Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore stocks began trading in positive territory today after global equities ended mixed overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) inched up 0.1 per cent to 3,748.25 points, after 54.6 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singtel, after the telecom group today announced changes to its senior management, to support new business priorities of its growth plan.  Elsewhere, from more on how US prosecutors charged Indian tycoon Gautam Adani with helping to drive a US$250 million bribery scheme, to a breakdown of Nvidia’s latest earnings – more corporate headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – how US President-elect Donald Trump’s team is reportedly holding discussions with the digital asset industry on whether to create a new crypto-specific White House post.  On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director Azure Capital.

Whiskey has become an increasingly popular investment for many. Over the last decade, the value of rare whiskies has shot up 582%. In the world of whisky collecting, few stories are as captivating as that of Ong Cheng Kiat, a passionate collector whose journey began with a remarkable find: The Black Bowmore DB5 1964.   But what about rare whiskys that make them good investments? And will 2025 be a stellar year for whisky investors? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Ong Cheng Kiat, Executive Chairman of Golden Hung Ho and Premium Whisky Collector to find out more.

Is bus-sharing a thing in Singapore? RushOwl is a Singaporean startup that aims to be digital public transportation for anyone, anywhere to create their own commuting plans No more endless waiting, crowded metros, expensive rides, frustration of traffic jams. RushOwl’s AI powered solutions ensure smoother connections, shorter journeys, and fewer vehicles on the road. All you have to do is sit back and relax, knowing you’re making a choice that’s not only better for you, but also the environment.On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Shin Ng, CEO, RushOwl Group to find out more.

Opening new frontiers in information technology and pioneering the future of innovation. That is what we are going to talk about today with our guest from a leading technology services firm in Asia Pacific.  Founded in 1981, NCS is a subsidiary of Singtel Group that provides what it calls differentiated and end-to-end services to clients with its capabilities in core areas such as application, infrastructure, engineering and cybersecurity. The firm partners with governments and enterprises across industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, logistics and even healthcare to advance communities through technology.  Such technologies include the Breeze app, which utilises computer vision and artificial intelligence to help users get around local neighbourhoods such as Tiong Bahru more easily. Why are we speaking to NCS you might ask? Well, we’re speaking to NCS because the firm is currently doubling down on innovation in emerging areas such as digital, data, cloud and platform through its digital services arm NEXT.  That’s after the company had in July 2021 announced a major business transformation to reposition it for growth in the 5G era.  The strategic reset then focused on growing digital services, scaling its government and telco business segment and capturing new growth opportunities in the enterprise sector across key regional markets of Singapore, Australia and Greater China.  But what has been done thus far and how important is NCS NEXT to the firm alongside its other strategic business groups? And what will the rapid adoption of generative AI mean for the firm as it looks to the second half of the decade?  On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Wynthia Goh, Senior Partner, NCS NEXT.

In South Korea, the MBTI personality test has become a cultural phenomenon, shaping how people perceive themselves and interact with others. Among its many influences, the phrase “Are you a T?” has emerged as a popular—yet passive-aggressive—jab, often directed at those seen as emotionally detached or overly logical. This trend highlights a deeper societal focus on emotional expression and empathy, sparking debates about whether MBTI fosters understanding or oversimplifies human behaviour. So how is this playful yet critical use of MBTI labels impacting relationships, communication, and self-perception in Korean society? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr. Fernando Reggianini, Clinical Director & Psychologist, Korea Psychological Group, to find out. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) and Hongbin Jeong Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Singapore stocks began trading higher this morning following a mixed performance in world indices. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.2 per cent to 3,764.11 points after 108.8 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have Keppel DC Real Estate Investment Trust, after the Reit closed its private placement at S$2.09 apiece with 334.9 million new units issued.  Elsewhere, from more on investors' sentiment against the prospect of an escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war, to how US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly set to interview former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh and Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan for the Treasury Secretary post – more international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Dan Chang, Investment Specialist and Trading Representative, PhillipCapital.

befree is a brand dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with limited mobility through adaptive fashion. They design clothing that prioritises comfort, accessibility, and style, addressing the everyday challenges faced by those with mobility restrictions. And this is by offering functional, inclusive clothing, befree empowers individuals with a sense of freedom, dignity, and independence, blending empathy and practicality in every design. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joanne DiCamillo, Co-Owner, befree, LLC, & Nicole Puzzo, Co-Owner, befree, LLC, to share their journey in creating a brand that revolutionises adaptive fashion.

Singapore stocks wrapped up the day in positive territory, with the Straits Times Index (STI) closing 0.6% higher at 3,755 points amid strong market breadth.  In terms of companies to watch, Oiltek International shone after reporting a near doubling of its third-quarter earnings, supported by strong demand for its refining business and a robust $400 million order book.  On the telecom front, market talk of a potential merger between StarHub and M1 has resurfaced, sparking speculation about consolidation in the sector. On Market View, Frankie Ho dives into the details with James Cheo, Chief Investment Officer for Southeast Asia and India, HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth.

So, what went wrong for our Lions? Just days after a thrilling win over Myanmar, Singapore stumbled in a 3-2 defeat to Chinese Taipei, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the team’s readiness ahead of the upcoming AFF Championship. We hear from various players within the camp as well as Deepanraj Ganesan - unpacking the lessons learnt and the road ahead for Ogura and co. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/lions-flunk-final-test-before-aff-championship-campaign-losing-3-2-to-chinese-taipei Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

Think your age holds you back? Think again, Because aged 48, Tham Boon Kit became a world champion in martial arts - proving that active aging unlocks strength, purpose, and possibility. Tune in to hear his journey and get inspired to rethink what age can mean for you. Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg