Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek

Thomas Taw, Head of APAC iShares investment Strategy, BlackRock gives an analysis of what’s driving market sentiment, his outlook for Asian markets, and where he thinks the Europe markets are headed amid tensions brewing over Russia-Ukraine.

According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) new set of guidelines, cryptocurrency service providers should not market or advertise their services in public areas in Singapore. And with the recent dip in crypto prices, most are wondering if there is a future in crypto and if they should cash out or hold. Dr Julian Hosp, CEO and Co-Founder, Cake DeFi shares why he thinks the cryptocurrency scene is still getting a lot of attention despite its volatility and what makes Singapore one of the most crypto-friendly countries.

In this morning The Breakfast Brief, we discuss the ‘dramatic acceleration’ of Russian troops on Ukraine’s border which led to the closing of the US embassy in Kyiv, preparations by the United States and its European allies to defend NATO members and protect civilians as military action by Russia grew increasingly likely, and more. 

As we transit to the endemic phase after the last two years of fighting Covid-19, livelihoods remain the core concern of workers. For over six decades, NTUC’s focus has always been on our workers, especially the vulnerable workers and their role is more important than ever now as we progressively recover from the pandemic. Yeo Wan Ling, Director of U SME and U Women and Family, NTUC shares the three key areas NTUC has seen that needs urgent attention and their plans to ensure SEPs in Singapore get better timely support from platforms . 

Eyes are all on China with anticipation as the Russia-Ukraine intensifies, whose side will China take? How will Washington’s new Indo-Pacific strategy affect China and the future of the metaverse there? Tan Dawn Wei, China Bureau Chief, The Straits Times gives an analysis of it all.  Follow The Straits Times' Asian Insider Podcast channel - co-produced with Money FM 89.3 - like us and rate us: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/Ju4h  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Asian Insider newsletter.   Asian Insider videos: https://str.sg/JoVb SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/

Synopsis: The Straits Times analyses the latest developments in the United States in this weekly podcast.  Steve Okun, senior advisor, McLarty Associates, stands in for The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh who is on leave, and he chats with Money FM 89.3's Elliot Danker and Bharati Jagdish about the following points: Highlights (click/tap above): 01:43 US urges its citizens and allies to leave Ukraine to avoid possible Russian invasion 03:14 US hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2023 04:30 Discovery of 'top secret' documents found in former US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence 06:46 Trump claims to still be in contact with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un 08:23 Republicans' negative reaction to President Joe Biden's plans to nominate a black woman in the Supreme Court Produced by: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg), The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis & Fa'izah Sani Edited by: Dan Koh Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Google Podcasts: https://str.sg/wQsB  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg/ Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Discover more ST podcast series: Green Pulse Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaf Health Check Podcast: https://str.sg/JWaN ST Sports Talk Podcast: https://str.sg/JWRE #PopVultures Podcast: https://str.sg/JWad Bookmark This! Podcast: https://str.sg/JWas Lunch With Sumiko Podcast: https://str.sg/J6hQ Discover BT Podcasts: https://bt.sg/pcPL Follow our shows then, if you like short, practical podcasts!

Kelvin Wong, Analyst, CMC Markets joins us on the Bigger Picture to discuss the highlights of DBS Bank’s fourth quarter earnings report, its alignment with analysts expectations and potential headwinds for the year ahead. 

With the accelerated adoption of forward-looking technologies such as Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things, remote support technology will only have a larger role to play in powering Industry 4.0 and the smart factory of tomorrow. Sojung Lee, APAC President, TeamViewer shares the benefits of augmented reality for frontline workers in the sectors of manufacturing, logistics, and service, and how TeamViewer solutions are playing a critical role in helping global organisations to avoid carbon emissions. 

Consumers are becoming more aware of the sustainability and ethical issues associated with the products and brands with which they interact on a daily basis.  The recent COP26 summit also highlighted the magnitude of the environmental crisis, and people are now looking to businesses and leaders to make meaningful changes. Khali Sakkas, Head of Insight, CARMA Asia shares how brands can measure their ESG performance in real time against competitors, stakeholders, and other investments in order to meet business and sustainability objectives

In this morning's The Breakfast Brief, we discuss what Russian attack on Ukraine might look like according to a White House national security advisor, the cancellation or diverted flights to Ukraine and the departure of U.S. troops in Ukraine as Russia crisis escalates.