Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Asia's growth engines are powering ahead, but can they stay on track as Trump ramps up tariffs across the region? With global volatility rising and economic fault lines deepening, we ask: is Asia ready for what’s coming next? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Christiaan Tuntono, Senior Economist for Asia Pacific at Allianz Global Investors, to find out more.

Two days, two seismic moves in Singapore’s telco world. First, Keppel agrees to sell M1’s telecom arm to rival Simba for $1.43 billion, the first major consolidation since liberalization shook up the market and drove prices down. Then, barely 24 hours later, StarHub snaps up full control of MyRepublic Broadband, taking over its brand and assets. What’s fuelling this sudden wave of deals? Is this just the beginning of a bigger shake-up and what will it mean for you, the consumer? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Professor Lawrence Loh is Director, Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore Business School, to find out more.

OtterHalf is a fractional marketing agency based in Singapore, created to be the ‘other half’ that growing tech companies need to scale smartly, sustainably, and with heart. They specialize in working with B2B2C and DTC tech brands, guiding them from post-product-market fit through to Series B and beyond. Whether you’re missing a full marketing team or just need extra firepower for key initiatives, they step in as your flexible, experienced partner. Their name is a playful twist on ‘Other Half,’ and it reflects everything we believe in: partnership, creativity, and a bit of fun, and that spirit comes to life through Ottie, their wide-eyed otter mascot who reminds us that even serious strategy can be joyfully executed. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Cassandra Ong, Founder & CEO, OtterHalf, to find out more.

Singapore shares dipped today despite Asian markets trading mostly in the green. The Straits Times Index was down 0.22% at 4,223.52 points at 2.31pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$891.19M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have StarHub, after the telco today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary StarHub Online has acquired the remaining 49.9 per cent stake in MyRepublic’s broadband business that it did not already own.  Elsewhere, from how the US and China extended a tariff truce for another 90 days to how China has reportedly urged local companies to avoid using Nvidia’s H20 processors, particularly for government-related purposes – more international and corporate headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck, a look at the latest monetary policy decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kelvin Wong, Senior Analyst, OANDA.

In a move that's shaking up the luxury watch world, the US has slapped a hefty 39% tariff on imported Swiss watches, sending ripples through both retail and resale markets. From Rolex to Omega, collectors and investors alike are scrambling to assess what this means for prices, demand, and long-term value. So, what does this seismic policy shift really mean for the watch market? And could it open unexpected doors for investors? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joses Ng, Executive Director, Watch Capital, to find out more.

Singapore turned 60 over the weekend – and what a celebration it was.  From the packed stands at the Padang to the sea of red and white across the heartlands, the National Day Parade 2025 was nothing short of spectacular.  But just how big were the festivities this year? How did the crowd turnouts and atmosphere compare to previous years? And what moments truly stood out?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong takes a look back at the highlights of SG60 with Angelica Ang, reporter for the Straits Times.

Blue Whale is one of Europe’s leading apple producers, bringing together over 300 growers across France to cultivate high-quality fruit with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. With decades of expertise and a commitment to meeting evolving market needs, Blue Whale has expanded its reach across Asia, offering apple varieties like Candine that are not only delicious and convenient but also built for modern lifestyles. Whether it's through eco-friendly packaging or advanced farming techniques, Blue Whale continues to set the standard for what fresh produce can be. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ben Barache, Marketing Manager Asia, Blue Whale, to find out more.

Son Heung-Min’s move from Tottenham to LAFC for a record fee closes one chapter and opens another. On Sports Minutes, journalist Steve Price joins us from Seoul to explore Son’s Premier League legacy, his immense popularity in Korea and the world over, and the marketing and footballing impact he’ll bring to MLS. Plus, two Spurs fans share heartfelt tributes to a player who inspired them far beyond the pitch. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore shares fell today as investors continue to parse through more earnings and corporate developments out of the country. The Straits Times Index was down 0.15% at 4,233.66 points at 12.23pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$700.74M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Keppel, after the group announced today its proposed divestment of M1’s telecommunications business to Simba Telecom for an enterprise value of around S$1.4 billion.  Elsewhere, from how Nvidia and AMD have reportedly agreed to give the US government 15 per cent of revenue from sales of advanced computer chips to China, to what to watch ahead of the US-China trade truce deadline – more corporate and international news remain in focus.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

When it comes to sportswear and sneakers, one can’t help but think of two brothers who went from working partners to worst rivals after World War II and a family feud.  Yes, we’re talking about Rudolf or Rudi and Adolf or Adi Dassler. The duo are also better known as the Dassler brothers.  Both brothers ended up starting shoe companies of their own, and they grew to become two of the most prominent players in the industry today – PUMA and Adidas. And today we’re going to turn the spotlight on PUMA , which was founded by Rudi Dassler in 1948. Since its founding, PUMA has become one of the world’s leading sports brands that has been designing and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories for over 75 years.  The firm prides itself on offering performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories including (1) Football, (2) Running and Training, (3) Basketball, (4) Golf and (5) Motorsports.  With a distribution network in over 120 countries, PUMA Group’s influence runs deep into street culture and fashion, particularly so given the brand’s multiple collaboration with renowned brands and designers who are closely connected with the community on the ground.  Puma is an interesting company to look at given the ongoing tariff situation between the US and China.  In February 2025, the shoemaker said it is shipping far fewer Chinese-made sneakers to the US as the trade war between the two economic superpowers heats up. But how are things looking like right now, and how far is Southeast Asia a bright spot for the firm then?  Meanwhile, PUMA is also ramping up the throttle on a brand refresh to increase its presence in higher-end channels for sports and lifestyle products.  More recently, the firm teamed up with Spanish luxury fashion house Balenciaga on a new Winter 2025 collection that include tracksuits and reimagined versions of the PUMA’s iconic Speedcat shoes. But how far will such collaborations help the firm anchor its positioning in the sportswear industry? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Sanjay Roy, Managing Director, South East Asia & Oceania, PUMA Group.