CNA938 Rewind

Chinese stocks have suffered a massive sell-off, with US$3.5 trillion wiped off market value as corporate profits weaken and investor confidence deteriorates. Yet Beijing remains reluctant to launch major new stimulus. Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng examine why policymakers are holding back, what it would take to change their minds and whether China's market downturn has further to run with Laure...

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China over the weekend, signalling renewed efforts to strengthen ties between Pyongyang and Beijing. How might their close co-operation impact dynamics across Asia? Daniel Martin finds out from Dr Alan Chong, Senior Fellow, Centre for Multilateralism Studies, RSIS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership gets tested amid violent protests. Ahead of a presidential election next year, could the government’s handling of the unrest shape public sentiment on who takes over? Daniel Martin finds out from Dr Alan Chong, Senior Fellow, Centre for Multilateralism Studies, RSIS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s elections will be held on Tuesday (27 October). Besides determining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future, could it change the country’s involvement in the wider Middle East conflict too? Daniel Martin finds out more from Dr Alan Chong, Senior Fellow, Centre for Multilateralism Studies, RSIS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is embarking on its biggest expansion of energy infrastructure in decades, as demand from data centres, semiconductor investments and the wider economy grows. Could access to reliable and affordable power become an increasingly important part of Singapore’s economic competitiveness? Daniel Martin discusses further with Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer, Maybank Group Wealth Manage...

Singapore is bringing forward plans to raise the retirement and re-employment ages to 65 and 70 by 2029. It's part of six recommendations announced by the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment today, including more flexible jobs and financial support for older workers. Daniel Martin discusses further with Hao Shuo, CEO, Singapore National Employers Federation. See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

Asian markets face a packed week of central bank decisions and Big Tech earnings, while Indonesia races to shore up confidence in its stock market. Daniel Martin discusses further with Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer, Maybank Group Wealth Management. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can heart surgery be performed without opening the chest? Minimally invasive techniques are transforming how complex cardiac procedures are performed, with smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Cheryl Goh speaks with Adjunct Professor Theo Kofidis, Cardiac Surgeon and Founder of Theo Kofidis Cardiac Surgery, as we find out how these advances are improving outcomes for patients in Singapore...

From Iceland to Singapore, a thousand-year-old dairy tradition is finding a new audience. Skyr has earned a reputation for its rich texture, high protein content and unique place between yoghurt and cheese. As more consumers seek healthier snack options, interest in this Nordic staple continues to grow. Cheryl Goh speaks with Illugi Gunnarsson, Head of Strategy and New Markets at Ísey Expor...

Convenience is everywhere—but is it quietly costing us more than we realise? From food delivery to endless subscriptions, small expenses can quickly add up. Cheryl Goh speaks with Finance mindset coach Dinah Poehlmann, as we explore the hidden cost of convenience and the habits driving our spending.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to hold fresh peace talks in November, as a humanitarian ceasefire is planned in Russian-occupied Oleshky. With Russian strikes continuing, Ukraine's access to critical US intelligence and satellite services restored, and questions growing over Washington's role as mediator, can diplomacy deliver a breakthrough? Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng examine the ob...

Researchers using artificial intelligence uncovered two serious vulnerabilities in PHP, a programming language powering an estimated 70 per cent of websites. Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng explain how AI helped identify the flaws, why websites worldwide were temporarily shut down and what the discovery means for businesses and internet security with Teo Xiang Zheng, VP of Advisory, Ensign InfoSec...

On today's (26 Oct) markets analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng speak  Abhilash Narayan, Investment Strategist, HSBC Private Bank and Premier Wealth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices are soaring, but freight rates are climbing even faster. What's driving the surge in shipping costs, and could consumers end up paying more for everyday essentials? Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng examine the pressures on global trade, supply chains and businesses across the region with Niki Frank, CEO, Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

As smartphones get more expensive, a NielsenIQ study found that new phone sales in Singapore fell nearly 14 per cent between 2023 and 2025, while retailers reported a rise in repairs. On TalkBack, Daniel Martin spoke to Johar Alkhatib, Owner of Pronto Arigato Repair Hub, about how easy it is to repair today’s smartphones, when repairs are worth the cost, and whether Singapore needs stronger...

In Business, Japan’s manufacturing growth slows, South Korea’s economy shows signs of an uneven recovery, and India sees strong interest in a major IPO. Back home, Singapore’s core inflation eased in September. Daniel Martin spoke to Louise Loo, Head of Asia Economics at Oxford Economics, about these developments and the latest moves in Asian markets. See omnystudio.com/listener...

On The Ask on Singapore Today, renewed doubts over AI investments have triggered a sell-off in US tech stocks, with the Nasdaq recording its steepest daily fall since June. Daniel Martin spoke to Louise Loo, Head of Asia Economics at Oxford Economics, about whether the pressure could force Big Tech to cut spending, the risks for AI infrastructure firms and semiconductor suppliers, and what it coul...

As Indonesia sanctions companies linked to forest and land fires, questions remain over the causes of the haze affecting Singapore. Daniel Martin spoke to Associate Professor Yu Liya, an air quality science and environmental engineering expert from NUS’ Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, about the practice of slash and burn, why it continues, and its environmental and economi...

When a boss makes a mistake, how much difference can an apology really make? We explore what goes into a sincere workplace apology, why employees may expect more than words, and how taking responsibility can help build trust and accountability at every level of the workplace. Cheryl Goh speaks with Nat Fetalvero, Host of CNA's Work It podcast to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

Matcha may be everywhere right now, but there’s far more to it than lattes and desserts. Cheryl Goh speaks with Chai Karim, Principal of Gaia Lifestyle Group to explore the cultivars, growing regions and craft behind the tea, and how a new Star Vista atelier is bringing the journey from Shizuoka’s tea fields to the cup.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is changing what employers look for, but not every new skill will carry the same value. We unpack which AI capabilities are in demand, where they could open up new opportunities, and how workers can stay relevant as jobs continue to evolve. Cheryl Goh speaks with Dr Blair Chapman, Chief Economist at SEEK to find out more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mass demonstrations over rising food prices, expensive housing, stagnant wages and strained public services are spreading across parts of Europe. Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng unpack what's driving the unrest, why France has seen some of the most serious clashes and whether governments can address the underlying economic pressures with Julie Fette, Professor of French Studies, Rice University Se...

On today's (23 Oct) markets analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng speak with  Aadil Ebrahim, Group Head of Equities, Klay Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With natural gas supplying most of Singapore's electricity, the country is exploring imported biomethane as a lower-carbon alternative. But where will supplies come from, is existing infrastructure ready, and can imports scale up sustainably? Hairianto Diman and Andrea Heng explore whether biomethane can strengthen Singapore's energy security while advancing its climate goals with Leanne Chew, Res...

In Business, South Korea holds interest rates steady and raises its growth outlook, while the Philippines announces a bigger-than-expected rate hike. Daniel Martin spoke to Desmond Chua, Investment Counselor at Citigold Private Client, Citibank Singapore, about these developments, oil supply concerns in the Middle East and the latest moves in Asian markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...