees are staying in their jobs, but engagement is slipping beneath the surface. On International Wellness Day, we look at a shift happening in workplaces today. New data from mental health company Intellect pointing towards “job-hugging”, where employees are holding on to roles, but holding back at work. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Dr Oliver Suendermann, Vice President, Clinical, Intellect to find out what has changed within the workplace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is replacing the Physical Employment Standard also known as PES with a new medical classification framework for National Service. The goal: more precise assessments and more roles for servicemen. Around 1,200 more servicemen each year could be deployed to vocations they were previously ineligible for. But even in the current system, many pre-enlistees who appeal their PES grading are actually seeking to be assessed as more fit, not less. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Samuel Devaraj, Correspondent from The Straits Times to find out whether removing the PES labels changes how people value and pursue certain roles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As fuel and freight costs surge, many businesses remain locked into fixed-price agreements that no longer reflect reality. Short-term support may ease the pressure, but it doesn’t change who is legally on the hook. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to P. Sivakumar, Corporate Lawyer from BR Law to look at at where that strain is building across supply chains, and who ultimately absorbs the cost when conditions shift but contracts stay fixed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While global headlines focus on geopolitical tensions between the US and the Middle East, a quieter shift is unfolding in Singapore’s private markets. High-net-worth capital—particularly from investors with Middle Eastern exposure—is rotating away from traditional growth assets into Singapore commercial real estate. Much of this activity is not visible in public transaction data, instead moving through private co-investment structures and family office mandates. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Maureen Li, Founder and CEO of ABIEL Property Investment Fund to find out how the rapid rise of family offices is reshaping capital flows in the city-state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From K-pop to Hollywood, global entertainment today is built on more than just star power — it’s driven by strategy, partnerships, and cross-border connections. But behind the scenes, a Singaporean company is quietly making moves with major international collaborations, that goes beyond just traditional marketing strategies. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Harris Lim, Founder and CEO of Fast Track Entertainment to find out how brands are moving from traditional ads to a mix of celebrities, creators and experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singaporeans care about the small things that make daily life better — like clean toilets at our neighbourhood coffeeshops. But when experiences and opinions stay stuck in our heads, it’s hard for policymakers and cleaners to act on them. Enter ReportLah!, a civic tech solution that crowdsources real‑time feedback on public hygiene. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Benecia Tang and Bernard Heng from ReportLah! to find out how their platform seeks to resolve this problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, AI scaling has been defined by compute. In 2026, the constraint is shifting. The network is emerging as a critical bottleneck. As workloads expand across cloud and edge environments, traditional network operations are struggling to keep pace, forcing enterprises to rethink how systems are designed and managed. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Carlos Gómez Gallego, Chief Technology Officer - APJ Region, HPE Networking to find out how organisations are responding and if autonomous networks are ready for real-world deployment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies are pouring money into AI, cloud and cybersecurity tools. Here's the question: Do they actually understand what’s happening inside their own systems anymore? There’s now a term for solving this - “deep observability”, which promises to give organisations a clearer view of what’s happening inside their systems. Lynlee Foo speaks with Ian Farquhar, Security Chief Technology Officer, Gigamon to find out if this is a real shift in how companies manage their technology or just another layer adding to the complexity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore remains one of the world’s most resilient cities but a slight dip in the latest global rankings points to a bigger shift underway. Across the world, mid-sized and fast-moving cities are climbing fast, as investors rethink what makes a city truly “resilient”, and investable. Is it still about stability? Or is adaptability, talent, and infrastructure now driving the next wave of growth? On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Paul Tostevin, Head of Savills World Research, Savillsto unpack how global capital is being reallocated and what it means for Singapore’s position in an increasingly competitive landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even when businesses are growing, hiring isn’t always keeping up. In today’s uncertain global environment, shaped by geopolitical tensions, cost pressures and rapid advances in AI, companies are becoming more cautious about how they expand. Hiring is more targeted, investment is more disciplined, and productivity is taking priority over headcount. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Vincent Chin, Global Vice Chair, Public Sector Practice, at Boston Consulting Group, on what he’s seeing across industries in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Vincent shares how companies are navigating uncertainty, why hiring is becoming more selective, where demand for jobs still exists, and how AI and automation are reshaping the way businesses grow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 1 April 2026, app stores in Singapore will start verifying the age of users under 18 — using tools like facial scans, government IDs, and even online behaviour. The goal is to prevent minors from accessing apps with inappropriate content. But it also raises a bigger question: Are we moving toward a safer internet or a more controlled one? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Sarah Koh, Journalist from The Straits Times to find out where do we draw the line between protection and privacy as these safeguards roll out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Singapore, National Service is often seen as a rite of passage — but for two NSFs, it also became a launchpad for innovation. Lived experiences in NS inspired the creation of ORD+, a homegrown app designed to help servicemen manage fitness, finances and personal growth. On Good Tech, Nazirul Asrar speaks to Ryan Jee and Jonas Wu, Co-Founders of ORD+ App to find out how technology is transforming everyday challenges in NS, and what does this say about a new generation turning constraints into opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As mass participation fitness events gain momentum across Asia, a new wave of competition is reshaping how people engage with exercise. Once confined to gyms or casual workouts, fitness is increasingly becoming experiential, social, and performance-driven. Events like HYROX are leading this shift—blending endurance racing with functional workouts to create a format that is accessible yet competitive for everyday athletes. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to William Petty, Regional Events Manager (Southeast Asia), HYROX to find out what is powering the rise of competitive fitness events across the region, and why cities like Singapore are emerging as key hubs for these mass participation formats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We don’t think about connectivity… until it stops working. And when it does, even briefly, everything else starts to unravel. In the wake of the recent Singtel outages, a big question comes to mind: just how dependent have we become on being always connected? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Irene Tham, Technology Editor, The Straits Times to find out what happens when our society goes full digital without alternative options.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Customer experience is becoming a critical battleground for businesses but despite heavy investment in AI, results have been uneven. Still, AI is reshaping customer experience operations, and this breeds a new issue in which ising scam risks are adding new layers of complexity to customer interactions. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to CK Tan, APJ Innovation Officer, Singapore, ServiceNow to find out why many organisations are struggling to translate technology into better service outcomes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a sector as complex and critical as maritime logistics, innovation often comes from deep industry expertise—but what happens when fresh eyes step in? Docky.AI is a live, AI-driven prototype built using Singapore’s Maritime Digital Twin, designed to visualise and monitor ship movements and anchorage flow in real time. Their solution aims to improve efficiency across one of Singapore’s busiest and most vital ecosystems—its ports. On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo speaks to Zhou Chenyu, Co-Creator of Docky.AI to find out how this tech improves the workflows of the maritime industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent market moves have shown just how quickly sentiment can shift when uncertainty rises. And increasingly, one place where those shifts are reflected in real-time is in ETF flows. Across Singapore and Asia, investors are using ETFs more actively not just by retail investors, but by institutions adjusting exposures, managing risk and navigating volatility. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Kunhee Park, ETF Equities Investment Strategist, State Street Investment Management to find out what these flows are signalling about how markets are reacting right now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.