Let's Talk, Singapore

The Indo-Pacific region has been garnering increased attention by some of the world’s biggest powers in recent years, with both China and the US pumping investment bucks into the region through development projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative.  But as the geostrategic chess match between the United States and China grows more intense, what are the risks faced by countries in the Indo-Paci...

In Singapore, the prospect of owning multiple properties has always been an appealing investment strategy, given the robust property market, stability, and economic growth. However, in recent years, authorities have implemented cooling measures like the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty, making it tougher to own more than one property here. In this episode of property matters on Mind Your Business, we...

Nadine Terman, CEO & CIO at Solstein Capital shares her expert insights on how she is reading into the optimism in the markets right now, what earnings say about the health of the markets, how the consumer appetite might pan out in the coming months, as well as her expectations on the Fed's next move.   Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykaiting@sph.com.sg )  Photo credits: pix...

Chris Chavez, Market Strategist at Blue Line Futures shares his insights on the record highs on Wall Street in recent days, the disconnect between what the Fed is signalling versus market expectations, as well as sentiments surrounding the economy, spending and the impact of the US Presidential Election on investors looking to invest in China. Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykai...

The rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer!  Well that phrase is certainly true based on a newly released Oxfam report. And in case you’re wondering, we’re talking about billionaires, and a good number of large companies are owned by them (7 in 10). Is there a need to put a control on their corporate power, and what can be done to ensure the poor get sufficient support? On this...

Vinay Thapar, Co-Chief Investment Officer for US Growth Equities & Portfolio Manager for the Global Healthcare Strategy, AllianceBernstein,  discusses upcoming developments in the AI space with respect to healthcare; how data in the sector will be examined; how investors should  allocate portfolios and reposition themselves in the market; and whether big tech trends towards wearables will cont...

As we mark International Day of Education today, we took the opportunity to look at the varied school systems around the world. From forest schools in Scandinavia, to NO standardised tests in Finland, and cleaning classrooms and taking moral education classes in Japan... there's so much to learn, and so many ways to teach kids! Audrey, Ryan and Emaad take a walk down memory lane, and also discover...

In the current climate of persistent inflation and rising cost of living, we explore how FairPrice Group, a social enterprise, navigates these challenges through innovative initiatives such as the 1% GST Offset and the FairPrice Return Vouchers scheme. They have also committed to community welfare with upcoming Chinese New Year block parties, featuring unique activations to support vulnerable comm...

Exhausted from a long flight or car journey, you open that hotel room door, and all you want to do is decompress, unpack, perhaps crash on that comfy-looking bed. But before you do that, it might be wise to scan any water bottles, air fresheners, or even toothbrush holders in the room for hidden cameras.  Yes, you heard that right. But how? Emaad, Ryan and Audrey discuss up to five methods you can...

An intensification of nuclear threats from North Korea in recent weeks has got the world wondering if the North’s leader, Kim Jong-un is moving beyond just posturing and if it could be planning a sudden assault on South Korea. On this episode of Morning Shot, Dr Ryu Yongwook, Assistant Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS weighs in on the latest signals by Pyongyang. Pr...

A swim school and sports academy stood out among 200 contenders, securing a spot among the exclusive 24 winners of the prestigious SME100 Award last year - quite a feat in the competitive SME landscape and a small sporting nation like Singapore. Ray Kua, Founder & CEO, SwimRay sheds light on what propelled this SME to the esteemed recognition.    Presented by Ryan Huang and Audrey Siek This po...

Vasu Menon, Managing Director, Investment Strategy, OCBC Bank,  previews Q4 earnings results for this week; whether U.S. consumer sentiment will continue to hold strong; expectations for the BOJ and ECB's respective monetary policy meetings; and the macroeconomic risks markets are evaluating from a possible Donald Trump presidency.   Presented by Emaad Akhtar Podcast edited by Emaad Akhtar ( eakht...

Gregory Branch, Founder & Managing Partner, Veritas Financial Group shares his insights on the latest investor sentiments, whether the rise in bond yields are set to pose headwinds for stocks and his expectations on the upcoming Fed meeting at the end of January. Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykaiting@sph.com.sg )  Graphics credits: pixabay & its talented community of c...

