Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

After a stellar 2024, space stocks are no longer just a moonshot—they’re a movement. Fueled by rapid innovation and bold corporate ventures, the space industry is entering a transformative new phase, where investment potential is as vast as the universe itself. From satellite mega constellations to commercial space stations, the cosmos is now a battleground for market dominance and technological supremacy. So, which companies are set to soar—and which ones risk burning out before they ever reach orbit? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Peter Lundgreen, CEO Lundgreen's Capital to find out more.   

Singapore shares nudged above the flatline early on as investors continue to mull the state of the global economy. The Straits Times Index was up a marginal 0.05% at 3,892.44 points at 10.40am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$398.81M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have CapitaLand Ascendas Reit, after the manager said today that it received in-principle approval for the listing and quotation of up to 202.4 million new units of CapitaLand Ascendas Reit on the mainboard of the Singapore Exchange yesterday.  Elsewhere, from China’s factory activity in May shrinking for the first time in eight months, to gold prices edging up to hit a near four-week high amid a weaker US dollar, more international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – what simmering trade tensions between the US and China mean for investors.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Dan Chang, Investment Specialist and Trading Representative, PhillipCapital.

The NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific at Marina Bay Sands Singapore runs from the 3rd to 5th of June 2025, with MONEY FM bringing you three LIVE “Under the Radar” conversations during this period.  Themed “Retail Unlimited”, NRF 2025 promises limitless possibilities in retail, from enhanced customer experiences to digital transformation strategies. It also aims to foster conversation among leaders in the global retail system, with representatives from over 25 retail associations worldwide in attendance.  To encourage more exchanges and activity, the event capacity has been doubled to accommodate over 10,000.  Several new features are also in store this year, including an exclusive CEO club or a gathering space for top retail executives to exchange ideas on the biggest trends and issues keeping them up at night.  In part two of this three part Under the Radar Specials series broadcast LIVE at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian spoke with Ryf Quail, Managing Director for APAC, Comexposium. Composium is the organiser of NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific for an overview of the event.

The NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific at Marina Bay Sands Singapore runs from the 3rd to 5th of June 2025, with MONEY FM bringing you three LIVE “Under the Radar” conversations during this period.  Themed “Retail Unlimited”, NRF 2025 promises limitless possibilities in retail, from enhanced customer experiences to digital transformation strategies. It also aims to foster conversation among leaders in the global retail system, with representatives from over 25 retail associations worldwide in attendance.  In part one of this three part Under the Radar Specials series broadcast LIVE at NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Asia Pacific, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian speaks to Samuel Sanghyun Kim, Vice Chairman & Group CEO, Lotte Retail for an inside look into the retail arm of one of Asia’s largest and most diversified conglomerates – Lotte Group.  Samuel and Tian Tian talked about Lotte Retail's business verticals, as well as the bright spots for growth, its recent moves to expand in Southeast Asia and in Singapore, as well as its plan to invest US$5.06 billion in shopping malls by the end of the decade to diversify its portfolio.

This year’s Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore was dominated by sharp warnings, strategic posturing, and urgent calls for stronger defense cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.  US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took center stage, warning of the “threat” posed by China and urging allies to ramp up military spending and deepen ties with Washington.  But while China was the subject of much of the discussion — it wasn’t there to respond in full. Why did China step back? Was it a tactical retreat or a diplomatic misstep?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Lim Tai Wei, East Asian expert & Professor at Soka University, to find out more.

Singapore shares dipped today, tracking movements in regional bourses.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.45% at 3,877.24 points at 2.46pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$839.73M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Grand VentureTechnology, because the semiconductor company said yesterday that it had paused its proposed secondary listing on Malaysia’s Bursa exchange in view of confidential talks with a third party in relation to a possible transaction which could lead to an offer for its shares.  Elsewhere, from an announcement by US President Donald Trump last Friday to double tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from 25% to 50%, to Samsung reportedly nearing a wide-ranging deal to invest in Perplexity AI – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

For years, Asia’s economic engines powered up by selling to America and stashing the proceeds in US assets. But that old rhythm is faltering. As Washington grapples with ballooning deficits, surging yields, and a protectionist pivot, investors are beginning to ask: Is the era of "Buy America" quietly ending? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong takes a closer look at the forces behind a growing “Sell America” trend and why it could reshape the future of markets, power, and the global economic order, with Danish Lim, Senior Investment Analyst, Phillip Nova. 

Bridging the Gap is a pioneering early intervention centre in Singapore dedicated to supporting children with developmental needs. Founded by Janice Tay, a mother who experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the special education system, the centre offers a holistic, multidisciplinary approach combining speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational therapy, and social skills training. With a focus on personalised, customised programmes tailored to each child’s unique strengths and challenges, Bridging the Gap aims to unlock every child’s potential and nurture their growth in a nurturing, inclusive environment.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Janice Tay, Founder & Clinical Director, Bridging the Gap, to find out more.

It’s all about the payments landscape today as we speak to a global leader in real-time cross border payments.  Founded in 2014, our guest for today is fintech player Nium, a company whose mission is to deliver the global payments of infrastructure of tomorrow, today.  And there is an interesting story behind how the company came about. The firm was born out of frustration after its co-founder Prajit Nanu faced numerous challenges in sending money from India to Thailand to arrange a bachelor’s party for his friend.  A Thai resort had refused to use his credit card and had insisted on a bank transfer of US$640. And while you might imagine the transfer to be a relatively seamless process, Nanu’s bank in India required an extensive list of documents to facilitate the transaction.  But such issues may be a thing of the past. After all, Nium said its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans over 220 markets, 100 of which in real time.  Funds can also be disbursed to accounts, wallets and cards and collected locally in 35 markets. The firm also has a growing card issuance business available in 40 countries.  With its proposition and its extensive payment network, the San Francisco and Singapore headquartered firm achieved the unicorn status after a series D funding round in 2021. It is valued at US$1.4 billion as of September 2024.  But why are we speaking to Nium you might ask? Well, Nium had in November 2024 opened its new headquarters in Singapore. Its Singapore headquarters will serve as the firm’s strategic hub for the Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa regions.  So how far will the new headquarters position the firm for exponential growth? Did the firm also set up its headquarters here to be closer to its largest shareholder – Singapore’s Temasek? Meanwhile, the firm also said then that it aims to go public within two years. Again – to what extent is the firm on track to do so?   On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Anupam Pahuja, EVP and General Manager of Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, Nium.

Records smashed, trophies lifted, stars departing! We dive into the drama and glory of Singapore Premier League Awards Night, as the best in class of the 2024/25 campaign were celebrated. Were the winners deserving? And have we seen the last of some of domestic football's finest stars? Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in on all of this and more! READ MORE: Tomoyuki Doi named Player of the Year at Singapore Premier League awards night Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg