Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

He was older, fit, and seemed like the perfect guy. But every time he disappeared for months, he'd come back expecting her to wait... and somehow make her feel guilty for moving on. On Your Agenda, when do second chances become one chance too many? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many young people today, posting online is second nature. From daily routines and relationship updates to deeply personal moments, social media has become a place to connect, express ourselves and tell our stories. But as sharing becomes more common, where do we draw the line between being authentic and revealing too much? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Ryan Ang, content creator to discuss this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has lifted the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners looking to buy HDB resale flats, marking the end of a temporary cooling measure introduced in 2022. The Government says the policy has achieved its objective, but what does its removal mean for resale prices, competition among buyers, and the broader housing market? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director of Data Analytics, Huttons Asia, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the news where young Singaporeans can now rent their own spaces here in Singapore. This is coming on the back of the new initiatives under the SG Youth Plan. With more younger Singaporeans wanting to have their own living space and even making it their top life goal, the Government decides to help them achieve their dreams. Yet, a major obstacle remains... Expensive rental fees! So the trio discusses whether it is justifiable to live out your dreams of living independently, and if it's really that big of a deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top of the group after two wins from their opening two ASEAN Championship matches, yet questions remain about Singapore's performances. Will the lack of a true identity come back to haunt the Lions, with regional powerhouses Vietnam and Indonesia up next? We hear from head coach Gavin Lee and man-in-form Ilhan Fandi on Sports Minutes, as well as The Straits Times Sports Correspondent Deepanraj Ganesan. READ MORE:https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/ilhan-fandi-scores-again-as-lions-beat-timor-leste-to-move-top-of-asean-cship-group-a?ref=top-stories Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has tightened monetary policy for the second time in just three months, signalling growing concern over inflation despite a resilient economy. With higher global energy prices expected to push up the cost of imports, transport and everyday goods, what does this latest move mean for businesses and consumers? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Selena Ling, Chief Economist & Head, Global Markets Research & Strategy, OCBC to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She was on track for a career in law, studying at the London School of Economics and interning at some of Singapore's top law firms. But instead of becoming a lawyer, Frances Tan chose to chase music. At just 25, she's represented Singapore at the Commonwealth Song Contest, helped the country win the Public Vote, released her debut EP, published a book, and earned recognition on the international stage. So what made her walk away from a conventional career? And is her story part of a bigger shift in how Gen Z defines ambition, success and fulfilment? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Singaporean Singer-Songwriter, Frances Tan, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dives into a story where a cake shop owner in Thailand had sued a customer who gave a 1-star review... and failed! What started as a form of constructive criticism turned into a defamation lawsuit for a customer. With the shop owner's threats, the case was sent to court. But in a surprise twist, the court dismissed the case entirely, making this a win for consumers. So the trio discussed whether owner's reaction was blown way out of proportion, and what they would have done if they were in a similar situation as the F&B business owner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s nothing quite like slipping into a sturdy, yet comfortable pair of jeans for work on casual Fridays, or even when out shopping on a Monday night.  To understand why, we have to turn the clock back more than 170 years to California during the Gold Rush. Back then, miners and labourers in the American West worked under punishing conditions, and their work trousers often ripped at the points of greatest strain, particularly around the pocket corners, where heavy tools and equipment were carried. Then came the day, May 20, 1873, where dry goods merchant Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis obtained a US patent on putting rivets in men’s work pants for the very first time. The rivets made the pants dramatically stronger, and durable enough for miners, labourers and cowboys who needed clothing to withstand punishing conditions. And with that, the first riveted clothing – a pair of jeans made using denim – was made and sold. And the rest was history.  More than a century on, modern day jeans are more than just workwear, and continue to make waves in the fashion world. The same goes for Levi’s the company too.  Since returning to the public markets in 2019, the firm has been actively transforming its business through high-profile marketing efforts, pushing higher margin direct-to-consumer sales, and actively attracting women customers.  In July 2026, the firm reported second quarter net revenue of US$1.56 billion, an 8 per cent increase on the year. The apparel maker now expects its fiscal 2026 net revenue to grow between 7 and 7.5 per cent, higher than the 5.5 per cent to 6.5 per cent forecast previously. Growth was also seen across all regions, with a 9 per cent on-year increase in net revenues for its largest market, the Americas. For Asia, that figure stood at 10%.  