Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian started her day early at Raffles City Convention Centre to speak with enterprise blockchain and cryptocurrency player Ripple.  That is because the firm’s global leadership team flew in from the US for Apex 2025, or what’s said to be the largest annual summit on the XRPL calendar bringing together developers, businesses, fintechs, researchers, VCs and more. Founded in 2012, Ripple uses blockchain technology to help global financial institutions, businesses, and developers to move, manage and tokenise value.  In Singapore, the firm received in-principle approval by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in November 2024 to offer digital payment token products and services in the country. So what should we know about the significance of Singapore as a market to Ripple, as well as the firm’s plans for the region? Meanwhile, what is also worthy of note is how the US Securities and Exchange Commission has decided to settle a long-running legal battle against the firm.  While the lawsuit may be over, how far is Ripple's plans in APAC a response to regulatory challenges in the US, and how is the firm then navigating the regulatory landscape in Asia? On this “On the Go” Special episode of Under the Radar, Tian Tian posed these questions to Monica Long, President, Ripple.

OCBC’s bid to take Great Eastern Holdings private takes a step forward as independent directors back the offer. Globally, Apple’s muted AI push at WWDC leaves markets wanting more, while Warner Bros Discovery faces mounting pressure after a fresh credit downgrade. Meanwhile, US-China trade talks resume in London, with rare earths and tech exports at the core of discussions, but will this round bring lasting progress? On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to Too Jun Cheong, Dealing Manager at Moomoo Singapore, to discuss about the latest market movements.

Trade negotiations between the US and China have entered a second day in London, with a focus on export controls impacting global supply chains and economic growth. The talks, taking place at Lancaster House, follow a preliminary agreement reached in Geneva last month. Tensions have resurfaced after the US accused China of blocking exports critical to sectors like semiconductors, aerospace, and defense. In May, China’s exports to the US dropped by 34.5%, the steepest decline since early Covid-19. US President Donald Trump noted, “China’s not easy,” yet signs of progress appear to be emerging. But China has remained mostly silent post-first day of talks. So what’s really at play behind these high-level talks? What does each side stand to gain - or lose in this negotiation?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong discusses the key issues emerging from the meeting with Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.

Venture capital is on the brink of a revolution. For decades, funding startups meant navigating exclusive networks and daunting barriers — but now, cutting-edge technologies like Web3 and AI are rewriting the rules. These tools promise a future where anyone, anywhere, can invest smarter and earlier. Yet beneath the promise lies a pressing dilemma: Are we truly breaking down old walls, or just building new ones? As algorithms and decentralization reshape the landscape, the stakes are high — for fairness, for trust, and for the very future of innovation itself. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Moe Iman, CEO and Founder of Founders Hub Network, OnlyFounders, to find out more. 

iMotorbike is Southeast Asia’s leading end-to-end e-commerce platform for buying, selling, and trading pre-owned motorcycles. Headquartered in Singapore with a growing presence in Malaysia and Vietnam, the platform is built to solve key pain points in the used motorcycle market from the lack of transparency and fragmented listings to time-consuming paperwork and unreliable transactions. Offering a fully digital and hassle-free experience, iMotorbike provides 170-point inspections, warranties, return policies, instant payment for sellers, and bundled services like financing, insurance, road tax, and nationwide delivery.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gil Carmo, Co-Founder & CEO, iMotorbike, to find out more.

In a rare override of state authority, US President Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, despite strong objections from Governor Gavin Newsom. The deployment follows a series of federal immigration raids that resulted in 44 arrests in LA, part of a broader national campaign. Citing Title 10 of the U.S. Code, Trump framed the action as necessary to protect federal infrastructure and personnel. The move has triggered renewed scrutiny of executive power, state-federal tensions, and the appropriate use of military force in civil contexts. Was it justified—or a federal overstep? Is this law and order, or presidential overreach? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University to find out. 

Once reserved for institutional giants and the ultra-wealthy, alternative investments are fast becoming part of the broader investment landscape. As traditional 60/40 portfolios face mounting pressure and the hunt for yield intensifies, retail investors are turning to alternatives not just for diversification—but for sustained growth and income. Yet with opportunity comes complexity. Are individual investors prepared for the risks, illiquidity, and nuances that often define this asset class? Which alternative strategies are now truly accessible—and which remain out of reach? More importantly, is this surge in interest just a momentary shift, or the start of a fundamental rethinking of portfolio construction? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gerald Gan, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Reed Capital Partners, to find out more.

Singapore shares nudged higher today as all eyes remained on trade tensions between the US and China.  The Straits Times Index inched 0.11% higher to 3,938.78 points at 2.15pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$542.51M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have OCBC, because the bank has made a S$900 million conditional exit offer at S$30.15 per share for the 6.28 per cent stake in Great Eastern it does not own, in a bid to delist the insurer.  Elsewhere, from Asian market movements given hopes of easing trade tensions between the US and China, to Japan confirming that the country’s economy contracted in the first quarter, more international headlines remain in focus.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments of the day.

When a startup founder, defense strategist, FMCG operator, and social worker team up, they don’t form your average nonprofit. They form Antica—a foundation reinventing how Singapore addresses aging and reintegration. At the helm is Dixon Lim, a former founder now running Antica with the hustle of a Series A startup. In months, they’ve launched Project GUARDIAN – passive tech to prevent falls in senior homes and Project SECOND WINGS – reintegrating ex-offenders into real community jobs. Their mantra? Move fast, build smart, and don’t wait for permission. With aging populations and rising complexity, Antica poses a radical question: What if nonprofits scaled like startups? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dixon Lim, Executive Director of Antica to find out more. 

Buoyed by a big win against Maldives, next up for Singapore is Bangladesh in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. And ahead of the duel in Dhaka, Sports Minutes heads into the Lions den to check in with Song Ui-Young. From returning after a year's absence due to personal reasons, to a budding midfield partnership with Kyoga Nakamura - it’s all building up to a pivotal 90 minutes that could define Singapore’s qualification hopes on the road to Riyadh. READ MORE: Song Ui-young gets Lions recall after year-long absence due to family matters Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg