Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Bitcoin stalls short of US$100,000. The cryptocurrency is failing to breach this level despite the tailwind from Donald Trump’s election win. So what’s pulling it back? When can it reach past that key level? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Valentin Fournier, Digital Asset Analyst at BRN, to find out more.

Urban logistics has become a major challenge as cities grow denser, with last-mile delivery accounting for a significant portion of shipping costs and carbon emissions. And traditional delivery methods often struggle to keep up with the complexities of multi-level buildings. Enters Quikbot, a company revolutionising parcel delivery by deploying autonomous robots designed to navigate across multi-floor buildings and clustered environments. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr. Wong Choon Yue, Co-Founder and Chief Engineering Officer of Quikbot, to share more how they are helping companies address their last-mile logistics challenges. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) and Naz Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

On our show today is a global family enterprise that could be dated back to a trading partnership formed in Hong Kong back in 1895.  That’s right. Now headquartered in Singapore, our guest Jebsen and Jessen Group has evolved into a diversified industrial conglomerate specialising in engineering, mining and distribution activities through Southeast Asia and beyond. These days, Jebsen & Jessen’s business can be split into seven units, namely: Cable Technology, Industrial Garnet, Ingredients, Life Sciences, Mobility, Industry & Beverage, as well as Packaging and Technology.  The company has a turnover of S$1 billion. Its 3,000-man strong workforce spans across its operating entities in 12 countries. That includes 13 manufacturing facilities.  But why are we talking to Jebsen & Jessen you might ask? Well, we are speaking to Jebsen & Jessen because the firm had said in May 2023 that it was and still is actively in search of acquisition targets particularly in the specialty chemicals and rigid packaging businesses. The firm said then that it is on the lookout for targets in Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. But what was the rationale behind expanding inorganically? What are the opportunities here in Southeast Asia?  And more importantly, how does Jebsen & Jessen intend to create synergies given the diversified nature of a conglomerate? How will it ensure efficiency and reduce overlaps in its business operations as it embarks on more mergers and acquisitions for growth?

HIV self-testing kits are being sold at selected local pharmacies in Singapore starting January 2025. This was seen as an initiative by the government to encourage the public to test themselves However, this move has received mixed reactions from the public with some doubting its effectiveness and safety hazard to the public. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Associate Professor Sophia Archuleta, Head & Senior Consultant, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital, to share more.

A recent survey conducted by MDRi has revealed significant differences in investor sentiment between Hong Kong and Singapore, after Donald Trump was elected as the next US president. Hong Kong and Singapore investors plan to increase investment allocation to the US market by 3% to 5% next year. But how do Hong Kong and Singaporean investors differ in their investment strategies towards US markets? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Simon Tye, Chief Executive Officer at MDRi to find out more on recent findings.

Singapore shares were up more than 1 per cent this afternoon, as China’s central bank reiterated plans to boost the economy to promote growth in 2025. The benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) advanced 1.1 per cent, to 3,793.46 points as at 1.23 pm as 716 million shares changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch today, we have Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, after the maritime vessel maker announced yesterday that it had secured another US$2.6 billion in shipbuilding contracts, taking its order wins to US$14.3 billion in the year to date.  Elsewhere, from more on China’s central bank chief signalling support for the country’s economy, to ExxonMobil reportedly mulling a sale of its gas stations in Singapore – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – what we should know about the biggest actions taken by the US in its third big crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Dan Chang, Investment Specialist and Trading Representative, PhillipCapital.

If you’re a devoted paw-rent, you know that the best simply isn’t enough for your furkid, especially when it comes to food and nutrition. But, in the ever-growing pet food industry, finding the perfect brand that caters to the diverse needs of our furry best friends can be a daunting task. Inspired by his own struggles in finding a brand that worked for his pet, Jason Wang set out to create a company that would revolutionize the way we think about pet food. Today, his company, BOM BOM provides a platform where owners can make increasingly informed decisions in their pet’s diet and nutrition. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Jason Wang, Founder & CEO of BOM BOM to find out more. 

US President Joe Biden has pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who had been convicted of making false statements on a gun background check and illegally possessing a firearm and pled guilty to federal tax charges.  President Biden’s move marks a stunning reversal, after repeatedly claiming he would not pardon his son. This also comes just weeks before he is set to leave office. Is this an abuse of power? How will this impact Biden’s reputation and legacy? Will this move become a bad precedent for future presidents?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Pushan Dutt, Professor of Economics and Political Science at INSEAD, for a deeper analysis.

Singapore stocks opened higher today, following gains in Asia as markets enter a seasonally strong period. The benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.7 per cent to 3,766.33 points in early trade as 48.8 million shares changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singapore Post, after the national postal service provider officially proposed to sell its Australian business at an agreed enterprise value of A$1 billion (S$870 million).  Elsewhere, from more on China’s latest factory activity numbers to how the US is reportedly set to launch its third crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry in three years – more international headlines remain in focus.   On Market View, Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Chin Hui Leong, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

In recent weeks, the US dollar gains driven by the so-called Trump Trade after former President Donald Trump claimed victory in the US election. That’s as the prospect of quicker US inflation and trade tariffs once Donald Trump returns to the White House boosted the dollar at the expense of other assets. But last week, the US dollar saw a slump, reversing its gains. Has the Trump Trade fizzled out? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Danish Lim, Senior Investment Analyst, Phillip Nova, to find out more.