The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo
About
Stay in the know with programs such as Viewpoint and Industry Insights in property, cryptocurrency, aviation, and shipping. We delve into the latest news, current events, and market updates to provide you with valuable insights into making informed financial decisions.
JUL 10, 2025
10/07/25 - Viewpoint: Mahathir at 100 — Regrets, reflections and resolveOn July 10, 2025, Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, turns 100 — yet he remains preoccupied with the same mission he outlined more than 50 years ago: addressing the “Malay Dilemma.” Shannon Teoh, Malaysia Bureau Chief at The Straits Times, joins Lynlee Foo to reflect on his centenary interview with Dr Mahathir, sharing what the statesman is really like at 100, his regrets about leaving office too soon, and why he still believes uniting and uplifting the Malay community is Malaysia’s unfinished business.
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12:24
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JUL 9, 2025
09/07/25 - Viewpoint: Is Singapore ready for driverless public transport?Ride-hailing platform Grab has begun piloting a driverless shuttle service for its employees, running a short route between Media Circle and One‑North MRT station — but how close are we, really, to seeing autonomous vehicles as part of daily public transport in Singapore?
On Viewpoint, The Straits Times' senior transport correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe joins Lynlee Foo to unpack how this trial differs from earlier experiments, the role of regulators, public readiness, and why small‑scale, real‑world tests like these are crucial to building trust in the technology.
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13:57
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JUL 9, 2025
09/07/25 - Good Tech: Birdhouse — The tiny sensor helping Singapore’s elderly live safelyNew data show that more than 87,000 elderly Singaporeans now live alone — double the number a decade ago. How can technology help keep them safe without intruding on their privacy?
On Good Tech, Lynlee Foo chats with Carlos Chacon, one of the creators of Birdhouse — a discreet, award-winning motion sensor designed to watch over seniors living alone. Carlos shares the human story behind the innovation, what his team has learned from real-world trials, and how Birdhouse is shaping the future of ageing in place.
Listen to discover how a small device is making a big social impact — and why good technology always puts people first.
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12:56
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JUL 8, 2025
08/07/25 - Viewpoint: Why many Singapore fathers don’t take paternity leaveThe Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Family Trends Report 2025 shows that just 56% of eligible fathers in Singapore took paternity leave last year. Despite expanded policies, nearly half still forgo their full entitlement. Why? Dr Kalpana Vignehsa of the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore joins Lynlee Foo to explore workplace culture, hidden penalties, and how to truly normalise fathers’ caregiving roles — beyond policy.
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13:45
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JUL 7, 2025
07/07/25 - Industry Insight: BNY on AI, data, and treasury innovation in AsiaAs businesses expand across borders and customer expectations for real-time payments grow, treasury functions are no longer just about keeping cash safe — they’ve become a key driver of business strategy. On Industry Insight, Fabian Khoshbakht, Managing Director and Head of Treasury Services, Asia Pacific at BNY, shares how technology, data, and fintech partnerships are reshaping the way companies manage liquidity, risk, and cross-border payments. He explains why Asia is leading the way, how corporate treasurers are embracing AI and analytics, and what the future holds for automation and digital currencies. Want to understand how treasury is evolving from a backroom function to a strategic enabler of growth? Don't miss this conversation!
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18:53
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JUL 4, 2025
04/07/25 - Industry Insight: FairPrice’s Store of Tomorrow — The future of supermarketsSupermarkets are getting smarter — blending AI, data, and automation to create smoother shopping experiences and more efficient operations.
At the heart of FairPrice Group’s Store of Tomorrow initiative are innovations like Vision AI, smart trolleys, and personalised recommendations, already being piloted at Sengkang Grand Mall and soon coming to Punggol Digital District.
On Industry Insight, Dennis Seah, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at FairPrice Group, shares lessons from the pilot, how shoppers and staff are responding, and what this signals for the future of brick‑and‑mortar retail in Singapore.
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19:20
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JUL 3, 2025
03/07/25 - Uzbekistan tourism: S'pore host-turned-hotelier on 'fairytale' KhivaCome October, travellers from Singapore will have easier access to Uzbekistan, with AirAsia X launching flights via Kuala Lumpur. Changi Airport Group too is exploring direct routes. But growing tourism beyond Tashkent into the country’s heritage cities takes more than flights.
On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo chats with former Money FM 89.3 host Timothy Go, who calls the historic city of Khiva “Uzbekistan’s fairytale come true.” From infrastructure gaps to cultural partnerships, Timothy shares what it takes to build sustainable, authentic tourism in Central Asia — and why Singaporean players have a role to play.
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24:03
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JUL 2, 2025
02/07/25 - Industry Insight: How cloud accounting is powering Singapore SME resilienceDespite inflation and economic headwinds, Singapore’s SMEs are defying the odds — growing revenue, hiring talent, and staying optimistic. But behind this resilience lies a digital backbone: cloud accounting.
On Industry Insight, Koren Wines, Managing Director of Xero Asia, joins Lynlee Foo to unpack the findings of Xero’s latest 'The State of Small and Medium Businesses Singapore' report and the growing role of cloud-based finance tools. From tackling late payments and improving real-time financial visibility to embracing AI and embedded finance, find out how cloud platforms are evolving into intelligent systems that empower small businesses to act fast, stay compliant, and scale sustainably.
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16:38
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JUL 2, 2025
02/07/25 - Good Tech: Chatbot “Are You OK?” offers real-time support adviceWhen someone opens up about their struggles, many of us want to help—but don’t know how. Are You OK? is a mental wellness chatbot designed to guide peer supporters through difficult conversations with empathy and care. On Good Tech, Benny Lim, UX designer and project lead behind Are You OK?, shares how the tool uses AI, professional input, and real-world peer support practices to help everyday people show up better for those in need.
From Telegram-based real-time advice to roleplay training for volunteers, discover how this tool is making emotional support more accessible—and more human.
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10:43
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JUL 1, 2025
01/07/25 - Viewpoint: Malaysia begins VEP enforcement: Fines, frustration and what's nextMalaysia’s long-delayed Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system kicked into enforcement today (1 Jul, 2025)— and within the first hour, 10 Singapore drivers were fined.
OnViewpoint, The Straits Times journalist Harith Mustaffa joins us from Johor Bahru, where he observed the rollout firsthand. We unpack what went wrong, why some motorists were caught off guard, and what this might mean for weekend travel, businesses in JB, and Singaporeans navigating the system.
From confusing tag activations to unexpected roadside stops, here’s what you need to know about Day 1 of VEP enforcement.
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14:26
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