Podcasts about morning shot

Budget 2026 was delivered yesterday against a backdrop of moderating growth and rising global uncertainty. The speech spanned business tax rebates, enhanced overseas expansion support, labour market adjustments, artificial intelligence initiatives, capital market funding, and more calibrated household support. This episode of Morning Shot breaks down what stood out from the announcements, from the signal being sent to Singapore firms, to the shift in tone around household relief, and the structural bets on AI and capital markets. As businesses and households begin digesting the measures, we also look ahead to what matters most in the months to come. The Breakfast Show is joined by Ovais Subhani, Senior Business Correspondent at The Straits Times. For more Budget 2026 insights:https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global companies reassess supply chains, geopolitical risk and long-term growth plans, decisions about where to invest are becoming more strategic and more selective. Despite this volatile backdrop, Singapore secured S$14.2 billion in investment commitments in 2025, with nearly S$9 billion in total business expenditure, signalling continued confidence in its role as a hub for high-value activities. Jillian Lim, Executive Vice President at the Economic Development Board, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s driving these investment decisions, why manufacturing and newer growth areas like AI and R&D continue to feature strongly, and what this shift towards more innovation and skills-intensive sectors means for businesses and workers heading into 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s voters have spoken — delivering Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a powerful supermajority just four months into her leadership. It comes at a moment when Japanese voters are feeling the strain of rising living costs, markets are uneasy over proposed tax cuts, and the region is watching closely as Tokyo sharpens its stance on defence, China and Taiwan. Dr. Lim Tai Wei, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what this election changes and what businesses and investors in Singapore should be watching next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s military leadership has been under rare and intense scrutiny in recent weeks, following the removal of some of its most senior generals including figures once seen as close to Xi Jinping. While authorities have described the investigations as cases of “serious violations of discipline and law”, messaging from military-linked outlets has stressed zero tolerance for corruption and warned that no rank is beyond reach. As these moves ripple through China’s armed forces, questions are emerging about command stability, morale, and how power is now exercised inside the People’s Liberation Army. Yew Lun Tian, Senior Correspondent reporting on China, The Straits Times joins the Breakfast Show to unpack why this matters beyond Beijing and what should countries in the region, including Singapore, be paying attention to?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Singapore runs Exercise SG Ready 2026, businesses are being asked to confront a different kind of risk. Not dramatic crises, but prolonged power outages and degraded digital connectivity that can quietly disrupt everyday operations. For organisations that rely heavily on digital tools and real-time systems, even short disruptions can expose assumptions that aren’t always visible. So why does this matter for business leaders and teams here in Singapore? Mr Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin, CEO of Quantedge Capital, joins the Breakfast Show to discuss what simulated disruptions reveal about organisational blind spots, how smaller teams can think more realistically about preparedness, and why resilience increasingly comes down to leadership judgement rather than technical fixes alone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When organisations face a reputational crisis, the pressure to respond is immediate but the right response is rarely obvious. Leaders must weigh incomplete information, competing stakeholder expectations and long-term trust, often in real time. Lars Voedisch, Founder & Group CEO of PRecious Communications, and Meilin Wong, Partner and CEO at Milk & Honey PR join the Breakfast Show to unpack how companies navigate a PR crisis in practice, from the first internal decisions that shape outcomes to how timing, tone and visibility influence public perception.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI tools are now part of everyday work across Asia-Pacific. But while usage has surged, the way organisations operate has been slower to shift. Research from Boston Consulting Group shows that 78 per cent of employees in APAC use AI weekly, yet only about 39 per cent say they spend any of the time saved on more strategic work, suggesting most AI use is still focused on doing the same tasks faster, rather than doing work differently. Christopher Cai, Co-Head of AngelHack Dev Labs, joins the Breakfast Show to explore why adoption has raced ahead of transformation, how leaders should read AI metrics beyond headline numbers, and what it takes to turn everyday AI use into real business impact as organisations look toward 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s car leasing sector has seen significant upheaval over the past year, with more than 220 firms shutting down in 2025 alone. As rental companies fold and fleets are repossessed, drivers who rely on leased vehicles for their livelihoods have been left scrambling raising questions about how an industry that benefited from strong demand ended up so exposed. Kenneth Lee, Honorary Treasurer of the Vehicle Rental Association, and Ng Chee Haw, General Manager at Bolt Car Leasing, join the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s driving the shake-out, from COE volatility and aggressive price competition to debt-fuelled expansion, and what drivers should realistically be watching out for as the sector recalibrates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As hiring becomes more competitive and more professional interactions move online, networking has taken on a more central role in how people access opportunities. From LinkedIn outreach to virtual coffee chats, many career and business conversations now happen digitally — often before any formal application, pitch or proposal is made. Christina Tan, Founder of Sales Symphony (a sales training, coaching and consultancy firm), joins the Breakfast Show to discuss how professionals and business owners can navigate online networking more effectively. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has long been Asia’s default relocation choice, prized for its stability, predictability and business-friendly environment. But as cities like Dubai, Hong Kong and Tokyo sharpen their pitches to global talent, the question is no longer whether Singapore is attractive, but who it is still designed for. Kay Cheong, Managing Director at The Immigration People, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how relocation decisions are shifting in 2026 from immigration certainty and tax treatment to lifestyle trade-offs and talent selectivity and what Singapore’s evolving approach signals about its place in Asia over the next decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace has quickly become a point of division among governments, as its mandate appears to stretch beyond Gaza toward a broader role in managing global conflicts. The initiative has reopened questions about how peace-building is organised internationally, and how new US-led frameworks sit alongside the United Nations system. Ja Ian Chong, Associate Professor of Political Science, National University of Singapore joins the Breakfast Show to examine what is at stake as Singapore weighs its response.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five months after the sudden closure of The Projector, a familiar team is returning to a familiar space. Filmhouse is set to open at Golden Mile Tower, taking over the former three-screen cinema, retaining its murals, hall names, and much of the spirit that made the venue a cultural fixture for indie film lovers. But this is more than a reopening story. John Lui, Senior Film Correspondent, Straits TImes joins the Breakfast Show to discuss bigger questions about sustainability, audience support, and whether independent cinemas can still survive amid rising costs and changing viewing habits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Economic Forum is underway in Davos, drawing a record number of global leaders and business chiefs at a time of mounting strain in the global economy. The summit has already been shaped by sharp exchanges over trade, geopolitics and global leadership, from renewed tensions between the United States and its allies, to Europe’s pushback against economic coercion, and China’s effort to position itself as a predictable trading partner amid rising protectionism. US President Donald Trump’s appearance has dominated proceedings in Davos, with pointed remarks toward allies and shifting positions on trade and geopolitics drawing close scrutiny from markets and policymakers alike. Singapore is watching closely, following its invitation to join Trump’s proposed Board of Peace as trade and security issues become increasingly intertwined. Pushan Dutt, Professor of Economics and Political Science at INSEAD, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what has stood out so far at Davos, how markets and governments are responding, and what the rest of the summit could signal for the global economy and for Singapore’s positioning in the months ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s electric vehicle rollout is accelerating, with thousands of new charging points planned over the coming years. But while the network is expanding, EV charging is experienced very locally. Many drivers rely on the same chargers near home, work, or familiar commercial hubs — raising questions about how much choice exists in practice, and what it could mean if charging in certain locations begins to resemble a localised monopoly. Dr. Goh Kheng Lim, Associate Professor, Newcastle University joins the Breakfast Show to discuss what localised concentration could mean for everyday charging experiences, how competition is felt on the ground, and what listeners should be watching as Singapore’s EV charging landscape continues to evolve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s property agency sector has come into focus after ERA Realty Network was issued a letter of censure by the Council for Estate Agencies over lapses in supervising a suspended salesperson and failures in internal processes. The case has drawn attention to how listing accuracy is monitored, how marketing practices are managed, and how accountability works within large agency networks. Professor Sing Tien Foo, Provost's Chair Professor in the Department of Real Estate, NUS Business School, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what this incident reveals about supervision and compliance in practice, how incentives shape agent behaviour, and what this means for buyers and sellers navigating today’s property market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions between the US and Iran have been building since early January, following weeks of protests inside Iran and repeated warnings from President Donald Trump that Washington could take “strong action” in response to Iran’s crackdown. As the US weighs its options, military assets have been repositioned in the region and diplomatic efforts have been underway among US allies to prevent further escalation. Why should we be paying attention here in Singapore? Dr. James M. Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what has happened so far, the signals being sent by key players, and the possible paths the situation could take in the days ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s political landscape shifted this week following the removal of Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition, after Parliament voted that he was unsuitable to continue in the role and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong withdrew the designation. The move marks a significant moment in Singapore’s parliamentary history, with implications for how the Leader of the Opposition role is understood and exercised. Nicholas Fang, Managing Director of Black Dot Research and former Nominated Member of Parliament, joins the Breakfast Show to examine how the decision came about, what it means for the functioning of Parliament, and how this episode may shape opposition politics in Singapore going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As digital platforms continue to shape how people discover and evaluate businesses, online reviews have become an increasingly influential part of everyday decision-making. One-star reviews, in particular, can shape perceptions quickly and publicly, often carrying more weight than many positive experiences combined. Debbie Yong, F&B industry observer and founder of branding and communications agency, Atypical Media & Dr. Jean Lui, Associate Professor of Psychology, Singapore Institute of Technology join the Breakfast Show to explore why people leave one-star reviews, how other consumers read and react to them, and how businesses might approach negative feedback in an online setting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has expressed grave concern over the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, emphasising its commitment to international law and the principles of the UN Charter, particularly the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity for small states. The response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs comes amid wider unease across the Asia-Pacific over how major power actions are shaping the global order. Drew Thompson, Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University joins the Breakfast Show to examine how Singapore’s response should be understood, why events far from the region can carry implications for Asia-Pacific security, and what this moment reveals about the relationship between power, precedent and international law in an increasingly uncertain world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament sat yesterday with a packed agenda, from the swearing-in of a new cohort of Nominated MPs to debates on healthcare financing and the review of political salaries. This episode of Morning Shot recaps what stood out from the sitting so far, including what the backgrounds of the new NMPs may add to debates, and the key pressure points raised over upcoming IP rider changes. With sittings continuing over the next few days, we also look ahead to the debates still to come, including a motion on parliamentary leadership, and what listeners should be watching as proceedings in the House continue. The Breakfast Show is joined by Royston Sim, News Editor at The Straits Times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s restaurant sector is entering 2026 after a year of elevated churn, with thousands of new outlets opening in 2025 even as a large number shut — particularly among sit-down restaurants operating on thin margins. Rising rents, higher labour and ingredient costs, and more cautious consumer spending have sharpened pressures on mid- to upper-tier establishments, at a time when regional dining competition is also intensifying. On this episode of Morning Shot, Dr. Guy Llewellyn, Assistant Professor of Hospitality at EHL Hospitality Business School, joins the Breakfast Show to discuss what these pressures mean for Singapore’s restaurant landscape in 2026, and how operators are adapting their concepts and business models to remain viable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has carried out its most direct intervention in Latin America in decades, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a January 3 strike ordered by Donald Trump. Washington says the operation was aimed at dismantling a “narco state” and restoring democracy. But critics warn the move revives memories of past US interventions and raises urgent questions about sovereignty, legality, and regional stability — especially as the US moves to take control of Venezuelan oil sales as leverage. Dr. Lincoln Mitchell, Professor at School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what this intervention really signals, how oil has become central to US strategy, and what the risks are for Venezuela, and US foreign policy more broadly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As organisations head into a new year, many are reflecting on how to keep employees motivated, engaged and committed at work. Questions around growth, development and empowerment often surface in these conversations, particularly as expectations between employers and employees continue to evolve. Nicole Golloso-Kazemi, Director of Human Resources and Corporate Communications (SG & HK) and Regional DEI Lead (APAC), McCann, joins The Breakfast Show to discuss why employee growth matters from both a business and HR perspective, how leadership behaviour shapes engagement, and what leaders can pay attention to as they support development within their organisations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Singapore set to increase its retirement age to 64 by July this year, more older adults are expected to remain active in the workforce for longer, raising important questions about skills, adaptability, and inclusion. On this episode of Morning Shot, we speak with Tan Wee Liang, Generative AI Alumni, Vertical Institute, who upskilled in generative AI not just for himself, but to better support the seniors he teaches. He shares why access to technology alone isn’t enough, how intergenerational learning can shift mindsets on both sides, and what it really takes to keep older individuals confident, capable, and relevant in an increasingly digital workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Workers’ Party has confirmed it is following up on a request by cadre members to convene a special cadre members’ conference, a rarely used mechanism provided for under the party’s rules. The development comes after WP chief Pritam Singh’s conviction for lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges was upheld by the High Court, and ahead of a scheduled parliamentary discussion on leadership implications this month. On this episode of Morning Shot, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University, explains what a special cadre members’ conference is, how such meetings are triggered, and how internal party processes fit within Singapore’s wider political system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cash flow remains the heartbeat of every small business, yet in today’s climate of volatile tariffs, higher operating costs and unpredictable payment cycles, many SMEs are finding it difficult to keep liquidity steady. According to the 2022 ASEAN SME Transformation Study by UOB, Accenture and Dun & Bradstreet, 82% of business failures are linked to poor cash-flow management, serving as a reminder of how vulnerable SMEs can be when funds are left idle or visibility over cash positions is weak. Kelvin, Co-founder and Group CEO, Funding Societies and Dennis Poh, Founder and Managing Partner of Legatcy Consulting LLP, join the Breakfast Show to explore what smarter cash management looks like today, from segmenting working capital to using digital treasury tools and short-term instruments, and how SMEs can build stronger financial resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is now enforcing a world-first ban on social media accounts for anyone under 16, compelling platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat to verify ages and remove underage users. The move has sparked a global conversation about online harms, parental responsibility, and how far governments should go in regulating digital spaces for young people. As countries watch to see what works and what doesn’t, Singapore faces its own questions about balancing youth safety, privacy and practical enforcement. Professor Gemma Calvert, Neuroscientist and Professor of Marketing at Nanyang Business School, and Deputy Director of NTU’s Centre for Marketing Technologies joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what Australia’s approach signals about the evolving conversation around youth and technology, and what insights other countries may take from this momentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With premiums for private health insurance rising sharply and medical bills climbing faster than wages, the Ministry of Health is rolling out major changes to Integrated Shield Plan riders from April 2026. New riders will no longer cover minimum deductibles, co-payment caps will double, and policyholders will take on a larger share of their bills, even as annual premiums are expected to fall by about 30 per cent. What do these shifts mean for Singaporeans trying to balance affordability with adequate protection? Vincent Gan, Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter with 20 years experience in the financial services industry, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how these reforms may shape everyday decisions around hospital choice, budgeting, and long-term healthcare planning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stelios interviews Byron Shepherd of the Morning Shot podcast about the situation in South Africa, the country's infrastructural collapse, its race relations, and its future.

Singapore’s hiring landscape is evolving, from shifting skill demands to new technologies influencing how employers find and evaluate talent. As job searches become more complex, professionals are reassessing how they present their strengths, build visibility, and make strategic choices about their careers. Angel Kilian, Career Strategist and Founder of Career inFocus, joins the Breakfast Show to explore how the idea of being “hireable” is changing, and what these shifts reveal about the future of work going into 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resale HDB flats crossing the million-dollar mark were once rare outliers but for younger buyers today, they’re becoming a genuine part of the search. As price gaps narrow between larger resale flats and smaller new condo units, more first-timers are asking whether private property now makes better sense, or if public housing still offers the stronger long-term value. Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at mogul.sg joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s driving this shift, how consumer psychology shapes perception of the “million-dollar threshold”, and the trade-offs young couples face as they weigh space, lifestyle, and future needs. We also explore whether renting is increasingly becoming a viable strategic option in today’s market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has seen a string of abrupt business closures — from Art Works to Twelve Cupcakes and Jollibean — leaving employees suddenly jobless and owed unpaid wages. These incidents highlight a recurring gap: when companies collapse without warning, what real protections do workers have, and what immediate steps can they take to safeguard themselves? Krist Boo, Senior Business Correspondent at the Straits Times & Ian Lim, Partner, TSMP Law Corporation and head of TSMP’s Employment & Labour team, join the Breakfast Show to unpack how current laws work, what recourse workers actually have, and the practical actions employees should