Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

A pair of university students have recently founded GIVMI, providing a first-of-a-kind solution which potentially changes the game of the energy supplement industry here in Singapore.  The answer they came up with are “caffeine mints” called GIVMI Focus, which is pocket-sized, sugar-free, vegan and designed to sharpen your focus. So how does GIVMI project themselves as a statement of a lifestyle brand and how are they doing it? On the Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Chew Yi Xuan and Chermayne Low, Co-founders and Directors of GIVMI, to find out more.

This year’s NDP 2025 promises to be one for the history books. Inspired by the National Anthem and anchored in the themes of unity, belonging, and hope, this year’s Show segment is a bold celebration of who we are and where we’re headed as a nation. With inclusive performances, powerful intergenerational storytelling, and music that tugs at the heart, it’s a moving tribute to 60 years of Singapore’s journey - a true SG60 moment. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong is joined by producer Nazirul Asrar, who had the chance to attend the media reveal of what's planned for NDP 2025, and had the honours of sitting down with Charlie Lim, Singer-Songwriter & Assistant Music Director for NDP 2025, to find out how this year's event is a significant one for Singapore as well as the meaning behind the NDP theme song "Here We Are."   

Singapore shares inched higher today as investors continue to mull the situation in the Middle East. The Straits Times Index was up 0.2% at 3,933.67 points at 11.59am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$561.93M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singapore Airlines. The national carrier announced in its annual report yesterday that it paid its chief executive Goh Choon Phong S$7 million in remuneration for the latest financial year ended Mar 31.  Elsewhere, from US dollar dropping after President Donald Trump said he had a handful of candidates to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, to how shares of Nvidia hit a fresh record amid continued bullishness surrounding artificial intelligence technologies – 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. 

The US dollar’s dominance is no longer taken for granted. With the greenback faltering and geopolitical shifts gaining pace, investors are rethinking where real currency power lies. So, what’s really driving this reassessment of the dollar? And what other alternatives are investors looking into?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Peter Chia, Senior FX Strategist at UOB, to find out more on how investors are recalibrating their strategies in the face of growing dollar doubts.

In a world where content creation has become a necessity, LFG Content Co is flipping the script on who gets to create. A bold Singapore startup has launched The LFG POD, the world’s first fully automated, unmanned podcast and content studio. With zero crew, minimal cost, and no prior experience needed, The LFG POD lets anyone walk in, record, and walk out with ready-to-publish, professional-grade content. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Isaac Ho and JJ Ong, Founders, LFG Content Co to find out more. 

Singapore shares rose today to track regional gains seen in Asian markets. The Straits Times Index went up by 0.46% to reach 3,922.19 points at about 2.36pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$921.09M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Sembcorp Industries, after the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sembcorp Financial Services, announced the issuance of S$300 million notes under its S$5 billion Euro Medium Term Note programme established in July 2023.  Elsewhere, from US President Donald Trump appearing to undermine years of US sanctions on Iran by giving its biggest customer, China, the green light to carry on buying its oil, to a deep dive into the Bank of Japan’s latest summary of opinions – more international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Strategy, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

Singapore is poised for a wave of transformation, with new neighbourhoods planned in areas like Dover, Newton, and Paterson—bringing a diverse mix of public and private housing options to various parts of the island.  Beyond residential developments, the upcoming plans include expanded office spaces in Bishan, new parks in the north-west, and vibrant community hubs in Sengkang, Woodlands North, and Yio Chu Kang inspired by the successful model of Our Tampines Hub. These ambitious proposals were unveiled as part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Draft Master Plan 2025, a strategic blueprint that will shape the nation's urban landscape for the next decade and beyond. What does this new phase of development mean for the way we live, work, and connect as a community?  How will these plans address future challenges like sustainability, inclusivity, and population growth?  And what role can residents play in shaping the neighbourhoods of tomorrow? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Professor Sing Tien Foo, the Provost's Chair Professor at the Department of Real Estate, NUS Business School to find out more.

The recent Senate progress on the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act represents major strides toward properly regulating cryptocurrency in the US. The GENIUS Act targets stablecoins, while the CLARITY Act tackles jurisdictional issues between the SEC and CFTC - both crucial bipartisan efforts aimed at strengthening the global legitimacy of the crypto industry. So how does the US regulatory approach compare to proactive regions in Asia, like Hong Kong, which is already pushing for stablecoin clarity? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Hassan Ahmed, Country Director, Singapore, Coinbase, to find out more.

The Family Movers is a leading relocation service provider with over 50 years of experience, known for its personalised, people-first approach. Originally founded as a family-run business, it has grown into a global moving company offering tailored relocation solutions for families, expatriates, and diplomatic clients. The company is recognised for combining care, reliability, and high service standards, backed by international accreditations like FIDI FAIM Plus and partnerships through the Harmony Relocation Network. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and client-centric services, The Family Movers provides comprehensive end-to-end relocation support including home and school searches, local integration assistance, and expert guidance by helping clients transition smoothly to their new homes worldwide.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks Ivan Ong, General Manager, The Family Movers, to find out more.

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point. Then, just as suddenly, a pause. US President Donald Trump says a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is now "in effect" after a night of deadly crossfire. But on the ground, clarity is hard to come by. Conflicting reports, fresh accusations, and renewed threats are casting doubt on whether the ceasefire is holding - or ever truly began. So what’s really happening behind the headlines? And how fragile is this latest truce? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Richard Jackson, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago, for more insights beyond the headlines.