Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Since 2012, Le Petit Society has grown from a childrenswear label into a beloved Singapore homegrown brand, connecting with modern families across Asia. Their journey reflects a wider trend among Singapore SMEs: finding the balance between growth and resilience. Today, Le Petit Society continues to innovate, partnering with platforms like PayPal to deliver a seamless cross-border experience for customers, offering insights into what it truly takes to succeed as a modern homegrown brand. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dylan Ong and Robyn Liang, Co-founders of Le Petit Society and Belinda Koh, Senior Director and Head of Inside Sales, APAC and LATAM at PayPal, to find out more. 

Singapore shares inched higher today as Asian markets traded mixed. The Straits Times Index went up by 0.6% to 4,325.96 points at 2.25pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$935.51M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have LHN, after the property management group said its co-living business Coliwoo has lodged a preliminary prospectus for a Singapore Exchange mainboard listing. Elsewhere, from how global markets are reacting to a US government shutdown that began today, to how private surveys showed factory activity shrank in most of Asia’s major economies in September, more international headlines remained in focus.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Dan Chang, Investment Specialist and Trading Representative, PhillipCapital.

Two games, two assists...and PLENTY of buzz. But who is Harry Spence beyond the highlight reels? From making a splash in top-flight football with the Young Lions, to learning from seasoned teammates and dreaming of bigger stages, the 19-year-old speaks to Sports Minutes about life, football, and the road ahead. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Behind every vet consultation lies an invisible burden: hours of paperwork that keep veterinarians from spending more time with their patients. Broby Pets, a startup born out of Singapore Polytechnic, is using AI to cut down the admin and give vets back precious time. Recently recognized among the Top 100 Startups at Echelon Singapore 2025, the team is in the thick of user testing, refining their technology with clinics on the ground.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Hyuga Kuramochi and Caleb Yap Keane Yang, Co-founders, Broby Pets, to find out more. 

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza, but only if Hamas agrees within 72 hours.  The proposal sidelines Hamas from governance, installs a technocratic Palestinian committee, and puts Trump at the helm of a new ‘Board of Peace.’  While some Muslim nations have voiced support, many Palestinians remain deeply skeptical.  So what’s actually in the plan, and could it really work? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Stephen Hoadley, Retired Professor of International Relations, University of Auckland, to find out more.

Amid global market turbulence, Singapore-listed companies are proving their resilience. With average dividend yields hitting around 5% in August 2025, investors have a steady income stream to rely on, even as more US interest rate cuts ahead threaten volatility. Could dividend stocks be the stabiliser your portfolio needs? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dhanesh Sharma, Financial Services Manager at PhillipCapital, to find out more.

Singapore shares inched higher today as Asian markets traded mixed. The Straits Times Index was up 0.45% at 4,289.14 points at 2.24pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$874.21M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have UOB. The bank announced yesterday that its cardholders in Singapore will be able to redeem reward points when travelling in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to set a 10 per cent tariff on imports of lumber and 25 per cent on vanities and upholstered wooden products, to how China’s Zijin Gold International saw shares soar as much as 66 per cent in their trading debut as gold prices reach record high – more international headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – more on a possible US government shutdown.  Plus – how Boeing is reportedly in the early stages of developing a replacement for the 737 MAX. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer, Maybank Group Wealth Management.

Singapore’s population has risen to 6.11 million, according to the National Population and Talent Division, which released the Population in Brief 2025 report on Sept 29.  The increase was mainly due to the growth in the non-resident population, such as work permit holders in the construction sector and domestic helpers. Meanwhile, the nation’s population continued to age rapidly, and more Singaporeans remained single. These shifts pose pressing questions about the future of the workforce, social cohesion, and the long-term sustainability of the economy. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Paulin Straughan, Director, Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA), to find out more. 

Amid growing global isolation and protests at the UN, Netanyahu is set to meet U.S. President Trump, who has proposed a 21-point plan to halt the Gaza conflict. Can Netanyahu withstand mounting pressures at home and abroad? How might the meeting between the two leaders shape the next steps in the conflict and the future of US-Israel relations? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern, Central Asian and Islamic Studies at The Australian National University, to find out more.

South Korea and the United States are set to hold their first business visa working group talks, focusing on the obstacles South Korean firms face when sending employees to the US. With investment projects and business continuity at stake, these discussions could have major implications for US-South Korea commercial ties. What is the possibility of the US granting South Korea a special treaty work visa now? What impact will they have on companies navigating trans-Pacific operations? On The Big Story. Hongbin Jeong speaks with Benjamin Engel, Assistant Professor, Department of Korean Studies, Dankook University, to find out more.