Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to monitor global developments relating to trade.  The Straits Times Index rose 0.8% to 3,967.74 points at about 12.50pm with a value turnover of S$654.88M in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have ESR REIT after the trust’s manager completed the divestment of a logistics property in Singapore for S$6.8 million. Aside from that, investors continue to set their sights on DFI Retail Group after the supermarket and retail store operator yesterday announced the divestment of its Singapore food business to Macrovalue (Malaysia) at an initial purchase price of S$125 million. Meanwhile, from Asian investors’ reaction to Xiaomi’s US$5.5 billion mega share sale and Hyundai’s US$21 billion investment in the US, to the Indonesian rupiah falling to the lowest since the Asian financial crisis and impact on SGX-listed counters with exposure to the country – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with  Carmen Lee, Head of OCBC Investment Research.

A new US administration and a pause on rate cuts from the Fed have characterized the first month of 2025. But with the world's biggest economy marching ahead with new trade policies and the fear of rising inflation not completely behind us, investors might need to brace for turbulence. So what should investors be looking out for? How should they be balancing US equities and trade risks? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Luke Browne, Head of Asset Allocation, Asia, Manulife Investment Management, to find out more. 

As of 2025, the commodities market in Asia is projected to reach approximately US$32 trillion, with a projected annual growth rate of 2% from 2025 to 2029. Yet, this behemoth industry and trade has lagged behind in keeping up with evolving ESG expectations and trends.  Gerald Tan, a fourth-generation business owner, saw the inefficiencies and lack of transparency in the industry and set out to make a change. Agridence is a digital platform that is transforming the way agri-commodities are procured and traded.  How is Agridence enabling the global transition to a greener, more ethical commodities industry? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Gerald Tan, CEO of Agridence to find out more.    Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Nadiah Koh (nadkoh@sph.com.sg) and Hongbin Jeong Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to the post of acting president on March 24. The ruling comes amid months of political turmoil in the country, and returns Mr Han to power immediately. This also means President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment verdict is looming, as it’s expected after Mr Han’s. With the highly anticipated decision, local authorities are bracing themselves for potential clashes. Foreign embassies in Seoul have advised avoiding protest hubs. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong gives the details. 

Singapore shares rose today as investors look to kickstart the week on a positive note.  The Straits Times Index rose 0.22% to 3,934.91 points at about 2.40pm (2.42pm), with a value turnover of S$634.08M in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have DFI Retail Group after the firm announced today the divestment of its Singapore food business to South-east Asian retail conglomerate Macrovalue (Malaysia). Elsewhere, from NIO's net loss deepening for the fourth quarter ended December, to Jack Ma-backed Ant Group reportedly using Chinese-made semiconductors to develop techniques to train AI models at a lower cost – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – how Singapore’s inflation fell further in February. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Tech giants that have dominated Wall Street for two years are losing their grip. The Bloomberg Magnificent Seven index has fallen roughly 10% from its December peak, officially entering correction territory. But why are investors shying away from the Magnificent Seven?And what sectors are now investors looking into? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Rahul Ghosh, Portfolio Specialist in the Equity Division at T. Rowe Price, to find out more.

Grobrix brings urban farming into everyday spaces with its modular, vertical green walls, allowing workplaces, schools, and communities to grow fresh produce indoors. Designed to be both practical and visually appealing, these edible walls provide a sustainable way to cultivate herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers with minimal maintenance. More than just a farming solution, Grobrix helps foster a sense of community, promotes wellness, and encourages a hands-on connection to food.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Mathew Howe, Founder & Urban Farmer, Grobrix, to find out more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Getting investors to meet and support tomorrow’s game changing startups – that’s what we are going to talk about today. Founded in 2023, our guest A2D Ventures aims to be the region’s leading early stage startup investing platform and angel syndicate, expanding access to innovative companies and democratising venture capital.  At the moment, the firm has a portfolio of 15 companies spread across a wide range of industries such as biotech, proptech, fintech, deeptech as well as aviation and electric vehicles. Most recently, A2D Ventures had in June 2024 invested in Seaplane Asia, a company that offers air charter and seaplane services connecting islands and coastal areas, in a funding round led by venture capital firm TK & Partners. It had also in May 2024 invested in US sustainable mining startup BANIQL in a US$1.6 million seed round.  But what is A2D Venture’s investment mandate to begin with? Who are the investors under its syndicate, and what is the return on investment they are aiming for? What is the total amount of capital deployed to startups under its portfolio for now? Meanwhile, A2D Ventures had in January teamed up with InnoSpace Thailand, a public-private joint venture in the country, to come up with Thailand’s next big accelerator.  But what should we know about the accelerator and what synergies will the accelerator bring to A2D Ventures as it sources for the next unicorn in the country? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Ankit Upadhyay, CEO, A2D Ventures.

A few days on since Singapore’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Nepal, and it seems like the rhetoric surrounding the National Team has changed for the worst - but is it really all doom and gloom? Perhaps not, with the news of a certain Perry Ng gaining his PR status, and a host of younger Lions making the step up. On today’s show we’ll hear from TWO players who could well and truly breath fresh life and add fresh blood to the Lions  - Perry Ng & Jordan Emaviwe. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/perry-ng-looks-forward-to-getting-singapore-citizenship-and-giving-back Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

South Korea is facing a political crisis of historic proportions as the Constitutional Court deliberates on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.  Weeks after the trial concluded in late February, the court’s silence has fueled speculation - are justices meticulously ensuring a legally airtight ruling, or is political pressure influencing the decision? With deepening political divides, mass protests, and concerns over economic and diplomatic stability, the prolonged uncertainty has raised critical questions about the integrity of South Korea’s institutions. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Benjamin A. Engel, Assistant Professor, Department of Korean Studies at Dankook University, to help unpack the current political turmoil in South Korea.