The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

Advanced manufacturing industry has evolved rapidly in the 21st century. Phyllis Ong, Group CEO of Armstrong Asia, which isa homegrown advanced manufacturing group that has become a leading industry player in noise, vibration, heat & safety management solutions in the region discusses the developments of this industry and the critical role of digitisation and automation. Phyllis who chairs the Singapore Manufacturing Federation’s Women in Manufacturing Committee, also shares her work approach in a traditionally male-dominated manufacturing industry and what she believes to be an important factor to her success.  

The renewable energy sector is experiencing robust growth with advancements in energy storage, grid resilience, and off-grid solutions as we transition to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change.  Filipa Ricciardi, Executive Director at leading clean energy solutions provider EDP Renewables APAC, shares insights into the transformative growth of renewable energy in Singapore and the wider Asia Pacific region including innovative solutions and the importance of public-private partnerships for the future of renewable energy.

AI and automation are transforming the workforce at an unprecedented pace, bringing new opportunities and economic benefits. While AI can revolutionise industries, boost worker productivity, and improve job quality, its broad adoption presents challenges. How can organisations and governments reduce the risks of AI displacement while maximising its transformative potential for the workforce? Moutushi Sengupta, Senior Advisor at Asia’s leading social investment network AVPN, shares her insights into current efforts to bridge the gap in an AI-first era, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, the elderly, and low-wage workers. Moutushi also discusses AVPN’s $15 million AI Opportunity Fund, aimed at equipping Asia’s workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy.  Good Tech takes an inspiring look at initiatives and thought leadership, and ways technology is used to drive impactful social change.

Malaysia’s NationGate was caught in the fallout of Singapore’s investigation into the alleged fraudulent transfer of Nvidia’s advanced artificial intelligence chips, sending its shares crashing nearly 30 per cent on Monday (Mar 3) before trading was halted for an hour on Tuesday (Mar 4). The data centre solutions provider has denied any involvement in the ongoing fraud case. The Straits Times' Malaysia Bureau Chief, Shannon Teoh weighs in with reactions from Malaysia. Shannon also shares his views on the potential of smuggling activities for restricted technology, and the impact of the AI chips probe on Malaysia's growing electronics chips market.

From the rapid growth of IoT and the rise of 5G to the impact of generative AI and edge computing, how is the telecommunications industry harnessing the power of new technologies to propel innovation forward in the connectivity space, and enable enterprises in their digital transformation? Lin ShuFen, Head of Enterprise Mobility and IoT at Singtel Singapore, discusses current trends and the opportunities presented by 5G and edge computing, particularly in network slicing and remote device management. ShuFen also highlights the vital role of women in driving innovation and change within the telecom sector, offering a unique perspective on the future of connectivity.

Singapore is transforming its agri-food industry to produce 30 per cent of our nutritional needs locally by 2030, for greater food resilience. Advancements in food technology and innovation have made it possible for Singapore to produce more food with fewer resources. Guo Xiuling, CEO of Nurasa, a Temasek-owned company leading the charge in food tech innovation across Asia shares the latest trends in food tech innovation, and efforts in leveraging technology and partnerships in developing sustainable nutrition. Xiuling also discusses the challenges in commercialising innovations, particularly in consumer adoption and affordability. She tells us how she is breaking barriers as a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated space as we mark International Women's Day on March 8.

Nvidia, the leader in AI chipmaking, reported strong earnings and an optimistic revenue forecast for the upcoming quarter. Despite this, its stock plummeted 8.5%, causing a ripple effect in the Nasdaq. What led to this unexpected drop? Isaac Lim, Chief Market Strategist at investment platform Moomoo Singapore, joins us to break down the market reaction and discuss the reasons behind the sell-off, why investor expectations were not met, and what this means for Nvidia’s future in the fast-paced tech industry. 

As the maritime industry transitions to a low-carbon future, electrification is emerging as a game-changer as industry players pursue alternative energy solutions to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. While the momentum behind maritime electrification is buoyed by ongoing advances in technology and supportive regulatory frameworks, the transition presents a mix of opportunities and challenges. Tan Huan Ping, Head of Drives Singapore, Danfoss Drives, a global leader in the variable speed control of electric motors shares more about how industry players are steering towards sustainable shipping including current trends and potential shifts on the horizon.  

The Asia-Pacific region, with its dynamic growth prospects and evolving trade patterns, is set to shape the future of the supply chain and logistics market. What are the critical supply chain risks in this region, and the strategies to mitigate them? How will AI transform supply chain operations? Richard Butler, Head of APAC Risk & Research at Dow Jones, shares his insights on the most pressing risks facing businesses in Asia Pacific's complex supply chains and how companies can adapt to shifting regulatory landscapes while maintaining competitiveness. 

Out-of-Home platform owner Target Media has made remarkable growth to the Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) space in Singapore's advertising scene. Daniel Ng, Chief Revenue Officer of Target Media, a joint venture between Focus Media Group and SPH Media joins The Afternoon Update's Lynlee Foo to explore how DOOH is reshaping brand strategies with hyper-local targeting and other unique features. Daniel also discusses the role of DOOH in complementing digital and social ads, and shares his vision for the future of the industry in a data-driven era.