Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares dipped today as investors continue to mull the US Federal Reserve’s latest move to hold interest rates at prevailing levels. The Straits Times Index was down 0.31% at 3,908.55 points at 11.50am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$350.49M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have DBS, after the lender inked a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission today to deepen investment links between Australia and South-east Asia.  Elsewhere, from the Fed’s dot plot of future rates and central bank chief Jerome Powell’s comments on US tariffs, to Shell CEO Wael Sawan’s take on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital. 

A man in Singapore made headlines after being shot in the lower back while cycling with friends on June 15 in a restricted area between Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs. The incident took place roughly 2.3km from the Nee Soon military training area, where a live-firing exercise was being conducted at the time. In a statement issued on June 16, MINDEF reminded the public that the Military Manoeuvres Act prohibits unauthorized access to gazetted SAF live-firing zones, citing safety concerns. This raises several important questions: What exactly are gazetted areas in Singapore? What happens if you accidentally trespass into one? And what legal consequences could you face? On The Big Story, Honbin Jeong speaks with Ng Kai Ling, Associate Director at LIMN Law Corporation to find out more.

SimplyGood is a Singapore-based clean technology start-up on a mission to make sustainable living easy, starting right at home. Founded by Jeremy Lee in 2021, the company aims to eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles in everyday household cleaning by offering concentrated, dissolvable cleaning tablets and sheets. Designed with both the planet and people in mind, SimplyGood’s products are 300 times lighter and 200 times smaller than traditional liquid cleaners, dramatically reducing carbon emissions from shipping and packaging. Their products are also made from 100% natural, plant-based ingredients, they’re safe for families, pets, and the environment. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jeremy Lee, Founder, SimplyGood, to find out more.

Singapore shares were lower today as all eyes remained on the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The Straits Times Index was down 0.42% at 3,914.06 points at 2.27pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$508.89M seen in the broader market.  In terms of counters to watch for today, we have Thakral Corp. The mainboard-listed company yesterday announced the launch of an initial public offering (IPO) of GemLife Communities, an Australian over-50s lifestyle resort operator, to raise up to A$750 million (S$628.2 million). Thakral holds a 31.7 per cent effective interest in GemLife.  Elsewhere, from economists slashing Singapore’s growth forecast to 1.7% for the full year of 2025, to JD.com’s founder unveiling a turnaround plan for the company after a five year slump – more economic and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Kenneth Goh, Director, Private Wealth Management, UOB Kay Hian.

Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the Israel-Iran conflict escalates into its sixth day. At the same time, he hinted on the possibility of sending diplomatic envoys, including Vice President J.D. Vance, to speak with Iranian officials, raising questions about US role in this conflict and what it aims to achieve. Meanwhile, Iran is facing its most serious internal security breach since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, losing key military figures, fending off cyberattacks, and watching its regional influence unravel as allies weaken across the region. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Leon Goldsmith, Senior Lecturer in Middle East Politics, University of Otago, to unpack the latest updates on the Israel-Iran conflict.

A club in transition. A chairman steps aside. And now, a head coach departs. After 8 years at the helm, Desmond Ong bid farewell as Chairman of BG Tampines Rovers on 1st June - and soon after, it’s been confirmed that head coach Gavin Lee will also be departing the club. What triggered this sweeping reset? Is this the end of an era, or the beginning of something new? Sports Minutes sits down with Desmond to talk legacy, leadership and succession. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Private markets are gaining serious traction in South-east Asia, with Singapore leading the charge as a regional powerhouse. In 2024, the city-state captured nearly half of all private equity deal value and volume in the region — a clear sign of shifting investor appetite.  As more retail investors eye alternative assets for long-term, diversified growth, the spotlight is now on what makes private markets so compelling — and what hidden risks may lie beneath the surface. What’s driving this surge in interest across the region?  How should investors assess opportunities in an asset class known for its complexity and illiquidity?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lorraine Tan, Director of Equity Research, Asia, Morningstar and Wing Chan, Director of Manager Research, Morningstar, to find out more.

RKOH Media is a boutique ecommerce growth agency helping 7- and 8-figure DTC brands scale profitably through its proprietary In-and-Out Marketing Ecosystem. Unlike traditional agencies, RKOH Media builds end-to-end acquisition systems that are performance-driven, automation-backed, and built for net profit, and not just top-line revenue. With a bold 90-day results guarantee, the agency has helped generate over $11 million in revenue for brands across the US, Europe, and Asia. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ryan Koh, Founder & CEO, RKOH Media, to find out more.

In five years, self-driving vehicles could ply Singapore’s roads and eventually change the dynamics of driving, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are part of plans to improve the country’s public transport system, which the newly minted politician has declared as his priority. What role will AVs play in shaping the future of urban mobility in Singapore? How will this shift impact drivers, commuters, and existing transport infrastructure? And what challenges lie ahead in integrating these technologies into daily life? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Terence Fan, Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education); Academic Director, Accreditation, Singapore Management University to find out more. 

Singapore shares rose today even as global investors remained cautious in light of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. The Straits Times Index was up 0.38% at 3,923.23 points at 2.33pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$575.62M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch for today, we have Singapore Airlines, after the national carrier and its low-cost arm Scoot reported a 3.1 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in May, which eased from the previous month’s growth.  Elsewhere, from the Bank of Japan keeping its interest rates steady as widely expected to how central banks around the world are now favouring gold over the US dollar for reserves – more international headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.