Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

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.

Would you pay $8,600 for a single scoop of ice cream? That’s the price of Byakuya, Japan’s record-breaking dessert crafted with rare white truffle, gold leaf, and sake lees. Extravagant or excessive? You decide.

The STI opened at 3,861 today, with movements in key stocks such as Sinarmas Land and Frasers Hospitality Trust. On the global front, Apple returned to the bond market with a $4.5 billion issuance, and Hong Kong intervened heavily to defend its currency peg. Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway saw a 5% dip in its stock price, sparking investor concerns.  On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to Dan Chang, Investment Specialist and Trading Representative at PhillipCapital, to discuss the key market movements.  

As the world moves toward decarbonization and digital transformation, investors are increasingly eyeing startups at the forefront of green energy and next-generation technology.  From breakthroughs in renewable infrastructure and energy storage to innovations in AI, blockchain, and climate tech - these companies are not only solving pressing global challenges but also creating compelling investment opportunities. However, with the influx of capital and heightened interest, the landscape is also becoming more complex to navigate. What should investors look for? Where are the emerging markets of opportunity? How do you strike a balance between financial returns and long-term impact? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Peter Lundgreen, CEO Lundgreen's Capital to find out more. 

Singapore has marked off its 14th General Election and Singaporeans have returned the PAP to power with 65.57% of the popular vote, a commanding swing from its 61.24% share in the last general election. But, GE2025 shook up Singapore’s political landscape in more ways than one. Shifting alliances, unexpected or expected outcomes, and a changing voter base have left many asking: what just happened—and what’s next? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Zakir Hussain, Associate Editor, The Straits Times to find out more. 

Semula is a Singapore-based social enterprise that's giving plastic waste a second life. By transforming discarded materials into products like furniture and corporate gifts, Semula champions the idea that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand. Founded by a group of friends united by a passion for the environment, the business has evolved from a small initiative into a purpose-driven enterprise. So, what if the plastic we throw away could become something beautiful and useful again? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Jeryl, the Co-founder of Semula to find out more. 

Rhine II sold for $4.3 million in 2011, becoming the most expensive photograph ever auctioned back then. A digitally altered image of a grey river under a grey sky, Rhine II stripped everything down, from people, buildings, distractions, to nothing. And behind the minimalism lies a deeper debate about value, art, and what makes a photo worth millions.