Let's Talk, Singapore

Farming has always been at the heart of food production, but it's facing new challenges with outdated practices and environmental pressures. In the world of shrimp farming, these issues are even more pronounced. What if there was a way to turn these challenges into opportunities? Well, we speak with a leader in aquaculture and shrimp farming technology, transforming this niche with groundbreaking innovations. How is he tackling these hurdles and redefining the future of aquaculture? Discover the answers in this conversation with Dr. Farshad Shishehchian, Group CEO of Blue Aqua International.

With the recent August sell-off across broader markets, cryptocurrencies are also experiencing high volatility. Simultaneously, investors are also asking what the impact of the upcoming US elections would be on the crypto market. Willie Keng unpacks this with Taimur Baig, Chief Economist, DBS Bank Presented & Produced by Willie Keng Edited by Audrey Siek

Willie Keng speaks to Lee Kian Soon, CEO, Astral Asset Management about the health of China's tech sector; the country's economic growth outlook against the backdrop of recent PMI data; how effective government stimulus measures have been in restoring market confidence; and sectors that investors should pay attention to. Presented & Produced by Willie Keng Edited by Emaad Akhtar

We are all fans of something we love, be it sports, fashion and even food. In this episode, we will be speaking with a loyal customer who became a key leader driving the strategic growth of a brand that he loves. We take a look at how his extensive FMCG experience and a passion for ethical products have played a pivotal role in expanding market reach and forging impactful collaborations for the brand he loves. Here’s our conversation with Shubham Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, Kind Kones.  Presented by Audrey Siek This podcast is produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg) She produces Mind Your Business, Biz-How-To and Breakfast Special segments on the Breakfast Show. Do contact her for topics: C-Suite, SME, Startups, Health-tech, Sustainability, Property, Intergenerational Family Business, Industry Outlook, Fintech and trending businesses in town.

A first-of-its-kind financial aid targeted at workers who lose their jobs involuntarily was launched by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the National Day Rally recently. Under the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, lower- to middle-income individuals who have been retrenched can receive up to S$6,000 over six months, with payouts starting at a maximum of S$1,500 in the first month and declining subsequently. To qualify for the scheme, Singaporeans and permanent residents must be unemployed due to involuntary reasons such as retrenchment or illness, have earned S$5,000 or less per month, be actively engaged in searching for a new job, among other conditions. The scheme will be rolled out for citizens in April 2025, and for permanent residents in the first quarter of 2026. On this episode of Morning Shot, Walter Theseira, Associate Professor for the Economics Programme at Singapore University of Social Sciences shares his perspectives. Presented by: Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: Kua Chee Siong/ ST

It's known as the happiest place on earth... but what's the cost? As prices climb and perks shrink, even die-hard Disney fans are questioning if a vacation to the 12 theme parks is still worth it. Data shows a 25% hike in prices since 2019. So, would you still pay the price for a Disney adventure? Audrey, Emaad and Willie review some of the latest reports, and remember their own trips to Disneyland. Presented by Audrey Siek, Emaad Akhtar and Willie Keng Produced and Edited by Audrey Siek  Music and photo credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

What's there not to love about coconuts? We can drink coconut water on a hot summer's day, apply coconut oil to hydrate our skin, and eat coconut flesh, which has myriad health benefits. On World Coconut Day, Emaad dives into the origin of our hard-shell friends, their longevity, what they were used for during World War II, and also answers the age-old question about whether coconuts are a fruit...or a nut! Presented, Produced and Edited by Emaad Akhtar Music and photo credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

A record 506 patrons were recognised for their significant contributions to Singapore’s arts scene at the 2024 Patron of the Arts Awards, where the National Arts Council celebrated a landmark year for arts patronage since the awards began in 1983. In 2023, contributions to the arts soared to $50.2 million, a 56% increase from the $32.1 million in 2022, with cash donations alone rising by 36% to reach $34.8 million. It’s also the highest amount recorded over the past three years.  On this episode of Morning Shot, Sam Lay, Director for Strategic Partnerships & Engagement at National Arts Council and Suzanna Low, Lead for the Professional Artist Programme & Exhibitions at ART:DIS Singapore share their perspectives on what's driving this renewed interest in art philanthropy and why it is so crucial for the society on a broader level. Presented by: Emaad Akhtar Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: ART:DIS Singapore

US Corporate Q2 earnings season is wrapping up, so far reporting very strong numbers.  So far, tech, financial and healthcare sectors all saw earnings growth of more than 20%.  In the spotlight is chipmaking giant Nvidia: its shares fell despite beating earnings estimates. Willie Keng speaks to Kyle Rodda, Senior Financial Market Analyst at capital.com. 

Defying industry norms, our guest today is a leader who became the youngest CEO of a major bank in Singapore at just 35. After nearly two decades with the leading Australian financial institution, he made a bold move to a prominent European bank, taking on the role of Country Manager in Singapore. What motivated this transition, and how does he navigate complex industry challenges while driving strategic growth and fostering a culture of empowerment within the organisation? Here's our conversation with Anand Sachdev, Country Manager, ING  Presented by Emaad Akhtar  This podcast is produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg) She produces Mind Your Business, Biz-How-To and Breakfast Special segments on the Breakfast Show. Do contact her for topics: C-Suite, SME, Startups, Health-tech, Sustainability, Property, Intergenerational Family Business, Industry Outlook, Fintech and trending businesses in town.