BT Correspondents

With a focus on macro fundamentals and careful asset allocation, Maybank chief investment officer (CIO) Eddy Loh is helping investors navigate uncertain markets. He talks to BT’s Ben Paul about the next leg of the AI theme, what geopolitical tensions mean for markets, the role of gold as a risk mitigator, and why he is optimistic about Singapore and Malaysia. Highlights of the podcast: 05:37...

Get insights on latest developments and hot button issues in HDB housing. Will super-tall HDB blocks offer good homes? Are we heading to S$1 million BTO flats and S$2 million HDB resale flats? Learn about how having a 10-year minimum occupation period may impact housing mobility and whether young people here are on track to own their own homes. Leslie Yee is in conversation with NUS’ Prof Si...

What connects the high-stakes world of automotive leadership to the brutal isolation of a solo South Pole expedition? Derryn Wong sits down with former Dyson CEO Roland Krueger. From his pioneering design work at Smart to surviving the extremes of Antarctica, Roland shares how lessons from the wilderness—like the absolute necessity of preparation and accountability—can revolutionise yo...

Are financial advisors steering you wrong on retirement? In this eye-opening episode of WealthBT, host Genevieve Cua and financial expert Christopher Tan of Providend expose a common, yet risky, sales pitch that pits CPF Life against investment-linked policies (ILPs). Learn why phrases like "capital guaranteed on death" are being challenged, and how some agents use misleading comparisons to clinch...

Marco Polo Marine has the wind in its sails as investor attention in the Singapore market turns to smaller cap stocks. Its CEO Sean Lee answers questions from BT’s Ben Paul about how he is steering the group into North Asia, why separate listings for its wind energy platform and shipyard have been proposed, and what the group will look like in 10 years. Highlights of the podcast: 03:23 New m...

Get insights on what is driving home buyers to buy pricey condos despite mounting economic uncertainties. In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with PropNex’s CEO Kelvin Fong. What is driving buyers in the new sale and resale private housing markets? Will Singaporeans continue to aspire for private homes? Learn about how AI is impacting real estate agents. Also, approaching on...

What do Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, and Max Verstappen have in common? They've all ditched commercial flying — for good reason. In this episode, Crystal Wong, president of APAC for Vista — the world's leading private aviation company — pulls back the curtain on the booming business jet industry. From subscription models and transparent pricing to flying dim sum to 30,000 feet, Wong...

The US$6 Trillion Wealth Transfer is here. Are you ready? High-net-worth families are adding Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance to their toolkit. Discover how this tool fits into multi-generational wealth planning, what separates a good policy from a bad one, and the risks of policies lapsing. Synopsis: Learn to protect and grow your wealth in this monthly Business Times podcast series for aff...

CICT’s acquisition of Paragon demonstrates the strength of the Reit sector, while Addvalue Tech’s value unlocking plan highlights the local market’s weakness in the growth space. Senior correspondent Ben Paul looks at how the Singapore market could be strengthened as a hub for both yield and growth. Highlights of the podcast: 03:30 Big Singapore Reits drive sector liquidity 05:43...

Get to grips with how technology can disrupt the house hunting journey to the benefit of consumers. In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with realsmart.sg ’s co-founder Tan Zhi Long. Why venture into the proptech space? Can housing transactions get more frictionless? Learn about how the Singapore housing market compares with that of the San Francisco Bay Area. Also, will tech...

Missiles, blocked seas, and fuel price spikes—is this the most dangerous time for global business, or just another day for logistics? Host Derryn Wong speaks with Eric Tan, managing director of FedEx Express Singapore, on navigating the Iran crisis. Discover how the logistics industry builds resilience years in advance, leveraging AI and global networks to keep the world moving. Learn essent...

Riders are cheaper, but your out-of-pocket expenses are higher. Is that switch worth it? Join BT wealth editor Genevieve Cua and Havend CEO Eddy Cheong as they dissect Singapore's new Integrated Shield riders. Learn about the hidden costs, cancer coverage changes, and the only way to beat that costly 'buffet syndrome.' Synopsis: Learn to protect and grow your wealth in this monthly Business Times...

