Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

In 2008, Lehman Brothers filed the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, triggering a global financial crisis. The investment bank's downfall was fueled by risky bets on subprime mortgages and excessive leverage.

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 one of this two-part “On the Go” Specials of Under the Radar, Money Matter’s 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 challenges and objectives in giving the project site a new facelift.

Singapore shares were down at the day’s open as regional markets traded mixed after US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened tariffs on Apple. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) slid 0.1 per cent to 3,878.4 points after 31.4 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Sats, after the in-flight caterer on Friday reported net profit of S$38.7 million for the three months ended March 2025, gaining 18.3 per cent from the corresponding year-ago period.  Meanwhile, from Trump’s potential levies on Apple and other smartphone makers, to him delaying tariffs on the European Union, global trade news continue to remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

In a stunning escalation of tensions between academia and federal policy, the Trump administration has taken unprecedented action by targeting Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students—an institution where nearly one in three students hails from abroad.  Citing national security concerns, links to foreign influence, and a crackdown on antisemitism, the administration's move has sparked outrage, legal battles, and global concern.  As Harvard pushes back in court and international partners scramble to support displaced students, the decision raises far-reaching questions: What does this mean for academic freedom in the US?  How will this reshape the future of international education? And where do we draw the line between national interest and intellectual openness? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics, ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific to find out more.

When markets turn volatile, many investors instinctively turn to cash, seeking refuge in what feels like the safest and most stable option.  But beneath that sense of security lies a more complex reality.  Holding too much cash for too long can quietly erode wealth, especially in the face of inflation and missed investment opportunities. As economic conditions shift and market cycles evolve, is cash truly a safe haven—or could it be a hidden risk in disguise?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Laurent Lequeu, Independent Financial consultant and Writer of The Macro Butler Newsletter, to find out more.

Helpling is a digital-first home services platform that connects customers with trained, trusted professionals for a wide range of household and caregiving needs. Originally founded in Berlin, Helpling has grown into a global brand with a strong presence in Asia-Pacific. The company offers on-demand services such as home cleaning, elderly care, and companionship support, all designed to meet the evolving needs of urban households and ageing populations.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to James Lim, CEO APAC, Helpling, to find out more.

Singapore is a nation that celebrates excellence, be it in academics, innovation, and global business. But when it comes to sports, are we doing enough to show our support? Our athletes train with relentless discipline in order to represent the country on the world stage, yet many go without a much deserved appreciation. However, some insist that Singapore does appreciate its athletes through financial rewards, sponsorships, and world-class facilities. On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Brandon Ooi, Singapore’s Canoe Sprint Athlete and Dr Valerie Teo, President of Singapore Bowling Federation, to discuss whether Singaporean athletes are truly underappreciated.

Geopolitical tensions, shifting interest rate expectations, and renewed tariff threats under the Trump campaign’s proposed economic agenda have created fresh waves of uncertainty in global markets.  In this environment, even traditional safe havens are being questioned, with the US dollar under pressure and US Treasurys facing growing scepticism.  It’s becoming increasingly clear that it is going to get harder to be a long-term investor. With volatility now a constant rather than a cycle, is it time to rethink what long-term investing really means? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to  Ivan Neo, Wealth Manager (Dual license), PhillipCapital, to find out more.

Singapore shares dipped today as investors continue to monitor the state of the global economy.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.27% at 3,869.69 points at 2.11pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$657.60M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch today, we have Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. The marine vessel manufacturer reported that its year-to-date order wins for the first quarter of 2025 amounted to six vessels worth US$300 million.  Yangzijiang Shipbuilding said this was around 5 per cent of its US$6 billion target for the 2025 financial year. Elsewhere, from Singapore’s core inflation coming in hotter-than-expected in April, to how US President Donald Trump’s trade negotiators are reportedly pushing the EU to make unilateral tariff reductions on US goods – more economic headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

In 1980, the Hunt brothers tried to corner the silver market, driving prices up nearly tenfold. Their plan collapsed on Silver Thursday, triggering massive losses and a historic market crash.