The Afternoon Update with Lynlee Foo

Companies spend billions trying to keep hackers out. But what happens when one gets in? As attacks move faster and digital systems become more complex, the cybersecurity industry is shifting its focus towards resilience and containment; stopping a breach from spreading before it becomes a crisis. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Raghu Nandakumara, Vice President of Industry Strategy at Illumio, about why effective cyber defence may now depend as much on limiting the damage as preventing the attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is getting better at more and more of what we do. So if you had five hours a week to invest in yourself, would you spend them getting better at AI, or getting better at being human? On AI Dilemma, Lynlee Foo asks what happens to judgment, empathy and leadership when AI takes over more of the grunt work - and how we develop those skills if the grunt work disappears.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore and Southeast Asia face a heightened risk of severe transboundary haze in the second half of 2026, driven by the return of El Niño, drier weather and mounting economic pressures that could increase forest and peatland fires. The warning comes ahead of the 27th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Bali, where regional leaders will discuss efforts to prevent another major haze episode. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Evelyn Tan, Assistant Director, Policy Programmes at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), about what the meeting hopes to achieve, whether Southeast Asia is better prepared for a high-risk haze season, and what stronger regional cooperation will take to tackle the problem at its source.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Searching the internet used to mean typing keywords into a search engine. Today, more people are turning to AI assistants for quick, conversational answers instead. As generative AI changes the way we search for information, what determines which businesses, brands and sources appear in those answers? And what does this shift mean for companies trying to stay visible online? On AI & Me, Lynlee Foo explores how AI is reshaping search, online discovery and digital communications with Jeff Hicks, Chief Product & Technology Officer at PR Newswire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long commutes remain a reality for many Singapore residents, with people living in towns such as Sembawang, Bukit Panjang and Punggol spending the most time travelling to work, while those in central areas enjoy significantly shorter journeys. As new data highlights where commuters are most affected, it also raises broader questions about how we define accessibility beyond just travel time.  On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Terence Fan, Assistant Professor Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University, about what these findings reveal about the daily commuting experience in Singapore and whether being a "10-minute walk" from an MRT station means the same thing for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many people, self-care isn't difficult because they don't have time for it and it's difficult because they feel guilty for putting themselves first. Whether it's saying no, taking a break, or setting boundaries, why do so many of us struggle to prioritise ourselves? And how can we let go of the guilt and embrace self-care as an essential part of a healthier, more balanced life? On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada unpack why prioritising ourselves can feel so uncomfortable, where that guilt comes from, and how healthy boundaries can help us care for ourselves without letting others down. Featuring insights from Concetta, Psychologist and Psychotherapist at Alliance Counselling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Skills and Workforce Development Agency presents: Sailing Through Transformation — New Horizons. AI is changing the way businesses operate but does growth still have to mean hiring more people? And how can workers stay relevant as technology reshapes the workplace? Raine Goh, founder and CEO of IT solutions provider Business Buddy, shares how her company is helping SMEs embrace AI and digital transformation by automating repetitive work and improving productivity. She explains why her team chose to reskill employees instead of replacing them, how content writers became prompt writers, and why businesses should see AI as a tool for transformation rather than a threat. The conversation also explores why curiosity and continuous learning are becoming essential in an AI-driven workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada rounds up the best events happening this weekend, from inclusive arts festivals and youth-led celebrations to immersive family experiences and vibrant illustration showcases. Discover hands-on workshops at Pocket Fest, explore the ocean with CRYBABY at Singapore Oceanarium, celebrate creativity at Youth Day 2026 and the Illustration Arts Festival, or catch the excitement of the National Day Parade rehearsal with fireworks lighting up the night sky.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Violinist has made history as the first Singapore-led animated feature to win Annecy's top prize —an honour that has propelled previous winners into the Academy Awards race. Lynlee Foo sat down with Executive Producer Justin Deimen and Co-Director Ervin Han to discuss the decade-long journey behind the film, why they believed a story rooted in Singapore and Southeast Asia could resonate with audiences around the world, how an international collaboration brought the project to life, and whether this landmark victory could mark the beginning of an even bigger global journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meta has unveiled an AI system that converts brain activity into text without surgery, OpenAI has launched its first custom AI chip to power the next generation of ChatGPT, AWS is investing US$1 billion to accelerate enterprise AI adoption, and OCBC is rolling out AI-native banking with digital wealth advisers. On AI & Me: Week in AI, Lynlee Foo unpacks what these developments mean for the future of AI and the industries being reshaped by it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As healthcare systems grapple with rising demand and manpower constraints, AI is increasingly being viewed as more than just a productivity tool. From managing patient enquiries and reducing administrative burden to improving patient engagement and streamlining clinical workflows, AI is transforming how healthcare is delivered both inside and beyond the hospital. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Peiru Teo, CEO and Co-Founder of KeyReply, about the real-world deployment of AI across healthcare, the rise of agentic AI, and what the next chapter of AI-powered patient care could look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you let AI make purchases on your behalf? With OpenAI and Visa bringing AI-powered payments closer to reality and Singapore enhancing its digital payments infrastructure through PayNow Generation 2, Lynlee Foo examines the rise of agentic commerce and the complex questions around trust, security, and financial autonomy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're Team Messi or Team Ronaldo may reveal more than just your football preferences. New research from NTU Singapore suggests that political ideology, self-esteem and even where people get their news are associated with which of the two football icons they favour. Beyond the rivalry, the findings raise a broader question: are our cultural tastes really as personal as we think or are they quietly shaped by our identities and the media we consume? Lynlee Foo speaks to Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed from NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information about what our favourite footballer might reveal about us and what this says about the hidden forces shaping our everyday preferences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the past two months, AI & Me: AI Tried It has been putting AI to the test, exploring how it responds to difficult conversations, offers comfort, and helps us navigate emotionally complex situations. Along the way, one thing became clear: AI's biggest strength isn't its intelligence, it's its emotional neutrality. It can offer thoughtful advice without judgment, but does it always understand what we're actually asking and if AI is making headlines everywhere, why aren't more people using it in their everyday lives? In the final AI Tried It, Lynlee Foo reflects on what she's learned from the series and why AI still hasn't become part of most people's daily lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening up to someone can feel like a relief in the moment, but for many people, it's often followed by feelings of embarrassment, self-doubt, or regret. But while vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, it's also essential for building trust, connection, and a genuine sense of belonging. On Is It Just Me?, producer Alexandra Parada hears from Colin Toh, Counsellor at Nook Counselling and Therapy, about why being vulnerable can feel so exposing, how past experiences shape our response to emotional openness, and how we can learn to choose courage over comfort when building meaningful relationships.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Alexandra Parada rounds events worth checking out this weekend, including exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix Pit Building, the inaugural BAGFest celebrating books and board games, and the return of The Royal Ballet to Singapore after 21 years. From free motorsport experiences and indie creative festivals to cat-filled fun at Asia Cat Expo and an immersive after-dark adventure at the Singapore Discovery Centre, discover what's happening around Singapore and which events made Alexandra's top picks for the weekend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You put on your headphones to focus. Your boss sees someone who's checked out. That gap between intent and perception is the subject of recent research from SMU, with real implications for how your work is evaluated, how much support you get, and how your career progresses. On Viewpoint, Lynlee speaks with Michael Schaerer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources at Singapore Management University, about why something as ordinary as wearing headphones can trigger very different judgments, and why organisations haven't resolved the tension between being available and being effective. Is modern work becoming more performative? And are organisations doing enough to recognise the value of deep, uninterrupted work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is investing $48 million to help media companies create local content with AI, Amazon is testing a Hindi version of Alexa+ as it expands its next-generation AI assistant to one of the world's largest language markets, and L'Oréal is bringing virtual makeup try-ons into ChatGPT, signalling a new era of AI-powered shopping experiences. Together, these developments point to a shift in how AI is evolving by becoming more local, more personalised, and more deeply embedded into the way people create, communicate, and consume. On AI & Me: Week in AI, producer Alexandra Parada explores what these stories reveal about the next phase of AI adoption and why relevance may matter just as much as intelligence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Water infrastructure ran on one logic for decades: when demand grows, build more. Climate volatility is forcing a rethink. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Dr. Beverley Stinson, AECOM's Executive Vice President and Global Water Leader, to learn how digital tools, predictive analytics, and smarter asset management are reshaping the way utilities plan, invest, and operate, and why the next dollar may not go into concrete at all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is one of the most densely populated places on Earth, and one of the most liveable. But as the city continues to grow, can it stay that way? In this wide-ranging edition of Viewpoint, Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah joins Lynlee Foo to discuss how Singapore is planning for an increasingly uncertain future. From climate resilience and energy security to the next generation of regional centres such as Jurong Lake District and Long Island, the conversation explores what it will take to keep Singapore liveable, resilient and competitive in the decades ahead. Along the way, she explains why Singapore gave up prime CBD land for Gardens by the Bay — so the city could "breathe."