Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore’s public transport system is entering a period of adjustment, both in cost and commuter conduct. From December 27, fares for train and bus rides will go up by nine to ten cents for adults, reflecting an overall 5 per cent increase. It’s a smaller rise than in the previous two years, but one that comes alongside a change in how future adjustments are calculated, with energy and wage costs now factored in more promptly. At the same time, new laws have been passed to tackle inconsiderate behaviour on buses, targeting actions such as eating, littering, or playing loud music, with steeper penalties for repeat offenders. The move signals a broader effort to maintain comfort, order, and respect across the network. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Walter Theseira, Associate Professor of Economics at Singapore University of Social Sciences, to find out more. 

Private credit is booming, with global assets topping two trillion dollars. One hotspot is the U.S. middle market, nearly half of America’s economy, where the lower tiers offer higher yields, stronger protections, and less competition. Why is this segment drawing so much attention, and what’s behind the growing interest from Asian investors? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Thomas Cheong, President of Principal Asia and Executive Vice President of Principal Financial Group, to find out more.

Could a vacuum really handle all your cleaning? ECOVACS believes it can. The DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone, now launched in Singapore, promises to clean every corner of your home, tackle tough stains, and make your cleaning routine effortless. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with producer Nadiah Koh to find out more about ECOVAC's regional launch in Ho Chi Minh City. Nadiah Koh also spoke with Chris Ma, Head of Southeast Asia and Korea, ECOVACS about their presence in Southeast Asia and how the company is shaping the future of home robotics in the region.

Singapore shares dipped today despite most Asian markets recording gains. The Straits Times Index was down 0.49% at 4,346.92 points at 11.51am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$667.54M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have SIA Group after the group said passenger traffic in September for Singapore Airlines (SIA) and subsidiary Scoot rose 3.7 per cent year on year.  Elsewhere, from how an investor group including BlackRock, Microsoft and NVIDIA is buying one of the world’s biggest data centre operators to Wall Street's overnight performance amid big bank earnings out of corporate America – more corporate and international headlines remained in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital. 

Singapore’s Central Provident Fund has just reached a major milestone, becoming the first pension system in Asia-Pacific to earn an ‘A’ rating in the Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index. It’s now in the same league as global leaders like Denmark, the Netherlands and Israel, systems often praised for their balance of adequacy, sustainability, and integrity. But as the population ages, life expectancy rises, and retirement expectations evolve, the big question is whether the CPF can continue to meet the diverse needs of future retirees, without compromising flexibility or fairness. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Lena Teng, Learning & Development and CPF Specialist, Providend, to find out more. 

Singapore investors are parking more money into safer assets, with nearly 60 per cent of mutual fund inflows this year going into money market funds. What’s driving this flight to safety, and how can investors balance caution with long-term growth? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Daryl Liew, Chief Investment Officer at PhillipCapital, to find out more.

Stella Koh, Co-Founder, Joya Onsen Cafe. Singaporeans love Japan, the food, the culture, the little rituals that make life feel a little more relaxed. But what if you could experience that without flying thousands of miles away? At just 19, Stella Koh decided to bring the Japanese onsen experience - a tradition most people only encounter in Japan, right here to Singapore. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Stella Koh, Co-Founder, Joya Onsen Cafe, to find out more. 

Singapore shares rebounded from yesterday’s losses today.  The Straits Times Index was up 0.43% at 4,373.29 points at 11.16am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$569.13M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Centurion, given how the group acquired a land site in central London for £41 million (S$71 million) via a joint venture (JV) with US-based real estate firm Landmark Properties. Elsewhere, from how China’s deflation eased in September, to how Intel has announced a new artificial intelligence chip for the data centre that it plans to launch next year – more international and corporate headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – how US banks fared per their latest earnings reports out at the start of the week. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Strategy, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

They wanted redemption...and they delivered! Singapore silenced the critics with a gutsy 2-1 win over India to keep their AFC Asian Cup hopes alive. Former Lion Adam Swandi joins Sports Minutes to share his verdict, along with the post-match reactions of Safuwan Baharudin and Ikhsan Fandi from Goa. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

It's all about hypercars in this “On the Go” Special episode of “Under the Radar” as Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to BUGATTI Singapore’s showroom at 45 Leng Kee Road.  Founded by Ettore BUGATTI in 1909, BUGATTI prides itself as a state-of-the-art hyper sports car marque, and is said to produce the world’s most powerful and luxurious cars.  Fun fact – each car is still hand-assembled at the firm’s Atelier in Molsheim.  Today, BUGATTI is part of the BUGATTI Rimac Group, and is laser focused on developing the next generation of hyper sports cars.  And the CEO and President of BUGATTI Mate Rimac is in town to mark the 20th anniversary of its iconic model, the BUGATTI Veyron. The BUGATTI Veyron became the world’s first production car with more than 1,000 hp and a top speed of over 250mph  in 2005. Tian Tian caught up with Mate briefly during the anniversary celebration event to find out about his priorities for the business, his take on the importance of Southeast Asia and Singapore as markets for the company, as well as BUGATTI’s future lineup.