Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

China’s economy may be slowing, but one investment theme is still powering ahead: climate tech. A new report shows Chinese investors are pouring an outsized share of their money into clean energy and climate-solution funds, far more than anywhere else in the world. So why are they doubling down even as sectors like EVs face pressure? On Wealth Tracker, Nadiah Koh speaks to Boya Wang, Senior Analyst, Sustainable Investing Researchat Morningstar, to find out more and what this means for investors.

Dictionary.com announced that “6-7” has been selected as its Word of the Year, noting that the term gained rapid traction across social media as a shorthand used by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. According to the platform, the choice reflects how digital communication now favours ultra-compressed expressions, numerical codes, and context-dependent slang. The decision also highlights a broader linguistic trend: youth-driven internet language is evolving at a pace that challenges traditional reference tools and raises questions about whether dictionaries should document, guide, or adapt to these emerging forms. On The Big Story, Nadiah Koh speaks to Jeremiah Sng, Head of Language Arts and Lower Secondary, Academia, to unpack what “6-7” reveals about language today, how slang shapes the way young people communicate, and what this means for educators and students alike.

Wellness isn’t just about eating clean or squeezing in a workout. It’s about balance, mindset, and learning how to nourish your body, mind, and spirit — even when life gets hectic. But in a fast-paced world, how do we turn good intentions into habits that actually stick, without feeling overwhelmed or guilty? That’s where NSJ Wellness Lifestyles steps in. This Singapore-based company is on a mission to help people build healthier, more sustainable routines through a blend of personalised coaching, community workshops, and holistic practices that bridge traditional wisdom with modern wellness. On The Right Business, Nadiah Koh speaks with Zannet Ng, Founder and Managing Director of NSJ Wellness, to break down what true well-being can look like.

Singapore shares nudged higher today amid mixed trade in Asia. The Straits Times index was up 0.47% at 4,530.36 points at 1.58pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$532.63M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have OCBC, given how the firm’s mobile banking services were fully restored after a two-hour outage last night.  Meanwhile, from how nominal wages in Singapore grew more slowly in 2025, to how core consumer inflation in Tokyo stayed well above the central bank’s 2 per cent target in November, more economic headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

It’s official - 35-year-old Singaporean Gavin Lee has been named head coach of the Singapore Men’s National Team, just a week after guiding the Lions to historic Asian Cup qualification. Fresh off signing an 18-month deal that takes him through the 2026 Asean Championship and the 2027 Asian Cup, Gavin joins Sports Minutes to discuss his rise from interim to in-charge, from failed footballer to in-demand tactician, and from managing Tampines to taking on the biggest job in Singapore football. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5F3j38Vuo9k?si=AL5GUQZFI2-pvV05 Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Hong Kong experienced its deadliest high-rise fire in decades when a massive blaze swept through multiple residential towers clad in bamboo scaffolding, rapidly engulfing entire floors and trapping hundreds of residents inside. The fire broke out in one of the city’s densely built districts, where narrow gaps between buildings made it difficult for firefighters to gain access and aim their hoses effectively. Some residents, visibly shaken, described watching the fire tear through the towers from overhead bridges, while others avoided the media altogether, overwhelmed by the trauma and uncertainty that followed the catastrophe. On The Big Story, Nadiah Koh speaks to Magdalene Fung, Hong Kong Correspondent, The Straits Times, to share her on-the-ground observations and insights into the city’s response, the challenges faced by rescue teams, and the community’s efforts to support those affected.

In Cambodia, smallholder farmers are struggling with depleted soils that make it harder each year to grow enough food. At the same time, the country’s rice industry produces mountains of husks that often end up as waste. HUSK Ventures saw possibility in this problem—transforming rice husks into a regenerative soil solution. Their approach has already boosted yields by 30% across 250 farms, and they aim to uplift 100,000 farmers by 2030 while sequestering millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. On The Right Business, Nadiah Koh speaks with Ingrid van Ginkel, Managing Director of HUSK Ventures, to find out how HUSK blends ancient wisdom, modern science, and circular innovation to tackle both poverty and climate change.

AI has officially become every young investor’s go-to financial advisor in Singapore—literally 100% of them, according to new findings from Blackbox Research. From stock picks to portfolio planning, AI has shifted from being a helpful tool to a trusted decision-maker. But what does this mean for traditional banks and financial advisors who’ve long depended on personal relationships? And is AI truly as reliable as we think, or are we placing too much faith in algorithms? On Wealth Tracker, Nadiah Koh speaks with Glenn Wray, Head of Strategy and Marketing at Blackbox Research, to unpack the trends, the risks, and what this shift means for the future of investing.

Singapore shares inched higher today to track gains seen in Asia. The Straits Times Index was up 0.39% at 4,519.06 points at 2.14pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$531.05M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have IHH Healthcare, after the healthcare company yesterday posted a net profit of RM616 million (S$194.3 million) for its third quarter ended Sep 30, a 15 per cent increase from RM534 million in the year before.  Elsewhere, from how South Korea’s central bank kept interest rates unchanged as widely expected, to how Intel denied allegations by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) that one of its executives, Lo Wei-Jen, who formerly worked at the Taiwanese chipmaker, had leaked trade secrets – more international and corporate headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.

As Singapore shifts firmly back into the office, most employees are meeting return-to-office mandates with surprising optimism. But beneath that upbeat surface, new surveys reveal a widening gap between what workers expect — and what companies are actually offering. Nearly 7 in 10 employees now face fixed in-office days, and while 63% say they feel positive about the move, many still lack the flexibility they value most. So what does this mean for companies trying to retain talent? On The Big Story, Alexandra Parada speaks to Ives Tay, Independent Workforce Development Consultant, to find out more.