But how does the firm assess its performance as a whole, and how far will it double down on its business in Asia? What are the key opportunities in the region, and how is the firm positioning denim as a to-go fashion choice given the younger generation’s interest or obsession with athleisure wear? In this “On the Go” Special episode of Under the Radar, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian headed down to Levi’s Singapore flagship store at ION Orchard to get the answers from Vicky Skelton, Managing Director, East Asia Pacific, Levi Strauss & Co.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Uniqlo sweatpants and Birkenstock clogs to oversized basics, Gen Z fashion has become instantly recognisable. While some see this shift towards comfort and practicality as a reflection of changing priorities, others argue that individuality and creativity are slowly being replaced by trends driven by social media. So, is Gen Z really taking the art out of fashion? Or are they simply redefining what fashion means today? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Mark Heng, Founder and designer of Maroon Clothing, to explore how Gen Z is shaping Singapore's fashion culture, whether social media is diluting personal style, and what it will take to build a more creative fashion identity in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has been given a new 12.5 per cent US tariff over allegations linked to forced labour enforcement — a move that raises fresh questions for one of America's closest trading partners in Asia. Although some of Singapore's biggest exports remain exempt, the new tariffs will still affect a sizeable share of goods heading to the US.So what does this mean for businesses operating here? Can Singapore shield itself from the fallout? And as global trade becomes increasingly shaped by geopolitics, how should a small, open economy navigate the road ahead? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the latest trend which sees more young people attempting their hand at being 'solopreneurs'. With the help of agentic AI, more countries are supporting and encouraging young people to start their own 1-man companies. From full autonomy to greater work-life balance, the life of a solo entrepreneur promises a stable income. But as with everything in life, there are downsides as well. So the trio discusses what's driving the rise of 'solopreneurship' and whether Singaporeans would jump on this bandwagon too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many Gen X parents, this is a stage of life where children have grown up, left home, and are building lives of their own. But the reality is different for a mother to an adult son with autism. While many of her peers are embracing empty nests and planning for retirement, her role as a parent continues every day. So how has her journey reshaped her views on parenthood, independence and the future? And what can we do to better support Gen X parents in her position? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sharon Lee, mother to her 29 year old son with autism, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled his latest Cabinet reshuffle, describing it as the next step in Singapore's leadership renewal. The changes come after two unexpected resignations prompted an earlier-than-anticipated shake-up, with several younger office-holders and first-term MPs stepping into expanded roles, while experienced ministers take on new responsibilities. What do these appointments reveal about the pace of Singapore's leadership transition? Is the next generation of leaders being accelerated into key positions sooner than expected? And beyond the headline changes, what are the biggest shifts Singaporeans should be paying attention to? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong unpacks the political significance of the reshuffle with Malminderjit Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Terra Corporate Affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Football can humble you as quickly as it can lift you. Zharfan Rohaizad has experienced both. Now at Tampines Rovers, the goalkeeper reflects on career-defining choices, battling injuries, becoming a first-time father and the hunger to finally earn his place back with the National Team. Is this the chapter where everything clicks?Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could your next soulmate be... AI? South Korea is launching the world's first dating reality show where contestants form relationships with AI-generated partners instead of real people. Is this the future of love, or does it say more about how dating has changed today? On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar unpack the trend, debate whether humans can really fall for artificial intelligence, and ask the question: if an AI understood you better than anyone else, could you ever fall in love with it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore investors can now access some of the world's biggest companies without leaving the local market. The Singapore Exchange has launched its first US-listed Singapore Depository Receipts (SDRs), giving investors exposure to Grab, Sea Limited and SpaceX in Singapore dollars, during local trading hours, and with lower investment amounts. But what does this mean for everyday investors? Could this help make the SGX more attractive as more Singaporeans seek global investment opportunities? And which high-profile US-listed companies could be added next? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with veteran financial journalist and former SPH Media Group editor Ven Sreenivasan, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying with one company for decades was once seen as the gold standard of career success. Today, younger workers are changing jobs more frequently in search of better opportunities, higher salaries, greater flexibility and more meaningful work, raising questions about whether company loyalty still holds the same value. So is the era of lifelong careers coming to an end? Has the definition of career success evolved? And what does loyalty in the workplace look like in today's job market? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Khong Wei Ling, Business Operations Manager at HP Singapore, about the changing relationship between employees and employers, and whether staying put is still worth it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dives into the story of how a Malaysian man learning how to drive was met with a nasty instructor. From unnecessary yelling to even hitting the dashboard, the man was met with different instances of trauma during his driving lessons. When he couldn't take it anymore, he decides to leave the instructor in the middle of a jam-packed road and calls it quits. So the trio discusses what they would have done in this scenario and whether getting a drivers' license is still worth it here in Singapore.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A First-Class honours graduate lands the job... but nine months later, they're still struggling to keep up. They disappear during crunch time, go missing while working from home, and leave the rest of the team picking up the slack. So what's really going on? On Your Agenda, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh unpack a listener's workplace dilemma: when does giving someone time to learn become enabling poor performance? Is this an employee problem, a management problem, or both? And in today's workplace, what matters more, qualifications or accountability?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Faishal Ibrahim’s resignation has put Singapore’s political leadership renewal back in the spotlight. With two experienced 4G political office holders stepping down in just weeks, could this bring forward Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Cabinet reshuffle? How will the PAP balance the need for experienced leadership with the push to develop its next generation of 5G leaders? And what does Dr Faishal’s departure mean for Malay/Muslim representation at the highest levels of government? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at SMU’s Yong Pung How School of Law, to unpack the political implications, succession challenges and what to watch for next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For previous generations, getting married was often followed by buying a home and starting a family. But for a growing number of millennials, that script is changing. More couples are choosing the DINK lifestyle—dual income, no kids—prioritising financial stability, personal fulfilment and the freedom to build a life on their own terms. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Wang Yi Jie, Regional Marketing Lead at TRM Labs to find out why more are millennials feeling comfortable making a choice that was once seen as unconventional, and what is it about the DINK lifestyle that makes it a good one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you anonymously upload your payslip for the whole internet to see? That's exactly what thousands of Singaporeans are debating after a Reddit community dedicated to sharing payslips went viral. From million-dollar lawyers and high-earning doctors to teachers, engineers and social workers, the posts have sparked conversations about pay, career choices and whether salary transparency does more harm than good. On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into Singapore's growing obsession with salary sharing. Is it a useful way to benchmark your career, or does it simply fuel comparison and unrealistic expectations? And if you had the chance, whose payslip would you want to see most?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh from putting to pen paper on a 2-year deal to join the Lion City Sailors, Ilhan Fandi sits down with Sports Minutes in the Lion's Den. From becoming a sailor on home soil to carrying the weight of a nation heading into the ASEAN Championship - Ilhan sheds lights on the privilege of representing Singapore, and the pressure that comes with it.Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI chatbots are answering our questions, writing our emails, and helping us make decisions, but how much do we really know about them? Singapore has launched new 'nutrition label' guidelines for AI chatbots, encouraging companies to be upfront about their capabilities, risks, and data practices. Could these labels change how much we trust AI? Will companies voluntarily be transparent? And is this just the first step towards stricter AI regulation? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with  Dr Steve Kerrison, Senior Lecturer in Cybersecurity at James Cook University, Singapore Campus, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some fresh graduates are landing jobs within weeks of finishing university. Others are sending out hundreds of applications, making it through multiple interviews, and still coming up empty-handed. So why are their experiences so different? Despite there being enough entry-level jobs to absorb new graduates, many of those opportunities aren't in the industries young people aspire to join. At the same time, employers are becoming more selective, salary expectations are shifting, and AI is changing how candidates are screened and hired. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Adrian Choo, the Career strategist and CEO and Founder of Career Agility International, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if your noisy neighbour refused to keep it down... but offered to pay you instead? It's a real-life solution that's gaining attention in South Korea, where some residents are paying their neighbours monthly compensation to put up with everything from children running around to constant stomping overhead.  On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh discuss the unusual trend, whether they'd accept cash from a noisy neighbour, and ask: can you really put a price on peace and quiet?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link is still months away from launching, but it's already raising big questions for businesses on both sides of the Causeway. A new study estimates Singaporeans could spend more than S$1 billion extra in Johor Bahru every year once the rail link opens in 2027, with spending flowing out of Singapore expected to far exceed what Malaysian visitors spend here. Will cheaper shopping, dining and entertainment in JB lure even more Singaporeans across the border? What does this mean for Singapore's retailers, F&B operators and the wider economy?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Terence Fan, Assistant Professor of Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship at Singapore Management University, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jalan Besar is home to residents from all walks of life, from young families and working adults to seniors who have lived in the neighbourhood for decades. As communities become more diverse and fast-paced, creating meaningful opportunities for different generations to connect has become increasingly important. Through initiatives such as family carnivals, volunteer programmes and the Horizons @ Jalan Besar masterplan, the GRC is finding new ways to bring residents together. So how do you build a neighbourhood where people of all ages don't just live alongside one another, but genuinely connect? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Shawn Loh, MP for Jalan Besar GRC, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh unpack the Grab ride that's gone viral after an actress and model claimed a driver handed her a wet tissue, only to ask for $2 at the end of the trip. Things allegedly escalated further when she questioned the charge, with claims that she wasn't allowed to leave the car until she paid. Was the driver simply charging for something that wasn't free, or should he have made the cost clear from the start? The duo also hears listeners' most unforgettable ride-hailing horror stories, from awkward conversations to wrong turns and everything in between. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2004 Sumatra earthquake and tsunami may feel like a distant memory, but new research suggests its impact is still unfolding right here in Singapore. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Grace Ng, Research Fellow at NTU's Earth Observatory of Singapore, about a new study showing that the earthquake caused Singapore's land to slowly sink for years afterwards. What does this mean for a country that's already preparing for rising sea levels? Should Singaporeans be worried, or is this simply another factor scientists and policymakers need to account for? And could distant earthquakes reshape how Singapore plans for climate change and coastal resilience in the decades ahead?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death has long been one of society's biggest taboos, something many of us avoid discussing until we have no choice.But that mindset is beginning to shift. More young Singaporeans are opening up conversations about grief, end-of-life planning, and what it means to prepare for life's final chapter. Some are writing books about death, others are creating spaces to talk about loss, while one former tech sales executive even took a 90% pay cut to help families navigate their final goodbyes. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Kenneth Yeow, the ‘Afterlife Bro’, about what's driving this cultural shift, why younger generations are embracing conversations about death, and whether planning for the inevitable could ultimately help us live more meaningful lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh unpack a viral incident that left Singaporeans doing a double take after an HDB fitness corner was transformed into an open-air laundry rack, complete with shirts, towels and even underwear hanging from exercise equipment. Are neighbourhood fitness corners still serving their purpose? From makeshift playgrounds and social hangouts to now clothes-drying stations, the duo explores whether these public spaces are being used as intended, if they're still worth investing in, and what residents would rather see in their estates instead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dr Mathew Mathews, Head of IPS Social Lab and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, about why more fathers in Singapore are taking paternity leave than ever before. As more fathers take up their full entitlement, they explore what's driving the shift, whether workplace culture is finally embracing fathers as caregivers, and the challenges businesses, especially SMEs, face in supporting longer leave. They also discuss whether family-friendly workplaces could play a bigger role in improving employee retention and even help address Singapore's declining birth rate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Ernest Ang, founder of Kokoyo Nyonya Delights, about whether Gen Z's creative food fusions are reshaping or diluting Singapore's food culture. As a Gen Z entrepreneur who built his business around his 72-year-old grandmother's traditional Peranakan recipes, Ernest shares his journey of preserving family recipes, reflects on how Singapore's food scene is evolving, and weighs in on whether innovation and heritage can continue to coexist in a rapidly changing culinary landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into the viral story that's got the internet choosing sides. After a husband won a luxury YSL beauty hamper at a company lucky draw, he gave it to a female colleague instead of bringing it home to his wife. While some say it was simply a generous gesture, others believe the real issue wasn't the gift itself, but what it revealed about thoughtfulness, priorities and feeling like your partner's first choice. So... was this an innocent act of kindness, or a relationship red flag?