Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

Art is often celebrated as "a freedom of expression," a boundless medium through which individuals convey their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. But how free is this expression when government regulations intervene, potentially stifling artistic creativity? Can art truly thrive in an environment where it is subjected to oversight and control? Consider the case of the Samsui mural. The artwork, which depicted a Samsui woman - a historic icon of resilience - holding a cigarette, faced demands for alteration or removal, since it clashed with societal norms and regulatory concerns. Does Singapore impose excessive constraints on artistic expression? And is there even a need to regulate art in the first place? On The Hot Seat, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Ryan Su, OC Queen Street, The Ryan Foundation, and Michelle Lim, Assistant Professor, NTU School of Humanities.

Singapore stocks opened lower today, following another downbeat session on Wall Street as the US Federal Reserve’s hawkish pivot continued to weigh on sentiment. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) had fallen 0.5 per cent to 3,743.96 points after 30.8 million securities transacted across the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have CapitaLand Investment and CapitaLand Ascott Trust. That’s after CapitaLand Investment sold stapled securities in CapitaLand Ascott Trust for S$162 million to an unrelated party. Elsewhere, from more on Japanese inflation rising more than expected last month, to what to expect ahead of the release of US personal consumption expenditures tonight – more international headlines remain in focus.  Also on deck – Beijing calling on AstraZeneca to expand its research and development investment in the city despite an ongoing probe against some of its executives. Plus – a quick look at MayBank’s take on what to watch in 2025. 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.

The Singapore Women's National team recently clinched third-place at the 2024 AFF Cup, which secured qualification for the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Championship. But despite the main objective being met, observers have questioned the performances. So what are the challenges that plague the women's game, and what are the efforts being taken to overcome them? Karim Bencherifa, head coach of the Women's National Team, sheds light on Sports Minutes. Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg

“Reflexivity” theory suggests that investors base their decisions on perceptions and expectations that can be off the mark from reality. But there are portfolio dangers when the dichotomy between expectations and reality becomes extreme. So how is reflexivity playing in markets right now? How are high expectations of growth in markets affecting investors' portfolios? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Desmond Chua, Investment Counselor, Citigold Private Client, Citibank Singapore, to find out more.

Changing traditional notions of entrepreneurship across the globe, a new breed of entrepreneurs is taking center stage: Zillennials, a small cohort of people born between the early 1990s and the early 2000s. But just how are young entrepreneurs changing the way we see and do business? One such example of this is Dr Vishnu Sunil, the CEO of Emerstat, a company that aims to revolutionize bleeding management with their cutting-edge super hydrophobic hemostatic solution. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Zat, Editor-in-Chief, The Peak Singapore to find out more.  

Singapore shares opened in the red today, tracking broader losses in Asia after the US Federal Reserve signalled fewer interest rate cuts next year. In early trade, the Straits Times Index (STI) fell 0.9 per cent to 3,744.93 points after 74.4 million securities were transacted in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Yeo Hiap Seng. The beverage manufacturer today said it would lay off 25 employees as a direct result of Oatly’s evaluation of its supply network.  Elsewhere, from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks on Bitcoin and interest rates, to how Chinese banks raised new mortgage costs for the first time in three years amid narrowing margins, more international 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 November CPI, the second inflation data release since the US presidential election, shows further signs that, even before tariffs are implemented, the US is taking another step toward reflation. Under reflation, what do investors need to understand to protect their wealth? What kind of investment strategies can they consider in such economic conditions? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Laurent Lequeu, Founder of The Macro Butler Newsletter, to find out more. 

Mowito Robotics is an Indian startup transforming warehouses and supply chains with innovative robotics and AI solutions through their advanced AI-driven vision software powers robotic arms to perform tasks like item picking and machine tending with precision and efficiency. Designed to be flexible and cost-effective, Mowito’s technology integrates seamlessly with moving conveyor belts, utilizes off-the-shelf hardware, and eliminates the need for custom AI model training, by enabling robots to work like humans. Mowito helps warehouses and factories improve throughput, reduce costs, and adapt to evolving operational demands. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Puru Rastogi, Co-Founder of Mowito Robotics Inc 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 started trading in negative territory this morning, mirroring overnight losses in global markets. The Straits Times Index (STI) opened 0.2 per cent lower at 3,793.77 points after 18.9 million securities changed hands in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch for today, we have Sembcorp Industries, after the company’s renewables subsidiary Sembcorp Green Infra was awarded a build-own-operate project by India’s public sector company, the Solar Energy Corporation of India.  Elsewhere, from a last look at expectations ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s December rate decision, to how Japanese giants Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly said to enter merger talks to better compete against other electric vehicle makers – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeremy Tan, CEO, Tiger Fund Management.

It's all to play for heading into the final round of Group A fixtures in the ASEAN Championship after Singapore's 4-2 loss to Thailand. But does the endeavour shown in the opening half, coupled by a sizeable turnout of 22,611 fans give the Lions fresh optimism and impetus to secure a spot in the semi-finals? Deepanraj Ganesan weighs in on Sports Minutes. READ MORE: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/singapore-throw-away-two-goal-lead-in-4-2-defeat-by-thailand-in-asean-championship-group-stage-tie Got a story to tell? Get in touch with us! raushan@sph.com.sg