take the moment a closure is announced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COP30 wrapped up in Belém, Brazil last week, concluding two weeks of negotiations aimed at charting the next phase of global climate action. Countries ultimately agreed on a deal that captures both areas of progress and the deep divides that shaped this year’s talks. From the push to triple adaptation finance by 2035, to the absence of a fossil fuel roadmap, to developments on forests, methane and climate finance, the summit delivered a mix of breakthroughs and difficult compromises. Ang Qing, Correspondent at The Straits Times who was on the ground at COP30, joins the Breakfast Show to break down the key takeaways and what they mean for SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s ageing population is reshaping what recovery looks like after a hospital stay, with community care taking on a larger role in helping patients regain confidence closer to home. St. Andrew’s Community Hospital is opening a new facility in Bedok featuring real-world rehabilitation spaces, dementia-inclusive design, and tech-enabled care to support safer, smoother transitions back to daily life. Dr. Angel Lee, Medical Director of St. Andrews Community Hospital joins the Breakfast Show how community hospitals fit into Singapore’s wider care pathway and what this next phase of community care means for patients, caregivers, and the heartland communities they return to.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Hiring is one of the most important and most difficult decisions any leader can make. Beyond qualifications, the right hire can depend on cultural fit, growth potential, and even timing. For SMEs, the challenge is even sharper, every role matters, and resources to recruit, train, and retain talent are often limited. Eugene Goh, Advisor and Co-Founder of TalentKraft joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how SMEs can approach hiring more strategically, and what effective talent decisions look like in resource-constrained environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. government has reopened after a record 43-day shutdown that froze key services, stalled economic data, and disrupted everything from airport operations to food assistance. Now the question is how quickly the world’s largest economy can get back on track — and what the missing data means for global markets and policymakers. Bryan DeAngelis, Partner and Head of Washington Office at Penta Group, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the political dynamics behind the deal, the risks of another shutdown in January, and the signals Singapore should watch as Washington works to restore stability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Singapore renews its focus on social mobility, attention is turning to how the private sector can help level the playing field. Beyond hiring or donations, can businesses play a deeper role in shaping opportunity from education access to employability and financial resilience? DBS Foundation has announced a new SGD14.5 million partnership with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to support 8,000 students from lower-income families each year. The initiative aims to ease financial pressures so students can stay in school, while providing mentorship and financial literacy training to prepare them for work and independent living. Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation & Group Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how such collaborations between private and public institutions can make a lasting impact and what it will take to build a more inclusive model of growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As COP 30 unfolds in Belém, Brazil — the gateway to the Amazon — world leaders are marking ten years since the Paris Agreement with a renewed focus on resilience, equity, and climate action that connects to real lives.From the launch of the global “Beat the Heat” initiative to efforts strengthening carbon markets and adaptation finance, the talks are moving from pledges to practical progress. Audrey Tan, Assistant News Editor, The Straits Times and Melissa Low, Research Fellow, NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions join the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s taking shape at this year’s COP and what it means for Singapore and the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has dropped its “30 by 30” ambition, the goal of producing 30% of its nutritional needs locally by 2030, and replaced it with revised targets for fibre and protein production by 2035. The shift comes amid farm closures, cost pressures, and a tougher funding climate for the agri-tech sector. Under the new plan, Singapore aims to produce 20% of its fibre needs, such as leafy greens, sprouts and mushrooms and 30% of its protein needs by 2035. Shabana Begum, Correspondent (with a focus on Environment and Science) at The Straits Times and Webster Tham, Co-Founder of Tomato Town (Singapore's 1st Vertical Hydroponics Farm) to unpack what the recalibration reveals about the realities of local farming in a land-scarce city, how urban and aquaculture farms are adapting to stay viable, and what the government’s proposed shared-facility model could mean for the next phase of food-security planning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A record 55 organisations have earned a spot on this year’s Great Place To Work® Singapore Best Workplaces™ list — recognised for building high-trust, people-first cultures. But the latest Insights Report 2025 also highlights a challenge for the wider workforce: only one in five employees in typical workplaces say they trust their leaders. Evelyn Kwek, Managing Director of Great Place To Work ASEAN & ANZ, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the report’s findings and discuss what the best workplaces in Singapore are doing differently to build trust, psychological safety, and performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homeownership remains a cornerstone of the Singapore dream — 93% of respondents in ERA’s latest My Dream Home Survey 2025, conducted with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, still see owning a home as a key life milestone, even amid higher prices and tighter lending rules. Eugene Lim, Key Executive Officer of ERA Singapore, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack the survey findings and discuss how these shifting mindsets are reshaping housing choices, and what they reveal about the future of homeownership in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The APEC Summit in Seoul unfolded last week, against a backdrop of shifting global power dynamics, from President Trump’s early departure and renewed U.S.–China trade talks to President Xi’s call for unity and proposals for new global AI cooperation. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what the summit revealed about Asia-Pacific leadership, how countries like Singapore are navigating this changing landscape, and what to watch as China prepares to host APEC in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders are often expected to stay composed under pressure, make quick decisions, and guide others through uncertainty. Yet behind that sense of control lies a growing conversation about how those in senior roles manage their own mental and emotional well-being. As therapy and executive coaching become more common tools for reflection and growth, how are leaders using them to build resilience and clarity? And what does it take to create workplaces where those conversations can happen more openly? Dr. Jonathan Marshall, Executive Coach and Psychologist, Marshall Consulting, joins us to discuss the evolving relationship between leadership, self-awareness, and mental well-being and how understanding the difference between therapy and coaching can help leaders decide which form of support best fits their needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small and medium-sized enterprises make up the backbone of Singapore’s economy, yet a new Flo Energy survey finds that 62 percent still prioritise cost over sustainability when choosing an energy provider. As Singapore pushes toward its net-zero target by 2050, what will it take to bring SMEs on board the green transition? Matthijs Guichelaar, Co-founder and CEO of Flo Energy, and Jeryl Yep, Co-founder and Innovation Lead at Semula, join the Breakfast Show to discuss what’s driving the gap between ambition and action, how SMEs can balance cost with sustainability, and the kinds of support that could help smaller firms play a stronger role in Singapore’s low-carbon future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade tensions between Washington and Beijing are flaring again. A quiet rule change by the US Bureau of Industry and Security has widened Washington’s trade blacklist, prompting Beijing to tighten its export controls on rare earths — critical materials for everything from smartphones to fighter jets. The back-and-forth has rattled markets, and raised questions about how far this standoff could go. Jeep Kline, Founder and Managing Partner at Raisewell Ventures, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack what’s driving this escalation, how it’s reshaping global supply chains and investment flows, and what it means for Asia’s role in the shifting trade landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singtel’s Australian subsidiary, Optus, has faced a series of service disruptions and regulatory scrutiny in recent months putting its crisis communications and brand management to the test. As the company works to rebuild confidence among customers and regulators, attention has turned to how it has handled public messaging and stakeholder engagement. Lars Voedisch, Founder & Group CEO of PRecious Communications joins the Breakfast Show to discuss how Singtel and Optus have navigated the communications challenges surrounding the outages, what lessons can be drawn from their response, and how large companies can manage reputation and trust when crises unfold across borders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By March 2026, Google will roll out new age assurance measures in Singapore to automatically apply safeguards for users under 18 — from blocking access to adult-only apps to activating wellbeing tools on YouTube and Search. The move, introduced under IMDA’s new Code of Practice for Online Safety, aims to make digital spaces safer for young users. Rachel Teo, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google Singapore, and Beatrice Tan, Head of YouthTech Institute at YouthTech SG, join the Breakfast Show to discuss how these protections will work, what privacy and education challenges remain, and how families, schools, and platforms can share responsibility in guiding the next generation onlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising tariffs from the US are rippling through global supply chains, forcing Singapore exporters to adapt in new ways. To help, the government has launched the Business Adaptation Grant (BizAdapt) offering up to $100,000 to support firms in reconfiguring operations, diversifying markets and seeking trade advisory services. Mark Lee, Vice-Chairman of the Singapore Business Federation, joins the Breakfast Show to unpack how the scheme can help businesses navigate tariff pressures, which sectors are feeling the impact most, and what it will take for Singapore companies to stay competitive in an uncertain trade landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this rare role reversal hosted by Morning Shot, BizNews founder Alec Hogg opens up about the wild beginnings of Moneyweb and BizNews, the evolution of digital journalism, and his take on South Africa's future. Original content by Morning Shot, republished with permission.