Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek

The latest report by Economist Intelligence Unit reveals that the state of global democracy improved in 2022, up from a dent in the previous year resulting from the pandemic.  Asia and Australasia’s average score of 5.46 is above the global average, but has been declining or stagnating for the past six years. Fei Xue, Senior Analyst, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) shares why.

Meta shares spiked in extended trading after the social media giant reported its fourth-quarter revenue that topped estimates.  This comes against the backdrop of massive tech layoffs by major firms like Amazon and Microsoft. Boh Wai Fong, Deputy Dean, Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore gives an analysis of the mammoth task faced by the tech sector in staying afloat. Produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Singapore's job market ended on a high note in 2022, with a record 231,700 more workers gaining employment. But some analysts are expecting the labour market to experience headwinds in the first half of 2023. Patrick Tay, Assistant Secretary-General, NTUC & Co-Chairperson, NTUC-SNEF PME Taskforce shares his insights on what the year holds for the employment market and his wishlist for Budget 2023.  Produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

We’re just a fortnight away from the Singapore Budget - that’ll be delivered by the Finance Minister on Valentine’s Day! With the elevated inflation and cost-of-living pressures weighing down on Singaporeans and businesses alike, Annie Koh, Professor Emeritus of Finance (Practice) at Singapore Management University shares her take on how this year’s Budget might shape up and measures she hopes to see. Produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Highlights of the conversation: 1.20 : How might support measures in Budget 2023 compare with previous rounds of spending? 4.00 : On the social aspect, how can the Government partner the community to address these concerns?  6.09 : What more can we expect from this year's Budget to better support the healthcare sector? 8.32 : How adequate are the tax reliefs in helping consumers address inflationary pressures? 

Mitul Kotecha, Head of Emerging Markets Strategy, TD Securities, discusses how much recent signs of inflation data moderating will prompt the Federal Reserve to dial back on its rate hiking campaign after its February meeting.

From rooftop farms, to herb gardens in hotels and even community gardens in private condominiums!  Bjorn Low, Founder of Edible Garden City joined us in the studio to share how his social enterprise is on the way to turning every nook and cranny of Singapore into an edible garden. Produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

A recent report from Zendesk on global CX trends revealed that 68 per cent of APAC leaders see customer experience and support as growing priorities over the next year. Hugo Mas, Sales Director Asia, Aircall shares his insights on what customers are looking for today and how businesses can better meet those demands.

Lim Yuin, chief investment strategist, Lion GlobalInvestors explains why investors are increasingly flocking to infrastructure assets to diversify and hedge against slowing macroeconomic conditions as they seek stable and resilient returns.

In today's Breakfast Brief, we look at some good news for Adani Enterprises as it gets a vote of confidence from an existing investor, Abu Dhabi's Investment Holding, for 16 percent of the share follow-on offering. 

From the possibility of seeing a war between the US and China in 2025 as set out in a leaked memo and new regional CPPCC heads, turning the attention to China’s domestic leadership.  Dr Chong Ja Ian Associate Professor, Political Science, National University of Singapore and Non-Resident Fellow, Carnegie China gives us an analysis of those headlines and more.