Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares dipped today in line with movements seen in the region.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.23% at 4,996.10 points at 3.27pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.35B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Yangzijiang Maritime, after the maritime investments company said yesterday that it has signed contracts to acquire eight very large crude carrier newbuilds and sell four medium-range tankers.  Elsewhere, from how Singapore’s key exports expanded by a stronger-than-expected 15.3 per cent year on year in March, to how Netflix chairman Reed Hastings is quitting the streaming service he co-founded 29 years ago, more economic and corporate 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.

Geopolitical tensions in Iran are shaking markets once again, sending oil soaring and investors scrambling. But instead of rushing into gold, many are heading for cash, so what does that really signal? Is cash king again?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gautam Chadda, Executive Director at RBC Wealth Management Asia, to find out more.

Singapore’s schools are set for a major shake-up in how they deal with bullying. By 2027, all schools will adopt standardized disciplinary measures — including detention, suspension, and in some cases caning — alongside a new online reporting system for students to flag incidents directly. The Ministry of Education says the changes are meant to create greater consistency, improve transparency, and strengthen trust between schools, students, and parents. But the new framework has also sparked debate: while some welcome clearer rules and stronger deterrence, others question whether punishment alone can address the root causes of bullying. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jean Liu, Associate Professor of Psychology at the Singapore Institute of Technology, to find out what these changes mean, and whether schools are moving toward meaningful long-term change or simply tougher penalties. 

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into a university in Yueyang that’s training the next generation of grill masters. It might sound unusual, but with thousands of restaurants and millions in revenue behind the industry, this 'BBQ diploma' is part of a bigger shift toward skills-based education and lifelong learning. So… would you sign up? Then, we pivot to a story that’s even stranger. More than 2,200 live ants… individually packed and hidden in what looked like vitamin containers. That’s what authorities uncovered in a smuggling case that points to a growing global trade in insects. From niche collectors to high-value species, ant trafficking is quietly on the rise, and it’s raising serious concerns about ecosystems and wildlife crime.

Singapore’s push toward autonomous transport is picking up pace, with self-driving shuttles entering public trials and plans for rapid expansion across the island. At the same time, the absence of affordable late-night transport has quietly reshaped nightlife habits, worker mobility, and business operations, raising questions about whether Singapore can truly function as a 24-hour city. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Natt Srinara, Lecturer at EHL Hospitality Business School Campus Singapore, on whether autonomous vehicles could unlock the night-time economy, ease labour pressures, and what it will take for this shift to translate into real impact on the ground.

From family offices to boutique advisory firms, the world of wealth management is shifting fast. Consolidation is on the rise, clients are demanding advice that’s truly tailored to them, and technology is changing how investments are managed. So what’s driving the surge in popularity of External Asset Managers, or EAMs? And how are client expectations evolving in this new landscape? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Laurent Pellet, Global Head of External Asset Managers (EAM), Lombard Odier, to find out more.

Move over MBTI. On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into China’s viral SBTI, a chaotic, meme-fueled personality quiz that doesn’t analyze you so much as roast you. With savage labels like ‘BOSS’, ‘ATM-er’, and even ‘DEAD’, millions are jumping in… but what does its popularity say about how Gen Z sees themselves today? Then, closer to home, would you do your makeup on the MRT? A blunt new campaign telling commuters to ‘Don’t groom in public’ has sparked a surprisingly heated debate in Singapore. Where’s the line between being efficient… and being inconsiderate?

Singapore shares dipped today as investors’ focus turned to global earnings due for the week. The Straits Times Index was down 0.13% at 5,014.72 points at 3.05pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.47B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Olam Group, after the group said today that it has obtained regulatory approvals from all jurisdictions for the proposed sale of its 44.58 per cent stake in Olam Agri to a Saudi fund. Elsewhere, from how China‘s economy picked up speed early in 2026 on strong exports and policy support, to how Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) booked a 58 per cent surge in profit, more corporate and economic headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital. 

When tensions rise, gold usually shines. But this time… not quite. With the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz pushing oil prices sharply higher, you’d expect investors to pile into gold. Instead, prices are slipping, and that’s raising a big question… Is gold losing its safe-haven status, or is something else at play here? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Robin Tsui, APAC Gold Strategist at State Street Investment Management, to find out more.

A $2 charge for children drinking plain water has sparked an intense debate in Singapore. After a family was billed under a no-outside-drinks policy, a restaurant saw its Google rating plunge overnight amid a wave of online backlash. On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh unpack why opinions are so divided, and whether ‘review bombing’ is a fair form of consumer protest or a step too far.  Next up, we take to the skies. After a nightmare economy flight experience, a new idea from Air New Zealand catches our attention. The upcoming “Skynest” bunk bed concept promises real, lie-flat sleep for economy passengers… but at nearly US$500 for a few hours, is it the future of flying or just another expensive upsell?