The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

The skincare industry is constantly evolving, with new trends and innovations reshaping the way we approach skin health. We take a look at cutting-edge and science-driven skincare trends in particular microbiome-focused skincare with Irene Chong, Founder of microbiome-centric skincare brand Sage and Ylang. Irene shares more about her science-driven approach and why sustainability is an important part of modern skincare.

Singapore’s manufacturing sector, which contributes over 20 percent to its gross domestic product, continues to be a cornerstone of the economy and a key driver of growth. What are the current trends shaping Singapore’s manufacturing industry? Given the challenges such as rising costs, and geopolitical tensions, how can the sector weather headwinds to stay globally competitive and achieve long-term growth? Lennon Tan, President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, weighs in on the current landscape and the impact of Budget 2025 on the sector. 

Singapore has long been a beacon of innovation in the tech industry, but as global competition intensifies, the focus is shifting towards building a resilient and competitive workforce. Sharon Teo, Co-Chair, Talent & Capabilities Committee, at Singapore's technology industry trade association SGTech shares her views on the critical areas shaping the future of Singapore’s tech sector including workforce upskilling through AI adoption and attracting and retaining top talent, as well as efforts to support SMEs. How can we enhance digital transformation to stay competitive and build a global-ready workforce?

Mixed-use developments have emerged as a powerful trend in the real estate industry, with industry players revolutionising the way we live and experience urban spaces. They combine residential, commercial, recreational spaces and even healthcare facilities within a single development. While such developments are not new concepts in the market, they have become increasingly popular as more people recognise the value of amenities and convenience within arm’s reach. The iconic Golden Mile Complex renamed The Golden Mile, has recently been repositioned into a mixed use development with offices, medical suites, and retail space. It will be linked to a new 45-storey residential tower named Aurea whichis developed through a joint venture between Far East Organization and Perennial Holdings. Shaw Lay See, Chief Operating Officer, Sales & Leasing Group, Far East Organization and Ismail Gafoor, CEO of real estate agency PropNex share their perspective on mixed use developments and the appeal of such projects.

In the face of challenges from geopolitical uncertainties, technological disruptions and climate change, what are some tax policies that can be enhanced to support Singaporeans and businesses in Singapore? Ahead of Budget 2025, Desmond Teo, ASEAN Private Tax Leader, EY shares his thoughts on the key themes and priorities this year; from tax policies and incentives for sustainability to supporting digital transformation. He also discusses how Singapore can stay competitive now that the global minimum tax rate has kicked in for multinational enterprises here, as well proposed tax incentives for single family offices to boost Singapore's broader financial sector. 

President Donald Trump unveiled his most sweeping economic measure yet, announcing on Feb 13 a roadmap to impose reciprocal tariffs on every country that charges duties on US imports. What are reciprocal tariffs? Who might the US President target? More importantly, how will the reciprocal duties impact Singapore and other countries in Asia? Pushan Dutt, Professor of Economics and Political Science at INSEAD, provides his perspective on the potential consequences in the region, the impact on the prices of goods and services globally, Trump's tariff goals and if there is method behind his tariff madness.  

Dating apps have changed the way we meet people. In an ever-competitive market, how do industry players keep their customers in love with their dating apps? Meihui Chen, APAC Communications Lead for dating app Bumble, discusses howAI, machine learning, and innovative features are reshaping the online dating experience. 

Losses from cryptocurrency-related scams grew in Singapore, where over S$32.6 million has been lost to investment fraud since January. Authorities say people are falling prey to such ruses as scammers look to break into digital wallets to siphon funds from them. Jag Foo, Chair of the Blockchain Security and Compliance Committee, with the Global Fintech Institute, and Partner at digital assets solutions firm SafeHeron, Jag shares his perspectives on the evolving tactics used by scammers including the role of social engineering in scams, and offers insights on how investors and institutions can better protect themselves in an increasingly complex crypto landscape.

The World Economic Forum recently reporting that 72% of organisations saw increased cyber risks in 2024. According to the WEF’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook for 2025, ransomware is the top organisational cyber risk this year. With global cyber threats on the rise, Jess Ng, Country Head for Singapore and Brunei at cybersecurity firm Fortinet, discusses how organisations can bolster their defenses, and the critical importance of international cooperation in securing the digital frontier. 

Real estate investment across Asia Pacific is set for a shift in 2025, driven by optimism around interest rate cuts and evolving market dynamics. The optimism is reflected in CBRE’s 2025 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey released recently, which uncovered an improvement in buying intentions across most markets in Asia Pacific this year. Over half of the respondents in the survey indicated their preference to buy more real estate in 2025. Greg Hyland, Head of Capital Markets APAC at CBRE, shares his insights and unpacks the key trends shaping investor sentiment and the challenges ahead.