Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares rose today following an upbeat session on the European market. The Straits Times Index was up 0.1 per cent to 3,311.43 points in early trade after 53 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, Reits continue to be in focus this week as well with Keppel DC Reit, Keppel Pacific Oak US Reit among those posting their distribution numbers.  Globally, investors now shift their focus away from US banks to the Fed’s next moves after recent bank earnings soothed concerns about the sector. With a number of Fed officials set to speak this week and the central bank’s “beige book” of economic conditions due today, what can we expect? On Market View, the Drive Time team unpacked these developments with Carmen Lee, Head of OCBC Investment Research.

Data is one of the most critical assets for organizations today, and a strong data foundation sits at the heart of a successful digital transformation. With the rapid growth in data volume, velocity and variety, organizations today are under pressure to meet data growth challenges. How can organizations continue to tackle the varied data challenges to drive transformational business outcomes? Rekuram Varadharaj, Chief Strategy Officer, Cloud Kinetics discusses the importance of data for organizations and more.

Ever wondered where all the millionaires are right now? And where they intend to migrate to in the near term?  Well, that’s what we are going to talk about today with UK-based consultancy firm Henley & Partners.  The company is a global leader in residence and citizenship by investment, with over 40 offices worldwide. It also runs a leading government advisory practice that has raised more than US$10 billion in foreign direct investment. What’s interesting is that Henley & Partners said its business grew 25% last year and another 35% the year before.  Meanwhile in its “USA Wealth Report”, the company said the number of Americans enquiring about citizenship investments and residency options has risen over four-fold since 2019.  But where are wealthy Americans moving to? What does this mean for the consultancy firm as well as or Asia as the region tries to attract family offices to set up shop? On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian sat down with Scott Moore, Managing Director, Henley & Partners for more.

From former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad proceeding with legal action against current PM Anwar Ibrahim to Myanmar’s junta releasing prisoners to mark the country’s traditional New Year on Monday. Dr. Felix Tan, Political Observer, Nanyang Technological University shares his analysis on those headlines and more.

The fourth and final member - to release a solo.  It’s Blackpink’s Jisoo.  It seems like the phrase - “saving the best for last” may just be true in this case -  'cause she’s just made history. Credits: Soundbites from: JISOO - ‘꽃(FLOWER)’ M/V - @BLACKPINK YouTube JISOO - 'All Eyes on Me' M/V - @BLACKPINK YouTube

Singapore shares dipped this morning despite Wall Street’s gains overnight. The Straits Times Index was down 0.1 per cent to 3,314.77 points in early trade after 31.3 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we do have a number of Reits ranging from Keppel Reit, Sabana Reit, as well as a number of big names like Keppel Corp and UOI releasing their business update for Q1 FY2023 this week. But what can we expect on this front?  Elsewhere, the dollar eased earlier today after rallying strong last night after strong US economic data fanned expectations of further rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve in May. So what is the outlook of the dollar ahead? On Market View, the Drive Time team looked at how the Singapore stock market ended the day and the sectors and developments to watch with Jeff Ng, Senior Currency Analyst, MUFG.

Those who wish to enjoy skiing, snowboarding or surfing need not leave Singapore soon because a new attraction will provide such activities under one roof in the heart of Orchard Road!  The action sports arenas at Trifecta are inspired by the world’s best in each category; the snow slopes of Japan, the swelling waves of Bali, and the skate bowls of California. So what can we expect from this particular attraction when it opens later this year? Daphne Goh, Head of Marketing & Business Development, The Ride Side & Co-Founder, Trifecta gives us a sneak peek of what to expect from this upcoming adventure hub.

The past year has given us countless trends and cultural shifts in the way we work, travel, and meet colleagues and clients. While inflation and continued labour challenges across the travel and events sector leaves some trepidation - experts say there’s cause for optimism in 2023. What can hotels in Southeast Asia expect to see from the full return of MICE business and major leisure events? William J. Haandrikman, Managing Director, Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford shares his insights on the changes of the hospitality industry.

Taiwan will be buying as many as 400 US land-launched Harpoon missiles in the face of rising threat from China, how will China retaliate?  German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrapping up her three-day visit to China over the weekend, will Germany support China’s reunification cause? Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs gives us an overview of the latest news and more.

There’s a new K-drama series that’s been making waves lately in South Korea.  It’s Taxi Driver - Season 2.  It’s a story about a group of vigilantes running a secret on-call revenge service under the cover of a taxi company - called the Rainbow Taxi Company.  Season two is a continuation of season one with the company once again taking on revenge cases amid the threat of a major villain, seeking justice for the weak and downtrodden and championing those in need.  Like the first season- some of the revenge stories are based on real-life criminal cases. But there’s one episode in season 2 that has got people talking…  Credits: Soundbites from: Taxi Driver Season 2 | Official Trailer | Watch now on KOCOWA | [ENG SUB] @KOCOWA YouTube