Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development has released its Family Trends Report 2025, offering a deep dive into how families are evolving — and what that might mean for the nation’s future. While two-child households remain the norm, there’s a noticeable uptick in one-child families and a growing number of women reaching their 40s without children. At the same time, policies like paternity leave and childcare support have gained traction, and more parents are tapping into flexible work arrangements. But beyond the numbers lies a bigger question: What do these shifts mean for Singapore’s long-term population outlook? Are we simply seeing changing preferences, or are we headed for deeper demographic challenges — from low fertility to an ageing society? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Tan Poh Lin, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore, to find out more.

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to mull uncertainties relating to global trade.  The Straits Times Index was up 0.48% at 4,051.30 points at 2.30pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$956.01M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Singapore Airlines. The national carrier said yesterday that its proposed joint venture with Malaysia Airlines received conditional approval from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore.  Elsewhere, from how investors are reacting to US President Donald Trump’s tariff letters to 14 countries, to movements in the Australian dollar after the Reserve Bank of Australia held its cash rate in a surprise move – more international headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kelvin Wong, Senior Analyst, OANDA.

As global uncertainty grows and fears of political and financial instability mount, the ultra-rich aren’t just watching markets — they’re moving their money into vaults. And one unlikely hotspot is emerging as a global gold haven: Singapore. Behind the doors of a sleek, heavily guarded facility near Changi Airport, billions in gold bars are quietly being stored — shipped in by investors looking for safety, control, and distance from risk. So what’s driving the world’s wealthiest to park their gold in the Lion City? And what does it say about the future of wealth protection? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gregor Gregersen, Founder, Silver Bullion Group, to find out more.

Blitz Electric Mobility is Southeast Asia’s leading instant and same-day delivery provider, powered entirely by electric vehicles. With a fleet of over 3,000 EV couriers and advanced AI-driven logistics, Blitz has completed more than 11 million deliveries while reducing over 18 million kg of CO₂ emissions. Trusted by 50+ enterprise clients across multiple industries, Blitz delivers ultra-fast, sustainable logistics solutions that help businesses move smarter, greener, and faster than ever. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Saivya Chauhan, Founder & CEO, Blitz Electric Mobility, to find out more.

Singapore shares rose today even as tariff worries returned to the fore this week. The Straits Times Index was up 0.25% at 4,023.71 points at about 2.17pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$654.40M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Del Monte Pacific, after the group said today that it is expecting a capital deficit on its balance sheet from write-offs in relation to its US subsidiary Del Monte Foods. Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump is set to send his first tariff letters to trading partners overnight, to oil prices slipping more than 1 per cent today after Opec+ surprised markets by hiking output more than expected in August – more international headlines remained in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Starting April 2026, adult educators who wish to conduct SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)-supported courses will face new requirements. They’ll need to register officially, complete at least 40 hours of continuing professional development, and clock 80 hours of practice every two years to remain certified. This shift moves beyond the current one-off certification system, aiming to raise the quality of adult education, keep trainers up to date with industry developments, and open new pathways for experienced professionals from fields like law and healthcare to step in as educators. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ives Tay, Specialist Adult Educator and Independent Workforce Development Consultant, to unpack the latest changes.

In a move that could accelerate digital asset adoption, Singapore’s Monetary Authority has issued landmark guidance allowing crypto holdings to be officially verified as part of wealth assessments. This marks a major shift—especially for family offices and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who’ve long faced hurdles integrating crypto into traditional financial frameworks. How will this reshape private wealth management, and why this may be the clearest signal yet that crypto is entering the financial mainstream? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, to find out more.

PAYGAP ASIA is a digital platform dedicated to salary transparency and empowering individuals to understand their true earning potential. Founded as MalaysianPAYGAP in 2022, the movement began with a rebellious spirit to break the taboo surrounding salary discussions. In 2024, MalaysianPAYGAP evolved into PAYGAP ASIA, expanding its mission across the region - through its new online platform, PAYGAP ASIA offers a safe, anonymous space for people to share salary information, gain insights into fair compensation, and advocate for workplace transparency and equity. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Prestine Davekhaw, Founder, PAYGAP, to find out more.

In the wake of the recent NTU case, where students were penalised for using AI in their assignments, the question takes centre stage: embrace the tech — or ban it outright? As AI tools like ChatGPT become part of everyday student life, universities are facing a defining dilemma; is AI a threat to genuine learning, or a tool students must master to be future-ready? Are universities overreacting, or falling behind in safeguarding the value of a degree? On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Andrew Tan Yong Chuan, Co-founder of Atomi Pte Ltd. and Damien Xing, Senior Lecturer in Law at the National University of Singapore Business School, in order to find out whether a zero tolerance policy for AI is needed for the future of academia. 

Singapore shares dipped today as investors continue to mull new property cooling measures in the country.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.23% at 4,010.52 points at 1.29pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$620.57M seen in the broader market.  SGX-listed property developers are in focus today as the Singapore Government raised the Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD) rates by four percentage points, and extended the holding period that SSD applies from three to four years.  Meanwhile, from how US President Donald Trump’s tax package cleared its final hurdle in Congress, to how the President is planning to start sending letters to the US’ trading partners to inform them of their tariff rates, more international 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.