Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares opened flat today after weaker export data clashed with news of a mixed performance on global stock markets. Data from Enterprise Singapore showed non-oil domestic exports slid 20.1 per cent in August, marking the 11th straight month of contraction. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Singtel, after a fund managed by global investment firm KKR is committing up to S$1.1 billion for a 20 per cent stake in Singtel’s regional data centre business.  Meanwhile from more on CapitaLand Investment to a deep dive into Singapore Airlines’ operating statistics for August, more corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View,  The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked these developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Today we’re going to bring you an inside look into one of the oldest bakeries in Singapore.  Make a guess – you might have just passed by one of their outlets today!  Back in 1926, Polar Puffs and Cakes, or the then Polar Cafe opened its first outlet on 51 High Street, where it was known for its Curry Puffs, ice-cream and chilled beverages.  The cafe was more notably the go-to place for politicians, lawyers and businessmen due to its strategic location near the trading harbour. Among them – prominent Hokkien businessman Lim Bo Seng, according to the firm.  Fast forward to the present, Polar has moved away from the cafe business by adopting a takeaway model. That started in 1996 when the company signed a supply partnership with Exxonmobil to turnaround the slowing cafe business.  And such partnerships have become an integral part of the business. Currently, Polar operates over 190 locations in Singapore. 165 are part of partnerships with businesses, while 30 of them sell directly to consumers in malls. So how does the firm navigate its relationship with such partners, and what are some of Polar’s plans for the future? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Francis Looi, CEO, Polar Puffs & Cakes.

Vying for an unprecedented 11th consecutive win, Max Verstappen is seemingly on course for an inevitable third world title. All-conquering as the Dutchman maybe, did you know that he's never stepped onto the top step of the podium here in Singapore? Will that change in 2023? Yuey Tan, Singaporean racing driver, weighs in with his predictions for the race weekend! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

What is sports without fans? The age-old question was answered in emphatic fashion at the Singapore Grand Prix - and that's even before the cars hit the track! Tune in as we speak to two SUPER FANS who had their lifelong dreams come alive, as they met their racing heroes in the flesh! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

As Singapore's prepares to host the 14th edition of the Formula 1 Night Race, we hit the paddock to check in with the drivers. Verstappen and Redbull Racing maybe the leaving the chasing pack in their wake all season long, but could the unforgiving street track in the Lion City - that has undergone some tweaks for this edition - prove to be a leveller to the playing field? Tune in to find out! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks rose at the open today, tracking global markets that finished higher overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) climbed 0.5 per cent to 3,266.08 points after 36.4 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have LHN after the real estate management services group yesterday provided an update of its business segments.  Meanwhile, from more on the Chinese PBOC adding more cash into the economy to the latest European Central Bank rate decision, and to Walt Disney holding discussions to sell its US TV network ABC, more international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments withSunny Soh, Lead Technical Analyst (Capital Markets & Investor Education), SIAS.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a rare summit this week that has raised concerns over a potential military deal between the two nations. What can we make of this rare public show of diplomacy and what are the consequences of this meeting for both nations?  Here's an analysis from Drive Time's Elliot Danker and Antonio Fatás, Professor of Economics, INSEAD.

It is probably time that you’re thinking about dinner on a Friday afternoon, and on that note – how about a warm hearty bowl of noodles to kickstart your weekend? Our guest for today is one of the largest manufacturers of fresh noodles in Singapore.  Founded in 1996 as a noodle supplier, Leong Guan has since opened its own noodle manufacturing factory in 2006 and currently provides not only noodles, but also other food products such as tofu and dumpling skins. It has also been targeting overseas markets by adopting technology to improve the shelf life of its products or to develop new products that can be exported.  More notably, the firm was also introduced to an in-market buyer through EnterpriseSG to further expand their footprint into the US. But what should we know about Leong Guan’s foray into the West?  On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Kevin Lim, Head of Strategy & Insights, Leong Guan Food Manufacturer.

As the fastest men in the world hit the streets of Lion City this weekend, did you know there will be a Singaporean amongst them? Racing in the The Super Series, a support race at the Singapore GP, Yuey Tan will be competing for the 13th time on home soil. And we caught up with the 40-year old ahead of his race weekend.  Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks rose at the open, even as global markets were mixed overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) climbed 0.3 per cent to 3,227.4 points after 30.8 million securities changed hands. In terms of companies to watch, we have Prudential, after the insurer told The Business Times  yesterday that it has shelved plans for a separate wealth management unit in Singapore.  Meanwhile, from Grab and GoTo possibly facing new rules in Singapore to the European Commission launching an investigation on subsidies for Chinese electric vehicle makers, more corporate headlines are in focus. On Market View, the Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Chow, Director Azure Capital.