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Your Agenda, Hongbin Jeong unpacks a listener's workplace dilemma that's sparked plenty of debate. An employee at a Singapore startup says her HR, operations and marketing role slowly turned into housekeeping too, from scrubbing office floors to being blamed for a dirty milk frother on her day off. Was this simply startup culture, or did she become the default person for every task no one else wanted? We discuss invisible labour, workplace respect, and where employers should draw the line. Have you ever felt taken for granted at work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's economy grew 5.7% in the second quarter, but the pace has started to ease as growth becomes increasingly uneven across different sectors. While strong demand for AI continues to fuel manufacturing and exports, weaker performance in construction and trade, alongside rising geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices, are raising fresh questions about the road ahead. Can AI continue to be Singapore's biggest growth engine? What risks could derail the economy in the months ahead? And what should businesses and consumers expect next?On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tay Qi Hang, Asia Analyst, Economist Intelligence Unit, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many Gen Zs, success today looks very different from previous generations. While financial security remains important, so do flexibility, purpose, experiences and work-life balance. At the same time, social media has amplified displays of wealth—from luxury lifestyles to six-figure salaries and "soft life" content—raising questions about whether wealth has become the new benchmark for success.  On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Timothy Ho, Co-founder & Managing Editor, DollarsAndSense to find out if Gen Zs still see wealth as the ultimate measure of success? Or are they redefining what it means to live a successful life?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh discuss the Tampines retiree who's gone viral for spending his retirement photographing litterbugs and illegal parkers before reporting them to the authorities. Armed with a $1,000 zoom camera and plenty of patience, has 'Camera Uncle' helped make his neighbourhood cleaner or crossed the line into neighbourhood surveillance? The duo debates where civic responsibility ends and being a little too kaypoh begins, while asking listeners: would you want someone like this living in your estate or are you a kaypoh neighbour yourself?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While a stronger Singdollar makes overseas travel and imports cheaper, not every business is celebrating. From retailers and restaurants losing customers to cross-border spending, to importers benefiting from lower costs, the impact is far from equal. So who's winning, who's losing, and could an even stronger Singapore dollar create new challenges for businesses, tourism and exporters? We break down the trade-offs behind Singapore's strong currency and what it means for businesses and consumers in the months ahead. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Ang Yuit, president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, to unpack what a stronger Singapore dollar really means for Singapore's economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Singapore's music industry has been seen as too small, too risky, and too difficult to build a sustainable career in. But a new generation of entrepreneurs and artists is challenging that narrative by creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Dominic Yuan, founder of PARKA, the independent music label he launched while still in university. Dominic shares why he took the leap into building a record label at such a young age, the biggest challenges facing emerging Singaporean artists, and whether it's finally possible to build a successful music career without leaving the country. As more local talent gains international attention, is Singapore's music scene entering a new era?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cape Verde's fairytale run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has got people comparing the African minnows with Singapore. But is it truly a like for like comparison? Plus, Anderson Lopes' bombshell statement upon sealing his departure from the Lion City Sailors has got fans of the local game up in arms! Did he need to say what he said? Deepanraj Ganesan, correspondent with The Straits Times, weighs in on Sports Minutes. READ MORE:https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/can-singapore-replicate-cape-verdes-world-cup-success Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh put listeners' vocal cords to the test after an Australian man smashed the Guinness World Record for the loudest shout ever recorded with a thunderous 122.4-decibel yell of the word "NOW!". The duo breaks down what it actually takes to turn shouting into a world record, from acoustic engineers and official witnesses to seven exhausting attempts that left the record-holder without a voice for days. They also explore why "NOW!" turned out to be the loudest word, whether anyone could beat the record, and why the champion's day job as a town crier may have prepared him for the moment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The company that we’re going to talk about today has its beginnings traced back to 1984, when a then married couple from Stanford University helped build the foundation of the Internet by inventing the first-multi-protocol router that helped to link computer networks. If Cisco comes to mind, yes, that is our guest for today. Of course, a lot has changed for Cisco in the decades since its founding, during which we saw a power struggle between investors and its original founders (that was back in the 1990s).  