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us are quick to show compassion when someone else is hurting. But when it comes to our own feelings, the response is often very different. We tell ourselves to move on, toughen up, or stop making such a big deal out of things. Why do we dismiss experiences that genuinely affect us? Why do we compare our struggles to other people's and decide we have no right to feel hurt? On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo and Alexandra Parada explore why we're often harder on ourselves than we are on others, and where the line lies between resilience and simply brushing things aside. Featuring insights from Mavis Long, Founder and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Turning Grey Skies Blue Psychology Practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheryl Han's entrepreneurial journey began during one of the most difficult periods of her life. In 2019, she lost her father and was retrenched from DHL just two weeks later. The experience forced her to rethink her assumptions about career security and what she truly wanted to do next. Driven by a passion for women's health, she went on to co-found Orchard Clinic, which grew into one of Singapore's leading postpartum and pelvic health centres. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo speaks with Cheryl Han, Chief Operating Officer of Prologue and Co-Founder of Hunter & Match, about resilience, reinvention and the leadership lessons she's learned through every career pivot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada round up four events worth checking out this weekend, including CJ Hendry's immersive juju world, the creative food-and-music gathering Beats & Doodles, the KPop Demon Hunters One Year Anniversary Pop-Up, and the thought-provoking exhibition Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy. From giant inflatables and exclusive collectibles to doodling sessions, K-pop merchandise, and explorations of anatomy through art and science, discover what's happening around Singapore and why these experiences made their weekend shortlist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gantries are coming down. The charges aren't going anywhere, and may be coming somewhere new. On Viewpoint, ahead of Singapore's ERP 2.0 switchover, The Straits Times' Senior Transport Correspondent Lee Nian Tjoe and Lynlee Foo break down what's actually being trialled — advanced charge alerts, roadside parking via your onboard unit, zone-based pricing, and the possibility of ERP coming to Orchard Road. The big question: is this a smarter road pricing system, or something closer to a full driving platform? The answer might surprise you.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthropic has pulled access to its most advanced AI models following a US government order restricting foreign access, Microsoft says Singapore's workforce is among the world's most advanced AI users, Databricks has unveiled a new AI coworker designed to automate business tasks, Meta is bringing AI-powered search to Facebook, and South Korea's courts are grappling with lawyers citing AI-generated "ghost cases." Lynlee Foo unpacks the week's biggest AI stories and examines the growing tension between AI innovation, regulation, enterprise adoption and trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lawyer in the United States was recently fined after submitting a court filing containing AI-generated quotations that didn't actually exist. The case is one of a growing number of incidents involving AI "hallucinations" where chatbots confidently generate false or misleading information that appears convincing. On AI & Me: AI Dilemma, producer Alexandra Parada examines how AI-generated errors are making their way into professional settings, and explores who should be held accountable when AI gets it wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore hasn't decided to go nuclear. But it's doing everything a country does before it can. Bilateral agreements with the US, Japan, and South Korea. A $10 billion energy fund. A nuclear energy office. And an IAEA readiness review in 2027. The question is no longer whether nuclear belongs in Singapore's energy conversation. The question now is whether Singapore can build what nuclear actually demands: regulators, engineers, safety culture, waste governance, and public trust. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of Energy & Utilities Practice for Asia Pacific at global management consultancy Arthur D. Little, who gives a frank assessment of the gaps, and what it would take to close them.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Networking is often seen as an essential part of building professional relationships and creating new opportunities, but for introverts, the thought of walking into a room full of strangers can feel overwhelming. From managing social energy and starting conversations to making meaningful connections, can AI offer practical advice that actually works in the real world? On AI & Me: AI Tried It, producer Alexandra Parada puts AI's networking tips to the test and shares her verdict on whether they're genuinely useful or simply easier said than done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people grow up believing that their worth is tied to how much they achieve, making it difficult to rest without feeling guilty. In a culture that constantly glorifies hustle and productivity, slowing down can feel unearned or even lazy. Over time, this mindset can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and a harmful cycle of self-criticism. Rest, however, is not wasted time. Taking moments to recharge mentally and physically allows us to show up more fully in our work, relationships, and personal lives. On Is It Just Me?, producer Alexandra Parada hears from Sylvia Tan, Director and Principal Counselling Psychologist at Sylvia Tan Psychology Consultancy, about why so many people struggle with productivity guilt, where these beliefs come from, and how we can build a healthier relationship with rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 35, Ang Jun Long leads an SGX-listed company where most of his workforce is old enough to be his parents, and some clients still ask if they can meet someone more senior. On Suite Talk, the Executive Director of Eneco Energy talks about growing up inside his father's business, and why learning the ropes meant starting at a scaffolding site. He opens up about earning trust when everyone already knows your surname, what he actually does the first day he walks into an acquired company, and why his idea of leaving his mark might surprise you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada rounds up five events worth checking out this weekend, including World Cup-themed festivities at Changi Airport, C.J. Hendry's immersive Flower Market installation, and the fantasy-inspired Lion City Faire. From free football screenings and interactive art experiences to outdoor dance performances and a unique car park relay race, discover what's happening around Singapore and why these events made Lynlee's weekend shortlist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of professionals seeking help after retrenchment is rising, even as Singapore's labour market remains relatively resilient. What's driving the growing sense of anxiety among white-collar workers? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with sociologist and IPS Social Lab Adjunct Principal Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, Dr Tan Ern Ser, to explore whether the traditional promise of education, hard work and career progression is becoming less certain in an era of AI, offshoring and rapid workplace change. How is job insecurity reshaping the way Singaporeans think about careers, social mobility and the future?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple says Siri is finally getting smarter. Anthropic is preparing to go public. Singapore has launched a new AI supercomputer. And China plans to spend nearly US$300 billion on AI infrastructure. Lynlee Foo unpacks the week's biggest AI stories and explores what they reveal about the growing competition over AI capability, computing power and technological leadership.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional business playbook was simple: own your assets, hire your people and control your operations. Today, more companies are questioning that model. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Alex Lin, Managing Director of Lalamove Singapore, about why businesses are increasingly choosing flexibility over ownership. From changing delivery patterns and inventory management to AI-powered logistics and rising operating costs, the conversation explores what these shifts reveal about how Singapore companies are adapting to a more uncertain business environment, and why on-demand services are becoming part of the modern business toolkit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI adoption is becoming a workplace KPI in some organisations. But does measuring AI usage lead to better work or just more prompts? Lynlee examines the rise of tokenmaxxing, the unintended consequences of tracking AI activity, and what it reveals about the way companies are approaching the AI transition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just over 100 days into the Iran war, Singapore is navigating a complex mix of economic pressure and geopolitical uncertainty. Stagflation risks, a fragile ceasefire, and the threat of disinformation, including fake narratives about Singapore's energy supplies — are reshaping how ordinary citizens, businesses and governments think about resilience. On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks with Nicholas Fang, Senior Advisor at strategic advisory firm The Asia Group and former Nominated Member of Parliament, to look beyond the headlines to assess what the past 100 days have actually revealed, and what Singapore should be watching as the conflict enters its next phase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A friend just called you up saying she has been retrenched. She has a mortgage to pay, bills piling up, and no idea what comes next. What would you say and what would AI say? On AI & Me, Lynlee Foo puts AI to the test, asking how it would support a friend facing job loss and financial uncertainty. Would its advice be practical, empathetic, or surprisingly human? As more people turn to AI for guidance during life's toughest moments, this experiment explores what happens when a chatbot becomes a source of reassurance, perspective and next steps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia's Rupiah just hit a historic low of 18,000 to the US dollar. Then parliament fast-tracked a law changing how the central bank operates. Vishnu Varathan, Head of Macro Research for Asia ex-Japan at Mizuho Bank, explains what's driving capital out of Indonesia, what it means for Singapore, and whether that Bali holiday is really as cheap as it looks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt guilty saying no, taking a break, or putting your own needs first? On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo explores why so many of us tie our self-worth to being useful. With insights from psychotherapist Rachel Lim of Range Counselling and Services, the conversation looks at where this belief comes from, when helping others can become unhealthy, and why being the dependable one often comes at a personal cost. How much of our identity should be tied to being useful?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On All Set, Lynlee Foo rounds up six events worth checking out this weekend, including i Light Singapore, GastroBeats, and TWILIGHT: Flea & Feast. From dazzling light installations and food festivals to wildlife experiences, local creator markets and family-friendly activities, discover what's happening around Singapore and why these events made Lynlee's weekend shortlist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo speaks with Mike Hecker, founder and CEO of BE WTR, a Swiss company that recently accelerated its Southeast Asia expansion and is challenging the long-held belief that premium water has to be imported. From helping build Nespresso in its early days to launching businesses that rethink everyday products, Mike reflects on entrepreneurship, conviction, innovation and the value of questioning assumptions. He shares the philosophy that guides his decisions, why being told something can't work motivates him, and the advice he now gives his sons about taking risks and building something meaningful. Suite Talk explores how leaders think, decide and operate — the person behind the role, not just the title.