Breakfast with Ryan Huang, Emaad Akhtar and Audrey Siek

During New Orleans’ New Year’s celebration, an Army veteran driving a pickup truck that bore the flag of the Islamic State group wrought carnage, killing 15 people as he steered around a police blockade and slammed into revelers before being shot dead by police. Investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are currently ongoing. Additionally, the global economy is entering the new year with uncertainty looming over prospects.  Donald Trump’s second term in the White House is expected to dominate the economic agenda. Global trade tensions are on the horizon as Trump threatens to impose sweeping tariffs on US imports. Beyond economic policies, the immigration issue, which took centrestage during the 2024 election cycle, is also set to feature front and centre as Trump takes his place at the White House. President-elect Donald Trump had earlier promised a crackdown on illegal immigration and significant changes to immigration laws. His advisers will contend with long-existing headwinds to turn Trump’s campaign rhetoric into policy. So, what’s in store as Trump makes his political comeback? On this episode of Morning Shot, Charles Lipson, Professor Emeritus from the Department of Political Science at University of Chicago shares his insights. Presented by: Emaad Akhtar Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images; AFP

If you're reading this, you've most likely at some point participated in a shared ritual.  It might be a toast when you're out with friends, or perhaps eating together with your family. Whatever it is, these rituals have something in common - they honour something or someone that is important.  And they can also be the secret to long-lasting connections!    Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Ryan Huang Produced & Edited by Emaad Akhtar Photo credit: The Straits Times Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Run out of ideas for New Year's Eve here in the Little Red Dot?  Fret not! There are plenty of options available to you, from fireworks at Marina Bay, to a music festival at Sentosa's Siloso beach, to a carnival atmosphere featuring acrobatic acts and magicians at Somerset Belt! The People's Association is also organising 17 heartland celebrations! Tune in to find out more!   Presented by Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek Produced & Edited by Emaad Akhtar Photo credit: The Straits Times Music credit: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

2024 has been a turbulent year for global security across the world, with ongoing conflict taking place in the Middle East. Beyond that, security threats of various forms have shaken the world in recent weeks, including an incident involving a car that ploughed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Germany, a woman brutally set on fire at the New York City subway and a couple of knife attack incidents in Singapore. What should people look out for to stay safe this holiday season and what does the threat landscape look like for 2025? On this episode of Morning Shot, Dr Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at NTU shares his insights. Presented by: Audrey Siek Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Looking for travel inspiration? The Straits Times rounded up seven destinations that are set to dazzle in 2025. Think cultural escapades, stunning natural landscapes, and even a few unexpected gems. Emaad and Audrey dive into the options and what to look forward to.  Which destination is calling your name for 2025?   Presented by Audrey Siek & Emaad Akhtar Music & picture credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Matt Maley, Chief Market Strategist, Miller Tabak shares his assessment on how the market has fared through 2024 and if we will see earnings rise in 2025; effects that Stephen Miran will have on the markets; and whether recent airline incidents involving Boeing jets will be short-lived or will if they will set the tone for airline markets in the new year. He also weighs in on top concerns for 2025, as well as sectors that could take a toll versus sectors he's liking right now. Presented by: Emaad Akhtar Produced and Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Daphne Tan, Director of Business Development, CMC Markets Singapore discusses how much of the anticipated Santa Claus rally has materialized; the recent momentum behind Bitcoin prices; the biggest winners and losers in Asian markets this year; and what investors should be keeping their eyes on in Q1 2025. Produced/Presented: Willie Keng

Just recently, the Singapore government apologised for the misunderstanding over an internal government circular and lack of coordination between government staff, which led to the disclosure of full NRIC numbers on a new business portal before the rationale was explained to citizens. Coming on the back of that, the government had explained that the current practice of masking NRIC numbers creates a false sense of security that such data is secret. What does the unmasking of NRICs mean for Singaporeans and might there be risks involved? On this episode of Morning Shot, Ben Chester Cheong, Lecturer for Law Programmes, Singapore University of Social Sciences shares his insights. Presented by: Audrey Siek & Emaad Akhtar Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors

New Year, New You! We ring in the new year in just two days, so for many people, now is the time to write down that list we are all familiar with.  80% of New Year's resolutions are thrown out by February.  So HOW do we possibly set ourselves up for success and stick to our goals?  Audrey and Emaad chat about hacks you can consider to make your 2025 a more successful one (goal-wise).   Presented by Audrey Siek & Emaad Akhtar Produced and Edited by Audrey Siek Music & picture credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors

Daniel Tan, Portfolio Manager, Grasshopper Asset Management, discusses how he is should repositioning for 2025, amid a stronger dollar, rising yields and the potential risk of Trump tariffs. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang