Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Blue Whale is one of Europe’s leading apple producers, bringing together over 300 growers across France to cultivate high-quality fruit with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. With decades of expertise and a commitment to meeting evolving market needs, Blue Whale has expanded its reach across Asia, offering apple varieties like Candine that are not only delicious and convenient but also built for modern lifestyles. Whether it's through eco-friendly packaging or advanced farming techniques, Blue Whale continues to set the standard for what fresh produce can be. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ben Barache, Marketing Manager Asia, Blue Whale, to find out more.

Son Heung-Min’s move from Tottenham to LAFC for a record fee closes one chapter and opens another. On Sports Minutes, journalist Steve Price joins us from Seoul to explore Son’s Premier League legacy, his immense popularity in Korea and the world over, and the marketing and footballing impact he’ll bring to MLS. Plus, two Spurs fans share heartfelt tributes to a player who inspired them far beyond the pitch. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore shares fell today as investors continue to parse through more earnings and corporate developments out of the country. The Straits Times Index was down 0.15% at 4,233.66 points at 12.23pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$700.74M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Keppel, after the group announced today its proposed divestment of M1’s telecommunications business to Simba Telecom for an enterprise value of around S$1.4 billion.  Elsewhere, from how Nvidia and AMD have reportedly agreed to give the US government 15 per cent of revenue from sales of advanced computer chips to China, to what to watch ahead of the US-China trade truce deadline – more corporate and international news remain in focus.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

When it comes to sportswear and sneakers, one can’t help but think of two brothers who went from working partners to worst rivals after World War II and a family feud.  Yes, we’re talking about Rudolf or Rudi and Adolf or Adi Dassler. The duo are also better known as the Dassler brothers.  Both brothers ended up starting shoe companies of their own, and they grew to become two of the most prominent players in the industry today – PUMA and Adidas. And today we’re going to turn the spotlight on PUMA , which was founded by Rudi Dassler in 1948. Since its founding, PUMA has become one of the world’s leading sports brands that has been designing and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories for over 75 years.  The firm prides itself on offering performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories including (1) Football, (2) Running and Training, (3) Basketball, (4) Golf and (5) Motorsports.  With a distribution network in over 120 countries, PUMA Group’s influence runs deep into street culture and fashion, particularly so given the brand’s multiple collaboration with renowned brands and designers who are closely connected with the community on the ground.  Puma is an interesting company to look at given the ongoing tariff situation between the US and China.  In February 2025, the shoemaker said it is shipping far fewer Chinese-made sneakers to the US as the trade war between the two economic superpowers heats up. But how are things looking like right now, and how far is Southeast Asia a bright spot for the firm then?  Meanwhile, PUMA is also ramping up the throttle on a brand refresh to increase its presence in higher-end channels for sports and lifestyle products.  More recently, the firm teamed up with Spanish luxury fashion house Balenciaga on a new Winter 2025 collection that include tracksuits and reimagined versions of the PUMA’s iconic Speedcat shoes. But how far will such collaborations help the firm anchor its positioning in the sportswear industry? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Sanjay Roy, Managing Director, South East Asia & Oceania, PUMA Group.

The world of asset management is growing faster and more complex than ever before. With new funds flooding the market, investors face a pressing question: how do you separate the winners from the noise? Before diving in, it’s crucial to ask…What’s the fund’s strategy? Is it backed by solid reasoning or just riding the latest trend? Who’s managing your money, and does it fit your financial goals? And perhaps most importantly, are the fees worth it? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Hunter Beaudoin, Analyst, Manager Research, Morningstar, to find out more. 

As Singapore celebrates 60 years of nationhood, we take a step back to reflect: What does the Singaporean Dream look like today? Back in the 1990s, if you asked someone what success looked like, they’d probably say cash, car, credit card, condominium, and country club. But in 2025, has this vision shifted with the times or do these aspirations still hold sway? Is the Singaporean dream still the 5Cs? On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Adam Wong, Editor in Chief, Fifthperson and Vanessa Ho, Co-Founder, Fintech Nation, to find out more. 

Blind boxes are everywhere. From Labubus to Crybabies, the thrill of not knowing what’s inside has taken over the hearts of collectors around the world. But Agora is flipping the script with their latest creation, Fuzozo. It’s not just another collectible - it’s a smart, emotionally intelligent AI companion that learns and grows with its owner, adding a whole new layer to the world of toys. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Yisheng (Sam) Yao, Director of Product Management, Agora, to find out more. 

Singapore shares fell today on the back of earnings out of blue chip firms. The Straits Times Index was down 0.81% at 4,223.85 points at 2.19pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.29B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singapore Exchange. The bourse operator announced today that its net profit for the second half ended June 2025 declined 2.6 per cent to S$308 million, from S$316.3 million in the year prior.  Elsewhere, from how Japanese stocks rallied on the back of US trade deal hopes, to how Intel’s CEO Tan Lip-Bu responded to US President Donald Trump’s call for his resignation for the first time – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Corporate bonds are taking center stage in today’s investment world. Offering attractive yields and a window into the financial health of companies, they’re becoming a go-to choice for investors looking beyond traditional government debt. With economic stability and steady interest rates shaping the backdrop, the corporate bond market is buzzing, from booming issuance in emerging markets to the growing influence of ESG-focused bonds. What’s driving this momentum, and what should investors be watching next? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Henry Loh, Head of Asia Credit on the Asian Fixed Income Team at Aberdeen, to find out more.

BlueSG will wind down its current operations on Aug 8 at 11.59pm. The carsharing company added that billing, account closures, and subscription adjustments and refunds will be managed until the end of August. The firm said it is embarking on a major platform upgrade to better serve the “evolving needs of urban mobility” in Singapore. What kind of impact does it leave on the people behind the wheel? And what does it mean for the future of shared mobility in Singapore? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Terence Fan, Assistant Professor Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University, to find out more.