Your Way Home with Hongbin Jeong

Today we’re going to turn the clock back to the 1800s to share with you the story of a young man, Georges Nagelmackers, who had just fallen out of love.  Like some of us who might travel abroad to take a breather, Nagelmackers fled to the US, where he discovered railroads with the world’s first sleeping cars.  The enterprising Belgian engineer decided to take that idea back t...

US President Donald Trump has warned that countries could face higher tariffs and even potential licence fees if they “play games” with recent trade deals, following court moves that blocked parts of his global tariff strategy. With the Supreme Court of the US limiting some of his sweeping levies, Trump has signaled that alternative legal tools, including possible new investigations un...

Christie's Hong Kong Autumn Luxury Sales reached HK$1 billion, reinforcing Asia’s position as a global centre for high-value collecting. Exceptional performance across categories including world-auction records for rare Hermès handbags, Patek Philippe references, and Kashmir sapphires pushed hammer prices far above expectations. With nearly 20% new buyers and more than half of partici...

On today’s episode of What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada dive into the viral coffee-shop glitch that accidentally turned a UK woman into a quadrillionaire, but only inside one café. And the surprising return of landlines as parents bring back the house phone for their kids. From accidental “riches” to retro tech making a comeback, we unpack the chaos...

Singapore shares slid today as investors continue to mull uncertainties relating to US tariffs on global trading partners. The Straits Times Index was down 0.52% at 5,015.04 points at 2.12pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.48B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have UOB, after the bank said today that its net profit for the fourth quarter fell 7 per cent on...

When the referee becomes the headline (again), you know there’s a problem. Kyoga Nakamura’s elbow went unpunished, while weeks ago Madhu Mohana was sanctioned for a similar incident. Sports Minutes speaks exclusively to Madhu himself, plus Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in as we - uncover the consistently inconsistent levels of officiating in the Singapore Premier League. Got a story to tell...

Markets are volatile, interest rates remain uncertain, and global risks keep shifting. At the same time, investors are faced with a growing mix of traditional assets and newer alternatives, making it harder to know what truly works in different market conditions. How should seasoned investors balance these options? What do they have to consider when structuring wealth across borders, including the...

The US has announced a potential 15% across-the-board tariff on imports, prompting Singapore to seek urgent clarity from its US counterparts on how the measures will be implemented. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the key concern is uncertainty, especially as details remain unclear following recent US court rulings and policy changes. What could the new tariff proposal mean for Singapore&r...

First, a sign at the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar is making waves, with a direct message to food influencers asking for kindness before criticism. Is it a fair request in the age of viral reviews, or are public opinions simply part of running a business?  Then, we turn to Japan, where a seven-month-old baby monkey named Punch has captured global attention. From clinging to a stuffed orangutan...

Singapore shares nudged higher today as investors continue to digest developments on the global trade front.  The Straits Times Index was up 0.16% at 5,025.75 points at 2.32pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.05B seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have United Overseas Insurance, after the insurance arm of UOB on Friday posted a net profit of S$23.7 mill...

In Budget 2026, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the Government’s push to support an ageing population, introducing measures aimed at helping seniors live with dignity, security, and peace of mind. These include a one-time CPF top-up of up to $1,500 for those with lower retirement savings and higher CPF contribution rates for older workers starting next year. But beyond the policy an...

As global markets move deeper into 2026, investors are facing a far more complicated landscape than many expected. Growth is slowing across major economies, central banks are sending mixed signals on rates and technological disruption continues to reshape entire industries, all while geopolitical tensions and sticky inflation keep volatility elevated. In a world where interest rates, growth trajec...

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada break down the awkward AI summit moment where Sam Altman and Dario Amodei refused to hold hands on stage, fist-bumped instead, and reminded everyone that even tech titans have rivalry energy. Then they dive into delivery chaos when an Amazon driver followed a GPS straight onto a deadly UK mudflat known as The Broomway. See omnystudio.com/liste...

Singapore shares inched higher today as most Asian markets traded lower. The Straits Times Index was up 0.23% at 5,012.95 points at 2.53pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.10B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have SIA Engineering Company, after the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul provider yesterday reported a net profit of S$41.9 million for the t...

Quarter-finals secured in the ACL Two, and now a blockbuster clash with league leaders Lion City Sailors awaits. Add in a recent coaching change and a relentless February schedule, and BG Tampines Rovers have plenty on their plate. Vice-captain Shah Shahiran joins Sports Minutes to discuss momentum, mindset, and what it’ll take to keep the Stags charging on all fronts. Got a story to tell? G...

Budget 2026 is putting mid-career workers front and centre, with a range of measures designed to support reskilling, career transitions, and staying competitive in an AI-driven economy. From enhanced SkillsFuture programmes and expanded training allowances to new AI initiatives and a merger of workforce agencies for more seamless career support, there’s a lot for workers to navigate.  O...

Luxury watches are rapidly evolving from passion collectibles into a recognised alternative asset class, with the pre-owned market valued at $24.38 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $45.01 billion by 2030. Demand is strongest across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, driven by rising liquidity, digital marketplaces, and a growing generation of investors who view watches as long-term w...

On this What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada explore China’s Lunar New Year gala, where humanoid robots stunned audiences with flips, spins, and martial arts, showing off cutting-edge robotics and sparking big questions about the future role of AI in our lives. Then, keeping in the spirit of Lunar New Year, they share the story of a 10-year-old girl in Hebei who used her...

Singapore shares saw gains today as most Asian markets traded higher. The Straits Times Index was up 1.09% at 12.54pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$953.72M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Yangzijiang Maritime, after the maritime financial solutions provider announced yesterday that it will hold an extraordinary general meeting on Mar 6 to seek shareh...

What does Budget 2026 really mean for Singaporean youths? For young adults stepping into the workforce? For couples thinking about starting a family? Was this Budget a hit or did it miss the mark? And are the support measures enough to ease the pressures young Singaporeans are feeling today? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Keith Yap, Founder and Host of The Front Row Podcast , to find ou...

Gold and silver have experienced significant volatility, with gold around $5,033 per ounce and silver slipping over 2% to $76.34 as investors react to US inflation data, a stronger dollar, and profit-taking. Industrial demand and retail interest in China remain strong, even during Lunar New Year, while market positioning continues to respond to US rate expectations and real yields. On The Wealth T...

On What's Trending today, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into how the Singaporean government is exploring regulating blind boxes to better manage gambling inducement risks, and how, over in China, a growing number of young people are celebrating what’s being called a “Cyber Lunar New Year.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares were little moved in a shortened session today as investors looked ahead to the Chinese New Year holiday.  The Straits Times Index was down 0.04% at 4,935.69 points at 11.37am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$733.14M seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Marco Polo Marine, after the integrated marine logistics company today posted reven...

Breakups and rebounds took centre stage this Valentine’s weekend in domestic football, as BG Tampines Rovers parted ways with their head coach before a twist of events gave them a second chance to stay alive in the ACL Two. Sports Minutes dives in with the latest. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 AI is now at the heart of Singapore’s economic strategy. From supercharging adoption to building talent pipelines and reshaping how businesses operate, what does this mean for you, your job, and your company’s future? Are businesses ready, and will workers keep up? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Kwek SoCheer, Partner, Digital Solutions at PwC , to unpack how Budget 202...