Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s second National Day Rally was less about splashy policies and more about spirit.  Instead of unveiling bold new headlines, he called on Singaporeans to carry forward the legacy of past generations, rally around the “Singapore Spirit” of resilience and teamwork, and shape the nation’s next chapter together.  With initiatives ranging from job-matching at the community level to seniors-friendly neighbourhoods, the speech offered continuity rather than disruption.  But what does this say about Wong’s leadership style—and how might this quieter, steadier approach shape Singapore’s future? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong spoke with Independent Political Observer, Dr Felix Tan, to find out more. 

From deep beneath the seabed to the global oil market, the race for new reserves in Asia-Pacific is heating up. Major discoveries, national oil companies calling the shots, and billions in potential investment… all while the world talks about going green. What’s driving it, and where’s the money headed next? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Prateek Pandey, Senior Vice President, Head of APAC Oil and Gas Research, Rystad Energy, to find out more.

What if nightlife didn’t mean loud bars and blurry mornings but rich coffee aromas and intricate underground beats?  That’s the idea behind Beans&Beats. A business that’s grown from an intimate apartment gathering into a vibrant space.  So how are they redefining social spaces while creating a scene where flavor and sound come together in perfect harmony? On Right Business, Hongbin Jeong spoke Matteo Lie Hidajat & Aden Low Xing Le, Co-Founders of Beans & Beats, to find out more.

Singapore shares fell today despite a broadly positive day seen in Asia. The Straits Times Index was down 0.79% at 4,197.25 points at 12.53pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$671.72M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have iFast, after the group on Friday announced that its Malaysia-incorporated subsidiary iFast Pay Malaysia received in principle approval from Bank Negara Malaysia to operate as an electronic money issuer and to hold a Money Services Business Class A licence.  Elsewhere, from Singapore’s key exports sliding more than expected in July, to how Japan’s Nikkei share average hit a record high today – more international headlines remained in focus.    On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments of the day.

After a shock 4-1 defeat in the Community Shield to Tampines Rovers, BIG questions marks have emerged for the Lion City Sailors. A big-money signing that looks out of sync, a head coach who has issued a plea to his management for more players, and a team that generally looks undercooked and under prepared. So will the defending SPL champions get their act together before the league kicks off? We discuss and dissect it all on Sports Minutes. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

All eyes are fixed on Anchorage, Alaska and the putative summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders will discuss a possible deal to end the war in Ukraine when they meet on Aug 15 in  for a meeting that is also likely to affect wider European security. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with millions forced to flee their homes. What kind of deal could emerge? What’s possible, what’s not? And could this summit shift the course of the war? On The Big Story, Nadiah Koh speaks with Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics, ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific, to find out more. 

Asia-Pacific real estate is defying the odds. Despite tariff tensions and global uncertainty, investment volumes are climbing and foreign capital is flooding back in. What’s behind the momentum, and which sectors are leading the charge? On Wealth Tracker, Nadiah Koh speaks to Christine Li, Head of Research, Asia-Pacific, Knight Frank, to break down the latest insights from Knight Frank’s Q2 2025 report.

China reported a slowdown in economic activity, with factory output rising 5.7% year-on-year in July, the slowest pace in eight months, and retail sales increasing just 3.7%, the weakest since December 2024, signaling a softer-than-expected recovery. Meanwhile, Japan’s economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter, with GDP rising 1.0% annualized, boosted by resilient exports and stronger-than-anticipated capital expenditure. Private consumption increased modestly by 0.2%, reflecting steady domestic demand even as global uncertainties, including U.S. tariffs, continue to weigh on the economy. Across the Pacific, U.S. inflationary pressures are resurfacing. Producer prices jumped 0.9% month-on-month in July, the largest increase in three years, driven by broad-based gains in both goods and services. On a year-on-year basis, the producer price index rose 3.3%, up from 2.4% in June, underlining persistent inflationary pressures that could influence Federal Reserve policy moving forward. On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to  Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education at SIAS, to discuss more about the latest market movements.

Gourmaze is changing the way we explore food and the hidden gems of our own city, one puzzle at a time. It’s a walking food trail that’s part adventure, part history lesson, and all about supporting local. It was born in the UK, during the Covid-19 lockdown, when people were looking for new ways to break up the monotony. Fast forward to today, Gourmaze has grown into a million-dollar business.  On The Right Business, Nadiah Koh speaks with Holly Mennear and Anish Malhan, Co-Founders, Gourmaze, to find out more.

Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao is closing its flagship Singapore outlet in Clarke Quay on Aug 31 as its lease expires. The impending closure of the Clarke Quay outlet follows Haidilao’s recent shuttering of three suburban restaurants – in Bedok, Pasir Ris and Punggol – after a period of rapid expansion. Is Haidilao losing its dominance here? What does this mean for other F&B giants in Singapore? Are we just seeing a reshuffle or is the dining landscape in for a bigger shake-up? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Debbie Yong, Founder and Brand Strategist at Atypical Media and Podcast Host and Producer of Turn The Tables, to find out more.