Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

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. 

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.