BT Correspondents

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...

What will 2026 hold for HDB resale flats, new condos, resale condos and landed homes? In this episode of PropertyBT, host Leslie Yee chats with Ismail Gafoor of PropNex. We explore the demand drivers for the housing market as well as key risks. We look at the priorities of home buyers. Also, get valuable tips on buying homes and building a career in real estate from PropNex’s charismatic co-...

Ride-hailing is booming in Singapore, but behind the growth is a business model under strain. Incentives are shrinking, driver incomes are falling, and platforms are under pressure to turn a profit.  In this episode of TransportBT, correspondent Derryn Wong speaks with Kay Woo, founder of zero-commission ride-hailing platform Tada, about whether a more sustainable alternative is possible.&nbs...

Asia is on the cusp of a massive US$6 trillion wealth transfer — but with great wealth comes great complexity.  In this episode of WealthBT, host Genevieve Cua speaks with Victor Aerni, CEO, Pictet Wealth Management Asia, about the forces reshaping intergenerational succession.  From the rise of “100-year CEOs” to blended families and globalised heirs, Victor explains w...

The surge in provisions that crushed UOB’s third quarter earnings might not be the lender’s only problem. Along with DBS and OCBC, it is also grappling with normalising net interest margins and soft net interest income. Meanwhile, non-interest income can be volatile and hard to forecast. BT’s Ben Paul offers his views on the outlook for the three Singapore banks. Highlights of th...

Singapore’s skyline is growing fast — but how green are the buildings we live, work and play in?  This week on PropertyBT, senior correspondent Leslie Yee sits down with Schneider Electric’s Jackson Seng to unpack the real value of green buildings, from energy savings and tenant wellbeing to rental premiums and the risk of stranded assets.  They explore whether retrofit...

Flying out of Singapore is about to get pricier. From 2026, a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) levy will kick in, adding between $1 and $41 to ticket prices — and even taxing cargo. What does this mean for travellers, airlines, and Singapore’s competitiveness as an air hub?  Host Derryn Wong speaks with SMU aviation expert Terence Fan to unpack what SAF really is, why it matter...

If you’re worried about the hidden costs of long-term care, you're not alone. Most Singaporeans underestimate the financial strain, but Singlife's Helen Shen reveals the shocking truth and common misconceptions. Discover why long-term care isn't just for the elderly and how to safeguard your finances and your loved ones. Synopsis: Learn to protect and grow your wealth in this monthly Busines...

After a lost decade following the Global Financial Crisis, the Singapore market is finally reflecting the city-state’s economic dynamism and embrace of new technologies. Could the STI hit 10,000 by 2040 as suggested by DBS? Senior correspondent Ben Paul explains what the changing narrative on Singapore means for investors. Highlights of the podcast: 00:54 DBS paints alluring picture of local...