Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Six years since retiring as Singapore’s most decorated para swimmer, Theresa Goh is back competing - only this time with a pistol. Why, and why now you ask? Tune in as she tell us all about her remarkable comeback, and the support that’s fuelling her second act. With one eye on the 2026 ASEAN Para Games and the Paralympics beyond, Theresa reflects on rediscovering purpose, rebuilding routine, and why starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. READ MORE:  Paralympic swimming medallist Theresa Goh makes sporting comeback with shooting Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

The Straits Times Index (STI) briefly notched a new record of 4,008.15 points today as Singapore draws a rush of investors seeking safe havens from geopolitical risks.  This is the second time the benchmark index has crossed the 4,000 point threshold.  In terms of counters to watch, we have Yangzijiang Financial. The group released an update today that its proposed spin-off company Yangzijiang (YZJ) Maritime Development has been incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore.  Elsewhere, from how US President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” narrowly scraped through the Senate overnight, to how Intel’s new chief executive is reportedly exploring a big change to its contract manufacturing business – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Too Jun Cheong, Dealing Manager from Moomoo Singapore.

Thailand’s political landscape has been jolted once again. In a dramatic development, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been temporarily suspended from office by the Constitutional Court, less than a year into her tenure.  The decision comes as the court deliberates a petition filed by a group of senators, who accuse Paetongtarn of violating ethical standards — specifically over comments made in a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.  Now, her leadership hangs in the balance amid mounting legal pressure and political tension. As the court begins its review, key questions remain: How will this suspension reshape Thailand’s political calculus? Is this a big blow to her less-than-a-year old government? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Purawich Watanasukh, Lecturer, Faculty of Political Science, Thammasat University, to find out more. 

South Korea’s manufacturing activity contracts for the fifth straight month, with the PMI inching up to 48.7 in June but still below the expansion threshold. Meanwhile, Japan’s manufacturing sector sees its first growth in over a year as output rises, yet ongoing uncertainty over US tariffs weighs on demand and exports. However, trade tensions escalate as US-Japan tariff talks face renewed challenges with fresh threats from Washington.  On the corporate front, City Developments expands its reach into Europe through a new hotel loyalty partnership, while semiconductor firm UMS Integration pursues a secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia amid sector volatility. On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to Dan Chang, Trading Representative at PhillipCapital, to discuss the latest market movements.

With the US dollar facing mounting pressure and volatility returning to FX markets, investors are recalibrating their currency strategies. What's driving the dollar's decline and how is it affecting major FX pairs—from the euro to the yen and yuan? But the shift isn’t limited to currencies. As gold takes a breather after record highs, lesser-followed precious metals like silver and platinum are beginning to shine. So what are these under-the-radar assets, spotlighting new trading opportunities in contracts that could be poised for breakout momentum? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Lim Jun Kit, Senior Strategist, Phillip Nova, to find out more. 

As the founder of GoRental, he’s already building the next generation of portable power: systems that are clean, scalable, and ready to go wherever the grid can’t. But GoRental is more than just smart hardware. What truly sets it apart is the bold vision driving it: to make reliable, sustainable energy accessible anywhere, anytime. So what's their story?  On the Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Colin Peh, Founder of GoRental, to find out more.

China reported that its official manufacturing PMI edged up to 49.7 in June from 49.5 in May, though it remains in contraction territory below the crucial 50 threshold. Meanwhile, Japan’s retail sales rose 3% year-on-year in May, moderating from the 5% growth seen in April. Meta is also under increased regulatory scrutiny, as authorities investigate potential risks posed by its AI technologies. Markets are also on edge as President Trump renews tariff threats, putting the fate of key trade negotiations in question. On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to David Kuo, Co-founder of The Smart Investor, to discuss the latest market movements.

Herbal Pharm is a leading Singapore-based nutraceutical and wellness brand dedicated to helping people live healthier, more balanced lives. Since its founding in 2004, the company has been committed to formulating premium-quality supplements, personal care, and lifestyle products made from all-natural ingredients. Driven by the mission “For a Better You,” Herbal Pharm was built on the belief that wellness should be holistic, effective, and accessible, especially for Singapore’s ageing population and those managing modern lifestyle challenges. In recognition of its innovation and consumer trust, Herbal Pharm was proudly named a Voted Product of the Year 2025 winner, reflecting the brand’s dedication to delivering products that people truly love and rely on. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Vejay, Founder, Herbal Pharm, to find out more.

Singapore is changing the rules on who can give blood. From 2026, first-time donors will be allowed to step up even at age 65 - a move aimed at tackling falling donation rates and rising demand. This is according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who announced the policy change at a World Blood Donor Day event held by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). But can this shift make a real difference? And what does the data really say about older donors? We dive into the numbers and the policy behind the change. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Christine Cheung, Associate Professor of Vascular Biomedicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at NTU to find out more. 

Under the Trump administration, the Federal Housing Finance Agency is pushing forward a policy that would let homebuyers list crypto holdings in mortgage applications—no conversion to cash required. It’s a bold departure from the norm. For years, digital assets have been sidelined in mortgage underwriting due to their price swings and regulatory uncertainty. But with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now tasked with exploring this path, the big questions loom: Why the shift now—and what could it signal for crypto’s future in traditional finance? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Valentin Fournier, Digital Asset Analyst at BRN, to find out more about what this means for the crypto market.