Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

We have come to almost the end of the first quarter this year, and before we kick start April, let’s take a look at an asset class that analysts and observers are keeping their eyes on for this year - hospitality Reits.  With borders reopening and tourism resuming, market watchers believe 2023 will be an exciting time for hospitality trusts.  But there are several questions to address as well. For one thing, what will competition look like within the industry after two years of pandemic? Also - to what extent will the recent turmoil in the banking sector affect Reit managers when it comes to financial decisions? And is 2023 a good time for acquisitions and expansion?  On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian sat down with Serena Teo, CEO of the Managers of CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS).  They talked about the trust’s 47 per cent on-year increase in distribution per stapled security for the half year ended December, as well as the CLAS’ plans ahead.

Britain is expected to get the green light to join a key Indo-Pacific trade bloc usually referred to as the CPTPP before the end of this week. The UK would be the first new member to join the 11-nation bloc after it was first signed in 2018. How big of a win will this be for post-Brexit Britain? What can we expect from the UK partnering with the Pacific giants?  Drive Time's Elliot Danker speaks with Dr Samir Puri, Visiting Lecturer in War Studies at King's College London and author of 'Russia's Road to War with Ukraine to find out.  [Find Us on Podcast Platforms] Awedio | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | OmnyStudio [Contact Us] Presenters: Elliot Danker Producer: Nadiah Koh

Korean fashion has taken the world by storm and significantly impacted the global fashion industry in recent years. One of the key reasons behind the rise of Korean fashion's popularity is the influence of K-pop artists.  And on this episode, I take on fashion icon - Jennie Kim - from the K-pop supergroup Blackpink. She is no doubt a trend setter -  taking South Korea's fashion by storm.  Whether she’s going to a fashion show, doing her live concerts, or just simply- going to the airport, all eyes are on what she’s wearing, who she’s wearing, and how she’s accessorising.  So here are some of the top fashion trends in South Korea - inspired by the fashion icon, Jennie. 

Modern design and architecture have become increasingly complex. As the world becomes more interconnected, so are the needs and expectations of well-heeled clients.  Despite the challenges, Singapore architecture and design firm TA.LE continues to grow from strength to strength. Award-winning projects in its portfolio include the Nordic European Centre, semi-detached residences called the Loft House and the retail boutique Alexandria Maison Singapore. Drive Time's Elliot Danker speaks with Lionel Leow, Co-founder and Principal Architect, TA.LE to find out how their firm is using a human-centric approach to turn complex architectural challenges into simple designs that are functional and sustainable. [Find Us on Podcast Platforms] Awedio | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | OmnyStudio [Contact Us] Presenters: Elliot Danker Producer: Nadiah Koh

As the e-commerce industry continues to grow, and consumers becoming more savvy in the online space, how can retailers stay ahead of the curve? Ninja Van Singapore, has rolled out PR as a service for businesses shipping with Ninja Van in Singapore to help its shippers enhance their brand recognition. Drive Time's Elliot Danker speaks with Winston Seow, Chief Marketing Officer, Ninja Van Group to find out more. [Find Us on Podcast Platforms] Awedio | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | OmnyStudio [Contact Us] Presenters: Elliot Danker Producer: Nadiah Koh

You’ve heard of renting luxury handbags or garments for your special occasion. But now - you can also bring the fine art world into your home for a fraction of the cost with art rental.  On Culture Club, Drive Time’s Elliot Danker speaks with Low Sok Leng, Founder & Gallery Owner, ARTualize to find out how leasing paintings is the new way to enjoy art. [Find Us on Podcast Platforms] Awedio | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | OmnyStudio [Contact Us] Presenters: Elliot Danker Producer: Nadiah Koh

Singapore stocks opened lower today after US markets ended in the red overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index fell 0.2 per cent to 3,247.88 points, after 82.1 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of notable developments for the day, trading for the Alibaba five times short daily leveraged certificates (DLCs) listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) has been momentarily suspended as the airbag mechanism was triggered. The move came after Alibaba said that it will split its company into six business groups, each with the ability to raise outside funding and go public. Shares of the tech giant surged some 15 per cent at the opening bell on the Hong Kong exchange. On Market View, the Drive Time team unpacked the happenings for the day with Jeff Ng, Senior Currency Analyst, MUFG. They also looked at Vietnam’s Q1 GDP numbers and what that means for the manufacturing hub as well as comments from top US financial officials on the recent turmoil in the banking sector.

You may have seen him all over TikTok, especially if you’re on food TikTok.  If you are a fan of Korean food - whether you want to make it yourself, or you’re hunting for the most authentic Korean food in Singapore- he’s the go-to-guy.  He’s the Korean Oppa living right here in Singapore.  He’s @esyfilms on TikTok and on Instagram. He’s Eric Youn. He joins Hongbin Jeong on K-Wave to tell us more about his content creation and of course, Korean food.  Listen to find out where to get the best K-BBQ here in Singapore on this episode. 

Singapore shares rose in the first few minutes of trade today, following a mixed performance in global markets. This came as investors took comfort in the news that First Citizens BancShares would acquire Silicon Valley Bank’s deposits and loans, allaying recent concerns over the banking sector. In terms of companies to watch, we have Manulife US Reit, after the Reit’s manager said none of its lenders is a regional bank in the US. But to what extent has the ongoing banking crisis in the US affected SGX-listed Reits, particularly those exposed to the US and Europe? Meanwhile, we’re also seeing a number of privatisation offers for companies listed in Singapore but why is this the case?   On Market View, the Drive Time team sat down with David Poh, Head of Investment and ESG Strategies, South Asia, Amundi for more.

With Antonio Conte's Tottenham tenure coming to a (predictable) end after just 16 months, where to from here for Spurs?  James Walton, Sports Business Leader for Deloitte Singapore and Southeast Asia & Shehzad Haque, International Sports Commentator weigh in on the past, present and future of Tottenham's travails.