Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore stocks started trading in negative territory this morning, despite global markets logging overnight gains. The Straits Times Index (STI) opened 0.2 per cent lower at 3,730.59 points after 48.2 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, after the REIT’s manager today announced that the trust has divested 21 Collyer Quay, an office asset in Raffles Place, for S$688 million to a third party.  Elsewhere, from Grab returning to profit in Q3, to more on expectations of earnings by Chinese e-commerce giants Alibaba and JD.com post Single’s Day sales  – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Thilan Wickramasinghe, Head of Equity Research, Maybank Securities.

In the heart of Singapore, there's one football fanatic who is turning the dreams of fans into reality. Mirza Salim is the driving force behind Matchday Affairs, a tour agency that brings the excitement of Premier League matches to life for passionate football fans.  It all came to fruition after Mirza survived two strokes, five brain surgeries, and a lifetime of battling a neurological disorder that affects less than 1% of the world’s population.  On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Mirza Salim, Founder, Matchday Affairs to find out more.  

Last Friday, the defence wrapped up its case in the Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh's trial without calling new witnesses. Mr Singh’s case will be heard in court again on Feb 17, 2025, when Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan is expected to give his verdict. Mr Singh is embroiled in controversy stemming from former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan’s lies to parliament in August and October 2021 about accompanying a rape victim to a police station. He faces two charges for giving false evidence under oath during parliamentary committee hearings held in December that year. So what went down so far during the 13-day trial? What can we make of it? And what verdict can we expect?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU), to find out more.

Art has a long history as a transactable asset. Art has always demonstrated long-standing cultural significance and aesthetic qualities, which allows it to be universally appreciated and desired around the world. So what are collectors and investors looking for when it comes to modern and contemporary art? How do auction houses value an art piece? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sandy Ma, International Specialist, Modern & Contemporary Art, Southeast Asia, Phillips, to find out more.

Few have faced what Annie Yam has, and come out stronger. Twice a cancer survivor, Annie returned to competitive swimming, proving her spirit is as strong as her strokes. And on Sports Minutes today, she shares her emotional journey of survival, hope, and resilience. READ MORE:  https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/for-masters-swimmer-and-cancer-survivor-annie-yam-being-in-the-pool-is-already-a-victory Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore shares started trading in positive territory today as markets abroad logged mixed results over the weekend.  In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) was up 0.6 per cent at 3,745.92 points after 62.2 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Singapore Airlines after the national carrier on Friday posted a 59 per cent year-on-year fall in net profit to S$290 million for the second quarter ended September. Elsewhere, from more on Seatrium’s net order book rising to S$24.4 billion for the nine months ended September, to how Donald Trump’s win at the 2024 US Presidential elections would influence markets and share price movements of counters like Tesla – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Imagine being able to give a personalised song as a gift, a song written especially for that special person in your life. A group of passionate creators are doing just that. My Creative Factory is a startup that works with customers to create unique songs that share personal stories, feelings, or something fun. MCF is one of the first startups in Asia to offer such a service, and the first in Singapore. On The Right Business, Hongbing Jeong speaks with Yajur Madan, Founder of My Creative Factory to find out more about the power of song-writing and whether AI will be able to replicate the kind of music that strikes an emotional chord with listeners in the future.

Recently, we’ve seen several political figures stand on trial, from Former transport minister S. Iswaran to the leader of the Opposition party Pritam Singh. But while we see footage of these political figures entering and leaving the courthouse, we don’t see them inside the courtroom.  So, when it comes to trials of political figures, should such hearings be livestreamed?  On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Jonathan Phipps, Partner, IRB Law LLP and Raphael Louis, Advocate and Solicitor as well as Managing Director, Ray Louis to find out. 

As the Singapore Squash Open returns to the Lion City, Alex Wan, general manager of Singapore Squash, and Jerome Aw, a local wildcard, join us to share insights on the prestigious tournament. Jerome opens up about his imminent debut and training, while Alex explains what makes this event so significant. And with the sport’s inclusion for the 2028 Olympic games, tune in to see why Team Singapore's squash team is on the rise! Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks kicked off in positive territory in early trading, as global markets continued to rally after Donald Trump’s election win this week. To end the day, the Straits Times Index closed up 1.4%. Meanwhile, shares of Singapore banks have performed strongly, with DBS up 40%, OCBC up 24% and UOB up 26% year to date. So what’s driving Singapore banks' strong share performance? What risks should investors look out for?  On Market View, Willie Keng speaks to Carmen Lee, Head of OCBC Investment Research, to find out more on the shares and results of local banks, US Fed rate decision, and the Trump effect on markets.