Let's Talk, Singapore

When someone says the words “I have debts to pay” or “I’m in debt” - usually we think… not good things? We often think of debt as a dirty word — something to avoid. But not all debt is created equal. Some kinds of debt can actually help you build wealth, open doors, and improve your quality of life… if you manage them wisely.   Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong  Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

A little-known biotech firm focused on Traditional Chinese Medicine has surged over 64,000%, catapulting its valuation to nearly $10 billion. Is this a biotech breakthrough, a speculative frenzy, or something in between? Join Dan Koh and Ryan Huang as they dissect the rise of Regencell Bioscience Holdings Limited — a company with just 12 employees, no FDA-approved products, and a CEO earning $1 a year.

Nicholas Cator, Founder & Managing Partner, Venturi Partners discusses how the venture capital space is grappling with the current market volatility. He shares how his consumer-focused investment portfolio of companies is coping with changing spending patterns and risk appetites. Cator also talks about what aspiring founders looking to attract VC investment need to do. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

José Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers discusses the risk-on mode returning to markets as concerns ease around the odds of the Israel-Iran conflict spreading wider. He also previews the FOMC rate decision in view of oil price volatility plus recent jobs and inflation data. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

It starts with a tight shoulder, a sore back, a wrist that aches after long hours at the keyboard. But in Singapore’s relentless work culture, we’re trained to push through — until small discomforts become something far more serious. The Breakfast Show invites Amelia Lee, CEO of The Health Collective, to talk about the silent health crisis affecting office workers and why prioritising well-being is no longer optional. Together, we unpack how healthcare can be more human, more proactive, and more accessible — even in a world that glorifies burnout.

Across Asia, reports of passengers having valuables stolen mid-flight are on the rise with some cases pointing to coordinated criminal groups targeting specific routes. In 2024 alone, Hong Kong saw a 75% surge in cases, while airports in Tokyo and Singapore have reported similar upticks. In Singapore, there were 4 reported cases between January 2023 and September 2024, with one case involving a man who stole the equivalent of about S$120,000 from a jeweller on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight in March 2024. The issue has grown serious enough for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to put it on the agenda this year, highlighting concerns around onboard security and cross-border enforcement. This Morning Shot episode explores what’s driving this trend, why certain routes are more vulnerable, and what’s being done, or not done, to deter in-flight theft. Dr. Alan Tan, Professor, NUS Law School (specialising in Aviation Law) joins the Breakfast Show to share his insights.

Have you ever been invited to a meal with a friend that you can’t quite afford? (Or maybe you can, but you’d really rather not spend that much dough on lunch.) As we grow older, financial gaps between friends can widen. Perhaps this makes you feel out of place with your friends because you simply couldn’t afford the same lifestyle; or maybe it's YOU who realise your friends hesitate when you suggest trying out a fancy new restaurant for dinner. What canwe do to make things less awkward? Presented by Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced by Audrey Siek Edited by Trisha Yeong  Photo and music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

He’s an Italian responsible for Renault's turnaround during his five years at the helm, sending its share up more than 90% over the period. Now, Luca de Meo, departing CEO of the carmaker, has been tasked with the onerous role of revitalizing Kering after the stock lost almost 80% of its value since reaching a record in August 2021.  Dan Koh and Audrey Siek venture into the world of luxury fashion to find out if De Meo’s brand management and marketing prowess is enough to turnaround the slump facing Kering, and what investors are saying about the new leadership change.

Daniel Tan, Portfolio Manager, Grasshopper Asset Management discusses how markets are reacting to the rising Iran-Israel tensions as well as bracing for the slew of central banks in action this week.  

Asia Pacific’s digital economy is booming — faster payments, faster growth, and unfortunately, faster fraud. Despite 85% of companies increasing their fraud prevention budgets and investing heavily in defense, businesses are still bleeding — losing over 5% of their revenue to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. Join the Breakfast Show as they invite Matt DeLauro, President at SEON to discuss the rising tide of organised digital crime in APAC and adaptive solutions for anyone navigating risk in today's digital-first landscape.