The likelihood of higher interest rates weighing on Reits has risen with the Iran war. As investors become more selective in this once popular segment of the market, sponsor groups may have to adjust their strategies, suggests BT senior correspondent Ben Paul. Highlights of the podcast: 00:47 Bad timing trips up two small Reits 04:39 A big Reit undeterred by the Iran war 08:49 Reits no longer offe...

Examine the state of play with Chinese consumers, retailers, mall owners and tourists. Host Leslie Yee chats with seasoned China hand Cecilia Tan, former CEO of the manager of Sassuer Reit. Are things looking up for China’s troubled housing market? What are the prospects for physical retail spaces in China? Are there opportunities for Singapore players in the Chinese real estate market? Also...

The Preferential Additional Registration Fee (Parf) rebate just got halved, instantly shifting the value of every car in Singapore. Host Derryn Wong and consultant Vincent Ng unpack the shock move that hits luxury cars hardest, fuels the EV push, and could even impact your COE renewal decision. Understand the 'what, why, and how' of a tax change designed to change the roads. Highlights: 02:04 Scra...

Markets are volatile, but smart strategies can deliver stable returns. What if you could balance explosive growth with steady income—all while protecting against inflation? DBS chief investment officer Hou Wey Fook reveals the "barbell approach" that's delivered 8.6 per cent annual returns through major downturns. From AI winners to gold's scarcity play, discover investment themes carrying p...

The recently launched Value Unlock scheme could be as significant as the S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme in boosting local stocks. SGX’s Chan Kum Kong explains to BT senior correspondent Ben Paul how this latest initiative will work and why companies should seize the opportunity. Highlights of the podcast: 07:35 How magic can happen in the local market 11:25 Grants disbursed...

Examine the investment landscape today and understand the risk-reward of various property investment types. In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with veteran investor Gabriel Yap of GCP Global. Amid low interest rates, we do a deep dive into the investment merits of shares in property groups and units in real estate investment trusts. We also see what overseas real estate opportuni...

Everybody loves a loud jet, but the Singapore Airshow is more than a spectacle. Host Derryn Wong talks to Experia Events managing director Leck Chet Lam about Singapore's record-breaking event and its role as a "twin engine" for growth. Discover the drivers behind the S$750 million investment boom, the MRO hub's dominance, and the timely launch of the Space Summit. Plus, how close are we to air ta...

Is US exceptionalism truly dead? With Big Tech valuations soaring and global tensions rising, investors must choose: stay US-focused or diversify. Discover why the American formula for growth may still have legs, and where the most rewarding opportunities lie next as Genevieve Cua and Capital Group's Andy Budden dissect the threats to the US edge—from debt sustainability to global governance...

The government has said GIC and Temasek have performed reasonably and within expectations given their mandates. Yet, their returns have trailed some of their global peers. Senior correspondent Ben Paul delves into dissonance, and offers some suggestions. Highlights of the podcast: 00:43 Trailing returns raised in Parliament 04:17 Mandates, portfolios and performance 08:47 US mega-caps now dominate...

Examine the state of play and outlook in private housing, office property and retail spaces. In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with Realion’s head honcho Desmond Sim. We look at what to consider when choosing whether to invest in private homes, office property or retail spaces. Also, get frank views on whether new retail entrepreneurs are fairly treated by landlords. And s...

Singapore’s electric vehicle boom shows little sign of slowing — even as incentives are scaled back and COE supply rises.  In this episode of Transport BT, host Derryn Wong speaks with Timothy Wong of consultancy Roland Berger about why EVs are fast becoming mainstream, how Chinese and Japanese carmakers are reshaping competition, and whether premium EVs can win over Singapore buy...

Markets soared in 2025, but what lies ahead? What of the US K-shaped economy, the dollar's decline, and the AI valuation puzzle? Where can we find income and how can we build a portfolio resilient against global fiscal dominance? Wealth editor Genevieve Cua gets insights from Alexandre Tavazzi, head of CIO Office and Macro Research, Pictet Wealth Management. Synopsis: Learn to protect and grow you...

Several initiatives over the years to draw quality listings to Singapore have not worked. Will the SGX-Nasdaq dual-listing bridge be any different? Why are many recent IPOs underwater? Senior correspondent Ben Paul delves into the matter. Highlights of the podcast: 02:53 Singapore's long battle for quality listings 07:00 SGX-Nasdaq link may be a game changer  10:11 New listings upstaged by ho...