Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

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.

Football is a game of fine margins - and on today's show we dive deep into the tactical side of BG Tampines Rovers’ rebuild. Analyst Nigel Goh makes his Sports Minutes' debut alongside Deepan to decode the club’s transfer strategy, tactics and the technical skill sets of their new foreign signings. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

We’re taking you to the skies today as we explore the ins and outs of the aerospace industry with GE Aerospace, the maker of the engines powering Boeing and Airbus jets globally. Fun fact, GE Aerospace used to be a subsidiary of General Electric – a conglomerate founded by Thomas Edison – the man who was credited with commercialising the good old light bulbs.  That was before GE was split into three separate companies namely GE Aerospace, GE Vernova (that’s the energy unit) and GE Healthcare in April 2024. Back to GE Aerospace, the firm today is a world-leading provider of engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft.  The company’s business can be generally split into two major verticals, namely (i) Commercial Engines & Services (CES) and (ii) Defense & Propulsion Technologies (DPT). Its presence is felt all around the world and particularly so in the Asia Pacific region. After all, the firm set foot in APAC over 40 years ago and now has a footprint in over 25 countries serving over 110 clients. The firm says over 3,800 engines made by GE Aerospace and its joint venture company CFM International engines power flights across the region.  But why are we speaking to GE Aerospace you might ask? Well, we want to find out how the firm is doing right now one year after it started operating as a standalone company and how it intends to navigate an uncertain operating environment in the near term. Meanwhile, GE Aerospace had also in July 2024 announced plans to invest over US$1 billion over five years in its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (or MRO) and component repair facilities worldwide. But what was the rationale behind the move and what can we look forward to right here in Singapore? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Iain Rodger, Managing Director, GE Aerospace Singapore.

From cruel taunts to social exclusion and the silent spread of rumours, bullying leaves lasting emotional scars on countless students. And while schools have policies in place, the problem hasn’t gone away. Does the fault lie with parents who may have not equipped their children with the good morals and values before stepping into school? Or Is it the failure of schools who are not proactive enough to deter bullying? On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Colin Toh, Counsellor from Nook Counselling and Therapy and Assistant Professor Cheung Hoi Shan, from National Institute of Education’s Psychology and Child and Human Development to find out who is responsible to counter bullying — the school or parents.

Where the wealthy put their money often signals broader shifts in the global economic landscape—and in 2025, those signals are flashing change. Amid persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and growing geopolitical uncertainty, high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth investors are rethinking how and where they allocate capital. Old playbooks are being rewritten as traditional assets face mounting headwinds and new opportunities emerge in areas that promise stability, diversification, and long-term value. So where is smart money heading now? And what does this say about the world they’re preparing for?On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management, to find out more.

Singapore shares rose today with the global trade situation back in focus as investors put the Israel-Iran ceasefire behind them. The Straits Times Index was up 0.64% at 3,963.62 points at about 12.37 pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$511.88M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch today, we have AEM, after the semiconductor test solutions provider raised its revenue guidance for its first half ending June to between S$185 million and S$195 million, up from an earlier range of S$155 million to S$170 million.  Elsewhere, from how the White House said US President Donald Trump could extend his deadline for trade deals beyond the 9th of July, to how SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son wants the Japanese technology investment group to become the biggest platform provider for “artificial super intelligence” within the next 10 years – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus.   On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS.

Should Singapore lean into heritage players? Kai Whitmore certainly thinks so. Eligible through his late grandfather, the Welsh midfielder is ready to give up his British passport to play for the Lions – but not everyone agrees with naturalisation. And on this episode, Kai speaks candidly about identity, sacrifice, and ambition. READ MORE: Welsh midfielder Kai Whitmore wants to play for Singapore; exploring citizenship process Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg