Reset with Lynlee

Global sustainable finance issuance volumes may be starting to see more green shoots in 2024. In the first half of 2024, issuance of sustainable debt around the world reached $800bn, almost at the same level as that in the first half of 2023 - showing sustained momentum. Rachel Kelly speaks to Mariam Ashroff, Head of Sustainability Management at LGT Private Bank to get her take on key transition a...

It has been five days since an Indian tourist, was swallowed up by a 8m-deep sinkhole while walking along a street in Kuala Lumpur. Her whereabouts are still unknown as search and rescue operations continue.  The Straits Times’ Malaysia correspondent, Azril Anuar , provides updates from the ground.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the recent 2024 UK general elections, the Labour Party won by a significant margin securing over 400 seats in the British Parliament, assuming control after 14 years of Conservative rule. Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to turn back the tide on a number of policies set by the Conservatives, so it begs the questions, what does it mean for foreign investors?  We ask Marc von Grundherr , Dire...

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, AI is no longer just a tool for efficiency but rather a catalyst for innovation, transforming how banks in the APAC region operate and compete.  As a leading platform for Everyday AI, Dataiku plays a crucial role in this transformation by providing a collaborative and scalable platform where banks can enhance customer experience through personalised...

The Singapore dollar has advanced to its strongest in almost a decade. Last week, it hit levels against the US dollar that were last seen in 2014. Yeap Junrong, Market Strategist from IG explains the drivers behind the strong Singdollar and shares technical analysis including tips on Take Profit (T/P) and Stop Loss (S/L) levels.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you frequently drive across to Johor Bahru, you would have heard that from Oct 1, all foreign-registered vehicles entering Johor from Singapore must have a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to enter.  As Malaysia prepares to enforce the VEP system, what do you need to know? The Straits Times’ Senior Correspondent,  Lee Nian Tjoe, gives us a closer look at the VEP requirements; from applying for one to...

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a significant investment of US$6.2 billion (RM29.2 billion) in Malaysia through 2038. It accompanies the launch of the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region and offers local businesses, startups, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organisations access to a broad range of AWS cloud services.  Pete Murray, Country Manager, AWS Malaysia...

Front and Centre in the markets this week was a slew of macro-economic data in various parts of the world, and of course, the much awaited Jackson Hole speech from Fed Chair Jerome Powell.  Yeap Junrong, Market Strategist at IG, shares his thoughts, as well as what he is looking forward to in the week ahead.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tada, known for its zero-commission model, is one of five ride-hailing platforms licensed by the Singapore Land Transport Authority. The Singapore-based ride hailing company launched its services in Thailand in March 2024 and recently announced plans to venture into the Hong Kong market by the end of the year. The company aims to leverage its success in Singapore with its zero-commission model to...

In a rare feat for educational programmes, education chain, Mindchamps has set a precedent in the industry by securing patents for its innovative education methodology in the US, UK, and Australia. It is the first pre-school globally to achieve this milestone for its unique, research-based pedagogy that uses the learning of music to build fundamental cognitive skills which enhances a child’s abili...

At this year’s National Day Rally, property measures were introduced to provide more financial support for buyers. For example, in a move to cool the HDB resale market, the maximum loan that home buyers can take from the Housing Development Board to purchase their flats will be tightened starting August 20. Debra Teng, Group Associate Director at real estate firm Orangetee , explains what some of...

The proliferation of video games and the development of the video game industry have seen competitive gaming as a form of spectator sport. eSports is experiencing rapid growth, despite still being in its relatively formative stages. At the current growth rate, by 2024, there are expected to be over 285 million frequent viewers of eSports worldwide, as well as some 291.6 million occasional viewers....

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or mooncake festival, which is an occasion for families to get together and have a good time. Mooncakes are the quintessential symbol of this celebration. There are now more 'healthful' ones in the market like those from Singapore-based traditional chinese medicine company Eu Yan Sang. Can indulgent mooncakes really promote health? Eu Yan Sang 's Sharon Tan, Head of Market...

