Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

In the coming decade, six golf courses across the island are set to close, making way for housing and urban redevelopment. That includes Mandai Executive Golf Course — the country’s only public 9-hole facility — which will shut its gates by the end of 2026. In its place? New residential projects and an Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre. Supporters say this is a necessary trade-off in a land-scarce city where housing needs are growing. Critics argue it marks the slow erosion of public access to a sport already seen as elite and exclusive. So what does this shrinking golf footprint mean for Singapore’s urban priorities, sporting future, and socio-economic landscape? Is this a long-overdue reset — or the loss of a shared public good? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Nicholas Fang, Managing Director of sports consultancy Novastella, former Nominated Member of Parliament and former national athlete, to find out more. 

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to digest more developments on the global trade front. The Straits Times Index was up 0.41% at 4,074.48 points at 12.01pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$564.51M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have DBS, Singtel and ST Engineering, given how the Singapore bank, telecommunications giant and defence technology company were among the top performers in Temasek’s Singapore-based portfolio companies in the past year.  Elsewhere, from Nvidia’s brief rise to a world-record US$4 trillion valuation, the latest US Federal Reserve meeting minutes suggesting rate cuts later in the year – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff salvo on Brazilian imports. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital. 

It was supposed to be a routine confirmation hearing — but what unfolded on Capitol Hill was anything but.  Dr. Anjani Sinha, President Trump’s nominee to be the next US Ambassador to Singapore, faced a grilling that exposed not just gaps in preparation, but deeper questions about competence, credibility, and the cost of political loyalty. From fumbling trade figures to blank stares on ASEAN policy, the hearing left senators — and observers — stunned.  So the question now is: Was this just a bad performance, or a symptom of something much bigger in America’s diplomatic playbook? What happens now to Dr Sinha? Does he still have a chance to be confirmed as the next ambassador to Singapore? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the College of Business, Government and Law at Flinders University, to find out more.

Alternative investments are undergoing a major transformation in 2025.  New technologies like blockchain are enabling tokenization of real-world assets, while AI is reshaping how deals are sourced and managed. Private credit continues to grow as investors seek yield beyond traditional markets, and impact investing is moving toward deeper, measurable outcomes. Combined with changing regulations and increasing retail participation, these shifts are redefining how investors approach alternatives.  What opportunities and challenges lie ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gerald Gan, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Reed Capital Partners, to find out what the top themes are to watch in the alt space this year.

Industries change, job security vanishes, and for many mid-career professionals in Singapore, the pressure to reskill is real. But switching into cybersecurity? That’s a whole different beast. It’s technical, fast-moving, and often feels out of reach for those without an IT background.  That’s exactly why the Centre for Cybersecurity Institutewas started by a team who’ve been there. As Singapore continues to invest in digital capabilities and cybersecurity talent, CFCI represents a different kind of training provider, one that’s less focused on tech buzzwords and more focused on people. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with James Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Centre for Cybersecurity Institute, to find out more. 

Singapore shares rose today as investors mull new tariff threats by US President Donald Trump. The Straits Times Index was up 0.23% at 4,056.99 points at 11.31am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$490.29M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have OCBC and Great Eastern, given how the insurer will resume trading after a vote for it to be delisted fell through at its extraordinary general meeting yesterday.  Elsewhere, from Trump’s latest comments to impose a 50 per cent tariff on imported copper, to China’s producer deflation deepening to its worst level in almost two years in June – more international headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kenneth Goh, Director, Private Wealth Management, UOB Kay Hian.

No more extensions — that’s Trump’s latest ultimatum on tariffs.  With just weeks to go until August 1, countries that haven’t made a deal face steep penalties. But the extension, paired with Trump signaling that he was still negotiating additional deals, has fueled speculation among some in Washington and on Wall Street that the president would not follow through on his latest tariff threats. Is this tough talk real power or political posturing? Will Trump stand firm or change course again? And how are nations reacting to this high-stakes deadline? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow with the US Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, for a deeper analysis. 

As companies rethink the role of the office, investors are being forced to reassess what makes real estate truly valuable. Knight Frank’s latest (Y)OUR SPACE report reveals a market in flux, where flexibility, sustainability, and workplace experience are driving decisions. But with corporate uncertainty still looming, is the office market ready for a reinvention or just a reset? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Lee Elliott, Head of Global Occupier Research, Knight Frank, to find out more about the key findings of the report.

Collektr is Asia’s premier livestreaming marketplace dedicated to collectible enthusiasts. Built for collectors who demand authenticity and security, Collektr offers a seamless platform to buy, sell, and trade verified collectibles across diverse categories. More than a marketplace, Collektr is a vibrant community where passionate collectors connect, share knowledge, and bid in real-time, ensuring every transaction is as thrilling as the treasures they pursue. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Adlin Yusman, Founder & CEO, Collektr, to find out more.

It is the time of the year where Singapore’s state investor Temasek releases its latest financial performance.  Founded in 1974, Temasek is a global investment company whose purpose is to make a difference for today’s and future generations “So Every Generation Prospers”.  With a global network of 13 offices in 9 countries around the world, the Singapore headquartered firm seeks to build a resilient and forward-looking portfolio that will deliver sustainable returns over the long term.  Speaking of portfolio and returns, Temasek reported a Net Portfolio Value (or NPV) of S$434 billion for the financial year ended 31 March 2025, up S$45 billion from a year ago.  On a mark to market basis, Temasek said its net portfolio value would stand at S$469 billion, reflecting a value uplift of S$35 billion from its unlisted portfolio.  The firm largely attributed the increase in portfolio value to the strong performance of listed Singapore-based Temasek Portfolio Companies and direct investments in China, the US and India.  Meanwhile, the state investor’s 20-year and 10-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) remained resilient, at 7% and 5% respectively. But how would Temasek assess its latest performance given an uncertain macroeconomic environment, complicated by heightened trade and geopolitical tensions? Covering the annual release for the fourth time, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to Temasek’s office in this “On the Go” Special episode of Under the Radar, where she spoke with Png Chin Yee, Chief Financial Officer, Temasek.