The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

Imagine this: old TV plastics, repurposed directly intonew, high-quality products. No compromises, no shortcuts. It’s a game-changer for both tech and the environment. Electronics giant Sony is reimagining the future by turning end-of-life plastics into high-quality new products. The tech is already in action, with its upcoming 65-inch 4K OLED BRAVIA 8 models leading the way, and scheduled to ship globally in 2025. Chan Pheng Hwa, Senior Manager - Regional Product Compliance and Environmental Sustainability, Sony Electronics (Singapore) joins The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo to share insights into how the industry is moving from linear to circular — and why it is more than just a green trend. Don't miss this conversation on the future of sustainable innovation in Asia and beyond.

What if data could help solve your city's biggest social challenges? On Good Tech, we explore how data is becoming a powerful force for social change. The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo is joined by Vandna Ramchandani, Regional Head of Corporate Philanthropy Asia Pacific, at global media and financial data and analytics conglomerate Bloomberg to discuss the launch of the Data for Good Exchange (D4GX) in Singapore. From funding to hands-on data expertise, this initiative is helping local charities build the skills and tools they need to tackle urgent challenges — from mental health to youth development. Tune in to learn how data can drive smarter decisions, stronger communities, and more equitable outcomes.      

Stablecoins processed over $27.6 trillion in volume last year — more than Visa and Mastercard combined. But behind the staggering numbers lies a deeper story of infrastructure, innovation, and geopolitical tension. Industry Insight dives deep into the evolution of stablecoins with John O’Loghlen, APAC CEO of leading crypto exchange Coinbase. From the role of Ethereum and Solana in powering the ecosystem to regulatory signals from MAS and a surprising quote from an Italian minister, we explore how stablecoins are no longer just trading tools — they’re becoming the backbone of next-gen finance in Asia and beyond. The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo speaks to John O'Loghlen, APAC CEO of Coinbase to gain deeper insights. Tune in to find out more!

The Singapore property market is shifting. We break down the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Q1 2025 statistics — from rising condo prices to the future of office space. Leonard Tay, Head of Research at Knight Frank Singapore, helps to unpack what’s happening now and what it means for investors, businesses, and homebuyers. Tune in to find out more!

Imagine having your dinner delivered to your doorstep by a robot. We won't have to wait too long. Robot delivery solutions are emerging as a viable way to tackle the challenges of last-mile delivery, particularly in dense urban areas. On Industry Insight, we explore how AI and robotics are reshaping the future of logistics and final mile delivery. As automation moves from theory to deployment, businesses are racing to adapt — or risk falling behind. The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo speaks to Alan Ng, CEO and founder of Singapore pioneering firm Quikbot Technologies, for his perspectives on emerging trends, regional competition, and what it will take for companies to succeed in an increasingly autonomous world.  Tune in for fresh insights at the crossroads of technology, policy, and business transformation.    

If there is one thing that is constant in the service-focused hospitality industry, it’s change. In a sector where success depends on the guest experience and satisfaction, how are businesses keeping pace with shifting customer expectations and demands, advancements in technology, intense competition and global uncertainty? Building on strong momentum in 2024, Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), plans to double its portfolio in India to 12,000 units by 2028, up from about 5,500 units at the end of 2024.  Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia and China, Ascott shares with The Afternoon Update'sLynlee Fooabout Ascott's ambitious plan, how travel, work, and leisure are intertwining, creating the trend of 'bleisure' and the digital innovations transforming guest experiences. Whether you're a hospitality enthusiast or an industry insider, listen for valuable insights and opportunities to explore. Don't miss out on the conversation that’s shaping the future of travel and lodging!

The Chinese consumer market is a huge one. Extending to the global Chinese diaspora living, working, and studying outside China, the market represents over 50 million people. To that end, businesses across the globe that integrate Chinese payment methods like Weixin Pay, (also known as WeChat Pay) are likely to see their revenues from Chinese consumers increase. Recently global payment service provider Stripe has expanded its collaboration with Tencent by introducing Weixin Pay to Stripe Terminal, enabling in-person transactions in 20 countries including Singapore, Australia, Canada to France, Germany, Italy, the UK, the US, and beyond. What will this payment integration mean for cross-border trade and businesses in Asia?  Stripe's Chief Revenue Officer, Asia Pacific, Paul Harapin shares more about the payment service provider's partnership with Tencent, and provides insights into macro trends shaping the global payment space.  

With GE2025 set to take place in early May, many property buyers and investors are wondering how the market will respond. While property values are a reflection of the asset itself and to some extent the quality of the surrounding neighbourhood, election periods often bring a degree of uncertainty. As it is, the global storm brought on by the onslaught of US tariffs has raised upheaval in stock markets and recession fears. How have past elections traditionally affected property markets and economic confidence, and will this year’s event drive real estate prices and sales activity? Joining Lynlee Foo on The Afternoon Update is Professor Sing Tien Foo, Provost's Chair Professor from the Department of Real Estate at the NUS Business School, to share more insights.

For many, reaching out for mental health support can feel daunting—whether due to stigma, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing where to start. Xinn.ai, a WhatsApp AI Chat bot, bridges this gap by offering a 24/7, judgment-free space where users can express their thoughts freely. By making support more accessible and less intimidating, Xinn.ai ensures that no one has to struggle in silence. On The Afternoon Update's Good Tech segment, Michelle Qiu, Founder, Xinn.ai shares more with Lynlee Foo.

Nomination Day 2025 has set the stage for one of the most closely watched General Elections in recent memory. Who has thrown their hat in the ring? Where are the multi-cornered fights? And what are the last-minute surprise moves? On The Afternoon Update, Nicholas Fang, Managing Director of strategic communications firm Black Dot and former NMP joins Lynlee Foo to unpack the biggest headlines from Nomination Day 2025.