Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares opened higher today after European markets ended mixed amid concerns over the US debt deal and rate hike possibility. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) was up 0.1 per cent to 3,197.69 points after 41.6 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Sats. The in-flight caterer and ground handler reported earnings of S$6 million for the second half-year ended March 2023.  That’s a 16.7 per cent decrease year on year, and comes despite a 57.1 per cent increase in revenue.  Elsewhere, all eyes are on Washington with the House set to vote on the US debt ceiling deal to prevent a painful default by the world’s largest economy.  Aside from that, we have yet more corporate news for you ranging from BYD’s bid to supply EVs to Indonesia’s largest taxi operator to the trading of three new Thailand blue-chip names on the Singapore stock exchange.  On Market View, the Drive Time team unpacked these developments with Shekhar Jaiswal, Head of Equity Research, RHB Bank Singapore.

How big a clean up job does Mauricio Pochettino have in mending the (Stamford) bridge? And how are Tottenham fans feeling about their former manager taking over at Chelsea? Shehzad Haque, International Sports Commentator & Tottenham Fan, weighs in on the latest episode. Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Milestone Systems' Video Management Software (VMS) looks to deal with challenges such as a shortage of healthcare professionals. It also will help to increase efficiency in the industry and improve patient care. With these types of advances and application of AI, what does the future of the health industry look like? We speak to Malou Toft, Vice President APAC, Milestone Systems more about this.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) have recently launch the Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) for Hotel Industry. The travel industry's comeback post Covid-19 sparks interest in the career opportunities in this sector, and we wonder what the future of the industry looks like. We speak to Chris Teo, 2nd Vice President of Singapore Hotel Association and Chair of the Hotel Human Capital Advisory Committee more about this.

Let’s talk about telcos today. And we want to focus our attention on mainboard-listed StarHub which had released its Q1 results just about a couple of weeks ago.  The company posted a 26 per cent rise in net profits to S$37.5 million for the first quarter ended March.  StarHub attributed its Q1’s performance to higher service revenue, which grew 11 per cent year-on-year, despite sustained market competition.  But what is the competitive landscape for the telco operator with the rollout of 5G? And how effective has StarHub’s Dare+ transformation strategy to introduce new 5G solutions been in generating sustainable revenue growth and dividend growth? Meanwhile, the company also cited a boost from the consolidation of MyRepublic broadband for its stronger Q1 showing.  But how has MyRepublic broadband generated long-term synergies for StarHub, particularly in the areas of cloud gaming and over-the-top content?  On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian sat down with Johan Buse, Chief of Consumer Business Group, StarHub for more.

China is getting increasingly more confident in their place on the world stage. It looks to  compete with US in space technology and exploration. Moreover, China's first domestically made passenger jet could be a significant competitor to industry giants like Boeing and Airbus. Lastly, how will tesla fair if they were to break into the Chinese market? We speak to Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs more about this.

Singapore shares began the week in positive territory, tracking strong performances in the US and Europe markets. The Straits Times Index (STI) was up 0.7 per cent to 3,229.53 points in early trade after 48.8 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Stamford Land. That’s after the company’s net profit rose to S$184.5 million for its second half-year, significantly higher than the S$15.6 million in the year-ago period.  Meanwhile, most Asian markets cheered a deal between US President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to lift the US debt ceiling and avoid a catastrophic default.  On Market View, the Drive Time team unpacked these developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

A frantic end for the domestic football season across Europe saw Dortmund fluff their lines in pursuit of Bundesliga glory, while Leeds & Leicester failed to retain their Premier League status. Who were the winners and losers from the weekend? Elliott and Raushan discuss! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! edanker@sph.com.sg | raushan@sph.com.sg

Elective egg freezing will allow women to have more flexibility in when they decide to have children. How does this process work, what to consider, and what are the potential risks involved? We speak to Dr Roland Chieng, Medical Director, Virtus Fertility Centre Singapore to answer these questions.

Going passwordless will give both organizations and consumers a better online experience. It will also help to mitigate phishing attacks, which are a growing problem, by adding an extra layer of security to user identity. We speak to David Hope, Senior Vice President - Asia-Pacific & Japan, ForgeRock more about this.