The Business Times Podcasts
The Business Times Podcast Channel delivers diverse perspectives, in-depth analysis, and news on career, business, markets, investing, current affairs, and tech. Powered by the journalism of The Business Times and Tech in Asia, it is available on all major audio and video platforms. Produced by BT Audio, thrive, and Tech in Asia, part of SPH Media.
Episodes
S2E265: US Restarts the Iran Blockade, Singapore's Economy Beats Expectations and Malaysia Eyes Early Election
Headline news for July 14, 2026: President Trump reinstates the Iran blockade and declares the US the Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz announcing a twenty per cent fee on all cargo transiting the waterway, effective four this Wednesday morning Singapore time. Singapore's economy grows five-point-seven per cent in the second quarter, beating expectations despite months of Middle East disruption.&nb
S1E64: Retirement’s longevity challenge
A long life is a blessing—but is your retirement plan ready for it? In this episode of WealthBT, Genevieve Cua sits down with Manulife Investments Singapore CEO Koh Hui-Jian to tackle the new reality of retirement. With lifespans reaching into the 80s, the traditional "simple savings" approach won't suffice for a 40-year horizon. Why must you move beyond local markets? Also discover th
S2E537: Oil surges as US-Iran strikes escalate, SK Hynix plunges after Nasdaq debut
Market news for July 13, 2026: Asian shares fell today as the escalating conflict in the Middle East led to higher oil prices and reignited global inflation concerns. South Korea's Kospi index plunged 9 per cent, dragged down by chipmaker SK Hynix, which slumped more than 15 per cent. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
S2E264: Bangkok Pub Fire Kills Twenty-Seven, Iran Closes Hormuz Again and Warsh Faces Congress
Headline news for July 13, 2026: A fire at a Bangkok pub kills twenty-seven people and injures sixty-three overnight — many found trapped in restrooms at the back of the venue. Iran claims to have closed the Strait of Hormuz again as US and Iranian forces exchange heavy strikes. Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh faces Congress for the first time today. Synopsis: A round up of global he
S1E277: From windfall to wealth: making fortune last
Sudden windfall? Congratulations — now don't screw it up. Let’s tackle the messy reality of instant wealth: the 30-day rule before making any big moves, why "generous relative energy" can drain your fortune fast, and the emotional identity crisis nobody warns you about. RBC's Gautam Chadda breaks down guilt-free spending, family giving frameworks, and staying rich long after the confet
S2E50: Oil, AI and a wobbly yen: JP Morgan's Raisah Rasid on what investors should consider now
Escalating military tensions between the US and Iran have renewed concerns over energy prices, while volatility in AI-linked technology stocks, particularly in East Asia continues to rise. S&P Dow Jones follows MSCI in potentially downgrading the Indonesia market to ‘frontier’ status, while traders remain alert for Japan’s yen intervention. In this episode of Market Focus Wee
S2E263: Iran Strikes Four Countries as US Hits Near Nuclear Plant, Australia set to Sell Uranium to India
Headline news for July 10, 2026: Iran fires missiles and drones at US military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan as US strikes hit near the perimeter of Iran's only civilian nuclear plant at Bushehr. Australia agrees to sell uranium to India. Andy Burnham is on track to become Britain's next prime minister. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business T
S2E536: Asian markets lose momentum as oil surge fuels inflation fears
Market news for July 9, 2026: Oil prices rose 1 per cent for its third consecutive session amid renewed geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Asia markets lose its earlier momentum, while Europe and US markets are poised for a firm open. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and t
S2E262: Trump Declares the Iran Deal Over, and Airlines told to Avoid Iranian Airspace
Headline news for July 9, 2026: President Trump declares the Iran ceasefire memorandum over at the NATO summit in Ankara. The US strikes Kharg Island and Iran's parliamentary speaker vows Tehran will not fold. The EU Aviation Safety Agency recommends airlines avoid Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace until August 31. Singapore's Category A COE hits a record one hundred and twenty-nine thousand dollars
S3E6: AI and the Singaporean worker
As Singapore prepares its workforce for the AI era, beyond upskilling, is it reshaping workers' identities and sense of self? In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Dr Christopher Cheok, assistant chairman of the Medical Board for Digital Health at the Institute of Mental Health, and David Leong, managing director of PeopleWorldwide Consulting. From unpacking the chang
S2E535: Oil up as US-Iran ceasefire ends, South Korean Kospi enters bear market
Market news for July 8, 2026: US President Trump declared an end to the ceasefire with Iran, following an exchange of strikes between the two countries. South Korea’s Kospi plunged 5.35 per cent, entering bear market territory. US treasury yields and dollar strength both rose amid the heightened geopolitical risk. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times t
S2E261: US Strikes Iran, Tankers Hit in Hormuz and Indonesia Seals a BrahMos Missile Deal
Headline news for July 8, 2026: The US launches a new wave of strikes on Iran and revokes its oil sanctions waiver after Iran attacks three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz including a Qatari LNG vessel. Indonesia and India sign landmark defence deals in Jakarta. Singapore commits eight hundred million dollars to transform its transport sector. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to star
S2E534: Asian markets slide on Samsung shock; Oil advances amid renewed Middle East tensions
Market news for July 7, 2026: Asia shares fell today, following Samsung’s earning guidance failing to impress investors. Oil moved up slightly over renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump is set to attend the NATO summit tomorrow. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news fr
S2E260: Russia Pounds Kyiv Ahead of the NATO Summit, Belgium Beat the USA
Headline news for July 7, 2026: Russia kills at least twenty-two people in a massive overnight strike on Kyiv on the eve of the NATO summit in Ankara. Belgium beat the United States four-one in Seattle. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and Romelu Lukaku in the 93rd minute and are through to the World Cup quarterfinals. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busine
S1E69: Navigating chaotic markets
With a focus on macro fundamentals and careful asset allocation, Maybank chief investment officer (CIO) Eddy Loh is helping investors navigate uncertain markets. He talks to BT’s Ben Paul about the next leg of the AI theme, what geopolitical tensions mean for markets, the role of gold as a risk mitigator, and why he is optimistic about Singapore and Malaysia. Highlights of the podcast: 05:37
S2E533: Asia stocks mixed amidst rising AI caution, yen intervention risks remain
Market news for July 6, 2026: Asia shares traded mixed today as investors recalibrate artificial intelligence related plays. Samsung to release second quarter earnings guidance tomorrow. Brent crude falls on the resumption of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
S2E259: PM Wong Heads to Jakarta, FIFA Lifts Balogun's Ban to Belgium's Fury and Hormuz Traffic Picks Up
Headline news for July 6, 2026: PM Lawrence Wong travels to Jakarta for the annual Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat as the Philippine VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial opens today. FIFA lifts USA’s Balogun's red card ban after President Trump reportedly calls FIFA's Infantino. Belgium is furious and the match kicks off tonight Singapore time. 160 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz
S1E276: Stop 'revenge investing': why panic selling is your portfolio's worst enemy
Markets crash. Portfolios bleed red. And your gut screams "sell everything." But what if the scariest moment in investing is also the most dangerous time to trust your instincts? Howie Lim sits down with Grace Tay from finexis advisory to find out why panic selling turns temporary losses permanent, why "get-evenitis" wrecks recoveries, and how one simple framework — reframe, reset, reenter &
S2E49: Chips, yen wobbles and a gold bull call: where Standard Chartered sees Asia markets heading
Volatility in AI-linked technology stocks, globally and across Asia, continues to rise. Indonesia faces uncertainty over a possible MSCI downgrade, and traders remain on high alert for Japan’s yen intervention. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Standard Chartered Bank’s Yap Fook Hien unpacks the market moves for the week – revealing their bullish views for South Korean and
S2E532: South Korean stocks tumble, Japan to ‘ambush’ yen short sellers
Market news for July 2, 2026: Asian stocks fell today, following the sell off in US technology shares overnight. US President Donald Trump praised US-Iran talks in Doha. Crude prices fall to four-month lows amidst growing oil glut expectations. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and th
S2E258: Doha Talks Show Progress, South Korean Chips Rattle Markets and Singapore's 1MDB Case Goes to Trial
Headline news for July 2, 2026: Qatar reports positive progress in indirect US-Iran talks in Doha but the Strait of Hormuz remains designated a war zone under international shipping agreements until at least July 9. South Korea's market falls more than 5 per cent as a chipmaker selloff rattles Asian markets. Singapore's High Court sends the 1MDB-linked Standard Chartered case to trial.
S2E531: Stalled diplomacy, sinking yen: Asian markets open Q3 on edge
Market news for July 1, 2026: Asian shares opened the new quarter cautiously as stalled US-Iran diplomacy clashed with rising US bond yields. The Japanese yen sank to fresh 40-year lows, fuelling intervention jitters, while investors braced for critical labor data and Fed policy guidance ahead. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo
S2257South Korea Smashes Export Records, Iran Snubs US Envoys and HDB Prices Fall Again
Headline news for July 1, 2026: South Korea's exports surpass one hundred billion US dollars for the first time ever in June, up 70.9 per cent on AI-driven chip demand. Iran refuses to meet US envoys in Doha saying ceasefire terms must be resolved first. Singapore's HDB resale prices fall for a second consecutive quarter. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business T
S2E530: Asian stocks finish sparkling quarter at historic highs as oil war fears abate
Market news for June 30, 2026: Asian stocks closed a sparkling quarter at record highs as oil fears eased. Meanwhile, a resurgent dollar pushed the yen to four-decade lows amid shifting US rate expectations. Gold prices stumbled, marking their sharpest monthly decline since 2008. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movem
S2E256: Supreme Court Shields Fed, Delegations Head to Doha and Indonesia's Nadiem Verdict Today
Headline news for June 30, 2026: The U.S. Supreme Court blocks President Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook while dramatically expanding his power to fire all other independent agency heads. Iran and the US send delegations to Doha this week but Tehran says the two sides are not actually meeting each other. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The B
S1E56: On super-tall HDB flats, affordability of HDB resale flats and housing aspirations of singles
Get insights on latest developments and hot button issues in HDB housing. Will super-tall HDB blocks offer good homes? Are we heading to S$1 million BTO flats and S$2 million HDB resale flats? Learn about how having a 10-year minimum occupation period may impact housing mobility and whether young people here are on track to own their own homes. Leslie Yee is in conversation with NUS’ Prof Si
S2E529: Asian stocks stall as peace hopes collide with rate-hike realities
Market news for June 29, 2026: Asian stocks stalled as US-Iran hostilities paused, cooling war-driven oil rallies. The dollar held near one-year highs amid intensifying rate-hike bets, forcing investors to weigh fragile geopolitical stability against the prospect of persistent, elevated interest rates. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the d
S2E255: Iran and the US Stand Down, South Korea Unveils a Chip Mega-Hub
Headline news for June 29, 2026: Iran fires on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain over the weekend before both sides agree to stand down and resume talks in Qatar on Tuesday. South Korea is set to unveil a semiconductor mega-hub that could attract hundreds of billions in Samsung and SK investment. Venezuela's earthquake death toll nears fifteen hundred. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines t
S1E275: The six-month breaking point: are you actually prepared for the unforeseen?
Is your financial plan truly resilient, or are you one emergency away from disaster? 61% of households struggle to cope beyond six months after a loss of income. Howie Lim sits down with Sun Life Asia’s David Broom to dismantle the myth that resilience equals a high salary. Is Singapore’s “safe haven” status creating a false sense of security? And how to stop trading your l
S2E48: Is the AI trade still intact? And why oil might be your next surprise
AI is minting billionaires and burning cash at historic scale. Chip stocks are swinging wildly. Big Tech is borrowing like never before. And oil, gold, and the yen are sending mixed signals. In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, BNY Investments' Aninda Mitra cuts through the noise — separating AI signal from hype, exposing the risks retail investors are missing, and revealing why a global
S2E254: UN Pauses Hormuz Evacuation, Taiwan Shuts Down and Oil Slides
Headline news for June 26, 2026: The UN pauses its Strait of Hormuz evacuation operation after a cargo vessel is struck near Oman, two U.S. officials say Iran fired the projectile, even as overall tanker traffic hits its highest daily flow since the war began. Five million people in southern Taiwan are off work as Tropical Storm Mekkhala brings torrential rain. Synopsis: A round up of
S2E528: AI rally re-ignited: Chip giants add $400B in market cap as Asian stocks soar
Market news for June 25, 2026: Asian equities soared as chipmakers, buoyed by strong forecasts from Micron and Qualcomm, added $400 billion in market cap, reigniting the AI rally. Concurrently, oil prices retreated following a US-Iran ceasefire, while gold fell below the $4,000 psychological threshold. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the d
S2E253: ICC Judges Sue Trump, Japan Hit by Earthquake and Oil Falls
Headline news for June 25, 2026: Three International Criminal Court judges sue President Trump in Manhattan, calling his sanctions a financial death penalty. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake strikes northern Japan this morning with no casualties reported but Shinkansen services suspended. Oil falls to its lowest level since the Iran war began as more tankers prepare to exit the Strait of Hormuz. S
S3E5: Has the Singapore dream become harder to reach?
By many measures, Singapore continues to perform strongly economically. Yet some Singaporeans feel their personal aspirations are becoming more difficult to realise. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences at A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP), and Associate Professor Walter T
S2E527: Asian stocks drift, oil slips: Markets weigh AI valuation jitters against easing Gulf tensions
Market news for June 24, 2026: Asian markets remained directionless as crude oil hovered near four-month lows. Investors are currently weighing renewed volatility from stretched AI valuations against fragile progress in US-Iran peace talks, amid a broader risk-off sentiment sweeping across global equity markets. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that look
S2E252: Congress Rebukes Trump on Iran, Peace Talks Story Unravels and Asian Markets Bounce Back
Headline news for June 24, 2026: Both chambers of Congress have passed a war powers resolution directing President Trump to end the Iran war though it carries no binding legal force. The US and Iran offer conflicting accounts of what was agreed in Switzerland, casting doubt on the peace framework. Asian markets bounce back after Wall Street's tech-led selloff. Synopsis: A round up of global
S2E526: Oil cools, tech burns: Seoul plunges 10% in Asia’s steepest sell-off
Market news for June 23, 2026: Seoul’s benchmark plunged 10 per cent in a historic tech-led rout. Elsewhere, US sanctions waivers cooled oil prices, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s surprise resignation cast fresh shadows over global market sentiment. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news
S2E251: Iran Sanctions Waived, SpaceX Loses US$6 Billion in Three Days and Malaysia's Rulers Meeting Is Called Off
Headline news for June 23, 2026: The US formally waives Iran sanctions as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resumes but full oil flow recovery could take until December. SpaceX shares fall sixteen per cent in a single session, wiping out more than six hundred billion US dollars over three days. Malaysia's Conference of Rulers is cancelled at the last minute. Synopsis: A round up of
S2E525: US-Iran peace progress fuels Asian market rally; SK Hynix overtakes Samsung in historic shift
Market news for June 22, 2026: Asian markets rallied on US-Iran peace progress, easing crude prices. Japan’s Nikkei climbed 1.9 per cent, while South Korea’s market gained 2.6 per cent as SK Hynix surpassed Samsung as the nation’s most valuable listed company. Gold also rose amid the geopolitical shift. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times
S2E250: Fragile Diplomacy, Nervous Markets, and Fresh Investment in Singapore
Headline news for June 22, 2026: As US-Iran peace talks enter a critical phase, investors remain wary of the risks to global energy supplies and economic stability. Closer to home, Singapore's currency outlook remains resilient, while AI firm Databricks signals continued confidence in the Republic with plans for a major expansion. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by
S1E274: Stop waiting for the 'right time': why micro-investing is the new wealth superpower
You think investing is complicated? That's exactly the problem. What if you could start with $10 with no need to wait for the "right time"? Many entities are quietly embedding finance into everything you already do, and the best investment app feature isn't a chart — it's a well-placed "Are you sure?" Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned portfolio juggler, this one will change how you
S2E47: A fully live Fed, historic BOJ hike and Singapore's stagflation problem
Iran signs a peace deal, the Strait of Hormuz reopens, and markets rally — but is the relief built to last? This week on Market Focus Weekly, portfolio manager Pete Tan analyses what a "fully live" Fed means for your portfolio, why Japan's BOJ is walking a tightrope, how China's export boom masks a consumer crisis, and why energy security — not green ideology — is now the definin
S2E249: Tankers Transit Hormuz as the Iran Deal Faces Republican Backlash
Headline news for June 19, 2026: Oil tankers transit the Strait of Hormuz as the US. blockade is lifted but five hundred vessels are waiting and full normalisation could take weeks. The US-Iran deal faces sharp Republican criticism, with senators calling it the worst foreign policy blunder in decades. SpaceX ends its first trading week thirty-seven per cent above its IPO price. Synopsis: A r
S2E524: Japan, South Korean stocks at record highs, US-Iran deal takes effect
Market news for June 18, 2026: Major Asian stock markets hit record highs today, as the Nikkei 225 broke past 71,000, and the Kospi index crossed 9000. This comes on the back of the temporary ceasefire deal between the US and Iran that was signed into effect today. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news f
S2E248: Trump Signs Iran MOU at Versailles, Fed Holds Under Warsh and the G7 Backs Deal
Headline news for June 18, 2026: President Trump signs the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding at the Palace of Versailles and the Strait of Hormuz reopens instantly, all sanctions are lifted and the war that began February twenty-eighth is formally over. The Federal Reserve holds rates under new chair Kevin Warsh but nearly half of policymakers now expect a hike by year end. Synopsis: A r
S2E523: Oil plunges, Asian stocks mixed as US considers waiving Iranian oil sanctions
Market news for June 17, 2026: Asian stocks traded sideways today, as investors await the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and for the reveal of more details on the US-Iran deal. Oil prices plunged amid growing optimism on rising oil supply. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and
S2E247: Singapore Exports Surge, Iran's Reconstruction Fund and Trump Tells Russia to Make Peace
Headline news for June 17, 2026: Singapore's exports surge thirty-eight-point-four per cent in May on AI-driven demand. Reuters reveals a three-hundred-billion-dollar private reconstruction fund is embedded in the US-Iran framework with over half already committed from companies across four continents. President Trump meets President Zelenskyy at the G7 and says Russia should make peace with Ukrai
S2E522: Nikkei hits record 70,000 after historic BOJ rate hike as US-Iran peace deal remains in focus
Market news for June 16, 2026: Asian stocks rose as Japan’s Nikkei hit a record 70,000 following the Bank of Japan’s historic 1 per cent rate hike. Markets are now monitoring whether the US-Iran peace deal will curb global inflationary pressures and influence future central bank policy trajectories. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks
S2E246: BOJ Set to Hit One Per Cent, US-Iran Deal Extends the Ceasefire and Singapore Home Sales Slump
Headline news for June 16, 2026: The Bank of Japan is set to raise rates to one per cent today — the highest in nearly thirty years. The U.S. and Iran have signed a preliminary agreement extending the ceasefire by sixty days and reopening the Strait of Hormuz but a permanent deal remains to be negotiated. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.
S2E521: US-Iran reach tentative peace deal, sparks relief rally in Asia: Oil slips and gold rise
Market news for June 15, 2026: A preliminary agreement to end the war between US and Iran reduced geopolitical fears, resulting in an easing of oil prices and a rally in Asian markets. Major central banks, including the US and Japan are set to announce their policy decisions this week. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market
S2E245: US-Iran Peace Deal Sends Oil to a March Low and Asian Markets Surging
Headline news for June 15, 2026: The U.S. and Iran announce a peace deal to end their war. President Trump says it is "complete," ordering the naval blockade lifted and the Strait of Hormuz reopened, with signing set for June 19, in Switzerland. Oil falls to its lowest since March, gold rises two per cent, and Asian markets surge. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by
S1E273: Mid-year reality check: the "ETF and chill" era is over
Your "ETF and chill" strategy just got a reality check. Halfway through 2026, the S&P 500 is no longer the only game in town — and the smartest investors are quietly restructuring. Chips, crypto, Singapore blue chips, UCITS ETFs — what's hype and what's genuinely worth owning? Oriano Lizza from CMC Markets and Ritesh Ganeriwal from Syfe cut through the noise. Less FOMO, more discip
S2E46: Hawkish Fed, hot inflation, fragile currencies: ASEAN's delicate balancing act explained
Peace talks lift markets, but the real story runs deeper. HSBC's senior ASEAN economist Yun Liu unpacks why Southeast Asia sits at the eye of the storm — navigating energy shocks, a hawkish Fed, dollar pressure, and an AI revolution that's reshaping trade. From Malaysia's fuel subsidies to Singapore's inflation risk and Vietnam defying tariff odds, this is the macro picture most investors ar
S2E244: Trump Signals an Iran Deal, SpaceX Prices History's Largest IPO and Asian Markets Rally
Headline news for June 12, 2026: President Trump says a "great settlement" with Iran could see the Strait of Hormuz reopen this weekend, though Tehran has not confirmed. SpaceX prices the largest IPO in history, putting Elon Musk on the verge of becoming the world's first trillionaire. Asian markets rally and oil falls to two-month lows. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S2E520: Strait of Hormuz shuts, oil spikes: Asian markets stumble amid renewed Iran tensions
Market news for June 11, 2026: Asian markets slumped, as a hot U.S. inflation report fuelled Wall Street selloffs. Simultaneously, renewed US strikes on Iran forced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, driving Brent crude prices higher and deepening geopolitical and economic instability. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s mark
S2E243: SpaceX Prices History's Largest IPO, Iran Closes the Strait and Asian Markets Fall
Headline news for June 11, 2026: SpaceX prices the largest IPO in stock market history today with trading on Nasdaq beginning Friday evening Singapore time under the ticker SPCX. Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice after a second consecutive day of U.S. strikes. Asian stocks fall and gold hits a six-month low. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S3E4: My job, my skills, my future
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, but what does that actually mean for jobs in Singapore? In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Dean Tong, head of group human resources at UOB, and Victor Chua, deputy CEO of NUS-ISS. From workforce redesign and reskilling to hiring priorities and the rise of "AI bilinguals", they discuss how organisations are a
S2E519: Between a war and a rate hike: Asia’s volatile Wednesday
Market news for June 10, 2026: Renewed hostilities between the US and Iran triggered a sharp Asian market rout, driving oil prices higher while tech stocks slumped. Investors, battered by geopolitical volatility, now brace for critical US inflation data to decipher the future of interest rates. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo
S2E242: Japan's Banks Launch Stablecoins, Singapore Deepens Indonesia Ties, US and Iran Trade Strikes
Headline news for June 10, 2026: The US strikes Iranian air defences after Iran downs a US Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliates with drone attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Japan's three biggest banks announce joint stablecoin issuance. Singapore and Indonesia launch a joint technology study for the Batam-Bintan-Karimun region. Synopsis: A round up of global
S2E518: Asian markets bounce back as ceasefire hopes and tech dip-buying spark relief rally
Market news for June 9, 2026: Asian stocks rallied, as Israel-Iran ceasefire hopes fuelled relief. Investors aggressively bought semiconductor dips, while South Korea rebounded 7 per cent and strong Chinese trade data signalled resilience, despite caution over the rally's narrow base and lingering inflation concerns. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that
S2E241: Iran and Israel Stand Down, Kim Meet Xi in Pyongyang and Singapore Hiring Hits Five-Year Low
Headline news for June 9, 2026: Iran and Israel halt direct attacks on each other after President Trump intervenes but Israel says strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue in full force and Iran warns of crushing retaliation if provoked. Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping meet in Pyongyang pledging to expand cooperation into a new chapter. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your
S1E63: CPF Life vs ILP: a false choice?
Are financial advisors steering you wrong on retirement? In this eye-opening episode of WealthBT, host Genevieve Cua and financial expert Christopher Tan of Providend expose a common, yet risky, sales pitch that pits CPF Life against investment-linked policies (ILPs). Learn why phrases like "capital guaranteed on death" are being challenged, and how some agents use misleading comparisons to clinch
S2E517: Market rout deepens: AI pullback and Middle East tensions drive Asian sell-off
Market news for June 8, 2026: Asian markets plummeted today as investors retreated from AI-linked stocks amid concerns of an overextended bull run. Simultaneously, escalating tensions in Iran spiked oil prices, fuelling market volatility and dampening global sentiment ahead of key upcoming IPOs and economic data. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that loo
S2E240: Earthquake Hits Mindanao Tsunami Warnings Across the Region, Kospi Tumbles
Headline news for June 8, 2026: A powerful earthquake strikes off Mindanao this morning with tsunami warnings issued across the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia with coastal residents ordered to evacuate. Israel launches fresh strikes on Beirut despite the ceasefire as Trump says he will tell Netanyahu to stand down. South Korea's Kospi tumbles nearly seven per cent. Synopsis: A round up
S1E272: Credit score myths debunked: what banks really look for
Your credit score impacts everything. Experts from Credit Bureau Singapore and MoneyHero Group bust the biggest myths, from "clean" profiles to unused cards. Are you managing your financial reputation correctly? Synopsis: Every Monday, The Business Times breaks down useful financial tips. Highlights: 01:23 Top credit score myths 05:13 Why NOT having a credit score hurts 07:01 How to build credit w
S2E45: Peace hopes, profit-taking and a Bitcoin plunge: making sense of a rollercoaster week
Oil at US$90 even after a ceasefire. A dollar no one can replace. Bitcoin cratering while IPOs loom. AI infrastructure costs that could reshape every sector — not just tech. What's really driving markets? Why are central banks frozen? And where is the smart money quietly rotating? Howie Lim finds out from Thomas Rupf of VP Bank. Highlights: 01:05 Energy prices vs. supply security 03:00 The s
S2E239: Indonesia's Market Rout, Hezbollah Blocks Lebanon Peace and Singapore Faces New US Tariff
Headline news for June 5, 2026: Indonesia's stock market has tumbled thirty-six per cent from its record high as the rupiah hits an all-time low past eighteen thousand to the dollar. Hezbollah rejects a Lebanon ceasefire and Israel refuses to withdraw troops, undermining President Trump's push to link Lebanon peace to an Iran deal. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day b
S1E3: AI adoption: pain points, payoffs and where to start
In this episode of Ask PwC Singapore, Claressa Monteiro sits down with Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information & Ministry of Health, Dr Ng Chin Siau, founder and CEO of Q & M Dental Group, and Kwek So Cheer, partner for Digital Solutions at PwC Singapore, to talk about what AI adoption actually looks like on the ground. Not ambition. The reality. Dr N
S2E516: Asia stocks plunge on renewed US-Iran tensions; Oil slips, SpaceX IPO prices
Market news for June 4, 2026: Renewed US-Iran fighting plunged Asian stocks, though a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire eased oil prices. Inflation fears intensified, raising Bank of Japan rate hike chances. Separately, Bitcoin dropped while SpaceX set its landmark IPO price at $135 a share. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market mo
S2E238: Singapore Faces US Tariff Threat, Lebanon Ceasefire and the House Rebukes Trump on Iran
Headline news for June 4, 2026: South Korea's ruling Democrats sweep local elections but face a narrow defeat in the Seoul mayoralty. Lebanon and Israel agree to implement a ceasefire contingent on Hezbollah withdrawing from southern Lebanon. The US House passes a war powers resolution directing Trump to end the Iran war but it carries no binding legal force. Synopsis: A round up of global h
S2E515: AI bull run powers Asia stocks to record highs despite flaring Gulf hostilities and crypto tumble
Market news for June 3, 2026: A protracted US-Iran war and the Hormuz blockade unleashed a global oil shock, fuelling inflation and forcing hawkish central bank moves. Yet, the AI bull run propelled Asian tech stocks to dramatic new record highs, defying the geopolitical risk. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movement
S2E237: Iran Strikes Kuwait and Bahrain, US Hits Qeshm Island and Japan Passes Emergency Budget
Headline news for June 3, 2026: Iran fires ballistic missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain but all fail or are intercepted as the US strikes Qeshm Island in response and Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn of a much stronger retaliation to come. Russia kills twenty-three people in an overnight assault on Ukraine. Japan passes an emergency energy budget. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to star
S2E514: AI lifts Asia as markets weigh ceasefire, oil steadies
Market news for June 2, 2026: Asian stocks struggled for direction as a partial Middle East ceasefire steadied oil near $95. AI-linked shares gained on Anthropic's trillion-dollar IPO filing. Blackstone raised a record $13.1B for Asia private equity, while gold rose and cryptocurrencies slid to two-month lows. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks
S2E236: Lebanon Declares Ceasefire, Anthropic Files for IPO and Johor to Head to Polls
Headline news for June 2, 2026: Lebanon announces a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel — but Netanyahu says military operations in the south will continue. Anthropic confidentially files for a U.S. IPO at a valuation approaching one trillion U.S. dollars. And Malaysia's Johor state assembly is dissolved with an election due by July 31. Synopsis: A round up of global headlin
S1E68: Marco Polo Marine powers on: A conversation with its CEO
Marco Polo Marine has the wind in its sails as investor attention in the Singapore market turns to smaller cap stocks. Its CEO Sean Lee answers questions from BT’s Ben Paul about how he is steering the group into North Asia, why separate listings for its wind energy platform and shipyard have been proposed, and what the group will look like in 10 years. Highlights of the podcast: 03:23 New m
S1E271: Liquidity: the anxiety antidote
Is your emergency fund ready for the real financial crisis: stacked, non-stop inflation? A budget is not enough. The rising cost of living demands a new kind of preparation. We dismantle the "inflation illusion" and reveal the critical difference between looking financially stable and being genuinely, liquidly prepared. Are there specific cash structures you need to survive volatility without pani
S2E44: AI-fueled stock surge meets oil’s 10% drop: Is the energy crisis over?
Is the energy crisis over? Global stocks hit record highs fueled by AI, while oil tumbles 10 per cent on potential Strait of Hormuz reopening. What about the AI hype versus real growth, the USD's "fairy tale moment," the sustainability of the East Asian rally, and the long-term risks for bonds? Howie Lim gets insights from Oriano Lizza of CMC Markets. Highlights: 01:06 AI hype vs. real growth 04:0
S2E235: Asia’s largest security summit begins in Singapore, amidst US-Iran deal
Headline news for May 29, 2026: Asia’s largest security conference, Shangri-La Dialogue kicks off its twenty-third session in Singapore today. The US and Iran reach a deal to extend the ceasefire, pending President Trump’s approval. Oil prices mixed amidst conflicting reports on the US-Iran agreement to end the war. Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Busi
S1E1: How solid, connected financial tech helps SMEs turn into truly global players
The global business landscape is borderless, yet full of financial friction. How are high-growth, multi-entity SMEs navigating shifting supply chains, cross-border payments, and complex compliance without the deep pockets of MNCs? Why does resilience trump efficiency? How can you unlock a "hidden competitive edge" with smarter treasury practices? And why is Singapore a key hub for global expansion
S2E513: Hormuz tides turn: Iran deal buoys stocks, yet Strait's shadow looms
Market news for May 28, 2026: Iran conflict and US strikes drove Asian stocks lower, challenging peace optimism. Oil rebounded 2 per cent, pressuring inflation and bond yields, while AI-driven chip sales buoyed South Korean exports despite broader market risks. Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from
