Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Is Singapore ready for the future of football? Raphael Reich and Robbie Lyons, from Dejavu Football, reveal their vision behind the Singapore Pangolins, reflecting on their Asia 7’s journey and the power of 7-a-side football to engage fans. Discover how they plan to grow the sport and promote conservation in tandem. Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

In 2024, we've finally entered the peak era of the 'ugly' shoe. Think Uggs and Crocs. The resurgence of ugly shoes, especially comfortable ones, has become a full-blown trend, with many brands embracing this aesthetic over the years. High fashion has not been immune to this coveted accessory, either. But what exactly makes an 'ugly' shoe and why are there collectors who are willing to spend their money on them?  On R.I.C.H, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Meryvn Lee, Communications Director at Mad Hat Asia and sneaker collector to find out. 

It’s all about making carbohydrates great again today as we speak to a food tech company that aims to make carbs-heavy food healthier for consumers.  Founded in 2015, Alchemy Foodtech is a Singapore-based food innovation company that aims to create food that not only taste better, but are healthier for people.  In particular, the company formulates food ingredients that can reduce sugar usage and lower the glycemic index in carbohydrate-based foods while improving gut and metabolic health. Such ingredients can be used in items such as rice, noodles, bread, confectionery and even beverages.  In particular, the firm said it is known for its Alchemy Fibre™️. The patented fibre blend is made out of plant ingredients such as corn and legumes and can be added to carb-heavy food products like rice, bread or noodles to prevent sudden blood sugar spikes.  Another product that the company is pushing out is a sugar replacer solution  SweetFibre™️.  So far, Alchemy Foodtech said it has worked with Subway on a lower sugar cookie in Singapore. Some of its other local customers include chicken rice chain Boon Tong Kee, the Springleaf Prata Place and duck specialist Dian Xiao Er. But how far is Singapore a key market for Alchemy, given how the country declared war against diabetes back in 2016?  Also – where does the company intend to expand into to achieve greater scale in the medium to longer term?  On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Alan Phua, Co-founder, Alchemy Foodtech.

Singapore shares began trading in positive territory today as overseas markets clocked mixed results over the weekend.  In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) was up 0.1 per cent at 3,596.26 points after 48.2 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have UOL and Singapore Land after the companies said on Saturday that the property developers signed an option to acquire the 99-year leasehold Thomson View Condominium for S$810 million in a collective sale.  Elsewhere, from Singapore’s inflation outlook for 2025, to iFast’s shares hitting an eight-month high, more local headlines remain in focus.  Further away, all about US earnings to watch with a number of Magnificent Seven players reporting. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

In Britain, thieves have pulled off a massive cheddar ripoff. Nearly 1,000 wheels of cloth-wrapped cheese from three makers have gone missing. And on the mission to find the thieves? Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Also trending, from snack to sneaker, Asics has unveiled shoes inspired by the iconic snack Mamee Monster. 

Beauty queen Sandra Lim has unveiled her national costume for the 2024 Miss Universe competition. But some say it may just be too simple. Hongbin Jeong spills the tea. 

What does it take to revolutionize a sport? Steve Dainton, Chief Executive Officer of World Table Tennis, takes us behind the scenes of their 2019 launch, reflecting on challenges, milestones, and the road to global success. From the Paris Olympics buzz surrounding the sport of table tennis to sold-out 'smash' hit events and skyrocketing sponsorships, discover how WTT is shaping the future of table tennis. Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

Singapore stocks began this morning in negative territory, after global markets had mixed performances. The STI closed down in the red to end the day, down 0.3%. Who were the biggest movers? And why is Sats a hot stock today? On Market View, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sunny Soh Lead Technical Analyst (Capital Markets & Investor Education), SIAS, to find out more on the latest market movements. 

In an era defined by the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, what pivotal role do stakeholders in the real estate sector play in sustainability efforts?  At the forefront of this movement is Jackie Cheung, director for ESG at Knight Frank APAC.  His vision of future cities blends technological advancements with sustainable practices: AI-driven resource management, eco-friendly materials, and vibrant, mixed-use spaces that foster community engagement.  The Peak’s Editor-in-Chief sat down with Jackie to find out how they’re redefining real estate’s role in building sustainable cities.  On R.I.C.H, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Zat, Editor-in-Chief, The Peak Singapore to find out more about that conversation. 

Watches and art have long been intertwined, with many watchmakers drawing inspiration from different forms of art to create timepieces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.  From Franck Muller's manga inspired timepiece to Audemars Piguet 's modern tribute to the manufacture’s 1960 Model 5159BA, influenced by the era’s Brutalist style, every dial is a canvas.  On Culture Club, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Yanni Tan, Style & Watches Editor, The Peak Magazine to find out what's on the list of best art-inspired watches.