Let's Talk, Singapore

Vultures are often misunderstood and feared as they are often pictured tearing the remains from rotting carcasses. But as nature’s critical clean-up crew, vultures play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems and are intrinsically linked to human health. Evolved to be scavengers, they curb the spread of dangerous diseases like anthrax and cholera by consuming fresh carcasses riddled with potential pathogens and bacteria. Poisoned, poached, electrocuted and edged out of their habitat, vultures are no safer above ground than on it. These highly intelligent birds are treading a very thin line between existence and extinction. However, the Cambodia Vulture Working Group’s recent report reveals significant progress in the conservation of three Critically Endangered vulture species: the White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture. In June 2023, the Minimum Population Estimate was recorded at 132 vultures across the three species, marking a stabilising trend after years of decline. On this episode of Climate Connections, Oliver Gray-Read, Technical Advisor at NatureLife Cambodia,who has vultures deeply intertwined into the work he does, particularly in Cambodia - where the group has re-introduced the “vulture restaurant” initiative, which helps provide Cambodia’s vulture population with supplementary food to mitigate food shortages and allows for accurate population monitoring. Feature produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Voiced by: Emaad Akhtar Photo credits: NatureLife Cambodia Music credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Joseph Sroka, Chief Investment Officer & Co-Founder, NovaPoint Capital shares his insights on latest movements in the bitcoin space, focal points in relation to Donald Trump, and key momentum behind the US economy. Presented by: Ryan Huang Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

By the middle of the century, global emissions from plastic production could triple to account for one-fifth of the Earth’s remaining carbon budget. But one Indonesian social enterprise by the name of Plana, is working hard at turning back the clock on our plastic waste. It has developed innovative solutions to convert plastic and waste from rice husks into sustainable materials, called Plana Wood and Plana Brick - which serve as a durable substitutes for building and furniture. On this episode of 2024 OCBC Emerging Enterprise, Joshua Christopher Chandra, Co-Founder and Chief of Sustainability & Relation Officer at Plana and Winner of the 2024 Emerging Enterprise Sustainability Award shares how Plana is making positive waves in the construction and architecture industries. Presented by: Audrey Siek  Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Earlier this year, there were several incidents in Singapore involving bees, including one where over 20 homes in Punggol were invaded by bees, and another where five were taken to hospital after getting stung by bees at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Bees conventionally strike fear in people because they can sting, but our guest for today’s Morning Shot isn’t one who’s easily fazed by these winged creatures.  After retiring from his 37-year teaching stint, John Chong, Founder of BEE AMAZED Garden, is keeping himself bee-sy, educating others about beekeeping and even helps to rehouse bees from homes and offices so that they can continue thriving in locations suitable for them.  And for the first time ever, John has harvested honey from his swarm of over 100,000 Asian honeybees from his rooftop bee farm at the Singapore University of Social Sciences - the country’s first bee-friendly university! Presented by: Audrey Siek & Emaad Akhtar Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: ST

While developed markets often take the Asian spotlight, there is an increasing focus on emerging Asia markets. That’s especially so with the potential spillover benefits of companies taking a China +1 strategy. Ong Xun Xiang, ETF Business Lead at Lion Global Investors shares how investors hoping to get exposure to these opportunities have another avenue with a new exchange traded fund - the Lion-China Merchants Emerging Asia Select Index ETF, the world’s first emerging Asia ETF traded in SGD. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

Most financial experts would suggest that budgeting is a prudent way to keep track of one's spending habits. And rightly so. But budgeting can often feel burdensome, especially if you feel restricted when doing so. If this is the case for you, perhaps "intuitive" spending is the way to go. Emaad, Ryan and Audrey explain! Presented by Emaad Akhtar, Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced and Edited by Emaad Akhtar Photo & music credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Adam Wong, Editor-in-Chief, Fifthperson discusses how AI themed stocks are likely to repeat their performance in 2025, as well as what investors can look at beyond the Magnificent 7. Presented by: Emaad Akhtar

Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, Carson Group shares his insights on key takeaways as markets move into December, whether Trump's Treasury Secretary pick in hedge fund manager Scott Bessent will push for Trump to consider a softer approach to tariffs, strip back regulation to boost economic growth and target a reduction in deficit spending. He also shares his expectations surrounding the Fed's decision later in December. Presented by: Ryan Huang Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Competition is fierce in the Korean beauty industry, and brands must constantly innovate to stand out. But that didn't stop the trio behind Kskin, which provides express Korean facial services. The franchise has since ballooned, with multiple outlets, in Singapore and abroad. On this episode of 2024 OCBC Emerging Enterprise, Brian Ng, Co-Founder of Kskin Management and Winner of the 2024 Emerging Enterprise Award shares about his journey and how they are working to take their brand to a whole new level. Presented by: Audrey Siek Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Earlier in 2024, the UK government announced a series of measures aimed at laying the foundations to grow its economy - through what’s known as the central growth mission.  As part of those growth efforts, the Scottish Secretary has been championing Brand Scotland around the globe, helping Scottish businesses export for the first time, and funding trade missions to key global markets to unlock jobs and investment, including Singapore. On this episode of Morning Shot, Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray shares more insights on how Scotland is furthering that mission and how they are supporting Scottish businesses that are interested to put that front foot forward to explore other regions. Presented by: Audrey Siek Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: METROMBA