Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares moved higher to track advances in Asia today. The Straits Times Index rose 0.42% to 4,225.88 points at 2.34pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$937.26M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have DFI Retail Group. The supermarket and retail store operator announced yesterday that its underlying profit rose 38.9 per cent to US$105 million for the first half ended Jun 30, from US$75.6 million a year ago.  Elsewhere, from how shares of Japanese and South Korean automakers surged after US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal in Tokyo that includes tariff reduction on Japanese auto imports, to how Alibaba Group today announced an open-source AI model for software development said to be its most advanced coding tool to date – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. Plus – how Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly said to announce his resignation by the end of next month. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Abhilash Narayan, Investment Strategist, HSBC Global Private Banking and Premier Wealth.

Every season begins with a story. For Nikola Ignjatovic, it’s a leap into the unknown. For Raiyaan Noor, it’s stepping out of his fathe Noor Ali's shadows. Together, they represent Geylang International’s next chapter. In this heart-on-sleeve episode, the Eagles duo reflect on expectations, pressure, family ties and more. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Mantua Cybersecurity is Singapore’s premier provider of advanced cybersecurity solutions, dedicated to helping businesses across Southeast Asia stay secure in an increasingly complex digital landscape. Founded with deep roots in Singapore, Mantua quickly earned a reputation for delivering innovative, reliable services tailored to the region’s unique cybersecurity needs. Following a temporary consolidation to its Philippine headquarters during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mantua invested heavily in expanding its capabilities and service portfolio. Today, Mantua offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services, including threat intelligence, security operations centre (SOC) services, managed detection and response (MDR), vulnerability assessments, incident response, and strategic consulting. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Cel Mantua, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Mantua, to find out more.

Starting July 22nd, Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can begin claiming their $600 SG60 vouchers, part of a national initiative to celebrate Singapore’s 60th year of independence and recognise the contributions of its people. These digital vouchers can be used at over 23,000 hawkers, heartland merchants, and major supermarkets across the island. And with more than 83% of seniors having already claimed their $800 vouchers earlier this month, the rollout now expands to younger adults. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Chin Soo Fang, Senior Correspondent, Straits Times, to discuss more about the SG60 vouchers rollout.

Singapore shares dipped today after starting the week in the green. The Straits Times Index was down 0.24% at 4,196.87 points at 11.29am, with a value turnover of S$503.21M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have CapitaLand Investment, after its subsidiary, Bursa Malaysia-listed CapitaLand Malaysia Trust, posted a distribution per unit of 1.18 sen for the second quarter ended Jun 30, 2025, up 0.9 per cent from the year-ago period. Elsewhere, from the S&P 500 index ending above 6,300 points for the first time, to how Softbank and OpenAI’s Stargate is reportedly aiming to build a small data centre by the end of the year – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.

What happens when kids grow up managing investment accounts before they even hit their teens? Generation Alpha is rewriting the rules of investing—digital-first, tech-savvy, and already shaping their financial futures. According to Mastercard’s latest report, nearly half of Gen Alpha children in the Asia-Pacific region already hold investment accounts. But are they really better investors, or just early adopters navigating uncharted waters?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ben Gilbey, Senior Vice President, Digital Consumer Solutions, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, to find out more.

BOVEM is Singapore’s modern men’s grooming brand, committed to redefining personal care with quality, precision-grade products designed for an elevated grooming experience. Founded in 2020 by two SMU students, BOVEM was born from a personal mishap and a mission to solve the lack of safe, effective tools for below-the-waist grooming,especially in Asia. With meticulous attention to detail and a touch of fun, BOVEM crafts everyday essentials like the Globe™ Trimmer, engineered to eliminate nicks and cuts while being 100% waterproof for convenience. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lydon Ong, Co-Founder, BOVEM, to find out more.

A slew of policy changes will kick in, starting with the upcoming HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) flat sales exercise in July, benefiting singles as well as families looking to upgrade or right-size their homes. One of which benefiting singles involves a previously announced new Family Care Scheme, meant to provide singles with priority access to BTO flats when they buy one near or with their parents. But what do these changes mean for housing demand, affordability, and long-term financial stability? And how might they shift dynamics in the resale and public rental markets? On The Big Story, Dr Lee Nai Jia, Head of Real Estate Intelligence, PropertyGuru Group, to find out more. 

Singapore shares rose today, breaking above the 4,200 point mark at one point.  The Straits Times Index was up 0.34% at 4,203.87 points at 11.58am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$680.51M seen in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, we have Lum Chang Creations, after the company made its trading debut on the Catalist board of the Singapore Exchange today under the trading name “Lum Chang Creat” and trading code “LCC”.  Elsewhere, from Hong Kong topping 25,000 points for the first time in three years, to movements relating to the Japanese yen after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to stay on even after another election defeat – more international headlines remained in focus. Plus – how Microsoft issued an alert about “active attacks” on server software used by government agencies and businesses to share documents within organisations, and recommended security updates that customers should apply immediately. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

From injury comebacks to national team heartbreaks, Singaporean midfielders Jacob Mahler and Joel Chew have lived the highs and lows of football. Now reunited at BG Tampines Rovers - the duo sit down with Sports Minutes to talk about their friendship, football ambition, and what it means to be part of Singapore’s next generation. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg