Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek

As economic activity picks up its pace post COVID-19, Singapore generated more domestic waste last year compared to 2021. But have you thought about where your waste ends up? For example, the old washing machine that you’re throwing out? Well, that may very well end up in the ocean!  Marine scientist Sam Shu Qin, Co-Founder of Our Singapore Reefs shares her personal experience diving to pick out all that trash from Singapore's sea bed and how they're affecting the marine environment. This podcast is produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

COE prices ended mostly lower in the latest bidding exercise (May 4), due to a higher quota for May to July 2023. But they are still on the high side - over $100k for Cat A, Cat B and Open category - still a challenge for the average Singaporean to own a car.  Question now is, should something similar to the cooling measures being introduced to control the skyrocketing prices of homes here, be also introduced to the COE system? Measures such as the recently raised Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD), have been put in place to prevent property prices from rising too quickly, and to ensure that housing remains affordable for the average Singaporean. However, as home prices are being kept in check, there are growing concerns about the cost of owning a car in Singapore, with soaring Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums making it difficult for many to afford a vehicle. Is it time to reevaluate the COE system?  Listen to this mini panel as Lynlee Foo and Ryan Huang host Associate Professor Walter Theseira, Transport Analyst, SUSS and Julian Kho, Editor & General Manager, Media, sgCarMart. (00:00) - Introduction (01:43) - Should there be a separate COE system for Singaporeans, PRs and foreigners, just like our HDB policies? (04.51) - Will an ABSD-like tax be effective in deterring car buyers from getting a second or third car, and in turn curb soaring COE premiums? (06:17) - What is the impact of the rise in taxes on costlier cars since it was announced at Budget 2023?  (08:03) - How might a more equitable COE system help to address social mobility and inequality in Singapore, such as families with elderly and young children? (12:13) - What policy changes can be implemented to address the role of private-hire vehicle operators in driving up COE prices, and potentially treat them like taxis to alleviate the issue? (14:17) - Should there be a different COE system for EVs, to encourage mass adoption? (15:51) - In conclusion, is it time to re-evaluate the 33-year-old COE system? This podcast is produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg)

Stocks closed lower for a fourth day running, coming on the back of renewed bank worries, The Dow too, turns negative for the year, pulling back 0.06% year to date, with declines in Boeing, Disney, Goldman Sachs and American Express shares dragging on the Dow. Yussef Gheriani, Director of Investments and Operations at IHT Wealth Management gives a deep dive on ripples shaking the banking sector, how things are shaping up for AI and big tech, as well as spaces to watch out for.  Presenter: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Louis Teo, Senior Market Strategist, Fullerton Markets discusses why the US dollar will still see some strength as other factors come into play including geopolitical tensions, even despite the FOMC hinting that it has reached the end of its hiking cycle.

Disposable chopsticks are undoubtedly convenient, but they come with a heavy environmental cost. The production of these utensils contributes to deforestation, while their disposal leads to landfill pollution. With that in mind, a power couple became the first circular economy franchise in Singapore - to upcycle single-use chopsticks into style Scandinavian eco-friendly furniture. They count Shaw family scion, Howard Shaw, as one of their early investors and have recently raised USD$7.7 million dollars in growth funding to scale its circular global microfactory network. On Mind Your Business, Lynlee Foo and Ryan Huang speak with the husband and wife combo - Evelyn Hew, Founder and Managing Director, ChopValue Singapore and Justin Lee, General Manager, ChopValue Singapore on how they stumble upon this business, where do they obtain their chopsticks, their rapid growth since its inception in 2016, creating over 150 jobs across 6 countries through 63 in-development franchises. This podcast is produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg)

Westminster Abbey will be taken over by splendour and formality featuring customs dating back more than 1,000 years, as King Charles III gets crowned. Ahead of the official coronation, Kara Owen, British High Commissioner to Singapore shares her perspective on its significance and relevance to Asia, as well as personal encounters with the royal family.  This podcast is produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Stocks fell after the Federal Reserve raised rates by 25 basis points, as widely expected. Rates were raised by another quarter-point to a target range of 5% to 5.25%, the highest level since 2007. Kelvin Wong, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA shares his take on the notable movers overnight, the risk of a recession and whether he thinks the banking sector is healthy at this point.

Singapore’s labour movement has embarked on a new move to court youths and help ease their transition into the workforce.  But just turning back the clock, have you wondered how much impact higher education has on the possibility of your desired career? Razali Norazmi, Office Manager for Australia and New Zealand at IDP Singapore explains the correlation between higher education and jobs.  This podcast is produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

The Green Mortician - Singapore's first pet cremation service using water instead of fire - is now open for business. The process is called aquamation and it's been touted to have a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional cremation options. Yang Loo, Co-founder of The Green Mortician shares why the process is more sustainable and how the business gets around the high cost involved in the technicalities. This podcast is produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Deborah Cunningham, CIO, Global Liquidity Markets at Federated Hermes discusses what the Federal Reserve will prioritize amid stubbornly high inflation, jitters around the US financial system, pockets of strength in the labor market, and a slowing economy.