Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Coca-Cola released another computer-generated version of its famous holiday truck commercial, and viewers say it misses the mar, with the internet asking if the brand has lost its soul. What happened? What does this tell us about how consumers feel about AI? And, as companies rush to embrace AI, are we hitting a point where efficiency starts to erode authenticity? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr. Samer Elhajjar, Senior Lecturer at The Department of Marketing, National University of Singapore, to find out more.

Forget traditional life insurance. Singapore’s wealthy are now eyeing hybrid policies that promise growth and protection. Indexed Universal Life (IUL) products, tied to indices like the S&P 500, are gaining traction, offering life cover alongside wealth accumulation, tax perks, and legacy planning.  But how do these products really fit into a broader portfolio, and what’s next for this growing market? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Cassandra Wee, Managing Director (Singapore) of Poni Insurtech and Executive Director and CEO of Poni Financial Advisory Pte. Ltd, to find out more.

Ning Collective is a mindful lifestyle brand dedicated to helping people slow down, find clarity, and live with intention. Born from the realization that life shouldn’t just be about survival or comparison, Ning Collective creates tools that inspire reflection, balance, and self-defined success. They believe growth happens not through constant hustle, but through consistency, awareness, and alignment with what truly matters. The Consistency Project was created to help people show up for themselves every day by getting clear on their goals, building sustainable habits, and finding real balance in their lives. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Natalie Khoo, Co-founder, Ning Collective, to find out more.

Singapore shares fell today to track losses seen in the region. The Straits Times Index was down 0.91% at 4,534.17 points at 1.05pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$896.94M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Sats after the in-flight caterer and ground handler yesterday posted a 13.3 per cent year-on-year rise in Q2 net profit to S$78.9 million, from S$69.7 million. Elsewhere, from three regional Federal Reserve presidents voicing concerns over moving rates while inflation remained stubbornly high, to how Disney is eyeing sports and anime to boost its Asia streaming business – more international and corporate headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Ahead of the 'winner-takes-all' assignment in Hong Kong on November 18, Singapore fell to a 3-2 defeat in a friendly against Thailand. Scoreline aside, what did we learn from the performance? And how are things shaping up in the Lions' den ahead of next week's clash? Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in on Sports Minutes. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Next year, Singapore’s lower-wage workers could be taking home a little more. The National Wages Council is recommending a pay rise of up to 7.5%. But how much difference will it really make?  And can businesses keep up amid a slowing global economy? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Ong Ee Cheng, senior lecturer at the department of economics at the National University of Singapore, to find out more. 

Think a watch can be worth millions? Or a diamond or painting? Today on the Wealth Tracker, we’re diving into the jaw-dropping, record-breaking prices in the world of alternative investments, from rare vintage watches, to stunning jewellery, to iconic paintings. Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh unpack what these eye-popping numbers really mean for collectors and investors.

Imagine walking into a room awash with colour — Peranakan beadwork, delicate lace, intricate embroidery — all reimagined with a modern touch. Every piece tells a story, weaving heritage with contemporary elegance and inviting you to see tradition through a fresh lens. So how do you take centuries of tradition and make them feel modern again? And what does it take to turn a deep love of culture into a thriving fashion brand? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Vivienne Ong-Lin, Founder of Fuchsia Lane, to find out more.

Markets are reacting today as investors digest several key developments. The US government shutdown, which had dragged on for over a month, is now officially over, removing a major source of uncertainty. Meanwhile, traders are reassessing expectations for a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, with inflation and labor market data continuing to influence sentiment. Commodity markets are also moving: gold has gained on safe-haven demand and hopes for lower interest rates, while oil prices are under pressure amid supply concerns and a softer demand outlook. To help us make sense of these shifts and what they mean for investors, on Market View, Frankie Ho speaks to David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.

Singapore’s seen a wave of sudden business shutdowns, from cupcake chains to art firms, leaving workers jobless and unpaid overnight. But why are employees always the last to know, and can anything stop these overnight collapses from happening again? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Clarence Ding, a partner at law firm Ashurst, to find out more.