Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore stocks declined this morning, tracking overnight losses in European markets. The Straits Times Index (STI) opened 0.4 per cent lower at 3,919.97 points after 41.2 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Seatrium after it announced today that Seatrium Offshore Technology won an international tender from shipyard International Maritime Industries for the supply of equipment and licence of a drilling unit.  Elsewhere, from the key highlights of the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes, to ride-hailing app Grab’s Q4 earnings beating analysts estimates, more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital.

As Singapore prepares for GE2025, changes to polling districts in 12 constituencies signal that the electoral process is in motion. While these adjustments are largely administrative, aimed at improving voting efficiency and accessibility, they also provide insights into shifting voter demographics and potential constituency boundary changes. With factors like population growth, new housing developments, and past election feedback influencing these updates, what do they mean for voters and political parties? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University School of Law, to find out more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg), Nadiah Koh, and Hongbin Jeong Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Prices for the most sought-after used watch models from top Swiss brands Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet fell again in 2024, hitting fresh three-year lows The Bloomberg Subdial Watch Index, which tracks prices for the 50 most traded models by transaction value, declined nearly 6% last year to its lowest since 2021. So is it worth investing in watches still? Could the decline in prices open up new opportunities for collectors and investors to acquire watches at a more affordable price? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks withJarod Ng, Executive Chairman & CEO, Pallarian Holdings and Executive Director, Watch Capital to find out more.

Prime Aces Limousine is a leading provider of premium corporate transport services, specializing in seamless mobility solutions for small to medium-sized corporate events. Established in 2018 by Zhi Min, the company was founded with a vision to address gaps in the luxury transport market, specifically the lack of service consistency and efficiency. Today, Prime Aces Limousine offers a fleet of over 50 top-tier business vehicles, including the luxurious Toyota Alphard, catering to the needs of high-profile business clients with professionalism, reliability, and exceptional service. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lim Zhi Min, Founder, Prime Aces Limousine, to find out more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Singapore shares ended mostly subdued, a day after the country’s Budget announcement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Frankie Ho spoke with Dan Chang, a trading representative from PhillipCapital, about some of the stocks in focus, starting with United Overseas Bank, which just delivered its 2024 financial results.

The Singapore Budget 2025 has unveiled a range of measures designed to support businesses as they navigate rising costs, labor challenges, and global competition. With a 50% corporate tax rebate, enhanced Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, and a new S$150 million Enterprise Compute Initiative, the government aims to provide both immediate relief and long-term growth opportunities. But are these measures enough? What more can be done to address fundamental challenges businesses are facing today? On Money Matters’ 2025 Post-Budget Panel Discussion, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Chen Ze Ling, Head of Corporate Banking, DBS Singapore, Toby Koh, Group MD, Ademco Security Group, and Vick Aggarwala, President & CEO, Supreme Components International, to find out more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg), Hongbin Jeong, and Naz Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Singapore’s premier pro wrestling promotion, Grapplemax, is making history with Causeway Jam—a high-octane showdown featuring top talent from both sides of the border. In this episode, co-founder and CEO Greg Ho shares Grapplemax’s journey, its commitment to accessibility, and how it’s shaping the local wrestling scene. We dive into the inspiration behind Causeway Jam, the rivalries to watch, and what first-time fans can expect. Could this be the beginning of a larger regional wrestling circuit?  Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Another token is making big moves on the blockchain - and that’s the Hype token. it has risen over 600% since its launch. Now unlike other cryptocurrencies, the hype token had a different listing mechanism. The token took a decentralized approach to its listing, which excluded venture capital (VC) firms and early investors. And now, Hyperliquid attempts to reshape the cryptocurrency listing landscape. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Carney Mak, Chief Strategy Officer at Tokenize Xchange, to find out more. 

Despite the fact that solar power is cheaper than fossil fuels, less than 1% of rooftops in Southeast Asia are equipped with solar panels. GetSolar's innovative approach is flipping the script with its Solar-as-a-Service model, offering a zero-upfront-cost solution that makes adopting rooftop solar as easy as flipping a switch. So, whether you're a homeowner or a small property owner in Southeast Asia, GetSolar is making it easier, faster, and more affordable to join the clean energy movement. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Luke Ong, Co-Founder and COO at GetSolar and Bolong Chew is the Co-Founder and CEO of GetSolarto find out more.

During the 2025 Budget statement, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said rapid technological advances particularly in the area of AI will transform workplaces and jobs. That means workers need to be equipped with new skills to remain competitive and relevant. On that note, SkillsFuture remains a cornerstone in our social compact. On top of this, PM Wong has announced more measures on supporting our enterprises in Workforce transformation.  Besides measures introduced to supporting workers throughout life, the measures specific to businesses generally fell within three key areas: technology and innovation, our enterprise ecosystem, as well as infrastructure investments amidst resource constraints.  So how is Budget 2025 giving support to workers in terms of upskilling and life long learning? And how will our growth frontier, our businesses be advanced?  On MONEY MATTER’s Budget 2025 Conversation, Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian speak to Terence Ho, Associate Professor at SUSS and Nicholas Fang, Director of Security and Global Affairs at Singapore Institute of International Affairs and Director of Strategic Consultancy Black Dot, to find out more.