Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

As ESG regulations tighten across Southeast Asia, Singapore is stepping up with tangible tech infrastructure to support the region’s transition. One of the latest developments: a new AI-powered sustainability reporting platform, jointly launched in Indonesia by Singapore-based MVGX and BDO in Indonesia. This platform automates ESG reporting, slashing timelines by half, while aligning with international standards like the Global Reporting Initiative and the ISSB International Sustainability Standards Board. But, it’s more than a tech story; it is a signal of how Singapore is exporting sustainability innovation, and treating ESG not as a box-ticking exercise but as a strategic business advantage. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr. Bo Bai, Chairman and Co-founder of MVGX to find out more.    Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Nadiah Koh (nadkoh@sph.com.sg)  Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

For the first time since 1972, independent candidates turned out to be the more popular choice during Singapore’s General Elections.  GE2025 saw an independent candidate in Mountbatten SMC, winning 36.16% of the vote, making it The highest vote share for an independent in the constituency in over 50 years. Hongbing Jeong speaks to Jeremy Tan, the former candidate who ran for Mountbatten SMC during GE2025, to learn more about his participation in GE2025 and finding out what’s next for him as he continues to engage Singaporeans beyond the ballot box. 

DBS has just released its first-quarter earnings, reporting a 2% dip in net profit to S$2.9 billion, primarily due to the global minimum tax. UOB also reported its latest results, showing strong performance in its core businesses, with profit growth driven by robust loan demand and a healthy asset quality. Meanwhile, Disney posted impressive earnings, beating expectations with a 7% increase in revenue, driven by resilient demand at U.S. theme parks and a surprisingly strong performance in its streaming business. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, with Chair Jerome Powell emphasizing that more data is needed before adjusting policy, while ruling out any preemptive rate cuts in light of inflation still running above target. On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to David Chow, Director at Azure Capital, to discuss the latest market movement.

With 1.4 billion adults still unbanked globally and billions of people depending on costly remittances, the PayFi model is offering a groundbreaking alternative. According to the latest PayFi Report by Foresight Ventures and Bitget Wallet, the PayFi model, which combines DeFi with everyday spending, is not only a way to reduce transaction costs but also an innovative way to democratize financial access. What are the broader implications of the PayFi model and how are crypto wallets becoming an essential tool for managing personal finance? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Alice Li, Head of North America for Foresight Ventures to find out more. 

As AI adoption accelerates across the Asia-Pacific region, so too does the wave of legislation aimed at ensuring its safe, fair, and ethical use. In this rapidly evolving landscape, businesses are under pressure to remain both compliant and competitive. This is where Straits Interactive steps in. Straits Interactive empowers organisations to thrive in the digital age with AI-enhanced training and expert-led governance. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Alvin Toh, Co-Founder of Straits Interactive to find out more. 

Cheng Yongmao dedicated 20 years of his life to restoring the most dangerous section of the Great Wall of China. His relentless commitment to preserving this historic landmark, using ancient techniques and facing incredible challenges, has left a lasting legacy. Through his work, he has not only protected a national treasure but also ensured its authenticity for generations to come.

UOB announced a flat first-quarter net profit of S$1.49 billion, missing expectations as higher credit costs and market volatility weighed on performance. Net interest income rose 2% to S$2.41 billion, though net interest margin slipped to 2.00%. Credit costs increased to 35 basis points from 25 bps in Q4, as the bank set aside pre-emptive provisions. Meanwhile, the US and China are preparing for their first formal trade talks since former President Trump imposed sweeping 145% tariffs on most Chinese goods. The People’s Bank of China cut its seven-day reverse repo rate to 1.4% and trimmed the reserve requirement ratio by 50 basis points, releasing an estimated 1 trillion yuan in long-term liquidity. On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to Jeremy Tan, CEO of Tiger Fund Management, to discuss more about the latest market movements.  

The Vatican will be electing a new pope, with 133 cardinals set to decide who will lead the Catholic Church after Pope Francis' passing. With no clear frontrunner, speculation is high over whether the next pope will continue Francis’ progressive agenda or return to more traditional roots. Cardinals Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle have been mentioned as key candidates, but the outcome remains uncertain.  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Michel Chambon, Research Fellow, National University of Singapore, to find out more.

The rise of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has been nothing short of transformative , reshaping global finance and wealth management.  According to Multipolitan's latest report, The Future Is Onchain, this revolution is gaining unprecedented momentum, fueled by key geopolitical shifts and demographic changes. One key insight from the report is the emergence of crypto-friendly cities as the new epicenters of wealth and innovation. Cities such as Ljubljana, Hong Kong, Zurich, and Singapore are now vying to become the global hubs for crypto wealth, driven by favorable regulations and strong tech infrastructure.  So, how is blockchain transforming the way we invest? What can cities, investors, and individuals do to position themselves at the forefront of this new digital economy? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Nirbhay Handa, CEO of Multipolitan & Chuan Wei Foo, Partner for North Asia at Multipolitan to find out more. 

Growthwell Foods is a Singapore-based food technology company on a mission to make plant-based eating accessible, nutritious, and rooted in Asia’s vibrant food cultures. Founded on the belief that sustainable nutrition should be part of everyday life, Growthwell develops plant-based seafood, meat alternatives, and high-performance ingredients for consumers, chefs, and food companies. Through brands like Happiee!, partnerships with innovators like ChickP, and ongoing investment in plant-based R&D, Growthwell is creating products that deliver on both taste and nutrition while expanding into markets across Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Justin Chou, CEO, Growthwell Foods, to find out more.