Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

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.   

US stocks are soaring at valuations not seen since the dot-com bubble and pandemic highs, but the economy tells a different story. Manufacturing remains weak, housing is struggling, and growth is modest. The rally, fueled by a surge in AI spending, has many asking: how long can it last? What risks lie ahead, and how should investors navigate these turbulent waters? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Tim Murray, CFA, Capital Markets Strategist, Multi‑Asset Division at T. Rowe Price, to find out more.

Singapore shares inched higher today as Asian markets started the week on a positive note. The Straits Times Index was up 0.22% at 4,275.36 points at 2.26pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$937.56M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, after the shipbuilder on Saturday announced that three of its subsidiaries have cancelled contracts valued at US$180 million with an unknown party.  Elsewhere, from what an in-line personal consumption expenditures price index reading for August meant for investors, to how gold surpassed the key US$3,800 per ounce level for the first time today – more international and economic headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck, more on CapitaLand Commercial C-Reit and Sony Financial Group’s trading debut in Shanghai and Tokyo respectively.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

A FIFA ruling against the Football Association of Malaysia and seven players over falsified eligibility documents has sent shockwaves through the region. Sports Minutes get the perspective from across the causeway on the scandal, its impact on fans and domestic leagues, and what lessons Singapore and the region can draw from this crisis. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

On the final day of debate on the President’s Address, housing took centre stage, with Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling pointing to higher BTO supply as a way to widen eligibility and improve affordability, alongside fresh plans for upgrading older flats.  MPs also turned to broader questions of identity and work: Patrick Tay called for strengthening the “Singaporean core,” while Desmond Tan urged Singapore to harness both artificial intelligence and ageing workers in reshaping the labour force.  Wrapping up, Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke of moving from “delivering for” to “delivering with” Singaporeans to build a more collaborative “we first” society. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Melvin Tay, Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies, NUS, to find out more. 

The markets are lighting up, and precious metals are stealing the show. Gold is flirting with 30% gains this year, silver has already crossed that threshold, and the US dollar is sliding in the opposite direction. According to J. Rotbart & Co., these surges aren’t just about safe-haven demand, they’re fueled by political pressure on the Fed, a weakening greenback, and a boom in green technology. The big question for investors: how can you turn this golden moment into a smart strategy? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joshua Rotbart, Founder and Managing Partner, J. Rotbart & Co., to find out more.

Singapore shares were little moved as most Asian markets traded lower today. The Straits Times Index was 0.04% in the green at 4,275.62 points at 2.39pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$791.57M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singapore Post. The postal service provider said yesterday that it has named Mark Chong as its group chief executive officer, with his appointment effective Nov 1.  Elsewhere, from how Singapore factory output decreased 7.8 per cent year on year in August, missing expectations, to US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, trucks and furniture – more economic headlines remained in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the key developments to watch for the day.

From Monaco to Singapore and beyond, Amber Lounge has become a legendary fixture on the F1 calendar, blending luxury, entertainment, and high-octane glamour as they bring the entertainment, specially just for that limited time. So what goes into curating this luxury experience? And how did they cement themselves as the world’s most exclusive F1 Afterparty. On the Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jeannette Tan, Chief Commercial Officer of Amber Lounge to find out more.

From personal setbacks to national ambition, wheelchair rugby has given athletes like Aidil Khalip a new family, and coaches like Azhar Yusof a new mission. With the Singlife Corporate Challenge around the corner, they join Sports Minutes to talk about building resilience, corporate support, and preparing Team Singapore for the ASEAN Para Games. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

From mid-career support under SkillsFuture to the rollout of autonomous vehicles, today’s Parliament session surfaced big questions about how Singapore prepares its people for the future. Lawmakers pressed on age limits, job security, and equity in adopting new technology, while the debate on the President’s Address continued with fresh ideas on caregiving, social policy, and building a “we first” society. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Malminderjit Singh, Founder & Director, Terra Corporate Affairs, to unpack the day's parliament session.