Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

China’s manufacturing PMI drops to 49.0, signaling contraction, while the services sector shows signs of slowing. With Chinese banks reporting weaker earnings and narrowing net interest margins, concerns over economic growth and potential stimulus measures mount. Meanwhile, some of the Magnificent Seven tech giants are set to report earnings, with analysts forecasting strong growth despite trade tensions.  On Market View, Alexandra Parada speaks to Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Strategy at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, to find out more.

The secrecy of the ballot is a pillar of democratic integrity — a guarantee that every citizen can vote without fear or influence.  As Singapore heads to the polls on May 3, some might be wondering: “Is my vote really secret?” From serial numbers on ballot papers to sealed boxes under police escort and months-long storage in the Supreme Court, the process is designed to be secure — but does this also raise complex questions about transparency, accountability, and trust? How secret is your vote, really? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Rebecca Grace Tan, Lecturer in Political Science at the National University of Singapore to find out more.  Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh (nadkoh@sph.com.sg)  Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

A recent BBC documentary has cast a harsh spotlight on the darker side of whisky cask investment — exposing how hundreds of individuals, lured by promises of high returns, have been defrauded out of their life savings.  Now, many are now calling for transparency, accountability, and better investor protection. So what needs to change, and most importantly, how can investors safely navigate the world of whisky cask ownership? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Glenn Renaud Meijer, co-founder and Managing Director for The Whisky Collective, to find out more. 

Exotic Office Solutions is a leading provider of bespoke office automation and IT solutions, dedicated to helping businesses streamline operations, boost productivity, and create more inclusive workplaces. Since its founding in 2013, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering dependable office equipment and tailored technology services to businesses of all sizes. With a people-first approach, Exotic leverages automation not just to optimize workflows, but to empower employees, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds by removing barriers to learning and growth. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Alvis, Sales Manager, Exotic Office Solutions, to find out more.

Singapore’s Parliament is growing from 93 to 97 seats for GE2025. The addition of 4 seats makes this election more dynamic, as political parties vie for control in a shifting political landscape.

As champions of sustainability, Boulder Planet aims to cultivate climbers to actively think as they attempt courses while understanding what it means to save the Earth. But why exactly did they decide to become an advocate for environmental responsibility and how does bouldering come into play?  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Patrice Verosil, Co-Owner & Director of Boulder Planet Southeast Asia in order to find out more.

Singapore shares were little changed today even as markets in the region rose.   The Straits Times Index was up a marginal 0.04% at 3,813.20 points at about 2.51pm Singapore time with a value turnover of S$660.61M seen across the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Amara. Shares surged 27% shortly after the market opened to hit an all-time high after Hwa Hong, Wing Tai, Teo family consortium yesterday launched a bid to take Amara private at S$0.895 a share.  Elsewhere, from HSBC Bank launching a US$3 billion share buyback after reporting a 25 per cent fall in first-quarter profit to fast-fashion giant Shein Group hiking US prices by as much as 377% ahead of imminent tariffs on small parcels – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Too Jun Cheong, Assistant Dealing Manager from Moomoo Singapore.

Visa has released a report highlighting a significant rise in travel-related spending among Singaporeans, especially during peak periods like the year-end and Lunar New Year holidays. The findings show that Singaporeans are prioritizing lifestyle experiences, with shopping and dining now making up 61% of total travel spend. There's also a clear shift toward smarter spending - online lodging bookings and alternative airline choices are on the rise, reflecting a more strategic approach to budgeting and value.  On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Adeline Kim, Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, Visa, to find out more.

The clock is ticking as Polling Day rapidly approaches. As the stakes get higher, candidates have also turned the intensity up a notch, making quippy back-and-forths, sharp-tongued rebuttals and pointed jabs at their opponents. Today, as we enter the mid-point of hustings, we’ll be taking a look at some finger-pointing over the past few days and find out what voters might take away from them.  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speak with Dr. Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at Solaris Strategies Singapore to find out more. 

6 new Single-Member Constituencies (SMCs) and 5 new Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) have been introduced, bringing the total number of new constituencies to 11 for GE2025. These changes are a response to growing populations and new developments, impacting 22 constituencies across Singapore.