Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong

When the referee becomes the headline (again), you know there’s a problem. Kyoga Nakamura’s elbow went unpunished, while weeks ago Madhu Mohana was sanctioned for a similar incident. Sports Minutes speaks exclusively to Madhu himself, plus Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in as we - uncover the consistently inconsistent levels of officiating in the Singapore Premier League. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Markets are volatile, interest rates remain uncertain, and global risks keep shifting. At the same time, investors are faced with a growing mix of traditional assets and newer alternatives, making it harder to know what truly works in different market conditions. How should seasoned investors balance these options? What do they have to consider when structuring wealth across borders, including the practical risks and trade-offs that don’t always get the spotlight? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tanaporn “Giig” Yowa, Founder & CEO of Unique Prime Group, to find out more.

The US has announced a potential 15% across-the-board tariff on imports, prompting Singapore to seek urgent clarity from its US counterparts on how the measures will be implemented. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the key concern is uncertainty, especially as details remain unclear following recent US court rulings and policy changes. What could the new tariff proposal mean for Singapore’s exports, competitiveness and economic outlook? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, to find out more.

First, a sign at the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar is making waves, with a direct message to food influencers asking for kindness before criticism. Is it a fair request in the age of viral reviews, or are public opinions simply part of running a business?  Then, we turn to Japan, where a seven-month-old baby monkey named Punch has captured global attention. From clinging to a stuffed orangutan for comfort to inspiring a viral social media moment, Punch’s story has even sparked brand responses and a sell-out of plush toys. How did one emotional video turn into an internet sensation and what does it say about the power of social media today? On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh break down the headlines, the reactions, and the bigger questions behind the trends.

Singapore shares nudged higher today as investors continue to digest developments on the global trade front.  The Straits Times Index was up 0.16% at 5,025.75 points at 2.32pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.05B seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have United Overseas Insurance, after the insurance arm of UOB on Friday posted a net profit of S$23.7 million for the second half of its 2025 fiscal year ended Dec 31 – a 51.5 per cent increase from S$15.6 million in the year-ago period.  Elsewhere, from how markets in Asia-Pacific largely shrugged off US President Donald Trump’s latest decision to increase global tariffs to 15 per cent from 10 per cent, to how Singapore’s core inflation eased to 1 per cent in January – more economic and international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – a look ahead to earnings due this week, with all eyes laser focused on Nvidia’s latest results. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year. But beyond the policy announcements, are these measures enough to ease the day-to-day concerns of seniors? How do older Singaporeans truly feel about the support offered, and is there more they’re quietly hoping for but not voicing? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cheng Chuan Loo, Chairman of Access Digital, Founder of 1M65 Movement, and Co-Founder of PremiumMall, as he shares insights on what Budget 2026 really means for retirees and older Singaporeans. For more Budget 2026 insights:  https://www.moneyfm893.sg/whats-on/budget-2026/

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated. In a world where interest rates, growth trajectories and policy signals are no longer moving in sync, traditional playbooks may not be enough. So what does this mean for portfolios today? Which asset classes offer the most compelling risk-return opportunities? And how should investors think about positioning across equities, fixed income and alternatives for the rest of the year? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Chris Iggo, CIO, AXA IM Core Investments, BNP Paribas Asset Management, to find out more.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway.

Singapore shares inched higher today as most Asian markets traded lower. The Straits Times Index was up 0.23% at 5,012.95 points at 2.53pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.10B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have SIA Engineering Company, after the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul provider yesterday reported a net profit of S$41.9 million for the third quarter, up 9.7 per cent from the year-ago period.  Elsewhere, from how shares of China’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) startups Zhipu and MiniMax Group soared in Hong Kong as the market reopened after the Chinese New Year, to how Indonesia and the US finalised a trade deal to cut US levies from 32% to 19%, more corporate and international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck, how Nvidia is reportedly close to finalising a US$30 billion investment in OpenAI, as the chipmaker moves to take a stake in one of its largest customers. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Quarter-finals secured in the ACL Two, and now a blockbuster clash with league leaders Lion City Sailors awaits. Add in a recent coaching change and a relentless February schedule, and BG Tampines Rovers have plenty on their plate. Vice-captain Shah Shahiran joins Sports Minutes to discuss momentum, mindset, and what it’ll take to keep the Stags charging on all fronts. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg