Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Earlier this month, a fan had edited the poster of the new Wicked movie to make it look more like the original poster for the popular Broadway musical show of the same name. But the star of the new Wicked movie Cynthia Erivo hit back, saying it’s the most offensive thing she’s ever seen. Was her reaction valid? Or was it an overreaction? Hongbin Jeong spills the tea. 

Did you know that a ChatGPT query takes up nearly 10 times the amount of electricity needed to run a Google search on average?  That’s right. And what that means is that the current boom in artificial intelligence we’re seeing is driving up a significant increase in data centre workload and demand for data centre capacity. For one thing, the International Data Corporation or IDC expects the surging demand for AI workloads to drive up AI data centre capacity at a projected compound annual growth rate of 40.5% from 2024 through 2027.    But how has that filtered down to data centre operators and related REITs? That’s what we are going to find out from our guest for today, Digital Core REIT.  Listed on the mainboard of the SGX in 2021, Digital Core Reit is said to be the only pure-play data centre Singapore REIT sponsored by data centre owner and operator Digital Realty.  The REIT has a principal investment strategy of investing in a diversified portfolio of stabilised income-producing real estate assets located globally which are used primarily for data centre purposes, as well as assets necessary to support the digital economy. Currently, the REIT holds US$1.4B in assets under management and 10 data centres in its portfolio. But how will this change amid the boom in AI, and how far will Southeast Asia be a bright spot for the firm, with big techs pouring investments into the region to build data centres?  Also – how does Digital Core REIT assess Singapore as a destination to host data centres? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to John Stewart, CEO, Digital Core REIT. 

Are you ready to unleash your inner creative monster? SCURO is Singapore’s first-ever horror-themed art jamming studio, tucked away in Pasir Ris. Unlike typical art spaces, SCURO embraces the eerie and macabre, inviting guests to dive into their dark side and create an immersive, spine-chilling environment. On Culture Club, Hongbin Jeong sits down with Merida, Founder, SCURO, to dig into the inspirations, thrills, and unique experiences that make this chilling studio one of a kind.

On What’s Trending today, experts say broccoli may give your body a boost, keeping your heart and bones healthy, and reducing the risk of cancer. Also trending, Mount Fuji without a snowcap - the latest in 130 years. 

This month, two Indian states announced plans to impose hefty fines and imprisonment for contaminating food with spit, urine and dirt. But some have questioned the efficacy of these laws and allege that they could also be misused to vilify a specific community. Hongbin Jeong spills the tea. 

Singapore shares opened almost flat today, after US and Europe’s indices rose overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.02 per cent to 3,584.79 points after 26.8 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have CDL Hospitality Trusts. The stapled group’s net property income for the third quarter ended Sep 30 fell 6.8 per cent to S$36.3 million, from S$39 million in the previous corresponding period.  Elsewhere, from volatilities ahead of the US election and the Bitcoin rising beyond US$70,000 for the first time since June, more international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – the short term outlook for the Japanese currency and equities, as well as how the earnings season in Singapore and the US is shaping up thus far.  On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Eddy Loh, Chief Investment Officer, Maybank Group Wealth Management.

WATG’s Director of Landscape Architecture, Ronnie Tan, leads the way in luxury landscape design, redefining resorts and urban spaces across Asia with his visionary approach. From the tranquil shores of Crimson Resort and Spa in Boracay to the culturally resonant landscapes of Hoiana Resort in Vietnam, Ronnie masterfully integrates sustainability, local heritage, and luxury. On Culture Club, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Ronnie Tan, Creative Director of Landscape Architecture, WATG, to share how he is setting new standards in luxury hospitality through thoughtful landscape architecture.

Would you leave a thriving corporate career to follow your true passion? That’s exactly what Gale Choong did. Gale Choong is an artist and breast cancer survivor who stepped away from a high-powered corporate role to embrace her love for painting through her brand, PaintzByGale, where she creates vibrant, nature-inspired pieces that embody peace, joy, and resilience. After rediscovering her artistic side during the Covid years, Gale now blends semi-abstract and representational styles, with signature koi fish and lush landscapes.  On R.I.C.H., Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gale Choong, Artist, PaintzbyGale, about her inspiring transition and what it means to truly follow one’s calling.

On What’s Trending, Timothée Chalamet crashes his own look-alike contest in New York. Also trending, Dunkin’ has revealed a new social media star - and it has frosting for eyes and legs, as it has received an overwhelmingly positive reaction. 

Donald Trump‘s three-hour interview with America’s number one podcaster, Joe Rogan, has been released. There, Trump reveals everything from the “biggest mistake” of his White House tenure, what he told North Korea’s leader and whether extraterrestrial life exists. Hongbin Jeong spills the tea.