Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

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

In a meritocratic society like Singapore, transparency should be a step in the right direction in terms of fairness.  However, Singaporean culture often values discretion and harmony. Even though it’s not illegal to share your salary, many still see it as taboo or risky in professional settings. What happens when we aim to push for openness in a system built on personal performance, quiet ambition, and competitive advantage? Would it spark resentment, conflict, or even drive talent away? On The Hot Seat, Hongbing Jeong speaks to Fermin Diez, Adjunct Professor at SMU; and co-author of three books: ‘Human Capital and Global Business Strategy’, ‘The Remuneration Handbook: International Edition’ and ‘Fundamentals of HR Analytics', and Adrian Choo, CEO and Founder of Career Agility to find out if wage transparency should be the norm.

Singapore shares moved higher today as regional bourses traded mixed. The Straits Times Index was up 0.27% at 3,928.29 points at 2.31pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$668.89M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have OCBC. That’s given how the bank’s insurer, Great Eastern, is seeking to delist through OCBC’s exit offer of S$30.15 per share.  Elsewhere, from optimism arising from what’s described as “very positive” talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, to the stunning public row between Trump and Tesla’s chief Elon Musk – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Sunny Soh, Lead Technical Analyst (Capital Markets & Investor Education), SIAS.

The REIT sector is entering a pivotal phase. Shaped by shifting economic conditions, evolving investor expectations, and rapid technological disruption, the landscape is being redefined in real time.  As volatility becomes the norm rather than the exception, investors are being forced to rethink how they approach real estate exposure.  What risks are worth taking in this new environment?  And how can investors position themselves to stay both agile and resilient amid so much uncertainty? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joseph Ong, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Euro Asia Asset Management, to find out more.

Happie is a Singapore-based water purification brand dedicated to making clean, healthy water effortlessly accessible in every home. Founded with a mission to simplify hydration, Happie designs sleek, tankless water purifiers and filtration systems that combine cutting-edge technology with user-centric features by delivering hot, cold, or room-temperature water at just one touch. It was also inspired by premium Korean innovation and tailored to the needs of modern households, Happie offers a product lineup that includes countertop purifiers, under-sink filtration systems, antioxidant alkaline filters, and its signature Vitamin C shower filter. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Benjamin Ling, Founder & CEO, Happie, to find out more.

Singapore ended a six-game winless streak with a morale-boosting 3-1 win over the Maldives - just in time for their Asian Cup qualifier in Bangladesh on June 10. Ikhsan Fandi marked his return to the side with a brace, while man-of-the-match Safuwan Baharudin made headlines of his own, revealing his club future exclusively to Sports Minutes. Tune in as we hear  from both players and a look ahead to the duel in Dhaka with Deepanraj Ganesan. READ MORE: Ikhsan Fandi brace helps Lions end six-match winless run with 3-1 victory over the Maldives Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Pets also experience mental health challenges ranging from anxiety and chronic stress to depression-like symptoms. These issues can manifest through behavioural changes like aggression, withdrawal, or compulsive actions. As awareness grows, more pet owners are beginning to understand that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health, and recognising the signs and seeking proper care can make a life-changing difference for animals, creating safer, calmer, and more supportive homes. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Daphne Ang, Emergency & Critical Care and Veterinary Behaviour specialist at Beecroft Animal Specialists & Emergency Hospital, to find out how mental health issues in pets are identified, treated, and why more owners are now recognizing the importance of their pets’ emotional well-being.