Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong

The Straits Times Sports Reporter Deepanraj Ganesan is in the Sports Minutes hot seat today as we look back on the sporting weekend that was. With the Lion City Sailors laying down an early marker clinching the Community Shield, could the Blue tide be rising in the Singapore Premier League? Plus, the quest to be crowned Kings of England continues....will it be City, will it be Arsenal? Tune in to find out! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

The recruitment and staffing landscape is in focus as we speak to one of the leading talent acquisition and management firms here in Asia.  Founded in 1992, HRnetGroup helps business leaders, hiring managers and job seekers build stronger companies, successful careers and better workplace cultures. The firm’s business segments can be split into two, namely flexible staffing or the provision of temporary manpower solutions to companies, as well as professional recruitment, where it sources permanent staff for corporate staff.   The Singapore headquartered and SGX listed firm started off as a 4-man team and grew to a headcount of over 900 consultants across 17 Asian cities, such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, Beijing, Seoul and more.  Its business portfolio includes 14 brands such as HRnetOne, SearchAsia, and Yespay.   HRnetGroup had in February posted a 7.1 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit to S$35.3 million for the second half of 2023 driven by strong profit margins.  That’s even as revenue for the period fell 4.7 per cent on the year to S$283.7 million amid tough economic conditions and sector-wide profit downgrades.   It also noted that revenue trends were patchy. So how does the firm assess its road ahead, especially amid news of global firms streamlining their operations this year? Which brands continue to make meaningful contributions to the group? Meanwhile, the firm had in 2022 acquired stakes in a number of businesses, such as a majority stake in local cloud-based workforce management software firm Octomate.  It also co-invested half a million Singapore dollars into the flexible staffing business of Recruit First Indonesia that year. But how far have the acquisitions reaped financial gains for the firm? And what’s next on the firm’s to buy list?  On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Adeline Sim, Chief Corporate Officer, HRnetGroup Limited.

A unique dog groomer transforms dogs into unique characters on his Instagram. Despite facing challenges, he has turned his passion for dog grooming into a million-dollar business, showcasing his creativity and dedication to his craft. On R.I.C.H., Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani speaks to Gabriel Feitosa, Dog Grooming Artist, Gabriel Feitosa Grooming Salon, to share more about his story. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Singapore shares advanced at the opening bell this morning, tracking gains in global markets.  In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.3 per cent to 3,301.24 points after 51.6 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, we have Singtel, after the telecommunications giant’s Australian subsidiary, Optus, has named Stephen Rue as its new chief executive effective November 2024.  Elsewhere from key highlights of Berkshire Hathaway’s 2024 annual meeting, to how your cup of Kopi C Kosong is getting more expensive – more corporate and international headlines are in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Once a humble gemstone wholesaling enterprise, Amee Philips has carved its way to the big leagues since its debut at a New York fashion show.  Today, the famed jewellery house is synonymous with the unwavering pursuit of luxury, curating collections showcasing the rarest and most extraordinary gems.  But what’s it like running a company with your mother? This Mother’s Day, we explore the dynamics of entrepreneurial mother-daughter duos. Gina Philips, Executive Director, Amee Philips talks about navigating a family business, trends in the gemstone market and their first overseas boutique in Singapore.  Presented by: Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani Feature produced and edited by: Nadiah Koh and Aaron Lam Do you have a story to tell on The Evening Runway show? Contact nadkoh@sph.com.sg

On What's Trending, AI has been used to develop a coffee blend by an artisan roastery. Aside from coffee, AI will also be used in shopping.

Classic cars evoke feelings of nostalgia. Avid collectors say it's a a celebration of engineering, elegance, or a measure of status. But there’s more to classic rides than just old world charm and prestige. According to the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index, classic cars have been one of the best-performing assets globally, sometimes outperforming the more traditional asset classes, over the years.  But what exactly makes classic cars such a good investment? How do you get started on owning a piece of automotive history in Singapore? Kumar Balasingam, Founder and President, Classic Car Club Singaporeshares some tips.  Presented by: Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani Feature produced and edited by: Nadiah Koh and Aaron Lam Do you have a story to tell on The Evening Runway show? Contact nadkoh@sph.com.sg

On Spill the Tea, two CFOs have violated their company's code of ethics by delaying payments to vendors and speeding up the company's collection of receivables. 

A few months ago, ATTRAKT and Evergreen Group Holdings held the Fifty Fifty Global Auditions 2024. Although she didn't get the chance to be part of the group Fifty Fifty, Joye Cai was offered a trainee contract from Evergreen. David Yong, CEO of Evergreen, tells us what made her stand out during the auditions. We also find out more from Joye Cai herself on her experience.

Is there is more to Siem Reap than the famous Angkor Wat? The short answer is yes! Whether it is culture, nightlife, or pure relaxation you're looking for, this city in northwestern Cambodia is perfect for a short getaway. And what better way to complement your holiday than a stay at The Aviary Hotel, an eco-friendly sophisticated urban oasis with 43 rooms nestled in the heart of Siem Reap. Luxurious, welcoming, and personal, it offers a uniquely Cambodian twist to a modern environment. We uncover the secrets of Siem Reap beyond the tourist trail with Joffrey Thin-Gris, General Manager, The Aviary Hotel. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani Feature produced and edited by: Nadiah Koh and Aaron Lam Do you have a story to tell on The Evening Runway show? Contact nadkoh@sph.com.sg