According to KPMG, 2024 has been a challenging one for fintech market globally driven by concerns like ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and high interest rate. As such, fintech investment globally has declined from $62.3 billion to $51.9 billion between the second half of 2023 and H1 this year—the lowest six months of fintech investment since 2020. Only five deals that are over $1 billion occurred...

Vinyl listening is hugely popular despite the high cost of the media, the initial investment of a turntable and a solid setup that can stand the test of time. For those in the know, in the world of vinyl record players, cartridges are the unsung heroes, often referred to as the "needles" or "diamonds" of the setup. Japanese brand Audio-Technica, maker of vinyl cartridges for 60 years, has recently...

Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra is Thailand's new prime minister. She assumes the post two days after Mr. Srettha Thavisin was dismissed from the premiership by the Constitutional Court for the wrongful appointment of a Cabinet minister. Ms Paetongtarn of the Pheu Thai party will be Thailand’s youngest prime minister and is the third member of the influential Shinawatra clan to take the top job, after h...

Retiring in the city of Johor Bahru, in the southernmost state of Johor, sounds like a dream deal on paper, especially with recent updates to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme and some exciting developments for the upcoming Special Economic Zone between Singapore and Johor. Can JB truly be a home away from home? Felicia Yeo, Master Trainer and Senior Specialist for Financial Literacy an...

According to recent research from Booking.com - over 80% of travellers state that sustainable travel is important to them.  Booking.com gathered insights from 31,000 travellers across the globe, and 75% said that they want to travel more sustainably this year - and over 40% said they would feel guilty if they made less sustainable travel choices.  BUT, what does it take to incorporate sustainable...

The rise of AI, cloud computing, e-commerce, and other technologies and businesses that require large amounts of processing power and data storage is fuelling demand for data centres, and Southeast Asia looks well-positioned to benefit significantly. In Singapore, there are over 70 data centres, serving as one of the biggest hubs in the world. But what will it take for Singapore to continued to ke...

Har Cheong Gai is the epitome of fried chicken wings. They are plump and juicy, and bursting with all the flavours and goodness when you bite into the crispy crust. While we can easily get them at restaurants and your favourite zi char place, don’t you wish you could get the chicken dish as a snack anytime you want à la fast-food style? Har Har Chicken!, Singapore's first har cheong gai takeaway k...

Recently, Stellar Lifestyle, a business arm of SMRT and the largest managing agent of retail spaces in Singapore’s rail network, officially launched the Staytion Lifestyle Centre. The beauty and wellness-themed lifestyle centre adds a variety of retail experiences to the station area, including food, health, and lifestyle at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. Are such experiences the future of retail at mas...

According to a recent report by Deloitte and software firm Autodesk, which looks into the adoption of digital technologies in the construction industry, construction and engineering in Asia Pacific accounted for 45% of the global industry in 2022, and is forecast to account for nearly half of the global industry by the end of the decade. Disruptive new technologies combined with a challenging busi...

If you drive, you may have experienced getting stuck at a car park gantry. It is a common occurrence when motorists forget to top up their value cards and subsequently experiencing awkward moments at the carpark gantry. Singapore payment platform AXS has a solution. It recently launched AXS Drive, a mobile app that auto-deducts parking fees through the driver's credit or debit card linked to their...

This week has been a roller coaster ride for investors. A weaker than expected US jobs number and an interest rate move by Japan’s central bank made markets topsy turvy. On Monday (5 August), the Nikkei lost 12 per cent, which was the worst day for the index since the “Black Monday” of 1987. The Straits Times Index sank 4 per cent. Was this an overreaction? Or could we see worse? Dan Chang, an inv...

Singapore is a hotspot for some of the world's top video game makers. Homegrown TrueWorld Studios, an independent video game developer recently clinched a deal to partner with Japan's Shueisha Games, the game division arm of Japan's largest manga publisher, famed for publishing iconic manga like Naruto, One Piece, SPY X FAMILY, and Dragonball Z. The collaboration is a big win for TrueWorld Studios...