Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

The luxury fashion market stands at a crossroads amid tightening global economies and shifting consumer mindsets.  With real incomes lagging and spending growth subdued through 2029, traditional luxury hubs like the US, China, and Europe face unprecedented challenges.  Rising prices, evolving questions of value and authenticity, and the surge of affordable luxury are redefining how consumers connect with high-end brands.  How are macroeconomic forces and trade policies steering this transformation — and what strategies around perception, pricing, and brand positioning will ensure lasting success in a rapidly changing landscape? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lydia Burton, Associate Analyst, Food & Drink, BMI, to find out more.

Singapore’s real wages rose by 3.2% in 2024, marking a rebound from the modest 0.4% growth the year before as nominal wage increases outpaced easing inflation. Yet, concerns are emerging over the sustainability of this trend. Despite stronger-than-expected GDP growth in early 2024 and signs of easing in US-China trade tensions, MOM expects wage growth to moderate in 2025. What explains the cautious outlook amid improving economic indicators? Why are certain sectors seeing stronger wage and profit growth than others? And how might global and domestic forces shape the future of wages in Singapore? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Aurobindo Ghosh, Assistant Professor of Finance (Education) Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University to find out more.   

2-time Premier League winner Joe Hart sits down with Sports Minutes to discuss his ‘fraught’ relationship with Pep Guardiola, working and winning under Ange Postecoglu at Celtic and his admiration for the league winners Liverpool. Plus, despite earning 75 caps for the Three Lions and 43 clean sheets to show for, does he feel he gets the recognition he deserves? Tune in to find out! READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou deserves credit for ending Tottenham Hotspur’s trophy drought: Joe Hart Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

More parents are turning to tuition just to keep the peace at home, often because they simply don’t recognize the way their children are being taught today. And that disconnect doesn’t stop at schoolwork. Children are growing up on TikTok and Instagram, while parents remain on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. The result? Even how we talk about school and learning is happening in different digital languages. So, how can parents bridge the widening education gap without burning out? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Lily Chew, founder of Lil’ but Mighty to find out how she is bridging the homework generation gap.

In 1920, Charles Ponzi pulled off one of the most infamous financial scams in history by promising massive returns through a fake investment scheme. His name would go on to define the “Ponzi scheme,” a fraud that still traps investors today.

In November 2023, the Singapore Land Authority, the Singapore Tourism Board, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority launched a collective tender to appoint a master tenant to rejuvenate a row of shophouses along Smith Street, as well as the adjacent pedestrian mall. That’s where the former Chinatown Food Street was located before it lowered its shutters in 2021, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In part two of this two-part “On the Go” Specials of Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian joined Carrie Wong, Director of Business Planning, Singapore Land Authority at Chinatown for a preview of the rejuvenated site.  They also discussed the features to watch out for as shops along the refreshed site progressively open.

The 46th ASEAN Summit is taking place in Kuala Lumpur at a time of mounting global uncertainty and shifting power dynamics.  The region is navigating escalating trade tensions, particularly in light of sweeping US tariff hikes on ASEAN exports, while also grappling with the ongoing Myanmar crisis and unresolved South China Sea disputes. Will ASEAN be able to present a united front in the face of external pressures? Can it lead a meaningful shift toward a more balanced, multipolar world? And how will today’s declarations translate into tomorrow’s action? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia & Senior Fellow of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs to find out more. 

Singapore shares nudged higher today as traders in the region struggled for direction. The Straits Times Index was up 0.24% at 3,884.95 points at about 2.32pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$476.31M seen in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, we have Sembcorp, after the group said yesterday that its subsidiary Sembcorp Utilities entered an agreement with several of its South-east Asian counterparts to explore exporting renewable energy from Vietnam into Malaysia and Singapore. Elsewhere, from shares of BYD extending losses in Hong Kong as sweeping price cuts stoked concerns of another wave of discounting in China’s electric car market, to what to watch ahead of Nvidia’s earnings out tomorrow – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Willie Keng, Founder, DividendTitan.com

Over the past decade, Singapore has seen a dramatic shift in how consumers pay — digital wallets now account for 39% of all online transaction value and nearly a third of point-of-sale spending, skyrocketing from just 7% and 1% respectively ten years ago.  This surge has positioned Singapore as a leader in digital payment innovation across the Asia-Pacific region, fueled by a tech-savvy population and a robust digital infrastructure.  But what’s really driving this rapid adoption? Is it simply the growing demand for convenience, or does this trend signal a deeper transformation that fintech investors should be watching closely?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Phil Pomford, General Manager, Global eCom, APAC, Worldpay, to find out more.

Two years ago, Foundation Healthcare was little more than a bold vision, an ambitious dream to reimagine private healthcare in Singapore. Fast forward to today, and that dream has evolved into a thriving, fast-growing network of clinics, specialists, and innovative care solutions. From launching the Health Connective Programme to expanding its specialist network and opening new centres, Foundation Healthcare is not only scaling, it’s shaping the future of care. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Karen Lee, Director of Partnerships, Foundation Healthcare to find out more.