Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

China is the world’s top greenhouse gas polluter, contributing about a third of mankind’s total annual carbon emissions. Yet, it is also the world’s top producer of clean energy and a major global investor. Is China trying to control the global clean-tech sector? Can the world’s biggest polluter end up saving the world? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tim Buckley Director, Climate Energy Finance to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to monitor global developments relating to trade. The Straits Times Index rose 0.8% to 3,967.74 points at about 12.50pm with a value turnover of S$654.88M in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have ESR REIT after the trust’s manager completed the divestment of a logistics property in Singapore for S$6.8 million. Aside from that, investors continue to set their sights on DFI Retail Group after the supermarket and retail store operator yesterday announced the divestment of its Singapore food business to Macrovalue (Malaysia) at an initial purchase price of S$125 million. Meanwhile, from Asian investors’ reaction to Xiaomi’s US$5.5 billion mega share sale and Hyundai’s US$21 billion investment in the US, to the Indonesian rupiah falling to the lowest since the Asian financial crisis and impact on SGX-listed counters with exposure to the country – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Carmen Lee, Head of OCBC Investment Research. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new US administration and a pause on rate cuts from the Fed have characterized the first month of 2025. But with the world's biggest economy marching ahead with new trade policies and the fear of rising inflation not completely behind us, investors might need to brace for turbulence. So what should investors be looking out for? How should they be balancing US equities and trade risks? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Luke Browne, Head of Asset Allocation, Asia, Manulife Investment Management, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As of 2025, the commodities market in Asia is projected to reach approximately US$32 trillion, with a projected annual growth rate of 2% from 2025 to 2029. Yet, this behemoth industry and trade has lagged behind in keeping up with evolving ESG expectations and trends. Gerald Tan, a fourth-generation business owner, saw the inefficiencies and lack of transparency in the industry and set out to make a change. Agridence is a digital platform that is transforming the way agri-commodities are procured and traded. How is Agridence enabling the global transition to a greener, more ethical commodities industry? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Gerald Tan, CEO of Agridence to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has reinstated Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to the post of acting president on March 24. The ruling comes amid months of political turmoil in the country, and returns Mr Han to power immediately. This also means President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment verdict is looming, as it’s expected after Mr Han’s. With the highly anticipated decision, local authorities are bracing themselves for potential clashes. Foreign embassies in Seoul have advised avoiding protest hubs. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong gives the details. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as investors look to kickstart the week on a positive note. The Straits Times Index rose 0.22% to 3,934.91 points at about 2.40pm (2.42pm), with a value turnover of S$634.08M in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have DFI Retail Group after the firm announced today the divestment of its Singapore food business to South-east Asian retail conglomerate Macrovalue (Malaysia). Elsewhere, from NIO's net loss deepening for the fourth quarter ended December, to Jack Ma-backed Ant Group reportedly using Chinese-made semiconductors to develop techniques to train AI models at a lower cost – more corporate and international headlines remain in focus. Also on deck – how Singapore’s inflation fell further in February. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with David Kuo, Co-founder, The Smart Investor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech giants that have dominated Wall Street for two years are losing their grip. The Bloomberg Magnificent Seven index has fallen roughly 10% from its December peak, officially entering correction territory. But why are investors shying away from the Magnificent Seven?And what sectors are now investors looking into? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Rahul Ghosh, Portfolio Specialist in the Equity Division at T. Rowe Price, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grobrix brings urban farming into everyday spaces with its modular, vertical green walls, allowing workplaces, schools, and communities to grow fresh produce indoors. Designed to be both practical and visually appealing, these edible walls provide a sustainable way to cultivate herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers with minimal maintenance. More than just a farming solution, Grobrix helps foster a sense of community, promotes wellness, and encourages a hands-on connection to food. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Mathew Howe, Founder & Urban Farmer, Grobrix, to find out 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting investors to meet and support tomorrow’s game changing startups – that’s what we are going to talk about today. Founded in 2023, our guest A2D Ventures aims to be the region’s leading early stage startup investing platform and angel syndicate, expanding access to innovative companies and democratising venture capital. At the moment, the firm has a portfolio of 15 companies spread across a wide range of industries such as biotech, proptech, fintech, deeptech as well as aviation and electric vehicles. Most recently, A2D Ventures had in June 2024 invested in Seaplane Asia, a company that offers air charter and seaplane services connecting islands and coastal areas, in a funding round led by venture capital firm TK & Partners. It had also in May 2024 invested in US sustainable mining startup BANIQL in a US$1.6 million seed round. But what is A2D Venture’s investment mandate to begin with? Who are the investors under its syndicate, and what is the return on investment they are aiming for? What is the total amount of capital deployed to startups under its portfolio for now? Meanwhile, A2D Ventures had in January teamed up with InnoSpace Thailand, a public-private joint venture in the country, to come up with Thailand’s next big accelerator. But what should we know about the accelerator and what synergies will the accelerator bring to A2D Ventures as it sources for the next unicorn in the country? On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Ankit Upadhyay, CEO, A2D Ventures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few days on since Singapore’s 1-0 friendly defeat to Nepal, and it seems like the rhetoric surrounding the National Team has changed for the worst - but is it really all doom and gloom? Perhaps not, with the news of a certain Perry Ng gaining his PR status, and a host of younger Lions making the step up. On today’s show we’ll hear from TWO players who could well and truly breath fresh life and add fresh blood to the Lions - Perry Ng & Jordan Emaviwe. Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea is facing a political crisis of historic proportions as the Constitutional Court deliberates on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment. Weeks after the trial concluded in late February, the court’s silence has fueled speculation - are justices meticulously ensuring a legally airtight ruling, or is political pressure influencing the decision? With deepening political divides, mass protests, and concerns over economic and diplomatic stability, the prolonged uncertainty has raised critical questions about the integrity of South Korea’s institutions. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Benjamin A. Engel, Assistant Professor, Department of Korean Studies at Dankook University, to help unpack the current political turmoil in South Korea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares were little changed today as investors put the US Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates behind them. The Straits Times Index was up a marginal 0.05% at about 1pm (12.56pm) to 3,932.39 points, with a value turnover of S$512.58M in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch today, we have Top Glove, after the Malaysian glove manufacturer reported a net profit of RM30.3 million (S$9.1 million) for its second quarter ended Feb 28, reversing from a net loss seen the year before. Elsewhere, from China’s import of US cotton, cars and some energy products plunging in the first two months of the year, to Japan’s core inflation hitting 3% in February – more international headlines remain in focus. Also on deck – more on Nike’s latest earnings under its new CEO. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Benjamin Goh, Head of Research and Investor Education, SIAS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a recent Reuters poll, investors have maintained their short bets on most Asian currencies. That's as they assessed the prospects of an escalating global trade war. Analysts say with growing concerns over Trump's tariffs, market players will gradually increase short conviction on Asian currencies, especially given their recent strength, as risk reward for shorting could improve. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Peter Chia, Senior FX Strategist at UOB, to find out which Asian currencies could be the biggest winners and the biggest losers from escalating trade tensions from the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 2025 Formula 1 season up and running, Sports Minutes is in conversation with 17-year-old Singaporean racer Kabir Anurag, part of the Alpine Development Team. He shares his journey—from the Winter Series to life with an F1 team, the sacrifices of living abroad, and balancing academics with racing. We also dive into Singapore’s support for motorsport talent and his road ahead. Buckle up for an inspiring ride! Got a story to tell? Get in touch! raushan@sph.com.sg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fur Folks Home is Singapore’s first standalone pet hospice, founded by Dr. Angeline Yang, veterinarian and co-founder of VetMobile SG. It provides palliative care, short-term medical boarding, and holistic treatments for aging, terminally ill, and special-needs pets. Designed as a compassionate alternative to traditional pet boarding, Fur Folks Home ensures that pets receive specialized medical attention and comfort in their final stages of life while giving their guardians peace of mind. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr. Angeline, Veterinarian & Co-Founder of VetMobile SG, to find out 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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today as investors continue to mull a move by the US Federal Reserve to hold interest rates. The benchmark Straits Times Index (STI) was up 0.6 per cent at 3,931.3 points at around 10 am. In terms of companies to watch, we have Sembcorp Industries after units of Sembcorp Industries and Sarawak Energy tied up with Prysmian for a hydropower project that could supply Singapore with 1 gigawatt (GW) of green electricity from the Malaysian state. Elsewhere, from the US Federal Reserve holding off on interest rate cuts and the implication on Singapore banks and S-REITs, to how Softbank Group said it would acquire Ampere Computing in a US$6.5 billion all-cash deal – more international and corporate headlines remain in focus. Also on deck – Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang saying that his company had not been approached about purchasing a stake in Intel. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After spending an unexpected 9 months in space, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have finally returned to Earth. Their journey back was marked by a dramatic re-entry through the Earth's atmosphere aboard a SpaceX capsule, which deployed four parachutes for a smooth splashdown off the coast of Florida But what led to their prolonged stay aboard the International Space Station? How did they adapt to the unexpected challenges of an extended mission? And what does this mean for the future of space expeditions? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Simon Gwozdz, CEO and Founder of Equatorial Space Systems to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OPEC’s surprise move to proceed with planned production hikes poses downside risk to oil prices. Analysts have lowered 12-month Brent forecasts to USD70 per barrel from USD75 per barrel previously. It is possible that the unwind of voluntary cuts may not last the full extent, as OPEC+ has indicated it will remain sensitive to market conditions. On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sim Moh Siong, Currency Strategist, Bank of Singapore, to find out what this means for the oil market moving forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kredit Hero is an AI-powered lending marketplace designed to bridge the financing gap for SMEs. By leveraging advanced risk assessment and smart matchmaking technology, Kredit Hero connects small businesses with the most suitable lenders, streamlining the loan application process and improving access to capital. Unlike traditional lending systems that are slow and rigid, Kredit Hero offers a fast, transparent, and tailored approach, ensuring SMEs get the financial support they need to grow. On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Scott Moore, Founder and CEO of KreditHero, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a high-stakes call on March 18, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days. However, they failed to secure a broader ceasefire in Russia’s ongoing invasion, and despite the agreement, fresh attacks were reported from both sides just hours later, highlighting the fragility of the truce. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious support but insisted on more details from Washington before committing. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr. Dana Allin, Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor, the International Institute for Strategic Studies and SAIS-Europe of the Johns Hopkins University, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.