Let's Talk, Singapore

Mature workers often get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting hired. And even though employers view training as the most effective way to ensure the employability of such workers, companies are falling short in turning that into reality. On this episode of Morning Shot, Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC and Dr Paul Ong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Tsao Foundation...

Commercial property has faced challenges in recent years, grappling with factors such as rising operating costs, inflation and shifting consumer behaviours. The question now: Is it on a recovery path, poised for growth? What are the trends that investors and businesses should look out for in 2024?  Edith Tay, Founder, PropertyBank Pte Ltd gives us the lowdown.     Presented by Ryan Huang and Audre...

As with many traditions, there are different origin stories and versions of history. We're not here to start a fight! Audrey and Ryan go through (one theory on) how this Chinese New Year staple came to be, how it has crossed borders, and evolved to include many groups who want to join in the fun.  No matter where it came from, lo hei is meant to bring us all together, not divide us: so enjoy the t...

Yeap Junrong, Market Strategist, IG highlights the bright spots for DBS including a 1-for-10 bonus share issue as well as a increased dividend payout. Presenter: Sean Cheong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christine Short, Vice President of Research at Wall Street Horizon shares her insights on the momentum seen on the S&P 500 and Magnificent Seven, whether we’re seeing enough to turn the overall growth rate positive, and if the economy’s impressive showing of late alter the economic outlook for the rest of the year. Presented by: Sean Cheong Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykaiting@sph.com.sg )  Photo...

Lion and dragon dance performances are quite a common sight during the Chinese New Year. Ahead of the Year of the Dragon, some troupes are already seeing a rise in demand this year.  On this episode of Morning Shot, Joanna Loo, Manager of Tian Eng Dragon and Lion Dance Centre shares how they are coping with that increased demand and what is involved during training. Presented by: Ryan Huang &...

As the Year of the Dragon beckons, the age old tradition of lion and dragon dances pick up even more speed this year. In ancient times, they were used as a way to pray for rain or to scare away monsters: but it's now a symbolic ritual used to bring good luck, fortune and good wishes. Audrey and Ryan explore the history of this art, and talk about the amount of work (physical and cultural) that goe...

Single-use packaging poses an environmental crisis, with vast amounts contributing to landfills and escalating carbon emissions annually. The urgency to combat this issue is undeniable. One Singapore-based company has come up with a solution - smart returnable packaging system. It recently collaborated with hawker centres to offer a seamless way to borrow and return containers. This groundbreaking...

Ben Powell, Chief APAC Investment Strategist, BlackRock Investment Institute discusses various investment themes worth looking at including demographic divergence, the Future of finance, and the growing transition to a low-carbon economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latest figures are signalling a tightening of consumers’ purse strings, with a dip in Singapore’s retail sales last December compared to the year before. Will the recent GST hike and inflationary pressures further weigh down on red packets this Chinese New Year, and beyond?  On this episode of Morning Shot, Song Seng Wun, Singapore Economic Advisor at CGS International shares his insights.  Presen...

What's the "market rate" for angbaos nowadays? With inflation and high cost of living, some have said they're going to be adjusting their red packets to reflect the changing times. On a poll we conducted, 12% said they're going to be giving less this year... hey, we're all feeling the pinch! Audrey and Ryan discuss how much they plan to give out to friends and relatives this year, and also discuss...

Injuries have redirected the life trajectory of many people, impacting not only their physical but also mental wellbeing. In this episode of Mind Your Business, Ting Mao, CEO, SunnyStep,  underwent this transformative journey when a spinal injury led her to starting a company offering comfortable footwear solutions.  She shares how she rebounded from that life-changing incident to running a multi-...

Jay Woods, CMT, Chief Global Strategist, Freedom Capital Markets shares his expert analysis on what's weighing down the Dow Jones, what McDonald's first sales miss in 4 years signals on the consumer front, whether investors will see an acceleration in big tech in the coming weeks, as well as the Fed's recent signals on rate cuts. Presented by: Sean Cheong Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykaiting@sph.com....

Matt Taylor, Senior Director, FTI Consulting outlines the look ahead to the week where central bank decisions from Australia and India are in focus. He also talks about how investors will be factoring in the hotter than expected US jobs data from last Friday. Presented: Sean Cheong See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're the universal receiver (AB+ people, anyone?) or universal donor (O-), you can save lives no matter what type of blood you have! Recently, the HSA put out an SOS for more donors to come forward, as O group stocks run low during the festive season. Now, there's an urgent call for negative rhesus blood due to rarity and the holiday period. Audrey (AB+!) and Ryan (O+) talk about their b...

What parallels exist between commanding a warship and steering a boardroom? A remarkable individual who has smoothly transitioned from a distinguished military career to steering excellence in the corporate landscape, shares her unique insights gained in this transformative career shift, plus the evolution of a traditional industry in the digital age, and the personal motivations driving active en...

Red alert! Calling out to those who are of A- and B- blood types!  If you’re one of those two blood types - you might want to consider heading down to donate some blood as the stocks are currently at low levels.  Blood is frequently needed to save lives, and your generous help will be greatly appreciated by those who need it.   On this episode of Morning Shot, Nurul Huda, Executive of the Blood Do...

Ever wondered about the role of a business consultant, the impact it can have on your business, and the key steps to ensure you get your money's worth? In this Biz-How-To episode, we explore the world of business consulting with Vikram Chakravarty, Asean Strategy and Transactions Leader at EY, to gain insights into maximising the value of consultancy services and transforming your business strateg...

Joey Chew, Head of Asia FX Research at HSBC , discusses how the Fed's latest signals of no cuts in March reinforces HSBC's view of a cut in June. She also discusses the implications for the USD with the Fed's hawkish tone, as well as how other currencies will move in the coming year. Presenter: Ryan Huang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch," is an age-old adage we've heard far too many times to count. But if it's your birthday here in Singapore, well, there might just be.  Do you fancy eating free gyozas and salmon sashimi slices - as many as your age? Or a free beverage from the vast selection on offer at Mr. Coconut? And this one's for adrenaline junkies - free entry into a water theme park? ...

Today marks World Wetlands Day.  The swamp forests, reedbeds and flooded grasslands of the Lower Mekong basin form one of the most biologically important regions on the planet. But these ecosystems are vanishing at an alarming pace, along with riverbank collapse, which has led to coastal communities losing their homes. Researchers believe that this is because the Vietnam Mekong Delta is currently...

Gina Martin Adams, Chief Equity Strategist & Global Director of Equity Strategy, Bloomberg LP shares her insights on the brutal decline overnight, sentiments surrounding how the tech sector is faring, whether 2024 looks like a banner year for the Magnificent Seven, and how the Fed's latest message might play out when it comes to giving stocks direction. Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo K...

Rajat Bhattacharya, Senior Investment Strategist, Standard Chartered Bank, discusses the FOMC's decision to hold rates steady at its latest meeting and the Fed's indication that March cuts are likely off the table; whether fund flows are still supporting US equities; if the Red Sea tensions pose a risk to US inflation; and the implication of China's latest policy easing on local equity and bond ma...

James McCann, Deputy Chief Economist at abrdn shares his insights on the latest Fed meeting and how early rate cuts might be. Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykaiting@sph.com.sg )  Graphics credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re just over two weeks away from the much anticipated Singapore Budget 2024, which will be delivered by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong in Parliament on 16th February. On this episode of Morning Shot, Members of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa and Yeo Wan Ling share their wishlists for this year’s Budget.  Presented by: Ryan Huang & Audrey Siek Produced and edited by: Yeo...