With the Cordlife saga making headlines as of late, more people are curious about cord blood and its uses. It costs about $7,000 to store the precious blood in a private bank for 21 years - not a figure to scoff at! So after all that, what are the chances you'll use the cord blood? Is there a big difference between storing your child's cord blood in a private bank, versus donating it to a public b...

Matt Taylor, Senior Director, FTI Consulting, discusses the S&P 500's record high closing on Friday and factors leading to the market's rally; key takeaways from the World Economic Forum in Davos on U.S. recession fears and AI; and expectations ahead of the BOJ's upcoming monetary policy meeting this week.   Presented by Ryan Huang Podcast edited by Emaad Akhtar ( eakhtar@sph.com.sg ) See omny...

Water is at the heart of human survival, economic growth and development. But, only 1% of the surface water on Earth is accessible and clean drinking water. And one in 10 people struggle to access it. To further that struggle, climate change is exacerbating the global water crisis. On this episode of Morning Shot, Assistant Professor Edward Park, National Institute of Education, Earth Observatory...

In this episode of C-Suite conversation on Mind Your Business, we unravel the remarkable journey of a Vietnamese migrant who forged his path from early struggles in Germany to attaining a prominent position in a tech giant in the ASEAN region. From overcoming language and cultural barriers to earning a PhD in Munich, we explore his narrative that transcends corporate leadership, as well as his pas...

Navigating succession planning for family businesses across generations is a nuanced journey marked by unique challenges and strategic considerations. The delicate balance between preserving family values and adapting to dynamic business landscapes requires careful planning. Ethan Chue, Chief Executive Officer, Family Succession Advisors, who has nearly 3 decades of experience in helping family bu...

Vikas Pershad, Portfolio Manager, Asian Equities, M&G Investments  discusses what investors can expect with elections in India due this year, as well as the outlook for China with a drop in population for a second straight year, and Japanese markets which are breaking new 33-year highs.  Presented: Ryan Huang See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A wave of resignations may be on the horizon in Asia following a recent LinkedIn report which revealed that 77% of professionals in the region are considering taking up new jobs this year. As the old adage goes, "necessity is the mother of invention," and in an overcrowded job market, the ones that stand out are typically those that dared to venture beyond the traditional application playbook of "...

In this episode of our intergenerational series on Mind Your Business, we dive into the heart of legacy and cross-generational friendship as we explore the profound question: "What is the enduring impact of a father's friend on a family business legacy?"    We unravel the untold stories behind the scenes of a family-run enterprise, delving into the unique dynamics shaped by a trusted family friend...

Through half a million years of isolation, primates of the Mentawai Islands evolved into five distinct species, totally different from their relatives on the nearest mainland, Sumatra. These endemic species include the pig-tailed snub-nosed langur, Mentawai gibbon, Mentawai langur, Pagai macaque, and Siberut macaque. Except for the last, the other four species are Critically Endangered or Endanger...

Tim Urbanowicz, Head of Research and Investment Strategy at Innovator ETFs shares his insights on whether investors should be diving into the technology and small caps space right now, an outlook on how the next FOMC meeting might turn out, as well as an outlook on consumer sentiments. Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykaiting@sph.com.sg )  Graphics credits: pixabay & its tale...

Mark Matthews, Managing Director & Head of Research Asia, Julius Baer shares his insights on how the US economy is faring, what's driving consumer sentiments, expectations on the impact rate cuts would have on the US Dollar, and his takeaway from China's latest GDP figures. Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting ( ykaiting@sph.com.sg )  Graphics credits: pixabay & its talented com...

Dong Chen,  Chief Asia Strategist and Head of Asia Research, Pictet Wealth Management,  discusses the economic implications of China's declining population numbers; whether weaker-than-expected economic indicators on jobs growth and GDP will witness a turnaround this year; why authorities aren't acting more urgently to enforce more stimulus measures; and prospects for global growth in 2024 in the...