Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

It’s all about travel today as we speak to one of the world’s leading online travel agencies – Trip.com.  On its own, Trip.com is a familiar name to many, with a network of over 1.4 million hotels in 200 countries and regions, as well as more than 2 million individual flight routes connecting over 5,000 cities around the globe.  It is actually part of the NASDAQ and Hong Kong Exchange listed Trip.com Group which includes other brands such as Ctrip, Qunar and more notably, Skyscanner.  The Group had in February reported a 105 per cent year-on-year growth in Q4 revenue to RMB 10.3 billion (US$1.5 billion), higher than market expectations of RMB 10.2 billion.  The showing was said to be boosted by China’s tourism recovery post-pandemic. But what were the other factors at play and how far did Trip.com as a brand contribute to the Group’s balance sheet? Speaking of growth drivers, Trip.com Group had earlier noted that it is embarking on a “Hotel + X” strategy” to cater to millennial and Gen Z consumers who are looking to purchase both accommodations and experiences in one go.  So what does this strategy look like when it comes to Trip.com as a standalone platform and how far has the move to cross-sell products bolstered its top and bottom lines? Meanwhile, Trip.com Group recently signed a deal with AirAsia owner Capital A to enhance travel offerings within Asia. But again, what will this mean for the platform Trip.com? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Schubert Lou, Chief Operating Officer, Trip.com.

The KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2024, that is happening from 28 May to 2 June, promises an electrifying showcase of world-class badminton talent, set against the backdrop of Singapore's vibrant sporting atmosphere. Why should you make time to check it out? We're in conversation with Arun Keshav Cavale, Vice President of the Singapore Badminton Association, to convince us (and you)! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks advanced this morning, despite losses in the US market and mixed results in regional markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.3 per cent to 3,164.75 points after 73.8 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, we have DFI Retail Group. The group has put its last two Singapore properties on the market. BT reported that the total guide price for these two assets is S$48.5 million, though potential buyers can make offers for one or both properties.  Elsewhere, from LG Electronics aiming to raise up to US$1 billion with dollar bonds to Apple CEO Tim Cook’s meeting with Singapore leaders, more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. Also in focus – the latest earnings season underway in the US. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital.

Family trips have evolved greatly. Gone are the days of quick trips to neighbouring countries, travel experts are now seeing families becoming more adventurous in the places they go to and the activities they participate in.  Plus, families are beginning to travel with their children from an even younger age, bucking the term “they’re too young to remember anything”. So is the South African continent the next 'go to' place for families? Gwen Ho, Luxury travel consultant & South Africa Specialist, Scott Dunn shares more. 

When thinking of everyday personal care, we look towards skincare fit for Asian skin and innovation that does not contain nasties, combining both good clinical derma care and aesthetics. So what are the biggest skincare trends in recent times? And how can one care for their skin amidst climate change? Kesh Gunasinghe, Head of R&D APAC, Kenvue shares more. 

The KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2024, that is happening from 28 May to 2 June, promises an electrifying showcase of world-class badminton talent, set against the backdrop of Singapore's vibrant sporting atmosphere. Beyond the high-level competition, why have the Karim Family Foundation decided to back the tournament? We sat down with Cindy Karim, Principal of the Karim Family Foundation to fin out! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Luxury hotels provide an experience unlike any other — one where exceptional service meets extraordinary amenities in an environment crafted for pure indulgence. But how does design play a part in that experience? We find out from the mastermind behind luxury hotels around all around the world, from W Mina Seyahi in Dubai, Fullerton Hotel Ocean Park in Hong Kong, the JW Marriott Khao Lak in Thailand, and Roku Kyoto in Japan, as well as Six Senses Kyoto. Also hotly anticipated is Banyan Tree in Dongguan, China, and the NEOM Morgans Original in Saudi Arabia. Clint Nagata, Founder and Creative Partner, BLINK Design Groupshares his insights. 

Singapore shares opened weaker today following overnight losses on European markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.1 per cent to 3,143.14 points after 33 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have  City Developments Ltd after its associate company Cityview Place sold 65 units at The Residences at W Sentosa Cove Singapore in a week.  This is more than the 58 units put on the market on the 9th of April.  Meanwhile from a deeper look at Singapore’s key export numbers to earnings from chipmaking equipment manufacturer ASML – more local and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Toby Gresham, Investment Counselor Team Lead, Citi Private Bank.

Back in April, a travel vlogger posted a video on Instagram, saying Singapore was a boring country with no vibes and claimed she would never visit the city-state again. Is Singapore so hard to love and easy to forget? Do rapid changes to our urban environment make Singapore an ‘unlovable city’? Adrian Lai, Architect from Meta Architecture and the Festival Director of Singapore Archifest 2024 weighs in.

From the region’s reaction to Iran drone attacks on Israel to a possible Shinawatra family reunion in 2025.  Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst, Solaris Strategies Singapore gives us an analysis of those headlines and more.