Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong

The government introduced the Economic Strategy Review (ESR), a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen Singapore’s economic resilience in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges and rapid technological advancements. To drive this effort, five specialized committees have been established, each focusing on a critical aspect of the economy: enhancing global competitiveness, accelerating technology and innovation adoption, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering the workforce with future-ready skills, and managing the social and economic impacts of industry restructuring. Together, these committees aim to chart a forward-looking blueprint that secures sustainable growth, creates quality opportunities for businesses and workers, and positions Singapore to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sumit Agarwal, Professor of Finance, Real Estate and Economics at NUS Business School, to find out more.

Singapore shares moved higher today as investors continue to set their sights on corporate earnings out of the country. The Straits Times Index was up 0.49% at 4,217.68 points at 2.06pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$761.78M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have CapitaLand Ascendas Reit. The industrial property player posted a 0.6 per cent drop in DPU for the first half of the 2025 financial year, down to S$0.07477 (7.477 Singapore cents), on the back of an enlarged unit base.  Elsewhere, from Singapore’s retail sales growing 2.3 per cent year on year in June, to gold prices rising on the back of a weaker US dollar following softer-than-expected US jobs data – more economic headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with James Cheo, Chief Investment Officer, Southeast Asia and India at HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth.

Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty on Monday (Aug 4) to abetting the obstruction of justice in a case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran. A second charge for instigating Mr Iswaran to obtain flights and a hotel stay from Ong will be taken into consideration during sentencing, which has been adjourned to Aug 15. Both the prosecution and defence called for the court to exercise judicial mercy and impose only a fine, as Ong has advanced multiple myeloma, which is an incurable cancer. So what exactly did Ong admit to? What sentence awaits him on Aug 15? And more importantly, what does this case say about accountability, discretion, and Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Associate Professor Mervyn Cheong, Deputy Director, Centre for Pro Bono and Clinical Legal Education, Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore, to find out more.       

Thematic investing is having a moment. In 2025, it's no longer just about spotting trends. It's about backing big ideas with sector-level conviction. But with themes evolving fast and products flooding the market, how can investors separate lasting shifts from fleeting hype? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Yan Taw Boon, Head of Thematics at Neuberger Berman, to dive into where the real opportunities lie, and how to capture them.

Nail Deck is a homegrown nail care and polish brand that champions everyday luxury and empowerment through customizable, high-quality colors designed to celebrate individual expression. Founded by Daryl Chew, who questioned why self-expression was celebrated in fashion but often overlooked in nail polish, the brand was born from a desire to offer more than just pretty shades, it’s about helping people use nail color as a powerful form of self-care and identity. With over 100 mix-and-match shades and finishes, Nail Deck enables customers of all genders to find colors that not only suit their skin tones but also reflect their unique personalities and style. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Daryl Chew, Founder, Nail Deck, to find out more.

Singapore shares moved higher today amid mixed trading in Asia as investors mulled the impact of new US tariffs.  The Straits Times Index was up 0.82% at 4,188.02 points at 2.23pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$865.44M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have City Developments Ltd, after its executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng told The Business Times that his plans are for the group’s portfolio of hotels to reach the 500 mark.  Elsewhere, from how BYD shares fell in Hong Kong trading on the back of sputtering monthly sales growth, to US market movements after a weak July non farm payrolls report out on Friday and how Trump fired the commissioner of labour statistics after the reading was released – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. Also on deck – what to watch on the earnings front this week.    On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Leaving home isn’t just about distance - it’s about daring. Harhys Stewart’s journey from Singapore to Kosovo (via Thailand) is a story of bravery, belief, and breaking the mould. And speaking to Sports Minutes - he reflects on his late start, adapting to the unknown, and why he hopes his bold move inspires the next wave of Singaporean footballers. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks opened slightly up today, following the announcement of US President Donald Trump’s global tariff rates.  Singapore is likely to remain at the 10 per cent baseline rate, which Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said earlier was “not ideal”, but something the country can “live with”. The Straits Times Index had a modest gain of 0.2 per cent shortly after the market opened to reach 4,182.29 points.  In terms of counters to watch, we have OCBC. The local bank’s net profit for Q2 FY2025 fell 7 per cent with the fall in interest rates, coming in at S$1.82 billion for the three months ended Jun 30,from S$1.94 billion a year earlier.  Elsewhere, from how investors are reacting to new US tariff rates for imports from India, Taiwan, Thailand and South Korea, to Apple forecasting revenue well above Wall Street’s estimates overnight, 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.

Careerflow.ai is an AI-powered platform that helps job seekers take control of their job search and land roles faster. Designed as an all-in-one career copilot, Careerflow offers tools to build and optimize resumes, track job applications, enhance LinkedIn profiles, and streamline networking, all in one place.  Built by former recruiters and hiring professionals, Careerflow empowers candidates to stand out in a crowded market and approach their job search with confidence and clarity. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Nikita Gupta, Co-Founder & COO, Careerflow.ai, to find out more.

In a world rattled by escalating trade tensions and unpredictable tariff moves, investors are once again turning their gaze to gold, the timeless refuge in turbulent times. But with markets constantly shifting and global supply chains feeling the heat, is gold still the bulletproof hedge it’s cracked up to be? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Priyanka Sachdeva, Senior Market Analyst, Phillip Nova, to find out more.