Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares logged gains today, tracking advances in Asia.  The Straits Times Index was up 1.24% at 4,382.52 points at 2.46pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.14B seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have Jardine Matheson and Mandarin Oriental, after Jardine Matheson said it will be delisting Mandarin Oriental at US$3.35 per share.  Elsewhere, from how Tokyo climbed over one per cent today with Japan set to get its first woman prime minister, to how Sea Group’s founder Forrest Li sees a US$1 trillion market capitalisation for the firm with the help of artificial intelligence, more international and corporate 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.

They say wealth rarely lasts beyond three generations, the so-called “three-generation curse.” But in Singapore, where families are building bigger financial legacies than ever, is it really inevitable? What does it take to not just grow wealth, but ensure it endures for generations? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ray Ang, Singapore CEO, Grandtag Financial Consultancy, to find out more.

Job opportunities in Singapore are evolving faster than ever. According to the latest Jobs-Skills Insights Report by SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore, degree holders continue to enjoy higher pay, greater autonomy, and more access to high-skill roles, even as the nation moves toward a skills-first economy. Yet, non-degree holders with strong abilities often struggle to advance. This raises the question, “Are formal qualifications still the key to success or can skills and experience finally level the playing field?” On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong is joined by Dr Jared Zeng, Senior Relationship Development Manager, OCBC Premier Private Client, and Ives Tay, Independent Workforce Development Consultant, to find out.

Noon Eyewear is an independent optical boutique founded by Goh Shi Song and his siblings. The business was established with a clear philosophy: to prioritize care, precision, and authenticity over scale. Built on the foundations of their family’s former business, Everfaith Optics, Noon Eyewear continues a legacy of craftsmanship while redefining what sustainable growth means in the optical industry. Rather than competing on price or volume, Noon focuses on delivering personalized service and high-quality eyewear tailored to each customer’s needs. Every aspect of the brand from its appointment-based model to its approach to customer relationships reflects a commitment to intentional, detail-oriented service. Noon Eyewear believes that true value lies not in expansion, but in maintaining the integrity of its craft and the trust of its community. On the Peak Special on the Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Zat, Editor-in-Chief, The Peak Singapore, to find out more.

Singapore shares dipped today in line with movements across Asia. The Straits Times Index was down 0.5% at 4,334.63 points at 12.50pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$546.66M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have for you Keppel given how the global asset manager is set to revive construction for its stalled Saigon Centre project in late 2026.  Elsewhere, from Singapore’s key exports expanding by 6.9 per cent year on year in September, to how shares of Nio recovered today after diving to a one-month low, when a lawsuit filed by GIC against the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker wiped billions off the group’s market value – more economic and corporate headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck – more on worries surrounding the US banking sector. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

More than a handshake - it’s a shared vision for the future of Singapore football. Sports Minutes speaks to Geylang International head coach Noor Ali and Jungfrau Punggol President Robin Wong about the 3-year memorandum of understanding that connects the pros, the semi-pros, and the women’s game - and what it means for young players chasing their dreams. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore’s public transport system is entering a period of adjustment, both in cost and commuter conduct. From December 27, fares for train and bus rides will go up by nine to ten cents for adults, reflecting an overall 5 per cent increase. It’s a smaller rise than in the previous two years, but one that comes alongside a change in how future adjustments are calculated, with energy and wage costs now factored in more promptly. At the same time, new laws have been passed to tackle inconsiderate behaviour on buses, targeting actions such as eating, littering, or playing loud music, with steeper penalties for repeat offenders. The move signals a broader effort to maintain comfort, order, and respect across the network. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Walter Theseira, Associate Professor of Economics at Singapore University of Social Sciences, to find out more. 

Private credit is booming, with global assets topping two trillion dollars. One hotspot is the U.S. middle market, nearly half of America’s economy, where the lower tiers offer higher yields, stronger protections, and less competition. Why is this segment drawing so much attention, and what’s behind the growing interest from Asian investors? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Thomas Cheong, President of Principal Asia and Executive Vice President of Principal Financial Group, to find out more.

Could a vacuum really handle all your cleaning? ECOVACS believes it can. The DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone, now launched in Singapore, promises to clean every corner of your home, tackle tough stains, and make your cleaning routine effortless. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with producer Nadiah Koh to find out more about ECOVAC's regional launch in Ho Chi Minh City. Nadiah Koh also spoke with Chris Ma, Head of Southeast Asia and Korea, ECOVACS about their presence in Southeast Asia and how the company is shaping the future of home robotics in the region.

Singapore shares dipped today despite most Asian markets recording gains. The Straits Times Index was down 0.49% at 4,346.92 points at 11.51am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$667.54M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have SIA Group after the group said passenger traffic in September for Singapore Airlines (SIA) and subsidiary Scoot rose 3.7 per cent year on year.  Elsewhere, from how an investor group including BlackRock, Microsoft and NVIDIA is buying one of the world’s biggest data centre operators to Wall Street's overnight performance amid big bank earnings out of corporate America – more corporate and international headlines remained in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.