Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

What do engineers do? What different types are there? Are you an analytical person? Are you looking for a career switch? Maybe engineering is for you.  On That's How! Roshan Gidwani uncovers some key points that can help you figure out how to know if you or someone you know, should be an engineer.  Source: https://www.truity.com/blog/should-i-become-engineer

It’s all about making FMCGs more accessible to consumers in rural Indonesia today.  With a population of over 277 million people, Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, with a GDP of around US$1.32 trillion back in 2022.  At the same time, data from Statista showed Indonesian households allocating almost a fifth of their household expenses for FMCGs since 2018.  While the numbers look promising, about forty per cent of Indonesian reside in the rural parts of the country, making accessibility a key challenge for consumers.  The internet appears to be key to bringing FMCGs to the consumers, with over three quarters of people (77%) in the country using the internet on a regular basis.  And that’s exactly what our guest for today leveraged to tap underserved rural communities in Indonesia. Founded in 2018, Aplikasi Super is a social commerce startup that aims to enable community leaders to become retailers of their own by selling through its Super app.  The company operates a central warehouse and works with third-party logistics providers to deliver FMCG items to these community leaders, who are individuals or mom-and-pop shops called warungs. That’s done within a day of placing the order. According to a TechCrunch article out in June 2022, the firm said then that it boasts a network of thousands of community agents, distributing millions of dollars of items to communities each month. But what are the numbers looking at right now? Meanwhile, the firm had in June 2022 raised US$70 million in an oversubscribed Series C round. Those participating in the round included the likes of Insignia Venture Partners, SoftBank Ventures Asia, B Capital and more. Question is – how has the money been used thus far and how far has the capital injection augmented the firm’s growth trajectory? On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Alfred Ali, Chief Product Officer, Aplikasi Super. 

Singapore stocks rose at the opening bell today after advance estimates showed that the city-state’s economy grew 4.1 per cent year on year during the third quarter of 2024. It was also announced on the same morning that monetary policy settings were maintained for the sixth straight meeting, in line with market expectations. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) rose 0.2 per cent to 3,579.55 points after 53.3 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have CapitaLand Ascendas Reit. The Reit is divesting an industrial property for S$112.8 million at a S$45.3 million premium or nearly double of the property’s original purchase price of S$58.4 million.  Elsewhere, from details on China’s stimulus briefing out on Saturday, to TSMC’s third quarter profit expected to jump 40 per cent, more international and corporate headlines are in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor.

Would you give up your university education to follow your passion? That’s exactly what John Chung did about a decade ago. Right out of junior college, John chose to forego a traditional university education and embark on an entrepreneurial path driven by an unwavering passion for footwear. Was this the right choice? On R.I.C.H, Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani speak with John Chung, Founder of Mason & Smithto find out. 

Revolver launched a new à la carte menu on 24 September, marking a shift from set menus to more customisable dining. Led by Group Executive Chef Jitin Joshi, known for his expertise in South Asian cuisine, the bold grill restaurant introduces a five-section menu: Small Plates, Mains, Kulchettes, and Desserts, with vegetarian options included. Diners can enjoy signature dishes like Wagyu Scotch Egg, Hamachi Collar, and new creations such as Smoked Eggplant Ravioli and Kulchettes with seven variations. On Culture Club, Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani speaks to Jitin Joshi, Group Executive Chef and Partner, Revolver, to find out more. Presented by: Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada (alexparada@sph.com.sg) Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!

Mattel has released a unique Diwali Barbie, designed by Anita Dongre, just in time for Deepavali. The doll, dressed in traditional Indian attire, features vibrant dahlias, jasmines, and the Indian lotus symbolising strength and beauty. Also, a Washington state woman was hounded by 100 raccoons outside her house, causing her to flee her property. The woman had started feeding a family of raccoons decades ago, but the number increased from a handful to around 100 six weeks earlier. The raccoons would be waiting for her when she got out of her car, scratching at it, and surrounding her if she went outside.

Elfaine Tan - Co-founded I'M IN, which is a lingerie brand aimed at solving a common struggle for women. She bears the scars of an ill-fitting bra, a painful reminder of the lasting effects of discomfort and irritation—an experience that became her calling.  Formerly in the fast-paced world of a creative agency, long hours in the same bra led to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and eventually permanent bra scars. This was the turning point that inspired her to launch I'M IN. What else did Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani find out about her entrepreneurial journey? Press play to find out on R.I.C.H.!

Republic at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore unveiled its Volume Three menu in July, celebrating the bold spirit of the 1960s.  Inspired by the icons and innovations of that era, the cocktails reflect the pioneering energy of the decade. Republic’s team has crafted 16 new drinks, with a few that stand out for their interactive elements.  So to find out more, Hongbin Jeong and Roshan Gidwani speak to Kelvin Saquilayan, Head Bartender from Republic on Culture Club.

And... Jalapenos? Is this the concotion that Dua loves? What does Gordon Ramsay think? What do The Evening Runway crew think? Press play for the tea shall be spilled! 

Football often takes centre stage on this show, but for this Friday…we’re putting football aside for a feel good story..and nothing feels better than a comeback story. From being wheelchair bound to winning multiple medals on the world stage, Singaporean kickboxer Valencia Yip tells us all about her story of resilience and resolve on Sports Minutes. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/from-wheelchair-to-podium-singapore-kickboxer-valencia-yip-fights-back-from-injury Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg