Claim OwnershipMoney Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian
Subscribed: 64Played: 12,958
Subscribe
© 2025 Money FM
Description
Money Matters is your guide to navigating the day's most important topics, from politics and current affairs to wealth management and trending issues. Every evening, the team delivers insightful discussions on business news, market movements, and the latest in alternative assets. Whether navigating the political landscape, understanding the economy, or uncovering emerging investment opportunities, Money Matters keeps you informed and ahead of the curve. Tune in daily to Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian from 4 pm to 7 pm on MONEY FM 89.3.
4239 Episodes
Reverse
Singapore equities began in the positive territory today tracking gains in global markets. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) climbed 1.2 per cent to 3,816.94 points after 41.7 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singapore Airlines, after the national carrier and its low-cost arm carried a total of 3.6 million passengers in December 2024, up 7.1 per cent from the previous year. Elsewhere, from how Asian markets reacted to healthy US bank earnings and a below forecast inflation print, to how Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s profit in the December quarter topped estimates, more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A recent abduction of a Chinese TV actor to Myanmar and his subsequent release is shedding new light on the lengths to which human traffickers operating online scam centers in the war-torn country will go to in order to lure would-be victims. Wang Xing flew to Thailand for what he expected to be a movie casting call. Instead, he was driven to a scam center in Myanmar’s Myawaddy, a notorious cyber-fraud hub across the border from Thailand. The kidnapping has now dented Thailand's appeal among tourists just weeks before China’s biggest annual holiday. Can Thailand's tourism recover? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Gary Bowerman, Director of Check-in Asia to find more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Coffee customers around the world are now experiencing a rise in coffee prices due to coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam battling against unfavourable weather conditions and are struggling to meet market demands. What’s the outlook like for coffee prices in 2025 then? Will the bullish sentiment continue in the coffee market throughout the year? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Matthew Biggin, Commodities Analyst, BMI, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore's rapid economic growth continues to dominate headlines, yet beneath the success lies an alarming challenge — the unhappiest workforce in Southeast Asia. Despite the nation’s prosperity, employees are grappling with burnout, dissatisfaction, and worsening mental health. Hearback, developed by Cloudsquire, offers a transformative solution. This AI-powered feedback platform captures and analyses employee sentiment in real time, enabling businesses to shorten feedback cycles, address concerns faster, and foster transparent communication. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Violet Yeo, Co-founder, Cloudsquire Pte Ltd to share more. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
170 million Americans are on TikTok, but maybe not for much longer. The app is due to be shut down in the US on January 19. As a potential ban looms, speculation over where TikTok users would migrate if a ban were to take effect has centred around alternatives like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. However, one Chinese-owned app has crept to the top of the App Store’s free downloads. Some creators – ‘TikTok refugees’, are opting for Xiaohongshu, or Little Red Book to fill the impending TikTok void. Is RedNote the next TikTok? And what does it all mean for the fate of TikTok in the US after January 19? Could a US entity buy over TikTok's US operations? And the biggest question of all: Would ByteDance sell its most successful app? On The Big Story, Pushan Dutt, Professor of Economics and Political Science at INSEAD to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore shares were in the green at the open today, as investors globally await key inflation data in the US which will set interest rate expectations. The Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.2 per cent to 3,795.23 points in early trade after 68.3 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have CapitaLand Investment, after the real asset manager appointed three female leaders into senior roles as part of its ongoing leadership renewal. Elsewhere, from how TikTok plans to keep paying US employees ahead of a ban deadline, to how US President-elect Donald Trump said he would create a new government agency called the External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and duties from foreign sources, more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Donald Trump preparing to return to the White House on January 20th, his proposed trade and economic policies are already making waves across industries. One of the most talked-about measures is a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, aimed at addressing the U.S. trade deficit and immigration tensions. While industries like automobiles and manufacturing are likely to bear the brunt of these tariffs, the tequila market, particularly the high-end tequila, finds itself in an interesting position. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Samuel Gordon, CEO of GORDON PWC about how Trump’s policies could reshape the tequila industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With the Singapore Premier League returning after a 2-month hiatus, Geylang International's Mohd Noor Ali - the league's longest-serving head coach - is in the Sports Minutes hot seat. Tune is as he opens up about managing momentum during a long break, key transfers, and standout moments from the first half of the season. Find out what drives him, how he views his team’s prospects, and why he believes there’s much more to be achieved both at home and abroad.Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mimin empowers businesses to craft AI-driven conversational journeys that connect, engage, and boost conversions. By enabling real-time, personalized, and efficient communication, Mimin helps drive better sales and customer engagement. Built with AI, Delivered Through Conversations — Mimin’s core mission is to make AI-powered conversations the primary channel for delivering superior customer experience journeys. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joseph Simbar, CEO & Co-Founder, Mimin to share more. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cleaning barnacles and algae off the hulls of some of the world’s largest liners – that’s the work of our guest for today. Founded in 2018, Neptune Robotics is a pioneer in AI-powered robotics and uses robots to reduce biofouling or an accumulation of microorganisms, algae, plants and animals on ship hulls. For context, removing biofouling and hull cleaning is important for the maritime industry because it helps ships reduce drag and consequently fuel consumption. It could also result in the transfer of invasive aquatic species to different parts of the world as the vessel travels. The process can be done by traditional divers. But in the case of Neptune Robotics, the firm is able to use its proprietary robots called Magneto to do so. The firm is also said to have raised the industry standard by countering currents of 1 knot to 4 knots to allow for 24-hour cleaning a day in anchorages, instead of the 4 hours a day of traditional cleaning by divers. Neptune Robotics started commercial operations in 2020 and has seen its cleaning services expanded to 60 ports in Asia and endorsed by some of the world’s largest liners, shipowners and operators. The firm has also reportedly received US$17.25 million in series A investments in 2022 and is currently backed by Sequoia China, the venture capital giant behind Apple, Whatsapp and Shein. Why are we speaking to Neptune Robotics you might ask? Well, the firm had in November 2024 expanded to Singapore, bringing its service coverage to over 55 per cent of the international merchant vessels’ stops. The expansion in Singapore would allow the firm to support shipowners and operators along China-Singapore shipping routes. But really how important is Singapore as a market for the firm? Also – what are the longer term opportunities for the firm as the maritime industry seeks to address the issue of biofouling to push ahead on their decarbonisation agenda? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Elizabeth Chan, Co-founder & CEO of Neptune Robotics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore shares were trading in the negative territory today, after overseas markets closed mixed. As at the midday break, the Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.1 per cent at 3,786.46 points after 481.1 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have First Real Estate Investment Trust after it received a preliminary non-binding letter of intent from Siloam International Hospitals to acquire its portfolio of hospital assets in Indonesia. Elsewhere, from how NVIDIA’s chief Jensen Huang is embarking on a trip to China this week to how Chinese officials are reportedly evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Too Jun Cheong, Assistant Dealing Manager from Moomoo Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Workplace Fairness Bill has been recently passed in Parliament, marking a major milestone in Singapore's employment landscape. Aimed at tackling workplace discrimination, the bill protects employees from biases ranging from age, race, nationality, and so on. But while the bill is a positive step towards fostering a more inclusive community, it also presents challenges for SMEs, which are exempted for the next five years. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Paul Lim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University to unpack what this bill means for organisations and employees. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The world is on the cusp of a new era. The US economy is in a healthy position, supported by cyclical and structural tailwinds and a Federal Reserve in easing mode. But with uncertainties remaining, how can investors better position their portfolios? How can they seize on the opportunities to generate additional value based on strong convictions around specific markets and segments. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dong Chen, Chief Asia Strategist and Head of Asia Research, Pictet Wealth Management to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many men ignore early health symptoms, brushing them off as stress or fatigue — but these signs, like low energy or performance issues, can signal serious problems such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Nano Singapore aims to close this gap in men’s health awareness with proactive outreach and their Men’s Vitality Formula. This potent blend, featuring superfoods like spirulina, ginseng, and blackcurrant, supports heart health, immunity, and hormonal balance — helping over 50,000 men feel their best before minor issues become major concerns. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Xuan Hao, Marketing Manager, Nano Singapore, to find out more. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles have claimed at least 24 lives, with officials warning that its worsening condition could intensify the crisis. Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, described the recent wildfires as the “worst disaster in US history”. The Palisades and Eaton fires have scorched over 40,000 acres combined, leaving a path of destruction that threatens various iconic landmarks and countless homes. As the firefight continues, questions are beginning to mount about whether LA was adequately prepared. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Char Miller, W.M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis and History, Pomona College in Claremont, California to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singapore equities began the day in negative territory, tracking losses in global markets last Friday. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) fell 0.3 per cent to 3,790.51 points after 36.9 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Stoneweg E-Reit, after it received a “BBB-” long-term issuer credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. That’s on the expectation of stable operational performance and cash flow over the next two years. Elsewhere, from more on Chinese trade surplus soaring to a record last year ahead of US president-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House, to how TSMC is expected to report a 58% jump in Q4 profits on Thursday – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. Also on deck – a lookahead to the US banking sector with industry behemoths set to report mid-week. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hougang United’s season hangs in the balance, and newly-appointed interim head coach Robert Eziakor has 12 league games to turn things around. Bold moves, fresh tactics, and big decisions—will it be enough to reignite the Cheetahs? Tune in as he sits down to Sports Minutes to tell us more. READ MORE:https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/robert-eziakor-steps-up-as-hougang-interim-coach-in-13th-year-with-cheetahs Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elections and central bank actions have dominated global markets over the past year, and analysts expect unusually high monetary policy risk to remain a key driver in 2025. That means the impact on Asia’s credit markets will likely be less marked, especially for US dollar denominated Asian bonds. So what’s the outlook for Asian fixed income in 2025? Will Asian fixed income have a good year once again? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Omar Slim, Co-Head of Asia Fixed Income at PineBridge Investments, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sara Soong suffered years-long battle against eczema that had left her skin reddened, drying, and constantly peeling. But that wasn’t even the worst of it — she had been left a husk of her former self as the eczema ate away at her, becoming a drawn-out war with depression and anorexia too. In fact, 1 in 3 Singaporean youths grapple with mental health, largely fuelled by appearance-related concerns. That was how Sara came to start Restoration Essence, her very own line of handcrafted skincare products specially for individuals living with skin conditions. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Sara Soong, Founder of Restoration Essence to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Converting complex data landscapes into actionable insights that can drive strategic business outcomes. That’s the work of our guest for today, Qlik. Founded in 1993, Qlik is a software company that focuses on data integration, analytics and artificial intelligence, providing enterprise grade artificial intelligence and machine learning powered solutions that work with diverse data sources. The firm serves over 40,000 global customers including some of the brands that we interact with on a day-to-day basis. Take for instance, Dominos Pizza. In this scenario, Qlik built a comprehensive data tracker to streamline Dominos Pizza’s 85,000 data sources into a single view of its customers and global operations. Another example would be how Qlik worked with Urban Outfitters to reduce the time taken to complete store level reporting from hours to minutes. But who does Qlik work with right here in Asia? What should we know about its business and the opportunities present in the region? Meanwhile, Qlik is also an interesting company to look at right now because it is expanding through both organic and inorganic means. It had in November 2024 announced the launch of a new cloud region in Mumbai to enhance its global cloud infrastructure and meet growing demand for local data storage and advanced AI capabilities. But what are the opportunities in India and how far would a deeper presence in India benefit regional ASEAN markets? The firm had also in May 2023 acquired data management vendor Talend, but how has it integrated the firm into its business, and how has the acquisition benefitted Qlik more than one year down the road? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Chong Yang Chan, Managing Director, ASEAN & Greater China Region, Qlik.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Top Podcasts
The Best New Comedy Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best News Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New Business Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New Sports Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Right Now – June 20The Best New Dan Bongino Show Podcast Right Now – June 20The Best New Mark Levin Podcast – June 2024
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
rational analysis