Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

At 30, Amirul Adli chose change. Speaking to Sports Minutes, he explains why he left BG Tampines despite their strong season, how he’s adapting to life in Malaysia, and what pushed him to take this leap. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Asia’s investment landscape is evolving and private credit is at the heart of the change. But how is private credit moving from niche portfolios to a central role in investment strategies? What are the opportunities, risks and potential ripple effects of private credit on Asia’s real economy? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Charis Liau, Chief Investment Officer at IFS Asset Management to dig into the financing challenges faced by SMEs across Southeast Asia, uncover how investors are stepping in where traditional banks hesitate, and discuss whether this trend represents a lasting shift in how capital flows in the region.

Singapore faces a growing challenge in cancer screening, with participation rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers remaining worryingly low. At the same time, cancer diagnoses among younger adults are on the rise, highlighting an urgent need to rethink early detection strategies. And efforts like the launch of RISE (Research Institute for Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection) aim to strengthen research, inform evidence-based policies, and develop strategies to improve early detection. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Professor Ravindran Kanesvaran, Chairman and Senior Consultant of the Division of Medical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, and Co-Director of RISE, to explore the barriers to cancer screening in Singapore, the trends shaping cancer incidence in younger adults, and the strategies that could help Singaporeans detect cancer earlier and save lives.

Is cheap petrol across the Causeway really worth the trip or are Singapore drivers risking more than they realise? On this episode of What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Zia-ul Raushan break down the real costs behind JB fuel runs, from toll charges to fines, and why some drivers are still tempted despite the risks. Then, things get competitive: Sports Minutes host Ziaul Raushan is put on the spot in a rapid-fire news quiz. Think you can do better? Join The Straits Times’ What’s The News? competition, a nationwide current affairs challenge for students aged 15 to 19. Stay informed, test your news instincts, and see if you’ve got what it takes to keep up.

Singapore shares dipped today, in line with regional movements.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.24% at 4,953.78 points at 11.54am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$858.58M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Keppel, after the asset manager’s net profit rose 27.2 per cent to S$645.4 million for the second half ended December, from S$507.5 million the year before.  Elsewhere, from how shares of Qualcomm and Arm Holdings fell steeply after the semiconductor companies delivered quarterly reports, to how the Trump administration is reportedly willing to allow China’s ByteDance to buy Nvidia’s H200 chips, more corporate headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck, what we should know about share price movements in AMD and Alphabet overnight. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital. 

Polytechnic diplomas have been a cornerstone of Singapore’s workforce since 1954, supplying skilled talent across industries from engineering and biomedical science to aviation and media. Yet, despite their proven value, diploma holders often face a persistent perception problem: they are seen as ‘good enough to start’, but not always equipped to lead or progress. Is it finally time for the polytechnic diploma to get the recognition it deserves? And how can employers and institutions ensure that skills and potential, not just degrees, shape career progression? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Mubin Saadat, Deputy Opinion Editor, The Straits Times, to find out more.

M&A in 2026 is being shaped by a volatile, uncertain, and complex world. AI is transforming deal-making, Japan and India are seeing strong activity, and China and Hong Kong are shaking up cross-border deals. What does this mean for investors? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Raghu Narain, Head of Investment Banking, APAC at Natixis CIB, for the latest.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh look at Chinese kids tackling homework the size of billboards, literally A0 sheets that have parents and kids scrambling across the floor like urban planners. Is this a creative way to learn… or just extra pressure in disguise? Then, we jet over to Davos, where French President Emmanuel Macron’s steel-blue aviators stole the show. Memes, copycats, and viral comparisons to Top Gun’s Maverick exploded online and even sent the stock of the sunglasses’ maker soaring. Is this the next fashion phenomenon or the weird economics of the internet at work?

Singapore shares inched higher in early trade today. The Straits Times Index was up 0.16% at 4,952.07 points at 10.06am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$418.73M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have Singtel, given how KKR and Singtel will acquire Singapore-based ST Telemedia Global Data Centres for S$6.6 billion, in one of the largest data-centre transactions in Asia. Elsewhere, from how Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran resigned from his position as chair of the White House's Council of Economic Advisers, to how Nvidia is reportedly nearing a deal to invest US$20 billion in OpenAI as part of its latest funding round, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.

He’s back on the pitch, back getting wins and back enjoying football. Zulqarnaen Suzliman joins Sports Minutes to talk about his Albirex loan switch, the confidence that comes with game time and why he chose to leave the Lion City Sailors. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg