Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singaporeans now have to make do with smaller homes compared to the more spacious homes of our parents’ era. Homeowners and even renters are finding that they have too much stuff, yet too little space.  This is why self-storage solutions like Extra Space Asia are gaining popularity, not only for individuals looking to declutter their homes, but also for businesses looking for additional spaces.  Kenneth Worsdale, CEO of Extra Space Asiashares how storage solutions can address the challenges of downsizing trend and what’s next for the company in fulfilling the high demand of storage spaces.

From Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urging government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) to reduce their overseas investments and increase their domestic investments to the latest on Indonesia’s upcoming presidential elections.  Nicholas Fang, Managing Director, Black Dot and Director for Security and Global Affairs, Singapore Institute of International Affairs gives us an analysis of those headlines and more. 

It’s a little of a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory situation for us today as we speak to the world’s leading manufacturer of chocolate, mints and fruity confections.  You might have guessed it – we’re speaking to Mars Wrigley, the firm behind world-famous brands including M&M’s®, Snickers®, Twix®, Skittles.  With a presence in over 180 countries, and nearly 1,000 of its snacks consumed every second, the firm had said in 2022 that it generated revenues of US$45 billion. 12 of its brands generate over a billion US dollars on a yearly basis. In Asia, Mars Wrigley operates as a business unit overseeing 20 markets with its strategic eight being Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. But why is this the case and what is the role of its Singapore business in this regard?  Also – the firm mentioned that the ‘treat and snacks’ category is a US$32 billion business in Asia excluding China, India and Japan.  But what is the basis behind the valuation? How does the firm assess its growth trajectory and aim to get customers to expand their average basket size? Meanwhile, Mars Wrigley also embarked on a journey to digitally transform its supply chain in the prior years, but how far has that translated into cost savings for the firm here in Asia?  On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Kalpesh R Parmar, Regional General Manager, Mars Wrigley Asia.

Having lost the most part of 2023 due to an injury, Ikhsan Fandi tells us all about the lessons he learnt that has equipped him with fresh new vigour for 2024. He also weighs in on his aims, aspirations & resolutions for the year ahead. Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks were pulled into positive territory today following overnight gains on global equity markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) headed up 0.3 per cent to 3,195.18 points after 31.3 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Yanlord Land Group, after the Chinese property developer expects to record net losses for the six months, as well as the full year ended Dec 31, 2023. Elsewhere, from healthcare giants J&J, Merck and Boston Scientific going on a US$6.4 billion buying spree, to the outlook for the chip sector in 2024, more international headlines are in focus.  Also on the table, what loose parts found on some 737 MAX mean for planemakers and airlines amid the ongoing global travel recovery. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ.

Are New Year’s resolutions still a thing? Apparently so, according to GWI’s latest research more than half (57%) of Singaporeans are still writing their lists in 2024. So what is on top of Singaporeans’ mind in the new year, amid everything that is happening in the world and in the face of an unpredictable economy?  Jo Ling Sun, Senior Trends Analyst, GWI tells us more. 

From President Xi Jinping’s latest solution to boost China’s economy to the possibility of a big shift in China’s policy with regards to Taiwan depending on whoever wins. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs gives us an analysis of those headlines and more. 

Today we’re going to bring you an inside look into a mainboard-listed tourism company that bought over the troubled Singapore Flyer back in 2014.  Bingo if you’ve guessed Straco Corporation. Listed on the SGX, Straco Corporation is a local developer and operator of aquatic related facilities and tourism related assets.  Aside from the Singapore Flyer, the firm’s other main operating assets include the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium next to the city’s landmark Oriental Pearl Tower, the Lixing cable car service at Mount Lishan, and the Underwater World Xiamen on the scenic Gulangyu Island.  But  why are the majority of Straco Corporation’s assets situated in China and how has the reliance on a single market weighed on the firm during the pandemic amid the lockdowns we saw in China?  And with the Chinese economy recovers post-pandemic, how are things looking like for Straco Corporation right now? Also – what is on the top of Straco’s to-do-list right now to make up for lost revenues over the past three years or so?  On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to  Amos Ng, Group Chief Financial Officer and Sean Wu, Senior Vice President (Corporate Development & Risk Management), Straco Corporation.

With the transfer window open, we discuss the potential ins and outs in the Premier League. Will Arsenal get the additional firepower they crave? And will we see the INEOS takeover take effect at Manchester United? Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Are you looking to make a career move in 2024 but not quite sure if it's the right choice?  José Jeuland, an individual whose journey from a professional triathlete to the founder and director of COCO Creative Studio in Singapore is nothing short of inspirational. What's the inspiration behind José's unique journey from pro sportsmans to establishing himself as a prominent figure in Singapore's creative scene?