Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares rose today to track a mostly positive day in Asia. The Straits Times Index was up 0.8% at 4,264.94 points at 2.12pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.09B seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have ST Engineering, after the group announced yesterday that it won new contracts valued at S$4.7 billion in Q2 of this year.  These comprise S$1.5 billion from the commercial aerospace segment, S$1.5 billion from the defence and public security segment and S$1.7 billion from the urban solutions and satcom segment.  Elsewhere, from talks that the European Union is edging towards a trade agreement with the US, to Nvidia supplier SK Hynix posting record quarterly profits today – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital. 

vLookUp AI is a global mentoring platform dedicated to empowering women to grow, thrive, and lead in their careers. Founded in July 2021, vLookUp brings together experienced diversity champions from 13 industries, nearly 70 organizations, and over 10 countries, with 35% of its mentors being men, underscoring the belief that inclusion requires collective effort. vLookUp offers an AI-enabled, integrated mentoring process and platform that complements organizational diversity and inclusion initiatives. Through personalized, real-time AI matching, an intuitive platform for end-to-end engagement, and flexible mentoring programs, vLookUp connects aspiring women leaders with seasoned mentors for impactful, tailored guidance. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kanchana, Founder & CEO, vLookUp.ai, to find out more.

Thailand is transforming its economy with bold new projects like the Eastern Economic Corridor—drawing global investors and reshaping Bangkok’s skyline. At the forefront is Magnolia Quality Development Corporation’s The Forestias, a visionary urban community blending luxury, nature, and innovation. But what makes Thailand—and Bangkok’s emerging districts—such magnets for Singaporean investors? And how will these developments redefine the future of living and investing in Southeast Asia? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Suttha Ruengchaiphaiboon, CEO, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), to find out more. 

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to announce his resignation by the end of August, the Mainichi newspaper reported on July 23. According to the Yomiuri daily, Mr Ishiba told his close associates on July 22 evening that he would explain how he would take responsibility for the election loss once a solution was reached on trade negotiations. But Mr Ishiba has since denied those reports. Earlier today, US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce what he called a massive new trade deal with Japan, a staggering US$550 billion in Japanese investments into the US and paying a 15% reciprocal tariff. What does all this mean for Japan’s political stability, its relationship with Washington and the future of Mr Ishiba’s LDP? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Craig Mark, Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Economics, Hosei University in Tokyo Japan, to find out more.    

Singapore shares moved higher to track advances in Asia today. The Straits Times Index rose 0.42% to 4,225.88 points at 2.34pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$937.26M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have DFI Retail Group. The supermarket and retail store operator announced yesterday that its underlying profit rose 38.9 per cent to US$105 million for the first half ended Jun 30, from US$75.6 million a year ago.  Elsewhere, from how shares of Japanese and South Korean automakers surged after US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal in Tokyo that includes tariff reduction on Japanese auto imports, to how Alibaba Group today announced an open-source AI model for software development said to be its most advanced coding tool to date – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. Plus – how Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly said to announce his resignation by the end of next month. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Abhilash Narayan, Investment Strategist, HSBC Global Private Banking and Premier Wealth.

Every season begins with a story. For Nikola Ignjatovic, it’s a leap into the unknown. For Raiyaan Noor, it’s stepping out of his fathe Noor Ali's shadows. Together, they represent Geylang International’s next chapter. In this heart-on-sleeve episode, the Eagles duo reflect on expectations, pressure, family ties and more. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Mantua Cybersecurity is Singapore’s premier provider of advanced cybersecurity solutions, dedicated to helping businesses across Southeast Asia stay secure in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Founded with deep roots in Singapore, Mantua quickly earned a reputation for delivering innovative, reliable services tailored to the region’s unique cybersecurity needs. Following a temporary consolidation to its Philippine headquarters during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mantua invested heavily in expanding its capabilities and service portfolio. Today, Mantua offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services, including threat intelligence, security operations centre (SOC) services, managed detection and response (MDR), vulnerability assessments, incident response, and strategic consulting. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Cel Mantua, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Mantua, to find out more.

Starting July 22nd, Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can begin claiming their $600 SG60 vouchers, part of a national initiative to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year of independence and recognise the contributions of its people. These digital vouchers can be used at over 23,000 hawkers, heartland merchants, and major supermarkets across the island. And with more than 83% of seniors having already claimed their $800 vouchers earlier this month, the rollout now expands to younger adults. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Chin Soo Fang, Senior Correspondent, Straits Times, to discuss more about the SG60 vouchers rollout.

Singapore shares dipped today after starting the week in the green. The Straits Times Index was down 0.24% at 4,196.87 points at 11.29am, with a value turnover of S$503.21M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have CapitaLand Investment, after its subsidiary, Bursa Malaysia-listed CapitaLand Malaysia Trust, posted a distribution per unit of 1.18 sen for the second quarter ended Jun 30, 2025, up 0.9 per cent from the year-ago period. Elsewhere, from the S&P 500 index ending above 6,300 points for the first time, to how Softbank and OpenAI’s Stargate is reportedly aiming to build a small data centre by the end of the year – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.

What happens when kids grow up managing investment accounts before they even hit their teens? Generation Alpha is rewriting the rules of investing—digital-first, tech-savvy, and already shaping their financial futures. According to Mastercard’s latest report, nearly half of Gen Alpha children in the Asia-Pacific region already hold investment accounts. But are they really better investors, or just early adopters navigating uncharted waters?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ben Gilbey, Senior Vice President, Digital Consumer Solutions, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, to find out more.