Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Singapore shares were in the green at the open today, as investors globally await key inflation data in the US which will set interest rate expectations. The Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.2 per cent to 3,795.23 points in early trade after 68.3 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have CapitaLand Investment, after the real asset manager appointed three female leaders into senior roles as part of its ongoing leadership renewal.  Elsewhere, from how TikTok plans to keep paying US employees ahead of a ban deadline, to how US President-elect Donald Trump said he would create a new government agency called the External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and duties from foreign sources, more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.

With Donald Trump preparing to return to the White House on January 20th, his proposed trade and economic policies are already making waves across industries. One of the most talked-about measures is a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, aimed at addressing the U.S. trade deficit and immigration tensions. While industries like automobiles and manufacturing are likely to bear the brunt of these tariffs, the tequila market, particularly the high-end tequila, finds itself in an interesting position. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Samuel Gordon, CEO of GORDON PWC about how Trump’s policies could reshape the tequila industry.

With the Singapore Premier League returning after a 2-month hiatus, Geylang International's Mohd Noor Ali - the league's longest-serving head coach - is in the Sports Minutes hot seat. Tune is as he opens up about managing momentum during a long break, key transfers, and standout moments from the first half of the season. Find out what drives him, how he views his team’s prospects, and why he believes there’s much more to be achieved both at home and abroad. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg

Mimin empowers businesses to craft AI-driven conversational journeys that connect, engage, and boost conversions. By enabling real-time, personalized, and efficient communication, Mimin helps drive better sales and customer engagement. Built with AI, Delivered Through Conversations — Mimin’s core mission is to make AI-powered conversations the primary channel for delivering superior customer experience journeys. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Joseph Simbar, CEO & Co-Founder, Mimin to share more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Cleaning barnacles and algae off the hulls of some of the world’s largest liners – that’s the work of our guest for today.  Founded in 2018, Neptune Robotics is a pioneer in AI-powered robotics and uses robots to reduce biofouling or an accumulation of microorganisms, algae, plants and animals on ship hulls. For context, removing biofouling and hull cleaning is important for the maritime industry because it helps ships reduce drag and consequently fuel consumption. It could also result in the transfer of invasive aquatic species to different parts of the world as the vessel travels.  The process can be done by traditional divers. But in the case of Neptune Robotics, the firm is able to use its proprietary robots called Magneto to do so.  The firm is also said to have raised the industry standard by countering currents of 1 knot to 4 knots to allow for 24-hour cleaning a day in anchorages, instead of the 4 hours a day of traditional cleaning by divers.  Neptune Robotics started commercial operations in 2020 and has seen its cleaning services expanded to 60 ports in Asia and endorsed by some of the world’s largest liners, shipowners and operators.  The firm has also reportedly received US$17.25 million in series A investments in 2022 and is currently backed by Sequoia China, the venture capital giant behind Apple, Whatsapp and Shein. Why are we speaking to Neptune Robotics you might ask? Well, the firm had in November 2024 expanded to Singapore, bringing its service coverage to over 55 per cent of the international merchant vessels’ stops. The expansion in Singapore would allow the firm to support shipowners and operators along China-Singapore shipping routes.  But really how important is Singapore as a market for the firm? Also – what are the longer term opportunities for the firm as the maritime industry seeks to address the issue of biofouling to push ahead on their decarbonisation agenda?  On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Elizabeth Chan, Co-founder & CEO of Neptune Robotics.

Singapore shares were trading in the negative territory today, after overseas markets closed mixed.  As at the midday break, the Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.1 per cent at 3,786.46 points after 481.1 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of counters to watch, we have First Real Estate Investment Trust after it received a preliminary non-binding letter of intent from Siloam International Hospitals to acquire its portfolio of hospital assets in Indonesia. Elsewhere, from how NVIDIA’s chief Jensen Huang is embarking on a trip to China this week to how Chinese officials are reportedly evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Too Jun Cheong, Assistant Dealing Manager from Moomoo Singapore.

The Workplace Fairness Bill has been recently passed in Parliament, marking a major milestone in Singapore's employment landscape. Aimed at tackling workplace discrimination, the bill protects employees from biases ranging from age, race, nationality, and so on. But while the bill is a positive step towards fostering a more inclusive community, it also presents challenges for SMEs, which are exempted for the next five years. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Paul Lim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Senior Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University to unpack what this bill means for organisations and employees.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

The world is on the cusp of a new era. The US economy is in a healthy position, supported by cyclical and structural tailwinds and a Federal Reserve in easing mode.  But with uncertainties remaining, how can investors better position their portfolios? How can they seize on the opportunities to generate additional value based on strong convictions around specific markets and segments.  On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dong Chen, Chief Asia Strategist and Head of Asia Research, Pictet Wealth Management to find out more.   

Many men ignore early health symptoms, brushing them off as stress or fatigue — but these signs, like low energy or performance issues, can signal serious problems such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Nano Singapore aims to close this gap in men’s health awareness with proactive outreach and their Men’s Vitality Formula. This potent blend, featuring superfoods like spirulina, ginseng, and blackcurrant, supports heart health, immunity, and hormonal balance — helping over 50,000 men feel their best before minor issues become major concerns. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Xuan Hao, Marketing Manager, Nano Singapore, to find out more.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

The devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles have claimed at least 24 lives, with officials warning that its worsening condition could intensify the crisis. Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, described the recent wildfires as the “worst disaster in US history”. The Palisades and Eaton fires have scorched over 40,000 acres combined, leaving a path of destruction that threatens various iconic landmarks and countless homes. As the firefight continues, questions are beginning to mount about whether LA was adequately prepared. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Char Miller, W.M. Keck Professor of Environmental Analysis and History, Pomona College in Claremont, California to find out more.