The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

The AI industry is advancing at lightning speed, with companies racing to develop cutting-edge models and secure funding. But with innovation comes disruption—most recently highlighted by the sharp drop in NVIDIA's stock following the rise of DeepSeek. The Chinese startup's ChatGPT-like AI model called R1, operates at a fraction of the cost of OpenAI’s, Google’s or Meta’s popular AI models. What will this mean for the broader AI space and the future of AI investment, and how should leaders adapt to these changing dynamics? Dominique Rose Van-Wither, CEO of Final Upgrade AI, an AI-powered consultancy focused on training, advisory and AI solutions for businesses, shares her perspectives and insights including what’s next for both investors and companies navigating this rapidly evolving sector.

As scientific advancements reshape our understanding of aging, the focus has shifted from merely extending lifespan to improving health span—the number of years we live in good health Lindsay Cooper, co-founder of Chi Longevity, Singapore’s first private healthy longevity clinic gives insights into how the clinic blends holistic principles with modern strategies to help individuals and organisations achieve optimal vitality and longevity. 

According to the latest data released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) , the office rental market in Singapore saw a second consecutive quarter of decline in Q4 2024, following a strong rebound in Q2 2024. Office rents in Singapore’s central region fell 0.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, extending a 0.5 percent drop in the previous quarter. Despite the decline in the second half of 2024, office rents for the full year remained flat from the preceding 12 months, when leasing rates had climbed 13.1 percent. The URA also released statistics on the residential and retail property market for 4Q24. Dr. Chua Yang Liang, Head of Research and Consultancy for Southeast Asia at JLL, unpacks URA's latest statistics. 

Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are two of the most transformative forces in technology today, reshaping industries and redefining how we interact with the world. As AI pushes the boundaries of machine intelligence and crypto revolutionises finance with decentralised systems, these two innovations are now converging in powerful ways. In the first part of a two-part interview, we explore the synergy between AI and crypto, from AI-driven trading algorithms to decentralised platforms enhanced by machine learning. What new opportunities does this intersection offer for efficiency, transparency, and accessibility? Kay Van Peterson, Co-Founder & Partner at Final Upgrade AI, and Principal of Ascent Capital & the HODL Group shares insights into the future of intelligence and finance at their crossroads.

Japan is on a mission to reclaim its status as a semiconductor powerhouse with the creation of "chip cities"—high-tech hubs for advanced chip foundries and research. This bold initiative could transform Japan’s economy, spark innovation, and even reshape its real estate landscape. In this episode, we delve into the ripple effects of this strategy with Gareth Nicholson, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Managed Investments at Nomura. Join us as we unpack how these developments might redefine Japan’s tech sector, urban planning, and global influence.

As Donald Trump begins his second term as president of the united states, experts say President Trump’s unpredictable nature will make 2025 a volatile year. Challenges ranging from the US-China trade conflict to geopolitical tensions and market volatility suggest that Singapore’s economy is in for a rockier ride in 2025. On Industry Insight we take a look at the asset management industry which has been evolving rapidly in recent years. In this current dynamic environment, how are asset managers adapting their strategies to manage risks and seize opportunities, while addressing key challenges in the region and in Singapore? What is the outlook for investment in 2025? Thomas Kaegi, Chairman of the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) Development Committee, shares insights into the future of asset management in the region.

Traditional farming methods are giving way to innovative technologies as farmers increasingly prioritise productivity. Many are navigating challenges such as increased input prices, extreme weather events, and commodity price volatility. From aeroponics and hydroponics to vertical farming, advancements in technology are changing how we think about food production, especially in urban landscapes like Singapore, where land is scarce, and the need for locally grown produce is crucial. Leonard Teo, Founder of urban aeroponics farm, Straits Agriculture shares more insights.  

Gaming and e-sports have quickly evolved from niche hobbies to cultural phenomena, influencing everything from entertainment to education. With billions of players worldwide and an ever-growing audience for competitive gaming, the industry has become a cornerstone of the digital economy. As we look ahead to 2025, what will the future hold for gaming and e-sports in Singapore and the Asia region? Nikhil Hathiramani, Co-Founder and CEO of esports consultancy IMPLS Entertainment and Paper Rex, one of Asia's premiere professional esports teams shares insights into the dynamic landscape on Industry Insight.  

LinkedIn found that more than two-thirds of Singapore professionals are looking to switch roles in 2025 – surpassing the global average of 58 per cent. This is despite rising challenges in the job search, with 61 per cent of respondents reporting that the process of seeking new employment has grown increasingly difficult. Many are frustrated with applying for more roles but hearing back less frequently. Apart from standing out during applications, other obstacles included looking for roles that match personal criteria and negotiating salaries. Be it employees or employers, how should we be rethinking our strategies to prioritise well-being, flexibility, and work-ready skills that are required to thrive in a rapidly changing environment? Feon Ang, LinkedIn's Managing Director for Asia Pacific, shares insights into the employment industry and the evolving dynamics of the job market as well as LinkedIn's latest “Jobs on the Rise” report, which looks at the fastest growing jobs in Singapore.

More details have emerged recently about the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Nine flagship zones have been announced, and that there will be two separate funds committed by the Singapore and Malaysian governments into the economic zone. The special economic zone is poised to become a transformative initiative, and experts see the real estate sector as a significant driver for long-term growth With increased connectivity and a shared vision for development, this initiative could reshape property demand, values, and opportunities on both sides of the border. To help us unpack the potential impact of this Special Economic Zone on the real estate landscape, we’re joined by Chua Shir Yee, Head of International Sales from PropNex.