Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Plans for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail have hit another bump Malaysia is facing challenges to bring back the KL-Singapore HSR through the private sector as interested entities are seeking government support.  Yet, with new bids submitted to revive the KL-Singapore high-speed rail, government funding remains the missing link. Will the Malaysian government relent on its stance?  Adib Zalkapli, Director, BowerGroupAsia weighs in.

Singaporeans know they need to reskill. The question is: how? In a world where the nature of work is constantly evolving, going back to school can seem like a daunting venture for the busy professional. As highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in his Budget speech on Feb 16, it can be difficult for individuals who are busy making ends meet to take the initiative to upskill. Dr Charles Ong, Dean and Head of School of Life Sciences PSB Academy shares how they offer an inclusive education model for students from all walks of life, echoing the government’s sentiments about boosting Singapore's workforce with ongoing learning and professional development. 

Singapore stocks fell this morning, tracking overnight losses in global markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) fell 0.6 per cent to 3,225.84 points after 40 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Singapore Airlines. The national carrier recorded a net profit of S$659 million for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2023, rising 4.9 per cent from S$628 million in the corresponding year-earlier period.  Elsewhere, from expectations on the US Fed’s minutes to CitiGroup lifting CEO Jane Fraser’s pay by about 6 per cent to US$26 million as she overhauls the banking giant – more international headlines are in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.

Put fintech, payments and affiliate marketing together – and you get a company called Fave.  Founded in 2015, Fave prides itself as Southeast Asia’s fastest growing platform that allows users to pay using QR codes and receive cashbacks on their digital transactions. The firm also enables users to buy and redeem restaurant deals, spa, massage, travel and activity offers using its apps. It even provides eCards to customers to save on their purchases.  So far, the firm operates in 35 cities across Malaysia, Singapore and India with over 40,000 retailers and merchants and 20 million annual transactions. But which is the most important revenue stream and geographical market for the Fave where money is concerned?  And with Southeast Asia’s digital economy tipped to see gross merchandise value hit US$1 trillion by 2030, what opportunities lie ahead of the firm? Meanwhile, Fave is also seeing a number of exciting developments. For instance, Fave had in November last year said it was taking part in the Singapore Quick Response Code+ or SGQR+ POC (proof of concept) led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.  The initiative aims to enhance interoperability between merchants and QR payment apps. But what does Fave’s participation mean when it comes to the dollars and cents? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Hayley Pang, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Fave.

Reports have emerged that ex-Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a shock potential interim solution should Bayern Munich part ways with the underfire Thomas Tuchel mid-season. Would it the right move? We hear from a Bayern fan to get their thoughts! Plus, Dan Ashworth's imminent arrival at Manchester United takes shape with Newcastle putting him on 'gardening leave' while both clubs negotiate a deal. If Ashworth is the answer to United's woes, what are the questions at hand? We discuss! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore shares fell at the opening bell today despite overnight gains in European markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) fell 0.1 per cent to 3,223.59 points after 27 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have for you  Sembcorp Industries (U96):  The energy company posted a 15 per cent year-on-year rise in net profit to S$412 million for the second half of the year ended Dec 31, 2023.  Elsewhere from China lowering its five-year loan prime rate, to Japanese companies posting record quarterly profits – more international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Thilan Wickramasinghe, Head of Equity Research, Maybank Securities.

China’s challenger to Airbus and Boeing’s passenger jets, the narrow-body C919 manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), has made its first trip outside Chinese territory, staging a fly-by at the Singapore Airshow on Feb 18. With its C919 aircraft, Beijing wants to challenge the decades-long dominance of Western plane-makers in the global passenger market while reducing its reliance on foreign technology. Can China’s homegrown airliner compete with Airbus and Boeing? How will Comac position itself as a viable alternative? Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs explains. 

Singapore has one of the safest construction industries on earth, with the second lowest incident rate of any country, according to one recent study. Even so, there’s no doubt that construction sites are riskier workplaces than most. Improvements to workplace safety should not be viewed as an end goal, and efforts to create safer workplaces will need to continue.  How can technology help industry players manage safety risks? How can Singapore’s construction firms effectively work with their existing workforce to integrate these technologies?  Sumit Oberoi, Senior Manager for APAC Construction Strategy at Autodesk explains. 

In recent years, female entrepreneurship has been on the rise, with a growing number of women-owned startups making their mark in various industries. In the lead up to this year’s International Women’s Day themed “Inspire Inclusion”, Lilian Ong, Founder of Class Living, a social enterprise, and Women of Courage Asia, Lilian Ong shareshow she became a successful social entrepreneur in Singapore while overcoming her personal battles.

In today’s ultra-demanding marketplace, consumers expect more. But organisations often struggle to meet their demands. And when it comes to communication, a frustrating experience can be the difference between a sale and a disgruntled ex-customer. So how can companies better serve customers, boost the experience, and separate from the pack? Kate Liew, Senior Marketing Director, APAC explains.