The Financial Coconut Podcast

Have you ever really stopped to appreciate those iconic heritage shophouses that line our streets? Sure, they make for super IG-worthy backdrops. But there's a deeper story behind the intricate tiles, airwells and quintessentially Singaporean mix of influences. We're going full-on nerdy and geeking out over shophouses with two very special guests. First up is Simon Monteiro, a true OG who has been...

In our premier episode of [Be REITired], we dive into the intriguing world of REITs with Josh, the CEO of Elite UK REIT. This isn’t just any REIT – Elite UK REIT is the only GBP-listed REIT on SGX, boasting a unique portfolio of social infrastructure properties leased to the UK government. Think stable and low-risk cash flows from job centres managed by the Department of Work and Pensions. Josh sp...

We had an eye-opening chat with Carrie Tan, a Healing Coach @ThrivingwithCarrieT, about something we all encounter: workplace culture. Ever felt like your workplace is dragging you down? You're not alone! Carrie shared some jaw-dropping insights on what makes a workplace toxic. It's not just about the backstabbing or the overbearing boss. It's often about the energy and support (or lack thereof) y...

Growing your biz across Southeast Asia's juicy markets got you feeling hungrier than ever before? We hear ya - but expanding your empire can get real confusing real quick once the money mumbo-jumbo starts flying around and venturing into unfamiliar financial territory without a solid game plan is a recipe for money troubles. From dealing with forex chaos to getting loans approved, there's a minefi...

Move over Monopoly, there's a new breed of educational games in town. We step into an intriguing realm of "gaming" the financial system. Joining us is Xeo Lye, a veteran money manager, Co-founder & CEO at Capital Gains Studio with specialties in financial literacy games. Tune in as he shares his journey from managing portfolios to creating financial literacy board games. We also explore differ...

Wondering if it's time for a reinvention? We're joined by career coach and author Adeline to discuss her book "Reinvent 4.0" and the art of professional reinvention. Adeline shares her personal journey of multiple career pivots - from telco to banking to entrepreneurship. She opens up about taking a career break, getting certified as a coach, and ultimately publishing her book to share the insight...

Are you trying to break into Southeast Asia's booming markets but finding it tricky to generate more sales? Well, you'll want to listen up because we've got the secret weapon to supercharging your growth - and no, it ain't more marketing buzzwords. We have Jonathan Chew, an AI rockstar who's been in the tech game for over 20 years. As the CEO of Brandrev.ai , he helps companies actually apply AI i...

Ever wondered how to start planning for your parents' retirement? Join us in this episode of as Reggie dives into the topic with FIRE Enthusiast, Matthew Kong, and Huang Zhenying, Financial Planning Enthusiast. Both guests share their personal journeys of helping their parents navigate retirement planning, from handling sensitive conversations to making strategic financial decisions. They also cov...

Are you a new manager eager to make a splash in your first 100 days? Join us in this must-watch episode featuring Nina DeVogue, a Talent Acquisition veteran with 20 years of experience turned high performance Leadership coach. She spills her expert tips for mastering the initial phase of management for anyone looking to lead effectively. Get ready to dive into Nina's structured 100-day plan, craft...

You know that feeling when you're stuck on a project, staring at a blank canvas or screen, waiting for that spark of genius to strike? What if I told you there's an AI assistant that could not only help get those creative juices flowing but take your ideas to the next level? We're talking generative AI here folks - the kind that can pump out fresh designs, copy, and concepts on demand. We'll hear...

Are you tired of the same old conventional weddings that drain your wallet and leave you stressed out? Well, buckle up as we explore the unconventional and alternative wedding experiences of our guests. From a farm-themed carnival wedding complete with alligator meat and cricket dishes to a gothic celebration held in an abandoned oil refinery by the sea, we'll take you on a journey through the mos...

Are you a leader struggling to keep your team calm under pressure? Our guest today is Member of Parliament Carrie; a Healing and Transformation Coach who's here to challenge the notion that leaders should just aim to "keep calm" their teams. Carrie has an intriguing backstory - from founding a non-profit to getting involved in politics, she's seen firsthand the toll that high-stress, high-stakes e...

In the cut-throat world of business, having a killer product or service just ain't enough. If you want to make it big in Southeast Asia, you better have a solid PR strategy that cuts through the noise and gets people talking. And who better to school us on the art of modern PR than Peggy Wu, the boss lady behind Milkfish? This woman has been slaying the game for over a decade, advising tech compan...

Over the past three years, Singtel executed a bold plan to refocus its business - carving out growth engines, recycling capital through asset sales and partnerships, and streamlining operations. Singtel's Group CFO Arthur Lang pulls back the curtain on the company's recent "strategic reset” and that’s just the first act. We’ll also get a glimpse into Singtel's vision for the future, from capitaliz...

Are you tired of having a boss? Dream of being your own boss instead? Join us as we chat with Adrian Tan, author of the Amazon bestseller "No More Bosses: The Journey to Sustainable Self-Employment." Adrian shares his personal journey of transitioning from a corporate career to sustainable self-employment. He gets candid about the struggles he faced, from managing family expectations to finding hi...

In this day and age, having a killer product just ain't enough. If you want to make it big in Southeast Asia, you better have a brand that resonates with the locals on a deep, emotional level. And who better to school us on the art of storytelling than Derek Tan, the media mogul behind Viddsee? Derek's been in the content game for years, building communities and empowering creators to share their...

Curious about what it takes to go from a humble start to the top of the banking world? In this can't-miss episode, we sit down with Victor Lee, CEO of CIMB Singapore, for a candid conversation about his incredible journey, the impact of technology on banking, and his surprising advice for young professionals. Discover why Victor believes spending more and saving less in your twenties can lead to g...

Are you thinking of taking a career break but don't know where to start? We chat with Nurul Jihadah, Founder of The Codette Project In this discussion, they delve into everything you need to know about career breaks. Nurul breaks down the difference between forced and planned career breaks and shares how to set clear, measurable goals to make your break productive. Learn practical tips to pro...

Launching a successful product in Southeast Asia is no cakewalk. You could have the most innovative idea since sliced bread, but if you don't nail your product-market fit, you might as well kiss your dreams goodbye. This week, we've got Thomas Jeng, the big boss of Aspire in Singapore, spilling the tea on how to strategically position your product to resonate with the diverse markets in this regio...

Living to 100 - is it a reality for Singaporeans? In this episode, we explore the intriguing possibility with experts from Mito Health. Discover why investing in your health today can lead to a longer, wealthier life. Singapore’s high-income professionals are uniquely positioned to benefit from prioritising health. We delve into the importance of preventive healthcare, mental wellness, and the lat...

Ever feel like you just can't muster the courage to make a major life change, even though you know you need to? Whether you're stuck in a career rut, going through a tough transition, or simply feeling lost and purposeless, finding your inner bravery is crucial. This week on the Financial Coconut Podcast, we're getting real about courage - how to tap into it during life's most trying times when gi...

Building a successful team in Southeast Asia requires more than just finding talent.  In partnership with Glints, today we dive into the complexities of navigating the region's employment & legal landscape, offering invaluable insights for business leaders. We're joined by Raj Joshua Thomas, Managing Partner at Tang Thomas and Nominated Member of Parliament. We'll explore: Understanding t...

Money - it's the root of all evil, right? Well, not according to Kim Fournais. The long-time Founder and CEO of global investment banking giant Saxo Bank is on a mission to reshape how we view finance and investing. Kim Fournais believes money is the lifeblood that powers human progress, from climate solutions to life-saving healthcare. But he also knows the financial industry has an image problem...

Are you struggling to manage the stresses of life? Whether it's multiple jobs, unrelenting deadlines, or even the noise of city living - stress can sneak up on you in unexpected ways. In this candid episode, we are joined by the hilariously overworked Stanley Kan. He is the Partnership Director at Seconds Media, and Digital Marketer: Sales Director & Group Advisor at Socialjet, as well as the...

Have you ever wondered which rules matter most when expanding across Southeast Asia? We dive into the complex world of business structures across Southeast Asia with regional expert Eric Chin. As Group CBDO of InCorp Global, Eric shares strategic insights on smooth market entry and scaling operations throughout the region. Together, we unpack the exciting, yet sometimes labyrinthine, world of busi...