Fast forward to today, Cisco is a worldwide technology leader who prides itself in securely connecting “everything to make anything possible”.  The aim is to power an inclusive future for all, by helping customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise and transform their infrastructure. Increasingly, the firm is also focused on helping customers harness the potential of generative AI safely. On the business front, Cisco has also grown from strength to strength. For its third quarter ended April 25th, Cisco posted record revenue of US$$15.8 billion, up 12 per cent on the year.  Net income on a generally accepted accounting principles (or GAAP) basis came in at US$3.4 billion, a 35 per cent increase on the year. Cisco attributed the performance to the relevance of its technology for connecting and securing AI. But what does the firm mean by that more specifically? Meanwhile, the firm hosted its Cisco Live 2026 in June. At the event held in Las Vegas, the firm announced a slew of products to help customers modernise their technology capabilities and protect critical systems.  Among them – a unified Cisco Cloud Control platform for humans and AI agents to run critical IT infrastructure together. But what are the key takeaways from the event? Also – how is the firm anticipating future AI threats, especially with the development of Claude Mythos, which can independently find vulnerabilities in software and computer systems? On Under the Radar, finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Ben Dawson, President, Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China, Cisco.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corporate burnout has become an increasingly common conversation among millennials, with more people questioning whether climbing the career ladder is worth sacrificing their wellbeing. For 36-year-old Puah Hui Ying, that question led her down a very different path. After stepping away from a stable career in tech, she embarked on a 101-day solo cycling journey across Malaysia, Thailand, India, Laos and Vietnam in search of something that money couldn't buy.  On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Puah Hui Ying about what inspired her to leave the corporate world behind, what she learnt from cycling solo across five countries, and whether adventure can offer a different perspective on burnout, purpose and success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autonomous vehicles are no longer a distant concept. Instead, they're becoming part of Singapore's transport future. As the industry evolves, the Government has introduced a new support package to help taxi and private-hire drivers prepare for what's next, through training opportunities, career guidance and pathways into new roles within the autonomous vehicle ecosystem. But as drivers weigh the opportunities against concerns over income, job flexibility and career stability, an important question remains: will these measures be enough to bring them along for the transition? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Chua Yeow Hwee, Assistant Professor in Economics at the Nanyang Technological University and Honorary Secretary of the Economics Society of Singapore, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into a tenant dispute in which a night-shift nurse had won her claim against her landlord, after they sought to restrict daytime aircon use. While there were agreements in place to allow the use of aircon in the day, the increased electricity bills became a major concern for the landlord. But is it justifiable to cause a ruckus just because of increased costs? And so, the trio discusses what they would have done in the landlord's place and whether we truly need an air conditioner to survive in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran appears to be hanging by a thread. After fresh fighting erupted and Iranian attacks targeted commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump declared the agreement "over" and warned that American bombings would "get much worse" if Tehran failed to back down. The latest exchange has seen US strikes on Iranian military targets met with retaliatory attacks on American military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Are the two sides heading back to open conflict, or is this the latest round of brinkmanship before diplomacy resumes? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong and Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at Nanyang Technological University's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, unpack what the latest escalation means for the Middle East, the global economy, and whether there's still any path back to peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar discuss the trendy practice of carrying around two phones — one for personal use and the other, for work purposes. As people yearn for better work-life balance, people who practice this claim that having two phones is the healthier choice. But while we strive to achieve peace of mind, it looks like the additional weight could pose a risk to our physical health, specifically our hands. So the trio discusses whether they would use a separate phone for work, even if it could create a health risk in the long run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.