The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

The role of HR has changed — and so has the technology behind it. On Industry Insight, we explore how modern HR platforms are reshaping the employee experience from the ground up. Danielle Magnusson, Director of Employee Workflow Solutions Consulting, APAC at workflow automation tech company ServiceNow, shares how organisations across Southeast Asia are moving beyond traditional systems to build agile, people-first workplaces. The conversation touched on the evolution of HR tech, from admin tools to strategic platforms to how AI and intelligent workflows are enhancing—not replacing—the human touch, and why personalisation, integration, data use and AI agents are now business imperatives. Whether you're in HR, tech, or business leadership, tune to find out what it really takes to create a workplace that works for people.

From port congestion and soaring freight rates to today’s push for sustainability and speed, the global ocean freight industry has been through turbulent waters. Asia-Pacific, home to nine of the world’s ten busiest ports remains at the center of it all. Ocean freight in 2025 isn’t just about moving goods — it’s about moving smarter. C.H. Robinson’s Lyndon McGrath, Director for Ocean Freight in Oceania joins us to talk geopolitics, green shipping, smart ports, and the surprising trends reshaping Asia’s supply chains. 

On Industry Insight, we uncover a startling new reality: for the first time in over a decade, automated bots outnumber human traffic—making up 51% of all global web requests in 2024, and 45% in Singapore alone. Join host Lynlee Foo and her guest Daniel Toh, Chief Solutions Architect for APJ at Thales, unpack the groundbreaking findings of the 2025 Imperva Bad Bot Report. We’ll dive into how generative AI is turbocharging bot attacks, which sectors are most at risk, and what cutting‑edge defenses organisations must deploy today to stay ahead of this rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Commercial real estate (CRE) investment in Asia Pacific jumped 20% in Q1 2025. But the recovery is more cautious than euphoric. Pamela Ambler, Head of Investor Intelligence at JLL Asia-Pacific, shares where the smart money is going, why data are reshaping strategies, and how investors are re-entering the market with a sharper lens.    

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!