Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore stocks rose early on after global indices rallied overnight.  The Straits Times Index rose 0.1 per cent in early trade to 3,260.51 points after 38.8 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have Mapletree Logistics Trust, after the Reit manager said yesterday that Mapletree Logistics Trust is in the process of buying eight Asia-Pacific assets for over S$900 million.  Elsewhere, Alibaba’s Cainiao Network Technology is reportedly preparing for a listing in Hong Kong. JD.com also came up to say that  two of its subsidiaries had filed for IPOs in Hong Kong. What’s next for China’s tech scene?  On Market View, the Drive Time team sat down with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS  for more. 

When it comes to indoor play spaces in Singapore, there's certainly no shortage of options here. From trampoline parks to themed playgrounds, there is something for everyone of all ages.  Drive Time's Elliot Danker speaks with Hariman Kwok, CEO and Founder of The Seriously Fun Group, The Polliwogs and X-SCAP8 to find out more about the business of indoor play concepts in Singapore. 

Founded by the co-founder of foodpanda and budget hotel chain Zen Rooms, Kiren Tanna, Una Brands is an e-commerce aggregator that acquires and scales e-commerce brands based in APAC.  The company focuses on acquiring companies with strong independent branding and which have annual revenue of between US$300,000 and US$20 million, and uses technology to optimise and automate product placement and marketing across a range of distribution channels.  Una Brands currently acquired and operates over 20 e-commerce brands across six countries including ergonomic furniture brands ErgoTune and EverDesk+.  It recently announced an additional US$30 million in Pre-Series C fundraise, bringing the total firm’s raise over the past year to US$60 million. On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian found out what’s next for Una Brands from Kiren Tanna, Co-founder & CEO, Una Brands. 

In the face of rising concerns about workplace safety regulations, it’s becoming more essential for businesses to prioritize their workplace safety and healthcompliance. But the process can be tedious and time-consuming, not to mention costly if they chose to hire an external consultant.  Drive Time's Elliot Danker speaks with Chris Chen, CEO, ExpertRA how they are alleviating the administrative burden of applying for bizSAFE certification with an intuitive and easy-to-use digital platform that saves companies time and money.

If you haven’t been to a convenience store in Korea, there are these drink Capri Sun-styled pouches that’s filled with pre-made coffee, lemonade, and other funky flavours.  And it's taken TikTok by storm with content creators testing out different drink pouches and mixing it with other drinks to find the best combination.  Recently, Singapore has opened two KOREAN convenience stores - one at Nex Mall, and Jurong Point shopping centre. So you can try them yourselves! But before you check it out - here are the BEST combinations you need to try out. 

With former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame - Elliott and Raushan ponder on what makes a good boss.

Singapore stocks opened lower today, bucking the global trend on a day which saw gains for stock markets worldwide. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) fell 0.1 per cent to 3,260.09 points after 104.4 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, we have DBS for you after the bank’s digital services were disrupted yesterday.  Following the disruption, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said the incident was “unacceptable” and it would take “commensurate supervisory actions” against the bank.  On the other side of the world, the US NASDAQ 100 has entered into a bull market as bank jitters ease. But what does this signal to central bank officials? On Market View, the Drive Time team unpacked these developments with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital. They also talked about Alibaba's plans to split the company into 6 units.

Mathew Leong, executive chef of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Re-NAA in Norway, has made it to the acclaimed Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list. The 28-year-old is the first and only Singaporean to have made it to the list under the Art & Culture category since the list was introduced seven years ago. Drive Time's Elliot Danker speaks with Matthew to find out how he's making culinary waves in Norway and putting Singapore on the culinary world map. [Find Us on Podcast Platforms] Awedio | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | OmnyStudio [Contact Us] Presenters: Elliot Danker Producer: Nadiah Koh

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