Live Well with Michelle

AI is the new oil—and Korea’s stock market just struck it big. Hosted by Michelle Martin solo, she unpacks the record-breaking rally in the KOSPI driven by Samsung and SK Hynix’s AI partnership with OpenAI. We dive into BYD’s first monthly sales decline of the year and what it signals for China’s EV wars. In our Up-or-Down round, we tackle USA Rare Earth’s jump on White House talks, Intel’s 50% surge in just one month, Buffett’s $10B buy of Occidental’s OxyChem, and why analysts are turning bullish on Singapore REITs. Companies discussed include BYD, Samsung, SK Hynix, Intel, Berkshire Hathaway, Occidental, USA Rare Earth, and S-REITs. Tune in for the key takeaways to carry into the weekend.

Are more in Singapore rewriting the rules of work and retirement? Hosted by Michelle Martin with guest Ashmita Acharya, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC Singapore, this episode explores how Singaporeans are trading the “work till 65” model for intentional career pauses. We unpack HSBC findings that show 40% of Singaporeans planning mini-retirements aim to keep costs under $100K - signaling a shift from privilege to mainstream. From burnout relief to pursuing passion projects, mini-retirements are reshaping financial and life planning. How are they being funded - CPF, dividends, disciplined savings? And what are the non-financial hurdles that trip people up? Discover practical tips for anyone inspired to design a career with breaks built in, without sacrificing long-term security.

Singapore takes the spotlight as IPOs surge and CICT overtakes Hong Kong’s Link Reit. Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, this episode unpacks the big shifts across Singapore’s markets. We look at CICT, Link Reit, LHN, DBS, UOB, OCBC, and Nintendo, and what these moves mean for investors. From dividend growth to co-living IPOs, and from stablecoins like XSGD to Buffett’s next big bet—what signals should you watch? Will Singapore cement its position as Asia’s IPO hub, or is this momentum fragile? And as US shutdown risks loom, how might markets price in uncertainty? 

What if happiness could be decoded for teens - and their parents? Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dives into Andrew Matthews’ Being a Happy Teen 2025, a complete rewrite of his classic bestseller read by millions worldwide. We explore why self-love tops the list, how to understand parents, and the secret of champions that builds resilience. Andrew reveals why happiness isn’t just a goal but a skill teens can learn. From handling bullies to dealing with disappointment, his practical wisdom shines through. A must-listen for anyone guiding or growing through the teenage years.  

Singapore’s IPO market is on fire - and it’s the strongest in over a decade! Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode dives into the surge fueled by MAS’s S$5B liquidity fund, tax rebates, and record-breaking listings like Centurion Accommodation REIT and AvePoint’s dual debut. Malcolm Koo, CEO of CGS International Singapore, shares insights on sector shifts to AI, renewables, and healthcare. We explore investor sentiment trends across institutional and global funds. Plus, what reforms are still needed to keep the momentum going? And how should investors rethink portfolios to seize these new opportunities?

A $55B gaming takeover shakes Wall Street and Asia-Pacific markets! Hosted by Michelle Martin who breaks down Electronic Arts’ mega buyout, market reactions, and the companies moving the needle today. Featuring Tata Group, Etsy, CapitaLand C-REIT, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, and SingTel, we track winners, losers, and where markets head next. Will a looming U.S. shutdown weigh on sentiment? And which stocks are set for an Up or Down call? Get the Last Word on what’s driving the STI and beyond—all in one fast-moving show!

Pharma stocks plunge as Trump’s 100% tariffs send shockwaves across Asia. Hosted by Michelle Martin, we break down the impact on Singapore’s $4 billion pharma exports, Sumitomo Pharma, CSL, and more. Are these tariffs a short-term blow or a long-term reset for Asian healthcare investments? Plus, we spotlight Mapletree’s three Singapore REITs - Logistics, Industrial, and Pan-Asia Commercial - amid expected rate cuts.  Which one offers the best dividend yield and growth potential? Dividend Titan’s Willie Keng shares his strategy for navigating healthcare risks and REIT opportunities.  

Palm oil scandal, pharma tariffs, market jitters - what’s next for global investors? Hosted by Michelle Martin with Ryan Huang, we unpack Wilmar International’s corruption fallout, Donald Trump’s 100% pharma tariffs, and Chugai Pharmaceutical and Novo Nordisk’s market reaction. We explore the Buffett Indicator’s warning on U.S. equities, Nike’s upcoming earnings, and local market movers like Centurion Accommodation REIT, CapitaLand India Trust, and Jardine Matheson. Plus, our daily UP or DOWN verdict on Lululemon, Microsoft, and more. A fast-moving episode on scandals, stocks, and strategy.

Fresh lemon-blue colours and sweet treats await you at the newest Italian breakfast spot in Singapore. The queue outside of Fortuna Italian Trattoria - fully booked for about a year and half since its opening - is well-known, and from Oct 1st, there is likely a similar line forming for Fortuna Terrazza, its sister outlet. Hosted by Michelle Martin, this episode of Influence welcomes Egon Marzaioli, the 33-year-old founder of Fortuna, as he unveils his bold new concept - Fortuna Terrazza. Egon is expanding his culinary footprint with an Amalfi Coast-inspired café. He shares how he’s recreating seaside café culture with dishes like RicottaMisu Hot Cake and Amalfi Lemon Sorbetto, and why hospitality is always at the heart of his craft. From Napoli to Australia to Singapore, Egon reflects on his global journey, his people-first philosophy, and what it takes to build restaurants that diners keep wanting to come back to.

Singapore is on track to hit super-aged status next year, and the housing market is bracing for change. Hosted by Michelle Martin, today’s show dives into the launch of Perennial Living’s private luxury assisted living project in Kovan, with monthly fees from $8,900 to $17,000. Will this premium model succeed alongside government-led Community Care Apartments, or remain a niche for the ultra-wealthy? We explore the demand, risks, and investor opportunities in this emerging sector. Plus, Michelle and Ivan Cai, CEO, Crestbrick discuss whether more private developers could follow, and what the government’s role should be. Finally, the conversation shifts to Kampong Bugis, a 4,000-home waterfront precinct in the URA’s Draft Master Plan 2025, and why this new approach to development could reshape investor strategies.