Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Taking an elevator or escalator has probably become an integral part of our lives, but the companies behind them often go unnoticed. And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today. Founded in 1910, KONE is a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry. It provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors as well as solutions which can add value to the life cycle of any building.  The firm has been present in Singapore since 1978 and is now one of the fastest growing elevator and escalator companies in the country, with its solutions present in major malls and infrastructure such as the Marina Bay Sands, the Circle Line and Jem.  It is also diversifying beyond escalators and elevators to integrate robots in buildings. For one thing, the firm collaborated with Changi General Hospital and CapitaLand Investment to advance the integration of robotics in buildings.  Question is – why is Kone diversifying beyond its traditional lines of business amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution?  In the meantime, the firm had in July reported lower than expected second-quarter order numbers due to weather demand in its key Chinese market as low construction activity continues to weigh on demand for new elevators and escalators. But what is the situation like in Singapore? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Sylvia Koh-Gratton, Managing Director, KONE Singapore.

You may have heard of wine sommeliers, but have you ever met a water sommelier? Caryn Tang is Singapore’s first female water sommelier, and she aims to reveal the hidden intricacies of water in Southeast Asia’s first ever ‘Essence of Water’ course. Now, if you think all water is the same, think again. Caryn shares how to identify the flavour profile of water and ways this humble beverage can complement your gastronomical experiences. 

August 2023 has seen the rental markets for both condos and HDBs in Singapore go through a significant shift.  We analyze these statistics and look ahead for potential future movements for the rest of the year with Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer, Mogul.sg.

Singapore has been ranked the smartest city in Asia, and the seventh-smartest in the world, according to the 2023 Smart City Index. But, how did Singapore become a Smart Nation? How does data play a critical role in pushing the boundaries of a smart city? Manisha Khannna, Head of AI & Analytics, Asia Pacific, SAS explains. 

Singapore's Tampines Rovers and Thailand's BG Pathum have entered into a three-year collaboration with the Singaporean club set to be renamed BG Tampines Rovers from 2024. After three years, the Thai club will take over the Stags' operations, potentially paving the way for more privatised teams in the SPL. Is this good news for the local game? And what does it mean for the competitiveness of the local league? We are in conversation with Tampines Rovers chairman Desmond Ong to find out.  READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/tampines-rovers-to-add-bg-to-their-name-after-signing-3-year-deal-with-thai-club-bg-pathum Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Whether you are going away for the weekend or heading on a month-long European trip, the luggage you take with you can make or break a trip. The best luxury luggage brands are more than a status symbol, like many of the best designer bags, high-end luggage is a savvy investment that enhances your travel experience. But are travellers today looking beyond just a utilitarian object when they select a luggage? Satish Peerubandi, Vice President, Samsonite Southeast Asia shares his views. 

In this special edition of The Evening Runway, guest co-host Youyi Lin, Presentation Coach shares tips on speaking with confidence, leaving an impact and common problems many face with public speaking. 

Singapore stocks inched up at the open today, after a mixed close in US and Europe markets overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.1 per cent to 3,201.63 points after 54.1 million changed hands in the broader market. Elsewhere, Chinese Evergrande has suspended trading in Hong Kong. Adding to ongoing woes about the property sector, JP Morgan analysts estimate that Chinese bank earnings may fall as much as 10 per cent next year if their bad debt ratios continue to rise on defaulting developers.  In terms of corporate news, Alphabet’s Google Pixel is eroding the iPhone dominance in Japan as the iPhone gets pricer – but will this be the case elsewhere looking at consumers’ response to the iPhone15? On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital.

Earlier this week, EU and Chinese officials gathered for the 10th China-European Union High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue in Beijing.  How successful was the dialogue? And with major differences that remain with the EU taking a series of policy measures in recent months under its so-called 'de-risking' campaign, what's next? Dr Cai Daolu, Senior Lecturer and the Academic Director of  the Master of Science in Strategy and Innovation at the NUS Business School’s Department of Strategy and Policy breaks it down for us. 

Are you a highly-seasoned professional, yearning for a post-retirement career by bringing decades of expertise to board advisory roles? The challenge? Board positions are often accessible only through personal connections; making it clear that it's not about what you know, but who you know. Board Match-Up, is a digital platform that is aiming to reshape boardroom dynamics and ditching the old meritocracy gatekeeping.  Karunesh Prasad, CEO and Founder of Board Match-Up tells us more.