Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares dipped today as Asian markets mostly traded in the green.  The Straits Times Index fell 0.15% to 4,449.53 points at 11.55am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$639.56M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Keppel Reit, after the manager of the real estate investment trust (Reit) announced today that the private placement to raise about S$113 million for the acquisition of Top Ryde City Shopping Centre in Sydney, Australia, has closed.  Elsewhere, from how HSBC Holdings plans to take Hang Seng Bank private in a deal that values the lender at US$37 billion to Netflix bringing video games to its TV service for the first time – more corporate headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – how Chinese stocks fared as investors returned after a long break and whether the ongoing AI rally has gone too fast and too far. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital. 

A Singapore-based firm, Changting Network Technology, is now the focus of a police probe, accused of luring jobseekers with false promises of work in Singapore that led instead to a scam-linked resort in Cambodia. Investigations by The Straits Times have uncovered fresh details about the company’s recruitment tactics, its ties to a prominent Cambodian businessman, and how unsuspecting jobseekers were drawn in. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Aqil Hamzah, Journalist, The Straits Times, to find out more about what they've uncovered about this case. They also discuss how technology is fuelling more sophisticated scams, according to Interpol.  If you'd like to read more, check out the articles by The Straits Times: Police looking into S’pore firm luring job seekers to scam-linked Cambodian resort https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-looking-into-spore-firm-luring-jobseekers-to-scam-linked-cambodian-resort Criminal syndicates tapping AI to improve scams, human trafficking: Interpol https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/criminal-syndicates-tapping-ai-to-improve-scams-human-trafficking-interpol  

Jewellery is no longer just about adornment, it’s becoming a serious investment. With value tied to craftsmanship, rarity, and provenance, these wearable assets offer both emotional and financial returns. But how do you spot the pieces that will hold their worth over time? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Angela Loh, CEO, The Advocators and Co, to find out more. 

Could a frozen yoghurt shop become the city’s next must-visit hangout? Australia’s cult-favourite Yo-Chi seems to have done just that. With self-serve froyo, acai bowls, and a playful, immersive experience, it’s already winning fans in Singapore, hours before its doors even opened at Orchard Central. So, what’s Yochi’s strategy? Why is it the right business here in Singapore?  On Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Amy Bell, Co-Owner, Yo-Chi, to find out more. 

DBS hit a new record high, lifting its market capitalization past S$150 billion, nearly double that of its nearest rival, OCBC. Analysts cite the bank’s combination of growth, safety, and income, making it a standout in Singapore’s banking sector. Keppel REIT also took a bold step into the retail market with the acquisition of a 75% stake in Sydney’s Top Ryde City Shopping Centre for about A$394 million, marking a shift from its traditional focus on prime office properties and raising questions about the impact on yield and risk. The Singapore dollar strengthens to its highest level against the Japanese yen in over a year, holding steady against the U.S. dollar even as most Asian currencies weaken, prompting discussions on what’s supporting the currency and how investors might respond. On Market View, Nadiah Koh speaks to Kenneth Goh, Director, Private Wealth Management, UOB Kay Hian, to discuss the latest market movements.

He’s earned his first Lions call-up, and plenty of attention. Jonan Tan joins Sports Minutes to discuss his footballing rise, life in Portugal, and what it means to receive his maiden call-up for Singapore ahead of two crucial ties in the hunt for Asian Cup qualification. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

It’s crunch time for the Lions - and calm leads the charge. Interim head coach Gavin Lee joins Sports Minutes ahead of Singapore’s crucial double-header against India to talk belief, balance, and bold decisions. With history within reach, will composure be the Lions’ greatest weapon? Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore’s equity scene is heating up. Fullerton Fund Management has just launched the country’s first retail equity fund under MAS’ new Equity Market Development Programme, a move that could open fresh opportunities for investors looking to tap into local companies and high-growth potential. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Robert St. Clair, Managing Director, Head of Investment Strategy, Fullerton Fund Management, to find out more.

Singapore’s teachers are working harder than ever, but not necessarily in the classroom. They are working an average of 47.3 hours a week, higher than the OECD average of 41, according to the Teaching and Learning International Survey (Talis). The survey’s findings also indicated that Singapore teachers are quick to adopt digital technologies, with three in four using artificial intelligence (AI) to teach or facilitate student learning. This is more than double the global average of 36 per cent. With more teachers turning to AI tools, but also facing mounting stress, what will it take to keep the profession sustainable — and the passion for teaching alive? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Mike Thiruman, General Secretary, Singapore Teachers’ Union, to find out more. 

Medow Health AI is an Australian healthtech company now launched in Singapore, bringing its AI-powered medical scribe to help specialists streamline documentation and focus more on patient care. Built by doctors for doctors, the platform works in real time during consultations, automatically capturing and structuring clinical notes, reports, and referral letters, and is already trusted in over 500 clinics and hospitals across Australia. Adapted for Singapore’s healthcare context with multilingual support and seamless integration into existing workflows, Medow delivers customised note structures, referral formats, and specialty-specific phrasing, reducing administrative workload while ensuring clinical accuracy. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with  Clement Tan, Singapore Country Lead, Medow Health AI, to find out more.