Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

The 46th ASEAN Summit is taking place in Kuala Lumpur at a time of mounting global uncertainty and shifting power dynamics.  The region is navigating escalating trade tensions, particularly in light of sweeping US tariff hikes on ASEAN exports, while also grappling with the ongoing Myanmar crisis and unresolved South China Sea disputes. Will ASEAN be able to present a united front in the face of external pressures? Can it lead a meaningful shift toward a more balanced, multipolar world? And how will today’s declarations translate into tomorrow’s action? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia & Senior Fellow of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs to find out more. 

Singapore shares nudged higher today as traders in the region struggled for direction. The Straits Times Index was up 0.24% at 3,884.95 points at about 2.32pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$476.31M seen in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch, we have Sembcorp, after the group said yesterday that its subsidiary Sembcorp Utilities entered an agreement with several of its South-east Asian counterparts to explore exporting renewable energy from Vietnam into Malaysia and Singapore. Elsewhere, from shares of BYD extending losses in Hong Kong as sweeping price cuts stoked concerns of another wave of discounting in China’s electric car market, to what to watch ahead of Nvidia’s earnings out tomorrow – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Willie Keng, Founder, DividendTitan.com

Over the past decade, Singapore has seen a dramatic shift in how consumers pay — digital wallets now account for 39% of all online transaction value and nearly a third of point-of-sale spending, skyrocketing from just 7% and 1% respectively ten years ago.  This surge has positioned Singapore as a leader in digital payment innovation across the Asia-Pacific region, fueled by a tech-savvy population and a robust digital infrastructure.  But what’s really driving this rapid adoption? Is it simply the growing demand for convenience, or does this trend signal a deeper transformation that fintech investors should be watching closely?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Phil Pomford, General Manager, Global eCom, APAC, Worldpay, to find out more.

Two years ago, Foundation Healthcare was little more than a bold vision, an ambitious dream to reimagine private healthcare in Singapore. Fast forward to today, and that dream has evolved into a thriving, fast-growing network of clinics, specialists, and innovative care solutions. From launching the Health Connective Programme to expanding its specialist network and opening new centres, Foundation Healthcare is not only scaling, it’s shaping the future of care. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Karen Lee, Director of Partnerships, Foundation Healthcare to find out more. 

In 2008, Lehman Brothers filed the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, triggering a global financial crisis. The investment bank's downfall was fueled by risky bets on subprime mortgages and excessive leverage.

In November 2023, the Singapore Land Authority, the Singapore Tourism Board, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority launched a collective tender to appoint a master tenant to rejuvenate a row of shophouses along Smith Street, as well as the adjacent pedestrian mall. That’s where the former Chinatown Food Street was located before it lowered its shutters in 2021, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. In part one of this two-part “On the Go” Specials of Under the Radar, Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian joined Carrie Wong, Director of Business Planning, Singapore Land Authority at Chinatown for a preview of the rejuvenated site.  They also discussed the challenges and objectives in giving the project site a new facelift.

Singapore shares were down at the day’s open as regional markets traded mixed after US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened tariffs on Apple. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) slid 0.1 per cent to 3,878.4 points after 31.4 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Sats, after the in-flight caterer on Friday reported net profit of S$38.7 million for the three months ended March 2025, gaining 18.3 per cent from the corresponding year-ago period.  Meanwhile, from Trump’s potential levies on Apple and other smartphone makers, to him delaying tariffs on the European Union, global trade news continue to remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

In a stunning escalation of tensions between academia and federal policy, the Trump administration has taken unprecedented action by targeting Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students—an institution where nearly one in three students hails from abroad.  Citing national security concerns, links to foreign influence, and a crackdown on antisemitism, the administration's move has sparked outrage, legal battles, and global concern.  As Harvard pushes back in court and international partners scramble to support displaced students, the decision raises far-reaching questions: What does this mean for academic freedom in the US?  How will this reshape the future of international education? And where do we draw the line between national interest and intellectual openness? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics, ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific to find out more.

When markets turn volatile, many investors instinctively turn to cash, seeking refuge in what feels like the safest and most stable option.  But beneath that sense of security lies a more complex reality.  Holding too much cash for too long can quietly erode wealth, especially in the face of inflation and missed investment opportunities. As economic conditions shift and market cycles evolve, is cash truly a safe haven—or could it be a hidden risk in disguise?  On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Laurent Lequeu, Independent Financial consultant and Writer of The Macro Butler Newsletter, to find out more.

Helpling is a digital-first home services platform that connects customers with trained, trusted professionals for a wide range of household and caregiving needs. Originally founded in Berlin, Helpling has grown into a global brand with a strong presence in Asia-Pacific. The company offers on-demand services such as home cleaning, elderly care, and companionship support, all designed to meet the evolving needs of urban households and ageing populations.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to James Lim, CEO APAC, Helpling, to find out more.