Money Matters with Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian

On What’s Trending, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the viral news of New Yorkers camping outside Swatch stores for the latest Audemars Piguet x Swatch “Royal Pop” watch drop to Singaporeans queuing for concert tickets, viral snacks, cheaper petrol and nostalgic collectibles. What's driving this culture of hype and why are people willing to wait hours or even days for something they believe is worth it? The duo swap personal stories about queuing for Lady Gaga and Coldplay tickets, viral restaurants, McDonald’s collectibles and World Cup memorabilia, while exploring how FOMO, trends and nostalgia continue to fuel Singapore’s obsession with standing in line. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nanyang Girls’ High School are champions...once again, and at the heart of their 4th consecutive school title are 16-year old twins - Jovia and Jovie Teo. The B Division basketball stars join Sports Minutes to look back on a title-winning campaign filled with pressure, resilience, and special moments shared together on court. They also speak candidly about balancing academics, training, and life beyond basketball.Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into Calbee's new announcement — new black and white packaging for their selected products. Will people still want to buy their favourite snacks even if the packaging has changed drastically? But more importantly, this change got us thinking about the past... And so we revisit some of our favourite childhood snacks that we used to enjoy while growing up in Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump will travel to Beijing from May 13 to 15 for a highly anticipated summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in their first face-to-face meeting in more than six months. The talks come at a sensitive moment in US-China relations, with both sides under pressure over trade tensions, tariffs and supply chain restrictions involving critical sectors such as rare earth minerals and semiconductors. Beyond economics, the agenda is expected to extend to major geopolitical flashpoints, including Taiwan and the ongoing war involving Iran, alongside emerging concerns over artificial intelligence and technological competition. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong and Dr Benjamin Ho, Assistant Professor and Coordinator at the China Programme, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), look ahead to what’s at stake in this summit and what both Washington and Beijing are hoping to achieve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More people today are starting families later in life. Be it due to careers, finances, personal goals, or simply waiting for the right time. But while society talks a lot about delaying parenthood, we rarely talk about what happens after that decision is made. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Tim Oh from Kiss92 to learn what it's like to have children at a stage of life where many others are already thinking about slowing down.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nasirul Asrar dive into one of the most unusual MRT sightings yet: a man in a full suit and tie wearing a metal bucket over his head, sparking questions about stress, modern life, and just how far commuters will go to shut the world out. They also explore a growing conversation around rest and recovery, after research suggests that more frequent breaks may be better for mental health than long, rare holidays. But in a hustle-driven culture, are we actually taking enough leave or quietly judging those who do? And when it comes to holidays, is fully disconnecting on leave a right or a luxury you still feel pressured to justify?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump has rejected Iran’s latest peace response as 'unacceptable', raising fresh doubts over whether diplomacy can cool a conflict that is already disrupting global energy flows and driving up prices.  In Southeast Asia, ASEAN is now under pressure to respond, with leaders floating ideas like regional fuel stockpiles, food reserves and faster crisis coordination. But with long-standing agreements still unevenly implemented and domestic priorities often taking precedence, can these proposals move from discussion to real-world action in time to matter? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Cedomir Nestorovic, Professor of Geopolitics, ESSEC Business School, Asia-Pacific, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many Singaporeans, insurance is something we know we should think about — but figuring out when to actually start can feel confusing. Is it after your first paycheck? When you’re buying a home? Starting a family? Or only when life throws an unexpected challenge your way? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Isaac Goh, Senior Financial Services Manager from Great Eastern to unpack the question of timing when it comes to insurance, and why different generations in Singapore approach it so differently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drawn alongside with World Cup-bound Australia and Iraq, and Tajikistan in Group D of the 2027 Asian Cup, how will our Lions fare? Plus, the penultimate round of Singapore Premier League fixtures throw up more drama and debate. All that and more in the company of Deepanraj Ganesan, sports reporter with The Straits Times.Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into a viral news that took over China's social media platforms where men are now modelling women's lingerie for sale on shopping livestreams. But what really caught attention wasn’t the outfits, it was the reaction: people treating it as just another day at work. From professional 'queuers' to nature doctors, the trio discusses what makes a job 'unique'. If everything can be considered a job now, just how many options are available out there in Singapore?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Singapore residents who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship are currently being tested at NCID for the rare Andes strain of hantavirus, following its link to an overseas outbreak that has already caused fatalities.Although health authorities continue to assess the global risk as low, concern has been raised because this particular strain has, in rare instances, shown the potential for human-to-human transmission, prompting a rapid public health response in Singapore.So what is hantavirus, how is it spread, and should we be worried? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong and Professor Paul Tambyah, Former president of the Asia-Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, unpack what is known so far, why this virus is drawing attention, and what the latest developments mean for Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From career ambitions and the constant need to “do it all”, young mothers are navigating a very different world than the generations before them. As terms like “Gen Z mum” trend across social media, young motherhood really looks and feels like in 2026 — emotionally, socially, and personally. In Part 2 of our Mother's Day specials on The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jewels Lim, Co-Founder of ROUND3Media who is also a Gen Z single mum, to learn about the realities of becoming a mother while still navigating youth, identity, and adulthood in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the viral TikTok that had Singaporeans collectively clutching their kopi cups, after an Australian tourist branded Yishun as “Singapore’s most dangerous hood” and claimed it showed “how Singapore really is.”From heartland stereotypes and Crazy Rich Asians comparisons to the age-old East vs West vs North side rivalry, the crew unpacks whether this was an honest look at everyday Singapore or just one outsider judging an entire country from a back alley. And more importantly, why does Yishun always seem to end up in the spotlight? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage rates are falling. So why are so many Singaporeans still choosing the more expensive option? Even as floating-rate home loans become cheaper again, many homeowners are sticking with fixed-rate packages, paying more for the certainty that their monthly repayments won’t suddenly spike. But with inflation worries, global tensions, and uncertainty over where interest rates are headed next… is that caution justified? Are homeowners making a smart financial hedge, or overpaying for peace of mind? 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.

The Sailors rejoiced sealing back-to-back titles, but there was much heartbreak elsewhere as late goals ruled the day this past SPL weekend. And with transfer rumours swirling, could there be more heartbreak in store for some clubs? Deepanraj Ganesan, sports reporter with The Straits Times, chimes in on Sports Minutes. Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where academic pressure, mental health, and expectations are all colliding — are we finally rethinking what “good parenting” actually looks like? In Part 1 of a Mother’s Day Special of The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Jade Rasif, who is a mother of one,  to find out how millennials are going about being a parent, and to find out what actually works best for the future generation of Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the viral new manga Single x 35 — the internet’s latest obsession not because it’s fantasy, but because it feels almost too real for Singaporeans. Set against the all-too-familiar backdrop of MRT rides, resale flat bidding wars, office burnout and the quiet panic of being in your 30s without life “figured out,” the trio unpack why this hyper-local story about 35-year-old Shun Li is striking such a nerve online. Plus, they ask listeners the big question: what really is the hardest part about living in Singapore today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Isaac Tng, Founder of SixMoreDays to find out if millennials are trying too hard to “stay relevant”. Once known as the trendsetters, millennials are increasingly being called out for doing things to keep up with the times. In Singapore, where generational expectations and career pressures run high, this tension feels especially familiar.  So, is the idea that millennials are “out of touch” actually fair? Or is it just another cycle of generational rivalry playing out online?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh graduates may be taking a little longer to land that first full-time job, but according to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, that doesn’t necessarily mean the job market is weakening. In Parliament, he pointed out that while recent figures show softer fresh graduate employment outcomes, those numbers are coming off an unusually strong post-Covid hiring surge, when companies were aggressively rehiring to catch up on demand. So is this just a temporary adjustment, or a structural shift in how young people enter the workforce? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Professor Lawrence Loh, Department of Strategy and Policy, National University 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 Michael Jackson tribute flash mob that has since gone viral this week. From moonwalks to high kicks, what makes it viral is not the perfectly synchronised movements and routines of the legendary pop star. Instead, the group of dancers put a unique twist to this tribute by donning their traditional Malay costumes and took a spin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab’s new cross-border taxi booking feature now allows users in Singapore to book rides straight to Johor and surrounding areas via the app, with trips requiring at least 12 hours’ advance booking. While the move promises greater convenience and wider access to destinations like Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai, fares are dynamic and can even end up higher than traditional street-hail options. With cashless payments, fluctuating pricing and new pickup rules on both sides of the border, does this make cross-border travel truly easier or just more complicated?  On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Terence Fan, Assistant Professor Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship, Singapore Management University, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong and  Chris J. “Mohawk” Reed, the founder of Black Marketing, unpack a familiar but increasingly heated narrative: every generation thinks the next one just isn’t built for the world of work. That perception is starting to show up in hiring decisions too, with some surveys suggesting fewer than 1 in 10 employers feel Gen Z are fully prepared for work, and nearly half saying they aren’t ready at all. So what’s really going on here? Are Gen Z genuinely unprepared, or is the modern workplace failing to keep up with them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lion City Sailors have been crowned 25/26 Singapore Premier League Champions - becoming back-to-back title winners for the first time in their history. And Sports Minutes, checks in with Head Coach Jesus Casas to mark historic occasion.Got a story to tell? Get in [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into Seoul’s hilariously relatable Power Nap Contest, where exhausted contestants in royal robes and koala onesies compete to become the ultimate public sleeper by napping the hardest under official heart-rate monitoring. But beneath the absurdity of competitive sleeping lies a deeper conversation about burnout, hustle culture and why one of the world’s most sleep-deprived societies is turning rest into a spectator sport. From South Korea’s relentless work culture to China’s “lying flat” movement, the trio unpack whether sleep has become a luxury in modern life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore must be prepared for more difficult times ahead. It’s a stark message from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and one that’s raising bigger questions about what comes next for jobs, wages, and the economy. At this year’s May Day Rally 2026, the Prime Minister didn’t just sound the alarm on global uncertainty and AI disruption, he also made a bold promise: that even if jobs are lost, workers will still be protected. But in a world where change is accelerating, how realistic is that? And what will it actually take to deliver on that promise? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speak to Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst at Solaris Strategies Singapore and a concurrent Senior Lecturer at the National University of Singapore, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s digital world, influence can come overnight — but being a role model is a different story. As Gen Z creators gain massive followings, expectations around authenticity, responsibility, and accountability are higher than ever. On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gen Z Content Creator, DRZY, to find out what young audiences today are really looking for in the people they follow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh, and Nazirul Asrar dive into the surprise revival of long-dead social media platforms Friendster and Vine amid the growing wave of nostalgia for a simpler early-internet era.Then, the conversation then shifts to a viral SMRT bus incident where a singer was gently told to sit while performing on the upper deck, sparking debate over public etiquette versus spontaneous expression, before landing on GovTech’s experimental ‘Firstdate’ idea to tackle dating fatigue and catfishing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Money Matters comes to a close, the team takes a heartfelt look back at the journey that brought them here. From its early days, to becoming a staple on MONEY FM 89.3, this final episode reflects on the conversations, connections, and countless interviews that shaped the show. Hosts Hongbin Jeong and Chua Tian Tian, as well as producers Nadiah Koh, and Alexandra Parada reunite on air to share behind-the-scenes memories, from unscripted moments and last-minute saves to the camaraderie that carried them through nearly a thousand interviews a year.  In this emotional farewell, the team expresses gratitude to one another and to listeners who supported the show, while looking ahead to new beginnings within the MONEY FM family. It’s the end of one chapter, but also the start of something new on May 4. Stay tuned!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The list of Singapore’s top employers for 2026 has been released this week, and dominating the top five spots are JPMorganChase, Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore, Singapore Airlines, Apple and Motorola Solutions. So what really defines a “best employer” today? Is it salary, flexibility, mental health support — or something deeper like trust and workplace culture? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Eunice Grace Choong, Senior Professional from Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP) to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into the viral panda murals transforming an ageing HDB block in Teck Whye into a cheerful community landmark, to the subtle rise of shrinkflation quietly making everyday groceries smaller while prices stay the same. They explore why public spaces matter more than we think, and whether Singaporeans are paying more attention to what surrounds them… and what’s slowly disappearing from their shopping carts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lombard Odier’s latest FX and commodities outlook maintains a negative stance on the US dollar, driven by structural imbalances and shifting global dynamics. Despite resilient US data, the dollar’s strength is expected to fade as the Federal Reserve eases policy and its yield advantage narrows. Against this backdrop, Asian currencies are coming into sharper focus, particularly those supported by strong current account positions, such as the Chinese yuan and Thai baht, while higher-yielding currencies like the Indian rupee and Indonesian rupiah may continue to face pressure. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Luca Bindelli, Head of Investment Strategy at Lombard Odier, to break down the outlook for the dollar, Asia FX, and where investors can find opportunities in today’s currency markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares rose today despite most Asian markets logging a negative session. The Straits Times Index was up 0.54% at 4,887.45 points at 1.22pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.45B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have for you DBS, after the lender posted a net profit of S$2.93 billion for its first quarter ended Mar 31, up 1 per cent from S$2.9 billion in the year-ago period. Elsewhere, from how outgoing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell confirmed ​he would stay on as a governor for now to defend the institution's independence, to a low down of US big tech earnings ahead of Apple’s results, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus.  On the final edition of Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian dived into the details with her regular Thursday guests Terence Wong, CEO, Azure Capital and David Chow, Director, Azure Capital. The trio also took a walk down memory lane to reflect the past 4 years of Market View commentaries and how the segment has evolved over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Arab Emirates has announced it is leaving OPEC and OPEC+, effective May 1, a stunning move given it has been part of the group since before the UAE became a nation in 1971.  This comes at a time when the Iran war has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Is this a huge blow to OPEC and Saudi Arabia? What happens now to oil prices? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Mukesh Sahdev, Founder and CEO, XAnalysts, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to “Physical Silver: When Paper Promises Meet Physical Reality,” the silver market has been running persistent supply deficits, with above-ground inventories continuing to decline into 2026. As existing metal is increasingly redistributed rather than newly supplied, a gap is emerging between paper markets and physical availability. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Gregor Gregersen, Founder of the Silver Bullion Group, about what this disconnect means for silver prices, market stability, and investor positioning today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OOn What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh discuss the story of a man who has built an unusual career out of doing almost nothing, renting himself out as company for strangers who want someone to accompany them through everyday moments, from meals and walks to emotionally difficult situations. At the same time, in London, chefs have set a new world record by creating a 440.6-metre-long tiramisu using 20,000 eggs and 150,000 biscuits, turning a classic dessert into a massive, record-breaking spectacle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares dipped today as Asian markets traded mixed. The Straits Times Index fell 0.37% to 4,869.50 points at 2.00pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.23B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Mapletree Industrial Trust, after the Reit posted a distribution per unit of S$0.0309 for its fourth quarter ended Mar 31, 8 per cent down from S$0.0336 in the same period last year.  Elsewhere, from the surprise exit of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC and implications on oil prices, to how tech shares took a hit after the Wall Street Journal reported that AI heavyweight OpenAI had missed internal targets for weekly users and revenue, and what this means for US tech firms set to report overnight, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck – the likely outcome of the Federal Reserve’s April meeting, the last with Jerome Powell as its chair. On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeffrey Yap, Regional Head of Wealth Management, Hong Leong Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore Police are urging the public: don’t look away. A new campaign encouraging people to report sexual crimes comes as cases of molestation, rape and offences involving minors all rose last year. So what’s driving the numbers, and how exactly can ordinary bystanders really make a difference? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Claudia Tan, Journalist from The Straits Times, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia’s investment landscape is shifting in subtle but significant ways. Even amid global market volatility, capital continues to flow into long-term assets like infrastructure, logistics and digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, rising data demand is making data centres one of the fastest-growing segments in the region. But questions remain about whether capital is being deployed into the most attractive long-term opportunities. And as ESG and digital infrastructure take centre stage, how much of this growth is truly structural versus momentum-driven? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Brian Chinappi, Managing Director and Global Head of Real Estate & Data Centres at Actis, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Nadiah Koh dive into how employees are getting paid time off to care for sick pets, and whether that’s something necessary for all workplaces to enforce. Then, they unpack China’s booming “lunch-break economy,” where workers are spending their midday hour on massages, nap cinemas, gym sessions and even oxygen chambers just to survive the workday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares dipped today, in line with regional markets. The Straits Times Index was 0.03% below the flatline at 4,891.12 points at 2.35pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.16B seen in the broader market. In terms of companies to watch, we have Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust, after the manager today posted a 2.6 per cent fall in distribution per unit to S$0.019 for the fourth quarter ended March 2026, from S$0.0195 in the same year-ago period.  Elsewhere, from movements in the Japanese Yen after the Bank of Japan kept interest rates steady despite a hawkish split, to how investors weigh the geopolitical maelstrom in the Middle East, more international headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck, how Meta is reportedly preparing to unwind its acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus after China blocked the deal on national security grounds, and what the US-China tech rivalry could mean for the US tech sector going forward.  On Market View, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian unpacked the developments with Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Strategy, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated from a hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after shots were fired, triggering panic among attendees that included Vice-President JD Vance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and other senior political and media figures. The suspect has been identified in reports as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. In the aftermath, Trump described the incident in political terms, suggesting it reflected his influence and prominence, and reigniting debate over rising political tensions and violence in the US. What do we know about what happened and how does this fit into earlier threats against the president? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow at the US Programme, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU Singapore, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to J. Rotbart & Co.’s Exclusive Precious Metals Report for Q1 2026, the quarter was defined by record price peaks followed by a sharp March correction, as volatility rose but underlying market fundamentals remained intact. Gold outperformed, maintaining positive year-to-date gains despite a pullback from January highs, while silver declined amid rising real yields and a stronger US dollar. On The Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Richard Wang, Country Manager for Singapore at J. Rotbart & Co., to unpack the key drivers behind these moves and what they could mean for precious metals markets in Q2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On What's Trending Hongbin and Nadiah Koh dive into two of the most unbelievable stories making waves right now. First up, a Chinese carmaker has reportedly been granted a patent for an in-car toilet that literally slides out from under your seat, activated by voice command. Is this peak innovation or a hygiene nightmare waiting to happen? Then, in the world of football, World Cup final tickets are now being listed for as much as $2.3 million per seat on FIFA’s resale platform… meaning four friends would need nearly $9 million just to sit together behind the goal. So who exactly is this tournament for anymore?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares slid today even as most Asian markets traded higher. The Straits Times Index was down 0.65% at 4,890.76 points at 2.51pm Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$1.17B seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Keppel, after the firm commenced arbitration proceedings against three entities it entered into an investment with in 2016, concerning a residential and mixed-use development project in Vietnam.  Elsewhere, from how investors are reacting to an Axios report that Iran seeks to make a deal on opening the Strait of Hormuz first ‌and postpone ⁠nuclear talks, to what to expect ahead of big tech earnings this week, more international and corporate headlines remained in focus. Also on deck – all about Japan’s Nikkei hitting a record high on earnings, as well as expectations ahead of a slew of global central bank decisions this week. 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.

How much would you spend on a wedding cake?  One pastry chef is charging upwards of US$23,000 for a single creation, crafting massive, show-stopping cakes for the ultra-rich. Plus, would you wrap aluminium foil around your door handle? A bizarre life hack is going viral, with people claiming it can reduce static shocks and even improve home security. On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada unpack luxury indulgence and questionable hacks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent remark by Indonesia’s Finance Minister, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, has sparked debate after he suggested the possibility of a levy on ships passing through the Strait of Malacca—drawing parallels to Iran’s approach in the Strait of Hormuz following tensions in the region.  Still, the comments have raised broader questions about one of the world’s most vital shipping routes, where trillions of dollars in trade pass each year. Could strategic sea lanes like the Malacca Strait ever be monetised? What would that mean for regional cooperation, global supply chains, and international law? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law at the ANU College of Law, Australian National University, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US investors are heading back into Japan, but this isn’t just a simple “risk-on” rebound. After months of global uncertainty that pushed money out of equities, sentiment is shifting fast. As geopolitical fears ease, capital is quietly rotating back into Japanese stocks, a market many had underweighted just weeks ago. So what’s really behind this sudden comeback… and is Japan becoming one of the most attractive plays in global markets again? On Wealth Tracker, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Danish Lim, Senior Investment Analyst, Phillip Nova, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore shares slid today as markets in Asia traded in both positive and negative territories. The Straits Times Index was down 0.7% at 4,909.28 points at 11.44am Singapore time, with a value turnover of S$987.06M seen in the broader market. In terms of counters to watch, we have Sheng Siong. The grocery store operator said in response to shareholder queries ahead of its AGM that it sees further room for margin improvement although the Iran conflict could exert “upward pressure on costs and prices”. Elsewhere, from a low down of the latest slew of S-Reit earnings, to how investors are reacting to news that Lebanon and Israel extended their ceasefire for three weeks, more corporate and international headlines remained in focus.  Also on deck, how Meta Platforms and Microsoft are planning cuts or announcing buyouts that could affect as many as 23,000 jobs, part of an effort to streamline operations and offset heavy spending on artificial intelligence. 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.

Singapore’s hawker centres have long been seen as the city’s great equalizer, where a $5 meal still delivers comfort and cultural identity in one of the world’s most expensive cities. But new data suggests that this everyday institution is under mounting pressure. A recent Blackbox Research SensingSG survey finds that 72% of Singaporeans believe hawker culture is now under threat. Meanwhile, 4 in 10 Singaporeans say they cannot maintain their current lifestyle without access to affordable hawker food. What happens when something universally valued becomes economically fragile? And if the iconic $5 meal is no longer sustainable, what replaces it and who gets left out? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Glenn Wray, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Blackbox Research, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you be okay with AI using your face to create content without you? A major Chinese streaming platform is facing backlash over its new AI actor initiative, raising big questions about consent, creativity, and the future of human performance. Plus, how far would you go to find out your favourite artist’s album release date? Drake has hidden his next drop inside a 200-ton block of ice and fans are literally trying to break it open. On What’s Trending, Hongbin Jeong and Alexandra Parada unpack AI actors and wild album marketing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.