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Institute of Finance, Technology and Society (GIFTS), recently launched by Nanyang Technological University, aims to deepen research into how AI is reshaping finance, business and society. But there was a line in NTU's launch announcement that's worth discussing: today's AI isn't yet reliable enough for serious economic research. So what does that mean when AI is already shaping decisions about our banking, our insurance and our investments? On Viewpoint, Lynlee Foo speaks to Gary Ang, founder of independent AI advisory practice, Quaintitative and former Lead of AI Supervision at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, about the gap between what AI can do today and what the financial sector actually needs it to do, and the questions every customer should be asking when AI is involved in decisions about their money.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What comes after ChatGPT? This week on AI & Me, Lynlee Foo explores four developments that could shape the next chapter of artificial intelligence: AI wearables, AI agents, AI-powered PCs and the growing race to turn AI into a profitable business. From Meta's reported AI pendant and Singapore's plans for public-sector AI agents to Nvidia's vision for smarter computers, the technology is becoming less visible and more deeply woven into everyday life.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As AI reshapes the workplace, employees are looking beyond pay and promotions to flexibility, wellbeing, career growth and purpose. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Chiew Chun Wee, Regional Head of Policy and Insights, ACCA about findings from ACCA's Global Talent Trends 2026 report. They discuss AI-driven workplace change, hybrid work, evolving career expectations and why traditional career paths may no longer fit today's workforce. What does this mean for employers trying to attract and retain talent in Singapore?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon has approved children's TV shows developed using generative AI tools, raising a bigger question than who creates the next cartoon. If your child loved an AI-generated show, would it matter that a human didn't create it? In this week's AI & Me – AI Dilemma, Lynlee Foo explores how AI could reshape storytelling, childhood imagination and the stories that influence the next generation.Amazon MGM Studios has green-lit its first AI-assisted children's animated series, marking a major step in the use of generative AI for entertainment.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's economy grew 6% in the first quarter, but are workers actually feeling the benefits? On this week's Viewpoint Friday, Lynlee Foo speaks with Manu Bhaskaran, Founder and CEO of Centennial Asia Advisors and Senior Research Fellow at IPS, about what lies behind Singapore's strong growth numbers, why wage satisfaction remains a challenge, and whether the current AI-driven boom can be sustained. They explore rising tensions in the Middle East, the risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and what volatile oil prices could mean for businesses, consumers and the global economy. With the Shangri-La Dialogue taking place in Singapore, Manu shares his perspective on China's lower-level representation, US-China competition, and what smaller countries should expect in an increasingly uncertain world. As Manu puts it: "We have to build buffers and improve our ability to respond to shocks, because the shocks will come."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe right now, you’re working the job you once dreamed about. On paper, it looks like everything you wanted, but instead of feeling fulfilled, you feel drained, stuck, or disappointed. On Is It Just Me?, Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada explore why achieving the career you've always wanted doesn't always bring the satisfaction you expected and how to know whether you need a change in mindset, a change in environment, or a completely new path. Featuring insights from Aurelie Eltvedt, French Organisational Psychologist from Counseling Perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Chen, CEO of Arcc Spaces grew up helping his parents run an enamelware factory in Mali, West Africa, one of only four Chinese families in the capital. It's not where you'd expect the story of one of Asia's most recognised workspace brands to begin. On Suite Talk, Lynlee Foo talks to the second generation leader about growing up between worlds, what fifteen years in a family business really costs, and what it took to find his way back to himself.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Set! rounds up a fresh mix of things to do this long weekend, from Winnie The Pooh-themed high teas at SKAI to arts performances under Pulau Ubin’s night skies. Lynlee Foo and producer Alexandra Parada also weigh in on which events they’d actually turn up for themselves from rooftop tea sessions and thrift market browsing to late-night island performances and vinyl crate digging weekends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Pacific’s commercial real estate markets have entered 2026 with stronger momentum than many investors expected, with Singapore emerging as the region’s most active market amid renewed interest in offices, retail and alternative assets. At the same time, lower financing costs and shifting global capital flows are fuelling investment activity across the region, while surging AI demand is turning data centres into one of real estate’s biggest growth stories. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks with Benjamin Chow, Head of Private Assets Research for Asia at MSCI, about what’s driving APAC’s commercial real estate recovery, whether post-pandemic market behaviour has stabilised, and the risks that could shape the outlook for the rest of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.