Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

5G networks are rolling out across the region, promising faster speeds and better connectivity.  But concerns have emerged about whether these high-speed signals could interfere with aircraft systems, especially during critical phases like landing.  So far in Singapore, authorities say there have been no reported issues, but globally, regulators and airlines are keeping a close eye on the situation.  So what does 5G interference really mean,  Why does it matter? And what could it mean for travellers flying in and out of the region? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong breaks down all of this with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Senior Consultant & Commercial Aviation Lead at Frost & Sullivan. 

Welcome to the another day of What’s Trending! In this episode, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Alexandra Parada scratch their heads over Merriam-Webster’s 2025 Word of the Year, “slop" because apparently our feeds are now officially a digital soup of nonsense, and Secret Santa disasters that went way too far, from awkward gifts to painfully timed “jokes” in the office. And finally, a feel-good twist: a delivery rider in Malaysia receives a jaw-dropping RM1,000 Grab tip, turning a routine delivery into an unforgettable one.

Singapore Airlines reported a 2.6% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in November, reaching 13.3 billion passenger-kilometres, slightly outpacing the 2.2% growth in capacity across its full-service and budget carriers. In Japan, the latest PMI data showed manufacturing activity remained in contraction at 49.7, though improving from 48.7 in November, while services growth eased slightly to 52.5 from 53.2, pointing to a mixed economic outlook as the country heads into 2026. Meanwhile in Australia, consumer sentiment fell 9% to 94.5 in December, slipping back below the 100-mark as households grapple with renewed concerns over inflation and interest rates. On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to Kelvin Wong, Senior Analyst at OANDA, to discuss more about the day’s biggest market movements.

The number of families receiving ComCare’s Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) fell to a five-year low in 2024, reflecting improvements in the economy, the job market, and other government support programs. And while short-term financial aid helps families meet their basic needs, nearly half of households who left SMTA in 2021 returned for assistance within three years, highlighting ongoing financial challenges. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Nathan Peng, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Singapore Management University (SMU), to discuss the drop in SMTA recipients and how government programs are supporting lower-income families in both the short and long term.

According to a survey from Sun Life, amongst Singapore respondents, 67% said they worry their wealth won’t outlast their children, and only half expressed full confidence that their heirs would honour their wishes or preserve and grow inherited assets. The survey highlighted a significant preparedness gap: whilst many recognise the importance of planning, only 43% feel fully prepared today. Just 25% have both completed and communicated their plans, whilst 35% have only partial plans in place. About 17% have taken no action. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lionel Lee, Money Expert, The Better Foundation, to find out more.

Welcome to the second day of What’s Trending! In this episode, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Alexandra Parada dive into the internet’s most talked-about moments of the day, from a Singaporean who turned down a S$1.3 million offer for a rare Pokémon card in hopes it’ll be worth even more, to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Spotify Wrapped sparking online chatter. We also head to China, where an unexpected Zootopia 2 breakout star, Gary De'Snake, is inspiring fans to buy real-life, venomous pit vipers, raising eyebrows and safety concerns. 

ESR REIT proposes to divest eight non-core Singapore assets for S$338.1 million, offering insights into capital recycling and balance-sheet management. Also in Singapore, OUE REIT has announced a S$100 million unsecured loan facility, raising questions about refinancing, liquidity, and investor sentiment in the current funding environment. In Asia, Japan’s latest Tankan survey showed large manufacturers’ sentiment at a four-year high, reinforcing expectations for a rate hike, while China’s November industrial output and fixed asset investment came in below forecasts, highlighting a softer-than-expected recovery. On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to Too Juncheong, Dealing Manager at Moomoo Singapore, to discuss more about the day’s biggest market movements.

As 2026 approaches, Singapore employees can expect moderate salary increases averaging 3 to 6 percent, as companies take a cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainty. According to a survey by ManpowerGroup and other HR firms, bonuses are also moderating, with more employers offering just one month or smaller payouts. Job switchers, however, can expect higher increases of 5 to 15 percent. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong spoke with DrEe Cheng Ong, Associate Professor, Department of Economics at NUS to find out which sectors are benefiting most from these salary trends and how companies are deciding where to allocate higher pay increases. 

Welcome to the return of What’s Trending!  In this episode, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Alexandra Parada spoke all about Taylor Swift’s jaw-dropping $254 million tour bonuses, Dracula Land — a billion-euro vampire-themed park and tech hub in Romania — and a fiery debate over airline birthday cakes. From generosity and mega-bonuses to blockchain bats and in-flight dessert drama on Singapore Airlines, we unpack the stories, the reactions, and the surprises behind the headlines. Which story shocked you the most: Swift’s generosity, Dracula Land’s rise from the grave, or the birthday cake controversy?

As 2025 winds down, investors are taking stock of a year full of twists and turns. From NVIDIA’s blockbuster earnings boosting global tech sentiment to Singapore’s economy outperforming expectations with GDP growth tipped around 4%, there have been plenty of highlights, but the market volatility has been a stark reminder of the importance of staying strategically positioned. Should you tweak your portfolio? How can you balance chasing new opportunities while protecting yourself if the next cycle turns bumpy?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong spoke with  Ivan Neo, Wealth Manager, PhillipCapital toexplore what these developments mean for investors as 2026 approaches.