Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

A recent outbreak in Congo has claimed dozens of lives and left hundreds suffering from a flu-like illness now referred to as Disease X. Disease X has raised global alarm due to its high fatality rate, the severity of symptoms, and the mystery surrounding its cause. And despite international health teams being dispatched to investigate, the exact pathogen behind the outbreak remains unidentified. The outbreak has raised alarm among global health experts, given its potential to emerge as the next pandemic threat, yet the cause of the illness remains unknown.  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Professor Dale Fisher, Director, NUS Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response and Senior Consultant, National University Hospital, to delve deeper into what Disease X means for global health.

Singapore shares opened lower today, following declines in the key banking counters after mild inflation data fueled expectations of a US interest cut this month. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) was down 0.1 per cent at 3,787.81 points after 106.5 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Del Monte Pacific, after the Philippine food-and-beverage manufacturer’s net loss deepened to US$22.2 million for the second quarter ended October. Elsewhere, from how gold is hovering near an over two-week peak on the back of expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut next week, to how Apple is reportedly working with Broadcom to come up with its first server chip for AI processing – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with David Chow, Director, Azure Capital.

The artificial intelligence frenzy pushed US equity markets to new highs in early 2024, yet finding the right investments has become more challenging for asset owners. Investing in artificial intelligence was once more straightforward, with the Magnificent 7 driving strong returns. However, a more nuanced strategy may now be required. So what are some alternatives to big tech that investors can consider? Or will big tech still prevail? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Paul Chew, Head of Research, Phillip Securities Research to find out more.   

Castomize is a Singapore-based medtech startup dedicated to transforming orthopedic care through innovation and cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2022, Castomize pioneers the use of 4D-printing technology to create customisable, reusable, and eco-friendly orthopedic casts that redefine patient recovery experiences. Unlike traditional plaster or fiberglass casts, Castomize’s 4D-printed casts are lightweight, water-resistant, and odor-free, providing unparalleled comfort and hygiene for patients. These advanced casts become malleable when heated, allowing them to conform perfectly to a patient’s limb for optimal support and reshaping as the bone heals. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Abel Teo, Co-founder, Castomize Technologies, 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!

It’s back to the banking industry today as we speak to a Taiwanese bank set up nearly half a century ago.  Established back in 1975, our guest for today is Cathay United Bank, a subsidiary of Cathay Financial Holdings.  Cathay Financial Holdings, for context, is a financial conglomerate with businesses spanning insurance, asset management and brokerage, with its Chairman Tsai Hong-tu having a net worth of US$5.3 billion based on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Back to Cathay United Bank, the bank boasts 165 branches throughout Taiwan, placing it as one of the leading players in the island when it comes down to credit cards in force as well as transaction volumes.  Outside of its home market, Cathay United Bank has a presence in 67 overseas locations across mainland China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia.  But what are we speaking to Cathay United Bank you might ask? Well, the bank is an interesting one to look at because it is now expanding its headcount in Singapore, as their clients double down on their operations and presence in the Southeast Asian region. But what should we know about its expansion plans here? Meanwhile, Cathay United Bank had in May 2024 saw net income increasing 13 per cent on the year to over US$950 million in 2023. But how is its Singapore business faring thus far? Also – what will the focus areas be for the firm’s operations here in Singapore looking ahead? On Under the Radar, Money Matter’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Winfield Wong, CEO, Cathay United Bank (Singapore).

We’ve all been there: trying to squeeze into the MRT during morning peak-hour. But, would you wake up earlier to avoid the crowd and save money on public transport? If you’re willing to shift your travel schedules to avoid the morning rush hour, you might be looking at receiving up to 80% in fare discounts. This is part of efforts to better manage peak-hour crowding on buses and trains, especially in north-east Singapore. It is also part of a planned refresh of the Travel Smart Journeys scheme, which will cover more bus services than it did before. So, can this newly refreshed incentive scheme reduce the morning peak-hour MRT congestion in Singapore? And more importantly, will it help to really change public transport users’ behaviours?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Ong Ghim Ping Raymond, Associate Professor and Deputy Head (Research) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore to find out.     

Singapore shares opened muted today following weak trade figures from China and ahead of key inflation data in the US. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) inched up 0.16 point to 3,813.71 points after 46.8 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Aims Apac Reit, because the industrial and logistics real estate investment trust (Reit) is divesting its warehouse at 3 Toh Tuck Link for S$24.4 million.  Elsewhere, from more on how China is gearing up for a possible trade war with the US next year, to what a major breakthrough in quantum computing by Google means for the global tech industry – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – one last look at US inflation before official numbers for November come in later in the day. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Carl Ashton, Investment Counselor, Citi Private Bank.

In recent years, the rise of stablecoins has strongly transformed the landscape of digital finance, with over $170 billion of these digital assets now held globally, according to CoinGecko. Businesses, banks, payment providers, projects, tech giants and governments are getting on board with leveraging crypto without its volatility. For consumers, stablecoins are a way to seek refuge with gains during bear markets and regulatory uncertainty.  But how exactly do stablecoins make money in this dynamic ecosystem? And how can you maximize your returns by investing in stablecoins? On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Jason French, Executive Director, Clients, Sygnum to find out more. 

Giuseppe Di Lieto’s career journey took him from a corporate executive to an entrepreneur focused on empowering small and mid-sized businesses (SMEs) in Southeast Asia. He left his successful corporate career to found Exponasia Growth Partners, a firm dedicated to helping SMEs navigate the complexities of growth in Southeast Asia. By offering specialised services such as market entry, business development, commercial excellence, and fractional leadership, Giuseppe is filling the gap between large-scale corporate expertise and the needs of smaller businesses in the region. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Giuseppe Di Lieto, Founder of Exponasia Growth Partners, 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!

Singapore stocks began the day trading in positive territory, even as markets abroad experienced mixed results overnight. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) had risen 0.6 per cent to 3,817.67 points after 67.5 million securities changed hands in the broader market.  In terms of companies to watch today, we have DBS, after the local bank announced yesterday that it has appointed Han Kwee Juan as head of institutional banking with effect from Jan 1, 2025.  Elsewhere, from more on how China’s top leaders plan to loosen monetary policy and expand fiscal spending in 2025, to crypto volatility picking up – more international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – all about chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth, given how Mondelez International is reportedly exploring an acquisition of Hershey.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments of the day.