The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

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 to spur growth in new markets. Sean Kim, the CEO of Tada, shares more about the company's entry into Hong Kong, why its committed to promoting driver welfare and the general trends and innovations in the ride-hailing industry. 

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 ability to pick up mathematics, language and social skills, among others. Mr David Chiem, Founder, Executive Chairman & Group, MindChamps, shares more  

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 these updated measures mean. 

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. In terms of revenue, the industry is expected to generate more than US$1.6 billion by 2024.  With so much attention and market share at stake, there are bound to be commercial and legal conflicts, especially when intellectual property (IP) is very much at the core of the video game and esports industry. So, what do industry players need to know to ensure compliance and smooth operations and protect their brand identities, to navigate IP in esports? Benjamin Cheong, Deputy Head of Technology, Media and Telecommunications of national law firm Rajah & Tann, tells us more. 

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 Marketing, and Davinna Peh, Assistant Manager, Gifting share about these sweet treats that are crafted with natural premium ingredients such as bird's nest, ginseng and ruby dates.

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 in the fintech space during the first half of 2024—all buyouts.  So is there any optimism in sight for the fintech market in Asia Pacific? Anton Ruddenklau, Global Head of Fintech and Innovation, Financial Services, KPMG International, shares more highlights from KPMG's Pulse of Fintech H1'24 report on Industry Insight. 

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 unveiled its most advanced vinyl cartridge ever, the AT-ART1000X. The direct power stereo moving coil cartridge comes with a price tag that reflects its high-end status. It features hand-wound rectangular coils, and promises "an unparalleled analogue music listening experience." Teng Shao Kai, Managing Director, Audio-Technica (Southeast Asia) tells you what you need to know about vinyl cartridges and why the AT-ART1000X is the new standard of vinyl excellence. 

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 her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck. What would be her immediate challenges?  In Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to deliver his maiden National Day Rally speech this weekend at the Institute of Technical Education College Central in Ang Mo Kio. What can we expect? Independent political observer Felix Tan shares his perspectives with Lynlee Foo on the Weekly Wrap.

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 and Solutions, at financial consultancy MoneyOwl, shares what you need to know.

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 travel into a hospitality business? Rachel Kelly speaks to Christina Horspool of Manar House and Jane Manifold of Banchory Cottages to find out more about their journey on the road to more sustainable hospitality offerings.