Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

S Iswaran has resigned as Transport Minister and a member of the People's Action Party (PAP).He has been charged with 27 offences yesterday, two of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, one of obstructing justice and 24 of obtaining a valuable thing as a public servant. So what happens next? Will it be hard to replace him at West Coast GRC?  Dr Felix Tan, Independent Political Observer shares his analysis. 

Singapore stocks were pulled into positive territory today, following overnight gains in global equity markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.6 per cent to 3,159.68 points after 34 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have GuocoLand, as the property developer was part of a consortium that emerged as the sole bidder for a white site in Marina South.  Elsewhere from CitiGroup's layoffs to a delay in the opening of TSMC’s second factory in Arizona, to Google’s US$1 billion data centre investment in the UK, and a possible IPO by Reddit, more international headlines are in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway team unpacked some of the key headlines for the day.

Today we’re going to deep dive into an all-time favourite – S-Reits that is!  Our guest is the Lendlease Global Commercial Trust Management, the manager of Lendlease Global Commercial Trust Management or Lendlease Reit. Listed on the Singapore Exchange in 2019, Lendlease Reit was established with the principal investment strategy of investing in a diversified portfolio of stabilised income producing real assets used primarily for retail and office purposes.  Its portfolio properties comprise leasehold properties in Singapore including Jem, 313@somerset as well as a freehold interest in Sky Complex in Milan, Italy.  The buildings have a total net lettable area of about 2.1 million square feet, with an appraised value of S$3.65 billion as at the end of June 2023.  But what is the capitalisation rate (or the ratio between the net operating income to market value of its properties) of these properties with the global economy reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and with working from home becoming a trend of the future?  And with interest rates remaining at elevated levels, how does Lendlease Reit assess its gearing right now? What is the outlook ahead with the US Federal Reserve set to cut interest rates as early as in the second quarter of the year? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Kelvin Chow, CEO, Lendlease Global Commercial Trust Management.

With AS Roma becoming the SIXTH club to sack Mourinho, questions are being raised about Jose’s credentials. Where to from here for the once self-proclaimed 'Special One'? International management? Saudi Pro League?  Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks opened weaker today following overnight losses on global markets as investors’ hope for rate cuts dwindles. In early trade, Straits Times Index (STI) headed down 0.3 per cent to 3,133.02 points, after 35.2 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Thomson Medical Group. The healthcare services provider was granted three months, until 10 April, to restore its public float, which dropped below 10 per cent in September.  Meanwhile, from more on economic growth projections for major economies within Asia to Charles Schwab’s CEO flagging his most challenging time at the bank since the bursting of the Internet bubble in year 2000, more international headlines are in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.

We have slightly more than three weeks until Chinese New Year and that means it is also time to indulge in snacks like your pineapple tarts and even bakkwa or barbecued meat! We’re bringing up Bak Kwa because our guest for today is barbecued pork jerky maker Bee Cheng Hiang.  Just to take you down memory lane, the firm started in Singapore in 1933, where an enterprising street hawker peddled the streets of Chinatown selling freshly barbecued meat.  Fast forward to today, Bee Cheng Hiang has grown to 367 retail outlets across 11 territories such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. The company said it remains as the market leader in Singapore’s barbecued meat industry.  Why are we talking about Bak Kwa? Well, the Bak Kwa business is an interesting one to watch, because it is a seasonal business where demand peaks during Chinese New Year. Prices also go up during this period as Bak Kwa makers try to take in revenue to smoothen their financials for the rest of the year.  But how does demand look like for Bak Kwa makers throughout the year? What do industry players do in the lull period after Chinese New Year? And how do firms like Bee Cheng Hiang determine the sweet spot to price their barbecued meat to maximise profits? How far are players diversifying their revenue streams to ensure sustainable revenue flows throughout the year? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Jessica Wong, Assistant Manager, Bee Cheng Hiang.

Lionel Messi pipped Erling Haaland to clinch the FIFA BEST men's player of the year award, with the final decision falling to national team captains the world over. So who did Singapore skipper Hariss Harun root for? And is Messi deserving of the award if it's meant to EXCLUDE the 2022 World Cup triumph? Tune in to find out! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

ART SG, an international contemporary art fair bringing the world to Singapore and Southeast Asia is back for its second edition. Organised by The Art Assembly and presented by founding and lead partner UBS, ART SG will feature 115 exceptional galleries from 33 countries and territories.  With a bigger fair this year, what is the curation process on trendspotting key galleries and artists for ART SG?  Shuyin Yan, Fair Director, ART SG tells us more. 

Global electric vehicle (EV) sales are on an upward trajectory, setting new records and sparking optimism for a greener future of transportation. Yet, as the world shifts gears towards sustainable mobility, the adoption of EVs in Asia is still trailing behind. This prompts a crucial question: Is Asia prepared for this EV overhaul? Jugnu Pati, Fund Manager and Investment Specialist at Asian Development Bank Ventures (ADBV)shares how green investments are supporting the building blocks for Asia’s EV transition. 

Will former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak get his royal pardon? And how does his request for royal pardon linked with Malaysia's ringgit’s woes?  Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst, Solaris Strategies Singapore gives usan analysis of those headlines and more.